Patio dining is in full swing, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.
What do great weather, delicious food and the perfect outdoor patio have in common? They are all available right here in Tempe! Here are some favorite Tempe restaurants that serve mouthwatering meals on relaxing outdoor patios.
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 303-9967
Located in a historic creamery, this pub has a fun atmosphere and an open-air feel, making it the perfect place to hang out, grab a beer and bite to eat with a group of any size. Four Peaks offers 12 unique, mainstay beers and a variety of rotating seasonal beers throughout the year. The welcoming patio wraps around the front of the building, offering plenty of room for large parties (including dogs).
Visitors can also schedule a brewery tour to get an up-close look at the behind-the-scenes process. Learn about how they make your favorite beer, what goes into the process, how it’s stored and how they can it.
Postino Annex
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 927-1111
In the shadow of Sun Devil Stadium lies Postino Annex. This local chain of wine cafés first opened in a vacant 1940s post office in 2001 by owners passionate about unique wines and simple, delicious food. Tempe’s Postino Annex location is located on the corner of Sixth Street and College Avenue., in a historic building that was once a red brick schoolhouse and an art studio. The large sunny patio wraps around the restaurant, shaded by bright yellow umbrellas, and is also equipped with an indoor and outdoor bar. The street-facing patio offers excellent views of ASU Tempe Campus and “A” Mountain. Postino Annex is the perfect place to go before an ASU Gammage performance, ASU Family weekend or anytime you’re in the Downtown Tempe area.
Postino South Tempe
8749 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (602) 325-2211
Postino South Tempe is the second Tempe location, equipped with an epic patio, too! Opposite the urban vibe that Postino Annex has, Postino South Tempe is situated in the residential area of south Tempe and brings a more quaint and relaxing atmosphere. This location’s massive patio is the perfect spot for catching up with friends or hosting an event or meeting.
C.A.S.A
15 E. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-8226
C.A.S.A., located on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and Sixth Street, is always an excellent choice. This patio bar features an upper deck, live music programming, and is is equipped with a state-of-the-art “Typhoon Misting System” for those summer days — which pair perfectly with one of the more than 30 beers on tap, by the way. C.A.S.A is a trendy, high-energy place to get a good view of the always entertaining Mill Avenue.
Pier 54
5394 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 820-0660
Calling all you outdoor lovers: Pier 54 is just the place for you. It’s hard to find a better place in Tempe where you can enjoy great food in such a serene location. Pier 54 is located on Lakeshore Drive in south Tempe in the heart of The Lakes neighborhood. This outdoor restaurant and bar offer a unique panoramic view of a beautiful man-made lake that is an ideal setting for this time of year. Pier 54 offers a cozy and casual dining experience perfect for a leisurely lunch or a sunset dinner.
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S. Mill Ave. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 314-2337
Pedal Haus Brewery at 7th Street and Mill Avenue features craft beer, a delicious gastropub menu and a huge outdoor patio — Tempe’s largest patio, in fact. Her, you’ll find a massive fire pit and an outdoor beer garden packed with such games as corn hole, ladder ball and ping pong. Built to be a haven for lovers of bikes, dogs (yes, they’re welcome too) good food and great beer, Pedal Haus always delivers a good time.
Culinary Dropout at the Yard Tempe
149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 240-1601
The Yard is a revamped warehouse space on 1st Street and Farmer Avenue, and is home to Culinary Dropout — an expansive gastropub with a cool come-as-you-are vibe. This oversized patio is a destination unto itself with a well-stocked bar, corn-hole games, ping pong tables and live music on the weekends, all illuminated by twinkling lights. They serve a rotating selection of beers, from classics to Arizona brews. The inventive lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus range from hearty fare, such as meatloaf, to lighter items, including the garden kale salad.
