There are so many great restaurants in Tempe. I never grow tired of the tasty options in our city. But which restaurants are the best to take my family? There are a few that are always a sure bet for a good time, and a family-friendly atmosphere for the kiddos. Here’s my short list of family-friendly restaurants in Tempe. If you know of any more, let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to the list!
1. Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-9288
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Daily Jam has a yummy menu with lots of kid-friendly choices. The relaxed atmosphere and “walk up and order” style is ideal for a family on the go. It’s walking distance from Tempe Town Lake, so it’s the perfect place to go before or after a visit to the lake.
2. IKEA Tempe Bistro & Restaurant
2110 W. Ikea Way, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (888) 888-4532
A super casual environment, affordable prices and a “just for kids” dining area makes this a winner in my book. The kids corner area includes kid-sized dining tables and built-in toys to entertain your tot. After you finish your meal, walk it off while shopping!
3. Rigatony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
1850 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 899-1111
If you’re in the mood for a big Italian family dinner, look no further than Rigatony’s. My family has celebrated many birthdays and other special occasions here, and every time we are full and happy. The portions are large and great for sharing. And, they start every meal with a generous Italian salad and delicious bread.
4. Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | (602) 431-6474
Located just outside the border of Tempe, Rustler’s Rooste is perfect for families and large groups. Between the live country music, the indoor tin slide, balloon artists, cotton candy dessert and wood chips covering the floors, this is the kind of place where your kids can get loud and messy and no one will ever notice. The comfort food is the cherry on top.
5. Rainforest Cafe
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 752-9100
Keep the kiddos entertained during lunch or dinner while braving a rain storm, wearing an animal hat, and finding animals scattered about the restaurant. This is a stress-free place to bring kids of any age and is designed specifically for kids and families. And the food is delicious too – bonus!
6. Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 534-4044
This quick counter service restaurant has lots to choose from for the whole family (dogs too). Favorites include their Santa Fe Benedict, the Western Omelette and their French Toast. For your four-legged friend, order the Elvis Pup Cakes served in a dog bowl of course. The kids menu includes dollar cakes, egg scramble, grilled cheese and French toast. Their iced tea is from local favorite Infusion Coffee & Tea and we highly recommend it. To read more visit our blog all about the Tempe Scramble location.
7. Snooze an AM Eatery
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 355-1934
Fluffy pancakes, delicious eggs and a colorful, funky decor…that’s Snooze. This relaxed breakfast and lunch spot features all of your favorite breakfast dishes. The pancakes are always a hit with my kids. The pancake flight gives you a choice of any three pancakes on the menu and the breakfast pot pie is hearty comfort food at its finest. The large patio with corn hole and hula hoops add to the fun ambiance.
8. Oregano’s
523 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 858-0501
1475 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 966-0401
There are several Oregano’s locations in Arizona, but there are two in Tempe. I appreciate their commitment to our favorite city! Everything about Oregano’s is perfect for a family meal — large portions of pizza, pasta and salads, cheesy garlic bread, the nicest staff and Oregano’s famous pizza cookie to end your meal.
9. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
1706 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 838-1005
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant is a casual eatery serving up everyone’s favorite Mexican dishes. They offer plenty of kid friendly options, as well as never ending chips. The portions are large and filling, and the menu has just about everything you would be craving when in the mood for Mexican food.
11. Wildflower Bread Company
6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 838-9773
Wildflower Bread Company serves up delicious breads, loaves, muffins, cookies and treats, but also have a full menu including breakfast, lunch and dinner options. This restaurants delivers a menu that offers both rich and hearty dishes as well as healthy lighter options. Which is perfect for my family, which is made up of both salad eaters and cheesy pasta lovers. The kids menu is great and has a nice variety.
12. Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
96 S. Rockford Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-0020
Spinato’s has out of this world pizza, and what family doesn’t love pizza? My favorite is Mamma’s Signature Pizza, but to be honest, they’re all delicious. And they offer a thin crust, Sicilian crust and calzone option, which makes everyone in the family happy. Not a pizza person? No problem. Their menu includes salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes galore.
13. Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
Snakes & Lattes has great food from burgers to poutine. But, the best part is that you can combine your meal with your pick of hundreds of board games. They have classics like Clue and Mall Madness to the newest in strategy games. This place is fun for the whole family.
14. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
Tempe Marketplace, 2030 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-7427
Looking for tasty BBQ served with some Southern hospitality? Look no further than Lucille’s, located at the Tempe Marketplace shopping center. Lucille’s is organized into several cozy dining areas, all with fun themes and bright decor. The portions are enormous, but pace yourself, because you won’t want to skip dessert here. The kids will be happy with their own kids menu.
15. Perfect Pear Bistro
9845 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 247-3410
603 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-7327
Perfect Pear is the place to go for fresh salads, sandwiches and lots more. They offer fresh new flavors to the classics we already love. Think spicy Asian pork tacos, green chili mac with bacon, pear cobb salad and the best sweet potato fries that you’ve ever had. The ambiance is both cozy and modern. Bringing the littles? Ask for the kids menu – they’ll love it.
16. Fate Brewing
201 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 590-2395
Fate’s newest location in Tempe is a modern industrial space, with lots of seating indoors and out. They serve a variety of craveable menu items from juicy burgers to flavorful Hawaiian Salmon. And, you’ll be hard pressed to choose your favorite beer with choices like Fateful IPA, Halfway to Heffen and Barrel Aged Smoked Baltic Porter. This spot is great for families because the outdoor seating is plentiful, and they offer a kids menu.
17. Culinary Dropout at the Yard Tempe
149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 240-1601
Culinary Dropout is a relaxed gastropub offering amazing food, an expansive drink menu, and an outdoor patio that just won’t quit. Patrons can partake in a round of corn hole or ping pong while enjoying time with friends and savoring delicious flavors. And bonus, this restaurants offers a kid menu, so the whole family can find something they like.
18. Someburros
101 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 839-8226
1314 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 446-8226
This casual counter service restaurant is perfect for a family meal. The food is delicious and the portions plentiful, and they have a great kids menu also. Every dish on the menu tells the unique story of the Vasquez Family showcasing the family’s signature, time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican Food.
Check out what these bloggers had to say about family-friendly restaurants in Tempe, Arizona.
- The Best Mill Ave Restaurants for Families [From breakfast to dessert!] by Global Munchkins
- Get Your Grub On – The Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Tempe by Ripped Jeans & Bifocals
