Food Scene

Brunch in Downtown Tempe is a Can’t Miss

Explore Tempe’s Brunch Scene

My favorite part of the weekend is brunch for a few reasons. First, it’s the only time it’s socially acceptable to have a late breakfast and a cocktail all before noon. Secondly, Tempe has so many restaurant options to satisfy all your weekend brunch cravings. From zesty mimosas to syrup-covered red velvet waffles, Tempe’s brunch scene has got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite weekend brunch locations.

And, you’ll notice that we included a few brunch favorites outside of Downtown Tempe. What can we say? Brunch is a way of life throughout our city and can’t be confined to just one area. And, whatever your dining preference, in-person, on a sunny patio, or takeout, these Tempe restaurants can accommodate you and start your day off with deliciousness.

It’ll take you a few weekends to get through this list. You’re welcome.

Postino Annex

Postino Wine Cafe

615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 927-1111
This Tempe gem is housed in a historic red brick building at the intersection of College Ave. and Sixth St. You may be familiar with their lunch and dinner menu, but Postino’s also serves delicious brunch and cocktail items. Sit at the bar or patio while you enjoy their Smoked Salmon Carpaccio or their Focaccia Stack made with grilled focaccia, smashed avocado, crispy prosciutto, fried egg, watermelon radish,
arugula, feta and spicy Marcona almonds. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Check out Postino South Tempe too! | 8749 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (602) 325-2211

Culinary Dropout at The Yard

149 S. Farmer, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 240-1601
For more of an unconventional brunch, head over to Culinary Dropout for great food and a spunky atmosphere. From its retro décor to its talented chefs and friendly servers, Culinary Dropout on Farmer Ave. and First St. is known for its unorthodox way of doing things. Spend time in their pub enjoying a side of live music with some of their Bread Pudding French Toast or a Bacon Bloody Mary, or indulge in a playful game of shuffleboard, ping pong, or corn hole. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SNAKES & LATTES

20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
Enjoy fun with your brunch at SNAKES & LATTES in Downtown Tempe. Choose from their extensive list of brunch menu items while playing a board game or two…or maybe even three! Take your pick of hundreds of board games, from classics like Clue and Mall Madness to the newest in strategy games. You can even play the board games with your brunch bunch on their shady patio! Brunch is offered daily till 2 p.m.

Snakes & Lattes
Daily Dose

Daily Dose

96 S. Rockford Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 590-6937
Meet your newest go-to brunch in Tempe. Located next to Tempe Marketplace, Daily Dose has a fantastic selection of breakfast and lunch. We ordered the Chili Verde Huevos Rancheros and the pork was so well-cooked! We also tried their Hangover Sandwich, voted to be the best hangover sandwich by Phoenix New Times, which includes peppered bacon, turkey sausage, fried egg, caramelized jalapeño and onion, melted cheddar/jack, and spicy harissa aioli on sourdough toast. Not to mention, they have a large patio in front of their restaurant to enjoy your brunch with your furry companion. Daily Dose is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Daily Jam

310 S. Mill Ave. #A101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-9288
Breakfast, brunch and lunch on a lovely patio in the heart of Downtown Tempe? Yes, please! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal with friends, Daily Jam has it all. Walk up and order from the delicious menu offering several classic breakfast items like omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and waffles. Enjoy daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Daily Jam Tempe
Daily Jam

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-2920
Located at Tempe Marketplace, Thirsty Lion boasts a fantastic weekend brunch menu. Choose from a large selection of breakfast and cocktail menu items like the Lions Breakfast Burger or the Adobo Pork Benedict. Take your brunch out on their spacious patio that overlooks the interior shopping area to establish your shopping day plan. Thirsty Lion offers brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Morning Squeeze

690 S. Mill Ave. Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 264-4688
This cheery and bright restaurant in Downtown Tempe serves up all the favorites, including pancakes, omelets and egg dishes, and a full coffee and espresso menu. You can squeeze the most out of your morning (no pun intended) and order from their morning cocktail, wine, beer and bloody mary list. I recommend trying their strawberry, pomegranate and orange Mimosa Flight! I mean, the only “pain” I would like to feel in the morning is champagne…am I right? Dine daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Morning Squeeze_exterior
Morning Squeeze Tempe

Scramble

1120 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 534-4044
Check out Scramble in south Tempe, a quick casual spot on Baseline and Lakeshore Drive. They use fresh local ingredients and offer lots of vegan and gluten-friendly menu items. Diners can enjoy their food on the patio and sit awhile to relax over their delicious food. Dogs are also welcome to sit on their patio, an awesome plus! Scramble is open every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

615 S. College Ave. #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 355-1934
Great food, a roomy patio and a trendy atmosphere make this place a treat every time. At Snooze, guests are tempted by from-scratch menu items such as a choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or house-made breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy. Open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Terra Tempe Kitchen + Cocktails at The Westin Tempe

11 E. Seventh St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-8885
Terra Tempe brings a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience to the neighborhood with a menu of Modern-American cuisine that cleverly combines bold, rustic flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Weekend brunch is offered from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and features a brand-new specialty brunch cocktail menu.

Alter Ego at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
Alter Ego at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown

Alter Ego

108 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281| (602) 612-7871
Located on the ground floor of the Canopy Tempe Downtown Hotel, Alter Ego has an eclectic and comfortable atmosphere with good brunch, eats and drinks. I recommend trying their Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls or their Banana Fritter Pancake for a sweet breakfast treat. Check out Alter Ego’s brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more Tempe breakfast ideas, check out our favorite breakfast spots in Tempe.

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