Top Tempe restaurants the entire family will enjoy
It’s great to gather around a table with the fam. But, when you have to find a restaurant that can accommodate every palate and is stimulating for every age, it can be a challenge. The mere mention of making a restaurant reservation will probably have you dialing for a pizza right now (if you do, visit our Pizza Blog for inspo). Before you make that call, check out our list of family friendly restaurants that offer a wide variety of delicious food and a welcoming space for everyone — even the in-laws.
Barrio Queen (Tempe Marketplace)
31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-4052
Barrio Queen’s mission is to serve food that pays homage to history and culture by serving fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine using traditional recipes from barrios throughout Mexico. This casual and fun restaurant has many delicious menu options for the adults in your group and a special kids menu for kids under 12. Everyone is happy!
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. This stylish restaurant offers elevated pub grub (check out the pretzels and fondue starter), including options for children. Guests are welcome to play a round of cornhole or ping pong with their party while here, too. There are some restrictions for kids in the gaming areas — check with the host desk for details.
Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9288
Open daily for breakfast, brunch 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. You can even enjoy your food on the expansive patio that sits along Mill Avenue. It’s also within walking distance from Tempe Town Lake and “A” Mountain, so it’s the perfect place to go before or after visiting Downtown Tempe and its many attractions.
Fate Brewing
201 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-590-2395
Fate’s Tempe location 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 try a beer you don’t like, so why not order a flight? Favorites include Fateful IPA, Halfway to Heffen and barrel-aged Smoked Baltic Porter. This spot is excellent for families because the outdoor seating is plentiful, and they offer a kids’ menu.
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
1706 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-838-1005
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite #567, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-838-9610
A longtime local favorite, Garcia’s serves generous portions of fresh, delicious Mexican food at affordable prices. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling fajitas, chile rellenos, or a sampler with a little bit of everything, a meal here is a celebration for your tastebuds.
IKEA Tempe Bistro & Restaurant
2110 W. Ikea Way, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 888-888-4532
IKEA might be a bucket list item for visiting shoppers, but did you know they also have a super casual restaurant with affordable prices? They even have a “just for kids” dining area, which is a huge hit with the youngsters. Make sure and try IKEA’s famous Swedish Meatballs to capture the full experience. After you finish your meal, walk it off while shopping.
Lou’s Bar & Grill
5595 E. Karsten Way, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602-358-7004
Lou’s Bar & Grill, located at Papago Golf Course inside Papago Park, has a friendly neighborhood sports bar/restaurant atmosphere that is surprisingly awesome for families. Why is this place so great for littles? Because their huge patio looks out onto a large grassy area, where kids of all ages can run and play while parents enjoy their meal, a glass of wine and some live music.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que (Tempe Marketplace)
2030 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-7427
Looking for tasty barbecue 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 décor. 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.
Mellow Mushroom
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-6355
Mellow Mushroom is a great spot to grab a yummy pizza while exploring Downtown Tempe for the day. Their stone-baked pizzas start with the classic Mellow crust made with Appalachian spring water. In addition to stone-baked pizzas, Mellow Mushroom serves munchies, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Pick from 48 draft beers or a tasty, handcrafted cocktail. Many of their pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan.
Oregano’s
1475 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-966-0401
Oregano’s has several locations throughout the Valley of the Sun, with one of them located right here in Tempe. Everything about Oregano’s is perfect for a family meal: large portions of pizza, pasta, salads, cheesy garlic bread and don’t miss the famous pizza cookie to end your meal.
Perfect Pear Bistro
9845 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-247-3410
603 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-7327
Perfect Pear is the place to go for salads, sandwiches and more. They offer fresh new takes on the classics we already love. Think spicy Asian pork tacos, green chili mac with bacon, pear cobb salad and the best sweet potato fries you’ve ever had. The ambiance is both cozy and modern. Are you bringing the littles? Ask for the kids’ menu — they’ll love it.