Top of the Rock Restaurant
2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (602) 431-2370
Located at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes resort, Top of the Rock Restaurant has been recognized as one of the most romantic dining destinations in the country by the Huffington Post and Open Table. The restaurant interior is surrounded by windows that offer diners a 360-degree view of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. If the weather is right, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the fire pit with a nice glass of wine as the sun sets over the Valley. Open: Thursdays – Sundays.
Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
Snakes & Lattes offers a playful atmosphere with great food and drink options. The best part of Snakes & Lattes is that you can combine your meal with a selection of hundreds of board games on hand — and head for the patio. Play classics, including Clue, Mall Madness and more, or try your hand at the newest in strategy games.
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | (602) 431-6474
There is no better place to have a true Arizona experience than dining at Rustler’s Rooste. Here, you’ll find an indoor slide and waterfall, cowboy hat-adorned staff, live country music every night and such Western fare as rattlesnake! Considering all the reasons to visit Rustler’s Rooste, we can’t forget to highlight the patio. This vantage point from their patio is anything you have ever seen. Not only do you get unparalleled views of the city lights, but you catch the most amazing sunsets while dining here. So, feast on some prime rib and then feast your eyes on a glorious golden hour from this perch!
Spinato’s Pizzeria
96 S. Rockford Dr., Tempe, AZ 85288 | (480) 967-0020
After years of serving Tempe patrons in rather tight quarters, Spinato’s Pizzeria got a major revamp and a new location almost three times the size. Not only is interior sleek and modern, but the outdoor seating — which has quickly become Tempe’s newest slice of patio heaven (no pun intended) — overlooks Rio Salado. Check out Spinato’s classics as well as new menu items at this location.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-9935
Casey Moore’s is one of the most famous Irish pubs in and around the Valley. Maybe even all of Arizona. Tucked away in a cool neighborhood, this is a great space with an inviting, cozy patio. And it’s rumored to be haunted! True to its name, Casey Moore’s is known for their oysters, but there’s a wide variety of other delicious items on the menu, including crab cakes and fish ‘n’ chips. The bar looks and feels like a true Irish pub and has a vast selection of draught beers, bottled beer, whiskeys and spirits (yes, that’s a double entendre).
Caffe Boa
398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9112
Founded in 1994, Caffe Boa has been a staple in the Tempe community ever since. Nestled on 4th Street and Mill Avenue, the patio here offers an intimate setting with a canopy of beautiful greenery that filters out the hustle and bustle of the Downtown area. While taking in the patio, enjoy handmade pasta and fresh seafood crafted from the finest organic, natural ingredients. Also, make sure to explore Caffe Boa’s extensive wine and cocktail list!
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 menu, a full bar with a large selection of beers on tap and a spacious patio that overlooks the entire shopping area. It’s great for people watching as well as deciding which stores to head to next. Stick around Friday and Saturday evenings for free live music at The District Stage, located by Dave & Buster’s.
Fate Brewing Company
201 E. Southern Ave. #111, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 590-2395
Fate Brewing Company is no stranger to the Valley. With two locations in Scottsdale, this brewing operation is now serving its craft beer in Tempe, too. Situated between Downtown Tempe and South Tempe, this location and is home to a more relaxed, yet vibrant, vibe. Try the Fateful IPA, the Buena Vista Blonde Ale or the Candy Bar Milk Stout (Great American Beer Festival award winner) and peruse the smashed burgers, pizzas, and more. No matter what you decide on, you can’t go wrong, because this patio experience is superb — it’s probably one of my favorites in terms of ambiance.
Alibi at Canopy Tempe
108 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 612-7872
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown has a beautiful rooftop pool and the only full-service rooftop bar in the East Valley. Alibi rooftop lounge is beautiful, and you’re surrounded by 360-degree views of the Greater Phoenix area and the expansive skies above. The menu at Alibi features street food with a fusion of Asian, Mexican and American cuisines. Our favorite thing to order at the rooftop pool is the Filipino Empanadas, which are served with a delicious ginger plum sauce. SO GOOD.
