Opa Tempe Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Tempe

We used to love this place so much!! The live music and old people dancing were so uplifting and motivated us to keep coming back. Plus, the food has always been phenomenal...and the service was always great as well.

The food is still great, and the service is still great as well. Georgia is a pro-server and super friendly. We also really like the other gal with long brown hair who works at Casey Moore's in addition to this place. Honestly, those two servers (plus the great food) are the only reason we continue to come back...and we have asked them their schedules in advance before to make sure they're there when we come.

When the lady who owns/manages the place took over a year or two ago...we had a conversation with her. She informed us that there would no longer be any live music because it was a waste of money. She explained that it motivated people to stay for longer times and not order as much and so the tables wouldn't turn over as quickly. She also said that it cost too much to pay the bands. OK, maybe that could be understandable. Sad, but understandable. But as a new owner taking over an already established and well-liked place...you might want to use a bit more tact when talking with long-time customers about aspects of the restaurant they clearly have enjoyed.

Our last few experiences here have made us feel like she is only interested in the bottom line and 'cutting the fat' to make sure she pockets as much money as possible. Which makes me no longer empathetic towards her decision to cut out the music. We have walked out twice in the last 6 months because it is SO understaffed on a traditionally busy night. If she is unaware of how slammed they get on a Saturday evening, she should come in and experience it. We were there quite recently on a Saturday evening and there were only 3 kids working...yet EVERY seat in the dining room and bar was occupied. It was insane! We had to leave after not being able to even get water for 20 minutes (we were sitting at the bar). Again, I want to stress that it was not the server's fault, they were just extremely understaffed. And this was not just a one-time mistake...we have been here at least 2 other busy weekend nights when they had only 3 servers working.

I have also sat at the bar and observed her interactions with her employees...and she can be pretty condescending and rude to them...in my humble opinion.

If you are going to charge the prices that are charged at Opa Life (plus the extra "inflation fee" they recently started charging), you have to set your staff up to provide REALLY good service. As the owner, if someone calls out or is unavailable to work...roll your sleeves up and get in there to help.

I don't know if the man who used to own it is still involved (taller guy with long hair and a beard...I think his name was Jerry?) but I have to say this was a MUCH better place when he ran it.

*Update/response to owner's response: The day we left because the servers were too slammed to serve...we went to Fate down the road. How is it that we were able to have a good meal there with reasonable service and no extra inflation fees? There was an on-staff dedicated manager available to support servers and handle customer service issues. I hardly ever see the female manager/owner in the restaurant any more. Before her involvement, I saw Jerry in the restaurant every single time I visited. Maybe you all would have more time on your hands if you focused solely on Opa Life rather than trying to convince people you can freeze their fat cells off at the business you opened next door. Pick a lane and stay in it. ...

RESPONSE TO THE OWNER: How can the owner be upset with a customer for pointing out their own negligence with undercooked food, putting health and safety at risk? Angie, it's astounding that you’d lie so blatantly in response to my review just to save face. Claiming you offered me store credit or a refund is entirely false. I only said I wouldn’t be returning after you emailed me saying no credit would be provided. Your response here is just another example of the dishonest way you run your business.

Honestly, I don’t know how you’re still in charge, especially when you hire people who can’t even cook properly. Your own store manager admitted on the phone that the chicken was undercooked and unacceptable—I have the call recorded, and so do you, since all calls are recorded for “quality and training.” Or is that just another lie?

Rotten fruit falls eventually, and with practices like this, it’s only a matter of time before people realize the health risks of dining here, as they will fall sick. I genuinely hope others don’t have to deal with the dishonesty and lack of accountability that I experienced. You should be more concerned about the customers who keep your business running. No customers means no business. You’re always focused on the wrong priorities.

————————————————————————— Unprofessional, dishonest, and incompetent management. As I was eating my chicken, I noticed it was undercooked and pink. I immediately called the restaurant and asked to speak to a manager. The manager instructed me to email a photo of the chicken, which I did. Over the phone, the manager acknowledged that the chicken was unacceptable and promised that the owner would follow up with either a refund of $14.96 or store credit. I asked when I could expect an update, and she assured me it would be by the end of the day.

When I called back later that evening, I was told the manager had already left. I asked how I could receive my refund and was told by staff that there was nothing they could do. Meanwhile, I’m experiencing breakouts on my face and stomach, prompting me to seek medical attention at urgent care. When I called again to speak with someone in a managerial role, another employee rudely responded, “Didn’t the last person tell you the manager isn’t here?” and hung up.

The manager later claimed I needed to provide more details, despite having discussed everything thoroughly when I first reported the issue. Shortly after, I received an email from the owner denying my refund, citing “insufficient information,” even though I followed all their instructions.

This business refused to refund $14.96, despite putting my health at risk. Their handling of this situation was not only negligent but also reflects their greed and complete disregard for customers. If they won’t take accountability for something so minor, it’s clear their priorities are in the wrong place. I will not be returning, and I caution others to avoid this establishment at all costs.

I have reported them to the...

Opa Life is a restaurant across the street from me, among a few others. Their menu is mainly focused on Greek Cuisine with more than a handful of items that are focused on popular American tastes.

Do not let that statement stand as some sort of detraction. There are a few items that I always look for when I go to any restaurant that serves any sort of Greek/Mediterranean Cuisine, those being: gyro meat (quality), pita bread (warmth and flavor), hummus (selections, flavor, quality), and flaming saganaki (thickness/richness of the cheese and presentation). All these core items that I usually expect absolutely hit it out of the ballpark.

As someone who has eaten there quite frequently, I have never been disappointed with the quality of my food or my service. In particular, Amanda, JoJo, and Colbie have stood out as employees who go above and beyond to make sure that I have everything I need. All three exhibit exceptional knowledge when it comes to the menu, especially Amanda. I regularly ask "what am I eating tonight" to Amanda and have yet to eat something I have not absolutely enjoyed. Her pairings for cocktails and wine for my main course has also been beyond expectation.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting the owners of the restaurant. Angie had identified me as a regular and always makes a point of saying hello or talking about new specials or offerings that are on the menu. I come from the Midwest and having that feeling of small town familiarity in a local restaurant is something nostalgic that makes me want to keep coming back.

If you are looking for delicious food, and excellent service, look no further than the bartop at Opa Life. Where a friendly face and satisfying food is...