Westgate. Desert Ridge. Tempe Marketplace. These outdoor shopping and entertainment districts are like family members. If you've seen one, you've seen them all.
I've shopped at Tempe Marketplace sparingly over the past several years as I do not live in Tempe. But each time I've been there, I've been impressed overall with the selection of stores and places to eat.
The "outer ring" of the this outdoor mall features a wide variety of stores, much of it focusing on "discount" or "outlet" shopping. There's also a large Target and Best Buy there as well. The "inner ring" of this place features smaller shops and some places to eat.
It is worth noting that in recent years I've noticed a slight decline in the occupancy of Tempe Marketplace. There are more vacant storefronts than I remember from years past. I hope that isn't a harbinger of things to come.
The Harkins Theater is also nice, although I personally prefer AMC to be honest. There is also a nice little seating/concert area to relax at with a water feature, although it does get crowded on summer nights.
In the end this is a nice outdoor shopping district. Is it totally distinct from others in the Phoenix area? Not really. But that doesn't mean Tempe Marketplace isn't nice in its own right. I personally think it strikes a nice balance between budget and mid-range shopping.
4-stars is my verdict.