I live directly across from Tempe Tavern. Do you ever watch How I Met Your Mother? Tempe Tavern is kind of like our "McLaren's". In fact, we call Tempe Tavern "McLaren's" because too many dive bars are called Tavern and it's getting way too played out.
The food quality has greatly improved and the service is decent. My 4 star rating is a bit inflated because they are dog friendly on the patio and that is HUGE plus for me. They even bring a doggy bucket of water for your pooch. Pretty badass getting drinks with your dog and then just walking back home. Just don't get hit by the light rail.
If these guys weren't dog friendly, I'd give them a solid 2.5 or maybe a 3 star because the waitstaff doesn't come to the patio very often to check up on you. Also, there are a lot of strange old people who hang out here during the day and talk about how this place was in the 80's. I guess it gives the place character.
Like the others say, the tables are kinda sticky and the place is pretty dark in general, but it's a pretty fun place to hang out especially because it's right on the light rail. I've never been to nearby Long Wong's, but I heard that they compete with Tempe Tavern.