The Golden Pineapple Craft Lounge
2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 590-5703
Just south of Downtown Tempe in the Broadmoor neighborhood, you’ll find cocktail forward concept Golden Pineapple. Situated beneath a beautiful tree that completely shades the area, this hidden patio gem serves up vibrant cocktails and a menu of Baja Mexican-style foods with a Sonoran Desert twist. This is a perfect location, even when the temps increase.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
1120 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 105, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 590-5830
Hailing from the streets of New York, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is a must for enjoying a slice of heaven and patio weather all at the same time! Make sure and try one of their unique pizza toppings, like artichoke or crab. Unlike your pizza, this place can’t be topped!
Barrio Queen at Tempe Marketplace
31 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-4052
Incredible food, delicious cocktails and live music? Say less! We recently caught mariachis serenading guests of Barrio Queen, and we loved every minute! Talk about elevating your patio experience. Order a Boozy Pop to up your patio game, and stay cool all year.
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! Walk up and order from the delicious menu offering several classic breakfast items and some not-so-classic breakfast items, too. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal with friends, Daily Jam has it all. Order your drinks (alcoholic or not) from the indoor/outdoor bar instead of the counter for a shorter wait time. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Morning Squeeze
690 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 264-4688
This cheery and bright restaurant in Downtown Tempe serves pancakes, omelets and more, including a full coffee and espresso menu. Enjoy all menu items on their patio, which offers the perfect vantage point for people watching, and it’s made very comfortable with refreshing misters. Their patio is even dog-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family! The pups even have their own Tail Wagger menu.
Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 534-4044
Be sure to check out Scramble in South Tempe, a fast-casual spot on Baseline and Lakeshore Drive, next to Majestic Phoenix Dine-In Cinemas, formerly Alamo Drafthouse. Here, you’ll find fresh local ingredients as well as many vegan and gluten-friendly menu items. Diners can enjoy their food on their spacious patio with their fur babies, because this place is dog friendly, too!
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 can be tempted by such scratch-made menu items as a choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy.
Original Chop Shop Co.
222 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 307-9336
8738 S. Emerald Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 386-0320
The Original Chop Shop Tempe location is situated near ASU Tempe Campus and has a great outdoor space equipped with life-size chess, patio tables and umbrellas, all under string lights. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick protein shake or fresh juice, or you want a yummy sandwich or salad, the Chop Shop has what you need to fuel up and keep it fresh.
Illegal Pete’s
525 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (623) 233-4311
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Illegal Pete’s is a fun place with incredible patio space. Knock out several margaritas and delicious burritos while enjoying their energetic outdoor atmosphere on Mill Avenue. Open Sun.-Thurs.: 11:00 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 11:00 a.m. to Midnight. Also, check out their happy hour menu every day from 3-8 p.m.
Perfect Pear Bistro
603 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-7327
9845 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 247-3410
Serene and beautiful with no-nonsense decor, Perfect Pear Bistro has an expansive covered patio that really quite an unexpected gem. They serve up bountiful sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes and refreshing drinks that are sure to make your taste buds sing.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
690 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281
Celebrate patio weather with Hundred Mile Brewing Co. New to the Tempe brew scene, Hundred Mile Brewing Co. offers a selection of 24 beers and sours, signature cocktails, a curated wine list a full menu that ranges from elevated sharables to sophisticated entrees. Enjoy the vibe inside or on their outdoor, pet-friendly patio.
Restaurants with expanded patio space:
These restaurants have added expanded patio space to enjoy the fresh air while dining alfresco.
Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-3917
Slices on Mill
11 E. 6th St. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 590-0511
SunBar
24 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 687-8409
Vincitorio’s
1835 E. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 820-2786
Anoche Cantina
640 S. Mill Ave. B110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 500-5104
Six40rty
640 S. Mill Ave. B120, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 500-5101
We would love to see photos of your dining experience at these excellent Tempe restaurants! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram: @tempetourism or #OurTempe