Portillo’s (Tempe Marketplace)
65 S. McClintock, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-7988
Enjoy a slice of Chicago right here in Tempe at Portillo’s. This Chicagoland favorite features a menu loaded with Chicago-style hot dogs, beef sandwiches, salads, ribs and more. Desserts include Portillo’s famous chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake and yummy milkshakes. If you’re in a hurry, take advantage of the convenient drive-thru.
RigaTony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
1850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-899-1111
If you’re in the mood for a big Italian family dinner, look no further than RigaTony’s. This spot is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. The portions are large and great for sharing, and they start every meal with a generous Italian salad and delicious bread. We can guarantee that you will leave happy and full.
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | 602-431-6474
Located just outside Tempe, Rustler’s Rooste offers plenty of space 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 a welcoming space that invites all ages to get loud and messy, and no one will ever notice! The selection of Southwestern-inspired comfort food is the cherry on top.
Rainforest Cafe
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-752-9100
Keep the kiddos entertained during lunch or dinner while braving a rainstorm and finding animals scattered about at this jungle-themed restaurant. Rainforest Cafe is a stress-free place specifically designed for kids and families of all ages. And the food is delicious too — bonus.
Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-534-4044
This quick counter-service restaurant has many offerings for the entire family to choose from (dogs too). Favorites include the Santa Fe Benedict, the Western Omelette and Huevos Rancheros. Wash it all down with an iced tea from local favorite Infusion Coffee & Tea. The kid’s menu is nothing short of exceptional, as it includes dollar cakes, egg scramble, grilled cheese and French toast. For your four-legged family member, order the Elvis Pup Cakes, served in a dog bowl, of course.
Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-361-6644
From burgers and poutine to espresso and beer, Snakes & Lattes has excellent offerings. But the best part is that you can pair your meal with your favorite board game — there are hundreds to choose from, including such classics as Clue and Mall Madness to the newest strategy games and options that will keep the entire family entertained. If you need help deciding, just ask one of the passionate game experts (aka staff) to help you find the perfect board game for your group.
Snooze an AM Eatery
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-355-1934
Fluffy pancakes, delicious eggs and colorful, funky decor … that’s Snooze. This relaxed breakfast and lunch spot features all of your favorite dishes. We recommend the pancake flight, which gives you a choice of any three pancakes on the menu. For a heartier breakfast, try the breakfast pot pie — it’s comfort food heaven! Eat your meal on the outdoor patio equipped with cornhole and hula hoops, perfect for kids.
Social Hall
715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-747-3851
Play at Social Hall for FREE! Social Hall has a plethora of games for the entire family to enjoy at no cost. Social Hall offers indoor and outdoor games, including Shuffleboard, Skee Ball, pool tables, Ping-Pong, Jenga Giant, foosball, electronic darts and arcade games. You can also reserve ahead of time. After you work up an appetite, order from their small bites menu, like the nachos, brisket sliders or shrimp, to share with the fam on their patio. Please note guests of all ages are welcome until 10 p.m. After 10 p.m., Social Hall turns into a 21+ venue.
Someburros
101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-839-8226
1314 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-446-8226
This casual, counter-service restaurant is perfect for a family meal. The food is delicious, the portions are large, and they have a great kid’s menu. 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.
Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, AZ 85288 | 480-967-0020
Spinato’s has out-of-this-world pizza, and what family doesn’t love pizza? Mamma’s Signature Pizza is a must-try, but to be honest, they’re all delicious. Each pizza can be made with thin crust, Sicilian crust or as a calzone. Vegan cheese is available, too. Not a pizza person? No problem. Their menu also includes equally impressive salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.
Wildflower Bread Company
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-838-9773
Wildflower Bread Company serves delicious slices of bread, loaves, muffins, cookies and treats. Their full menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner options that can be either rich and hearty or healthy and light. This fast-casual place is ideal for a family of both salad and pasta lovers. The kids’ menu is well-priced, with a variety of options.
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
