text: Sprawling, private, outdoor dining - check. Beer, wine, and cocktail menu spanning 10+ pages - check. Delicious, complex, and diverse food - check.  There are many reasons to love House of Tricks, these are just a few.  Others include excellent service, a prime location in the heart of Tempe, and a beautiful outdoor bar.  The restaurant is truly unique, and a welcome break from the typical tan, stucco box restaurants around Phoenix.  I've been eating here for years and keep coming back to sample new things on the menu.  My latest visit introduced me to the short ribs and they were rich, moist, just perfect.  For starters, we tried the cheese platter, the mussels, and the wild boar... all were excellent.  Dessert was also good, a salted caramel gelato.  Expect to pay up for all this greatness, but it is worth it.  It's a great spot for a romantic date night, or a quiet business dinner in a unique setting.  I'll be back, soon!