It’s great to get out and enjoy a meal away from home 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 anxiety-ridden and mentally draining. The mere mentioning 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 can provide delicious food and a safe space for everyone, 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, 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 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 might 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! Open Mon – Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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. This spot is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. 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 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 selection of 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 and finding animals scattered about at this jungle-themed restaurant. Rainforest Cafe is a stress-free place designed specifically for kids and families of all ages. 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 Huevos Rancheros. Wash it all down with their 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. 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 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 more hearty 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!
8. Oregano’s
1475 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 966-0401
Oregano’s has several locations in Arizona, 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 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.
10. Wildflower Bread Company
6428 S. McClintock Dr., 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 place is ideal for a family made up of both salad and pasta lovers. The kids’ menu is well-priced with a variety of options.
11. 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. Each pizza can be made with thin crust, Sicilian crust, or as a calzone. Not a pizza person? No problem. Their menu also includes salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.
12. Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
From burgers to poutine, Snakes & lattes has excellent food. But, the best part is that you can combine your meal with your pick of hundreds of board games. From classics like Clue and Mall Madness to the newest strategy games, Snakes & Lattes has something to keep the whole family entertained.
13. 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 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.
14. 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 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 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.
15. 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 classic menu items (check out the pretzels and fondue starter), including options for children. Patrons can partake in a round of cornhole or ping pong while enjoying time with friends and savoring delicious flavors. There are some restrictions for kids in the gaming areas – check with the host desk for details.
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 like the 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.
17. 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, 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.
18. Social Hall
715 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 747-3851
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 indoor and outdoor games, including Shuffleboard, Skee-ball, Pool Tables, Ping Pong, Giant Jenga, 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.
19. Chompie’s
1160 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-0700
Chompie’s serves up a massive menu of award-winning breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner – available seven days a week. They’re known for favorites such as their authentic N.Y. style pastrami and corned beef Mile High Sandwiches. The bakery and deli counter features traditional Jewish specialties, including potato pancakes, smoked fish, deli salads and homemade cream cheese flavors. And don’t forget to grab one of their fresh-baked breads, cakes, gourmet pastries and New York style, boiled-then-baked Chompie’s Bagels.
20. Barrio Queen
31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-4052
Locally owned and operated, Barrio Queen was created by owners Linda Nash and Steven Rosenfield to bring authentic Southern Mexican fare and culture to the Valley of the Sun. This casual and fun restaurant has lots of delicious menu options for the adults in your group and a special kids menu for kids under 12. Everyone is happy!
21. 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 a selection of 48 draft beers or a tasty, handcrafted cocktail. Also, many of their pizzas can be made gluten-free or vegan.
22. 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 the atmosphere of a friendly neighborhood sports bar/restaurant and 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.
23. Portillo’s
65 S. McClintock, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-7988
Enjoy a slice of Chicago right here in Tempe at Portillo’s! Located in the Tempe Marketplace shopping complex, this Chicagoland favorite features a diverse menu of 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.
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
