Popular Tempe sports bar Devil’s Advocate is closing its doors

TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — Devil’s Advocate, a popular sports bar near ASU’s Tempe campus, announced it would be closing its doors next week.

In a social media post, the sports bar said that after 15 years of servicing the Tempe community, its last day would be Dec. 28.

On any given game day, fans could be seen from the road lining up outside the bar to support the Sun Devils.

On Thursdays, students would flock to the bar and grill for great deals on drinks and food. It became a staple for both the ASU and Tempe community.

“Our team, our loyal customers, and the support of Arizona State University fans have been at the heart of everything we’ve done. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but we are truly grateful to have been part of something so special,” Jarred Stetser, the owner of Devil’s Advocate Sports Grill, said in the social media post.

The bar’s owners made the difficult decision to sell its long-term lease back to the property owners. They said that even though Devil’s is shutting down, a new development project will be built in the area.

Last year, rumors of the bar’s closing circulated as developers considered the land for a new high-rise apartment complex.

In our previous coverage, Stetser said he intended to stay at the current location for the rest of the lease, which would have ended in 2029.

“This has been a very hard decision to make, but we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished at Devil’s Advocate,” Stetser said.

The sports grill thanked its staff in the closing announcement on Instagram, saying that without their hard work from day one, they wouldn’t have been able to create such a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Stetser said he wanted to thank all the loyal customers for their support over the years.

“Your smiles, stories and laughter have made every game day, every meal, and every gathering unforgettable. You will always have a place in our hearts,” he said.

Fans of the sports bar did not take the news well. One bargoer said on Instagram, “I will never forget Thirsty Thursday’s 2 for 1 😭.”

Others chimed in, saying, “I’ll match the offer,” and “I’m sick rn (right now).”

If you want to reminisce about your favorite memory at Devil’s Advocate, you can submit your story on their Instagram account @devilsaz.

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