It’s great to get out and enjoy a meal away from home. But, when you have to find a restaurant that can accommodate every palate and is stimulating for every age, it can be anxiety-ridden and mentally draining, to say the least. The mere mentioning of making a restaurant reservation probably will have you dialing for a pizza right now (and if you do, visit our Pizza Blog for inspo). Before you make that call, check out our list of family-friendly restaurants that can provide delicious food and a safe space for everyone in the family, even for those pesky out-of-town in-laws!
1. Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-9288
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and their new Happy Hours (Thur.-Saturday 3 p.m.-8 p.m.), 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 their new expansive patio that sits along Mill Avenue. It’s also walking distance from Tempe Town Lake and “A” Mountain, so it’s the perfect place to go before or after visiting Downtown Tempe and the many attractions surrounding the area.
2. IKEA Tempe Bistro & Restaurant
2110 W. Ikea Way, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (888) 888-4532
IKEA may be a bucket list item for out-of-town shoppers, but did you know that they also have a super casual restaurant with affordable prices? They even have a “just for kids” dining area which is a huge hit for 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!
Mon – Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Only serving lunch and dinner. Seating is limited.
The bistro is available for takeaway food service only.
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. Celebrate birthdays and other special occasions at Rigatony’s. We can guarantee that you will leave 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 offers room to move 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 place offers a safe space for everyone to 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 rainstorm, 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 kid’s 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.
8. Oregano’s
523 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 858-0501
1475 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 966-0401
Oregano’s has several locations in Arizona, with two of them located right here in Tempe. 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.
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, one of which includes a pancake flight! 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 cornhole and hula hoops adds to the fun ambiance.
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 slices of bread, loaves, muffins, cookies, and treats, but also has a full menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. This restaurant delivers a menu that offers both rich and hearty dishes as well as healthy lighter options. It’s ideal for a family made up of both salad eaters and pasta lovers. The kids’ menu is well-priced with a variety of options.
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? Mamma’s Signature Pizza is a must-try, 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 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 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 cornhole or ping pong while enjoying time with friends and savoring delicious flavors. And take our advice, don’t miss the pretzels and fondue starter. There are some restrictions when kids aren’t allowed in the gaming areas – check with the host desk for details. This stylish this restaurant offers a children’s 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 delicious kids 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.
19. Social Hall
715 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
Come play at Social Hall, for FREE! Social Hall has a plethora of games for the whole family to enjoy at no cost. Social Hall offers both indoor and outdoor games including Shuffleboard, Skee-ball, Pool Tables, Ping Pong, Giant Jenga, Foosball, Electronic Darts, and your favorite 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 expansive patio.
Please note, guests of all ages are welcome until 10 p.m. After 10 p.m., Social Hall turns into a 21+ venue.
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
