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The Spectator’s Guide to Success

By Rock 'n' Roll Arizona , 11/22/21, 5:00PM EST

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A round up of our favorite spots. 

 If you’re spectating Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Arizona, choosing where to grab your morning coffee or a bite to eat in between cheering for your runner is *always* a high priority. We want to make everything as easy as possible during race weekend, so with the start and finish line both being in Tempe, we've narrowed down the overwhelming number of options to a few local favorites. 
 
Here are five recommended spots that are worth checking out while you are in the Tempe area: 
 
 
601 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ  
  
If you know what a good cup of coffee tastes like (or even if you don't), Press Coffee should be on your list. Whether you're a latte, drip, or cold brew drinker, this is your go-to place for the perfect cup of goodness. Oh! And their quick delicious bites — notably the caprese avocado toast — are a must have!  
  
The best part of all is that even if you don't have time to stop at Press Coffee in Tempe on race day, they have eight other locations throughout the Valley!  
  
80 E Rio Salado Pkwy #120, Tempe, AZ 
  
Are you waiting for your runner to CROISSant the finish line? Then treat yourself to a signature hot stuffed croissant and a fresh cup of coffee at Romancing the Bean! From the spinach and teta option to your good old plain and fluffy croissant with a side of the homemade raspberry sauce… there's just no way you can go wrong at this hidden gem.  
 
Even if you're not a coffee drinker, this coffee house — located only a half of a mile from the finish line — has a relaxed vibe for you to hang out at and offers plenty of tea and fresh-baked pastries to enjoy instead.  
 
310 S Mill Ave #A101, Tempe, AZ  
  
Why not check a bucket list item off while you wait for your runner to do the same? The Daily Jam is the place to do that. Its critically acclaimed waffles won best waffles in the state of Arizona. Yes, you heard that correctly. The best waffles in the state of Arizona are right in front of you. Less than half a mile from the finish line, the Daily Jam is your place.  
  
And if you're not a waffle person, then you're in luck! We also recommend the jalapeño popper avocado toast, eggs benedict and the Huevos N’ Chorizo breakfast sautee. And if you fancy a little day drinking, you can’t go wrong with the spicy basil Bloody Mary.  
  
SNOOZE 
615 S College Ave Suite 103 & 104, Tempe, AZ  
  
Need a reason not to SNOOZE your alarm on race day? Just steps away from ASU’s Tempe campus and less than a mile from the finish line, Snooze A.M. Eatery claims to "turn the breakfast & brunch restaurant experience into a party." Get hyped up and fuel your finish line cheering energy with family and friends by indulging in the beloved from-scratch menu items like the choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or house-made breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy. Because being a good marathon spectator is hard work, right? 
 
24 E. Sixth St. Tempe, AZ 
  
Located a little over a half a mile from the finish line, 6th Street Park is the perfect distance from the hustle and bustle of the Finish Line Festival to break away and immerse yourself as a Tempe tourist. What was once a roadway, this 3-acre public park is a "green oasis in the middle of a busy downtown." Soak up the warm Arizona sun surrounded by grass and trees (or rather hangout under the shade trellis if you've had too much sun), stroll down the curvilinear great walk, and admire the featured pieces of Public Art as you wait for your runner to near the finish line.  
 
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