SUN DEVIL COUNTRY HISTORY: The Chuckbox

Apr

By Brad Hall, DieHardDevil.com

April 30, 2015 11:08 AM

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My memories of going to ASU in the ’80s are hazy. I majored in Graphic Design, so I spent a lot of time in the Art Building, which is just south of University on Forest, or if you really know the campus, right near the Chuckbox. For those of you less familiar with the lay of the land, Forest is two blocks east of Mill Avenue.

Everyone has their favorite restaurants from when they were in college. Many times going back to them with a more mature palate can be a disappointment. I’m glad to say that I still love Chuckbox burgers. No, they don’t pay me to say this, and they don’t need to. I’m just so glad that they are still there, and the burgers taste just the way I remember them.

The Chuckbox in 1972 – Tempe, AZ

The photo above is of the Chuckbox when it was new in 1972. As of this writing, it’s been there for over four decades, so a lot of ASU grads remember it well, as do a lot of people who have gone to football games, as it’s only a few blocks from Sun Devil Stadium. I’ve been collecting photos of old Phoenix, and since it’s my Phoenix, it includes Tempe, and ASU. And while I also have fond memories of Minder Binders and Greasy Tony’s, it’s the Chuckbox that matters the most to me.

Tempe in 1962 – Looking east on University

I live in Glendale, so I don’t get out to Tempe much anymore, but whenever friends visit from out of town I encourage them to take me to the Chuckbox. By the way the photo above, which one of my PhD (Phoenix History Detective) friends just recently found, is looking east on University Drive in 1962. That church towards the top is at the northeast corner of University and Forest, where the Chuckbox is today.

If you plan on going there, here are some suggestions – bring cash, they don’t accept debit or credit cards, and don’t worry about parking, it’s right up front and free, but don’t wander off after your meal or you’ll be towed. And be sure to bring me along!

Screenshot at Apr 30 09-27-34

Screenshot at Apr 30 09-31-53

east-side-entrance-chuckbox

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