Filthy Animal opened in Tempe in 2025 and we had been meaning to visit since seeing the interior online. It is right on Mill Avenue, so it is walkable from most of the hotels in the area. We also heard there was a hidden speakeasy inside, which was reason enough to make a reservation.
The Menu
The dinner menu is short, which I really appreciate. It is focused: wood-fired small plates, steaks, and a handful of mains. Based on our server Amber's recommendations, we ordered the Milk Bread, Pibil Dumplings, the Ancho Chili Glazed Pork Chop, and the Hand Cut Dry Age New York Strip.
Milk Bread
Milk Bread β miso tomato butter, almond & Kalamata β $7
This showed up on every Yelp and Google review I had seen, so it was a non-negotiable order. The bread is incredibly fluffy. The butter is miso tomato with almonds and Kalamata olives (I did not know Kalamata was a type of olive until I looked it up). The flavor is savory, slightly tomato-forward, and salty in a way that I had never tasted before. One of the best bread services I have had at any restaurant.
Pibil Dumplings
Pibil Dumplings β pibil beef short rib, grilled pineapple & sesame seeds β $14
This is a genuinely unique dish. The filling is pibil beef short rib with grilled pineapple and sesame seeds, and the sauce around the dumplings has a real kick to it. The menu does not mention spicy but the heat is there. The pineapple balances it out well and I could taste the short rib inside clearly.
One note on texture: the dumpling skin is on the thicker side. If you prefer thin-skinned dumplings, this might not be your thing, but the flavor more than makes up for it.
Ancho Chili Glazed Pork Chop
Ancho Chili Glazed Pork Chop β linguica fried rice, chive & ancho chile glaze β $36
I usually skip pork chop on menus but Amber said it was one of the most popular dishes here. She was right. The wood fire gives it a smoky char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. The ancho chile glaze adds depth without being overpowering. The linguica fried rice underneath is al dente and has a flavor profile that is nothing like standard Asian fried rice. It is something completely its own.
At $36, this felt like a real steal for the quality and portion size. Towards the end it did dry out a bit, but I think that is just the nature of pork chop.
Dry Age New York Strip
Hand Cut Dry Age New York Strip β 12 oz, peewee potatoes, arugula, sesame chimichurri β $69
This was Vincent's original order and unfortunately it was the low point of the meal. We ordered medium rare and it came out medium rare, but the steak was noticeably dry. The outside had a nice crust but the inside did not deliver the tenderness we expected from a dry-aged cut. The manager came by to check on us, we were honest, and they were gracious enough to comp it entirely.
Bone-In Ribeye
Bone-In Ribeye β 18 oz, peewee potatoes, arugula, sesame chimichurri β $78
Vincent swapped for the ribeye and this was a completely different experience. Perfectly seasoned, slightly salty, and noticeably juicier than the New York strip. I stole a bite and it was very good. If you are choosing between the two, go with the ribeye.
The Service
Amber was an excellent server, genuinely warm and helpful throughout. The manager also stopped by our table to check in, which is a good sign. When we were honest about the New York strip, they comped it without any pushback. That kind of service makes a real difference.
Drop Dead Gorgeous Speakeasy
After dinner, we asked about the speakeasy. There is a hidden bar inside called Drop Dead Gorgeous, and the only way in is through Filthy Animal. Make a reservation in advance because it fills up.
The cocktail menu is around $16 per drink. The bartender makes all their syrups from scratch, and the buttermilk too. My drink was sweet and smooth. Vincent's was stronger but equally smooth. The quality of the cocktails matched the quality of the restaurant.
Parking & Practical Notes
- Thursday to Sunday: complimentary valet at 7th & Mill Ave, 5-11pm
- Monday to Wednesday: 2-hour validated parking at the Chase Parking Garage at University & Ash
- One thing we want to flag: we called the restaurant the day before and again the day of to ask about parking. Both times we were put on hold for over 20 minutes. The phone experience was frustrating. The in-person experience was the opposite, so just know the difference going in.
The Bill
Our total came to $145. The New York strip was comped by the manager, so we paid for the ribeye and the remaining dishes. We used InKind to pay and got 20% cashback.
How to Save Money Here: InKind App
Both Filthy Animal and Drop Dead Gorgeous are on InKind. The app gives up to 20% cashback at participating restaurants, which I use to fund my next meal out. Scan the QR code below to sign up with my referral link.
Claim $25 Off Your Next Meal
Use my InKind referral link and get $25 off your next $50+ meal. Plus earn up to 20% cashback every time you dine at Filthy Animal or Drop Dead Gorgeous.
