Prashant S.

Casino Arizona

This is the best Casino I've been to outside of Las Vegas. It is just off the 101 freeway near McKellips in Scottsdate and is open 24-hours a day. The casino has a large number of slot machines, and several Blackjack tables as well as Poker. This place is huge, and it is fun to hang out here because of the lively environment and constant hustle and bustle. If you come late in the evening, you might have some trouble finding vacant slot machines. Personally, I dont believe that you'd win much here although I have a friend who did win over $150 once. The parking space is very large, so always remember your parking spot and make use of the free shuttle. Nice place to go with a bunch of friends for a night out!

Ray's Asu Barber Shop

When you're living on a stipend, and have to make every penny count while you're still in university, a $25 haircut is out of the question. But at Rays, you can get a very nice professional-looking haircut for about ten bucks! I usually just sit there and let my hair cutter do whatever is best, and always come out loving it. Waiting time is not much, but I think they are closed on Sundays. It is right next to Arizona State University, comfortable, clean and is a bargain for guys. Some of the girls I know prefer not to go here though, but they're always too fussy aren't they?

PROS: Cheap and good
CONS: none

F 1 Race Factory

I went with about 14 or 15 other friends to this track to celebrate a buddy's birthday. Man, did we have fun! First of all, this place has awesome facilities, and the two go-kart tracks inside are in a nice sweeping layouts that even some of my experienced friends found challenging. They have a seminar and hand out preparatory information before sending you out there. Price per race decreases if you opt to do more than one race. There is a bar here serving drinks, and a grill serving nice food. Also I think there is some sort of race simulation outside. There is a video arcade area, billiards table, and a rock climbing section as well. Prepare to spend an average of $50 or so if you plan to race, and then get some food and drinks.

PROS: Nice track layout, many things to do here
CONS: Pricey, but cost per race goes down if you plan on many races

Surfside Skate

This is a nice place to go out to and have fun. I brought a friend along and she was thrilled to go here. It's quite cheap to go there, and we had truckloads of fun. They even offer adult classes over a period of a few weeks for about 15 bucks to help with beginners and they teach you basic stuff like how to start, stop, etc. Rental fees for the skates is cheap. They sell skating equipment and gear too, and they say that they'll match any competitor price. Overall, a very good value for money and a nice fun way to spend some time with a friend!!

Salt River Tubing Recreational & Shuttle Services

This is a nice place to visit in the blazing summer heat of Arizona. Getting drenched in the lazy summer days is just my idea of having fun. I generally go with my campus buddies from Arizona State University, and we have always found the place to be clean and safe, with awesome scenery. Parking is free. It does get a bit crowded here sometimes. I guess it might be a bit too dangerous for kids after all, but otherwise it is very safe. This place is open from May to October, and is no more expensive than a movie ticket! Bring along your drinks and food, and this is one nice wet picnic! I cant wait to go back next year.

Liquid Carma

This place makes you feel comfortable, unlike some of the others in the Tempe area. They are clean and professional and have a nice place with a display case and good calming music. I liked the fact that they answered all my questions and doubts in detail, and helped ease my mind during the process. The artist did a fine job on the tattoo, and it didn't even hurt as much as I feared it would. I left as a happy satisfied customer, and would gladly recommend this to anyone in the area..

PROS: Great service, clean & comfortable place
CONS: none

Scottsdale Accounting

If you are looking for people who know what they're doing, then you gotta go with these guys. They are a bit expensive, probably because they get the well-off clients from Scottsdale, but they really do an excellent job, and are nice enough to explain all the details and nuancies to you. They know all the little "tricks" and are very reliable. I'd highly recommend them if you're looking for someone in this area.

Phoenix Rock Gym

This is located on the southeast corner of University Drive and Dorsey lane, and I used to go there just because it was a two-minute walk from where I used to stay (University Village). They do have an awesome climbing wall, and it is so simple to learn! I had no experience whatsoever when I joined, and it is fun to go out there with buddies climbing. A bit expensive to rent the equipment though so see if you can get your own. Also, a three month pass cost me about $100, but you can save a lot by going here instead of boring movies and popcorn. Closes early on weekends at around 7pm, that might be a factor for those considering this place.

PROS: Good healthy FUN!
CONS:

Beverly Hills Hand Car Wash

I get my car washed here once in a while, when I'm too tired or lazy to do it myself. They are extremely close to ASU's main campus on the corner of Rural Road and University, and do a good clean job. They are not too expensive, and you certainly get what you pay for. Overall, I'd rate this as a very good deal.

PROS: Quick and good service
CONS:

Compusa

I bought some accesories for my laptop here some time ago and got a good discount to the order of about 40%. CompUSA have good deals every now and then, and one has to be on the lookout so as not to miss out on any. Their desktop computer prices are quite pricey, but their laptops, though not as cheap as the ones you can get online through Dell, are a good deal nonetheless. Just last weekend I saw a very good deal on an ultralightweight system for travelers, and they do offer excellent extended warranties for those expensive purchases.

The customer service here is just awesome. I had to take back my purchase for an exchange, and they dealt with it speedily. I was not held up waiting for ages and all in all shopping at this store is a pleasant experience.

PROS: Good deals, excellent service
CONS: non-sale items seem way too expensive compared to online shopping