April 5, 2024
Find out where to enjoy your next alfresco dining experience
Dining alfresco is a rite of passage in the Sonoran Desert. Something about pairing perfect weather with delicious food and drinks equals the epitome of immersion in any scene. And in Tempe, there’s no shortage of restaurants that are known for their spectacular patios and delicious menus.
Check out our favorite Tempe restaurants with the best patios for savoring the scene and the cuisine.
Barrio Queenat Tempe Marketplace
31 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-4052
Incredible food, delicious cocktails and live music? Say less! We recently caught mariachis serenading guests on this patio, and we loved every minute it. As for the menu, expect fresh ingredients from local farmers and traditional recipes from barrios throughout Mexico that pay homage to both history and culture. We recommend trying out one of the many mezcal offerings here —or a delicious agua fresca, if that’s more your thing. Whatever you do, don’t miss the vibrant artwork, inside and out, for your photo ops.
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.
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. C.A.S.A is a trendy, high-energy place to get a good view of the always entertaining Mill Avenue, day or night.
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 the Valley — maybe even all of Arizona. Tucked away in a cool neighborhood, this is a great space with an inviting, cozy patio. As for the building, 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).
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.
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.
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.
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 alsoschedule a brewery tourto 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.
Gertrude’s Restaurant at Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 480-719-8600
Located inside the Desert Botanical Garden, Gertrude’s specializes in pairing seasonally inspired dishes with the year-round beauty of the Sonoran Desert. As such, you’re invited to savor American favorites and flavors from around the globe set against the serenity of the Sonoran Desert. Tuck into a table on this not-so-secret garden patio and browse the seasonal menu while sipping on a clever botanic creation from the cocktail program. Keep an eye out for special events that invite you to continue cocktailing throughout other parts of the garden.
Hundred Mile Brewing Co.
690 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-256-1623
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 the spacious patio, where you’re sure to see pups, bikes and other beer lovers playing yard games.
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.
Lou’s Bar & Grill at Papago Golf Club
5595 E. Karsten Way, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602-358-7004
Located at Papago Golf Club, and famous for perfect views of the nearby park’s spectacular sandstone buttes, Lou’s is an open-air restaurant and patio that’s perfectly situated in the Sonoran Desert. Bask in the amazing hues of golden hour while playing a round of cornhole or relaxing around a fireplace on the expansive patio. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch invite golfers and non-golfers alike to savor sharables, pizzas, burgers, pasta, Lou’s custom cocktails and more — all of which are as delightful as the view from this expansive patio.
Original Chop Shop Co.
222 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-307-9336
8738 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-386-0320
The Original Chop Shop Tempe, nestled near the ASU Tempe Campus, has a great outdoor space equipped with a life-size chess board, patio tables and umbrellas, all under string lights. Chop Shop is a casual favorite for grabbing quick protein shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, hearty sandwiches, healthy wraps, bright salads and plenty of vibes.
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 massive outdoor beer garden — Tempe’s largest patio, in fact. Here, you’ll find a cozy fire pit, plenty of seating and such yard 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.
Perfect Pear Bistro
603 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-7327
9845 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-247-3410
Serene and beautiful with no-nonsense decor, Perfect Pear Bistro has an expansive covered patio that’s really quite an unexpected gem. The menu matches the ambiance, with a robust selection of nutritious offerings, including bountiful sandwiches, bowls, salads, pasta dishes and refreshing drinks. Here, you’re encouraged to customize your selection —a delight for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners.
Pier 54
5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-820-0660
For all the outdoor lovers, Pier 54 is just the place for you. It’s hard to find a better location in Tempe where you can enjoy great food and serene beauty. This entirely outdoor restaurant and bar is tucked away off Lakeshore Drive in south Tempe, in the heart of The Lakes neighborhood. No matter where you’re seated, the cozy-casual dining experience offers a panoramic view of a beautiful man-made lake and promises stunning sunset views.
Postino Annex
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-927-1111
In the shadow of Mountain America Stadium, Postino Annex is located at the corner of Sixth Street and College Avenue, in a historic 1940s building that was previously a post office, a schoolhouse and an art studio. The large sunny patio —shaded by bright yellow umbrellas —wraps around the restaurant, and features an indoor and outdoor bar. From here, you’ll be served excellent views of the ASU Tempe Campus and “A” Mountain to pair with your bruschetta and wine.
Postino South Tempe
8749 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 602-325-2211
Postino South Tempe, the second Tempe location, is equipped with an equally epic patio. Situated in a more residential area, this space offers a quaint and relaxing atmosphere across its massive patio — making it the perfect spot for a relaxing brunch, a casual catch-up with friends or unique space for hosting an event.
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | 602-431-6474
There’s 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 this perch might just be the best you’ve ever seen. Arrive in time to catch an amazing sunset, and linger longer for unparalleled views of the twinkling city lights.
Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Road, 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-free 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 atrendy atmosphere make this place a treat every time.Prepare to be tempted by such scratch-made menu items as choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy. Of course, there’s also espresso beverages, cocktails and mocktails to kick the most important meal of the day up a notch.
Spinato’s Pizzeria
96 S. Rockford Drive, 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.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #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.
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 nearly 360-degree viewof Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. If the weather is right, reserve a table outside on the patio and enjoy the fire pit with a nice glass of wine as the sun sets over the Valley.
Additional restaurants with expansive 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
The Porch – Tempe
1128 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 602-777-1757
Vincitorio’s
1835 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-820-2786
