Is there anything better than scoring a sweet spot on a sunny outdoor patio at your favorite restaurant? I didn’t think so. There is no shortage of things to do in Tempe, Arizona, nor are outdoor patios scarce or hard to find. They’re everywhere in this vibrant college town, serving up great food in relaxed settings.
As in many sunny southwest destinations, there are few key ingredients for a great patio dining experience. It has to be a pretty space with lots of plantings to help cool the air. There should be plentiful shade from the hot sun. And this being Tempe, Arizona, misters in summer to cool people down as they enjoy fresh local cuisine. Food tastes better when enjoyed al fresco – here’s where and how to find the best outdoor patios in Tempe AZ.
Where to find the 9 best outdoor patios in Tempe AZ
Whether you’re sipping frosé on a girl’s trip to Tempe, or eating tacos, bruschetta or pancake flights, our favorite outdoor patio spaces in Tempe will nourish your body and spirit.
Caffe Boa
Founded over 25 years ago, Caffe Boa is a staple in the Tempe community. This intimate patio is nestled on Fourth Street and Mill Avenue. It blocks out the hustle of downtown with its canopy of beautiful greenery. Boa’s food philosophy is simple – you are what you eat and drink. So you’ll find only the highest quality, organic eats here.
Culinary Dropout at the Yard Tempe
The Yard is a revamped warehouse space on First Street and Farmer Avenue. It’s home to Culinary Dropout (I just love the name). This is a chill gastropub where everyone is welcome to enjoy their over-sized patio, which is a destination in itself. In addition to its well-stocked bar and inventive menus, the patio has corn-hole games, ping pong tables and live music on the weekends. And it’s all illuminated by twinkling lights.
Use the map below to search for hotel and short-term rental options
House of Tricks
Located just steps from Mill Avenue near ASU, this lovely restaurant is hidden inside two turn-of-the-century cottages. The food is fresh and fantastic, but it’s the romantic, vine-strewn courtyard patio that’s really drool worthy. Nobody would blame you for whiling away the afternoon sipping refreshing sangria while enjoying people-watching on this fabulous patio. Enjoy the House’s ‘hours of tranquility’ at their outdoor bar, aka happy hour.
Morning Squeeze
This breakfast/brunch spot has an expansive outdoor eating area serving gourmet coffee alongside creative dishes with names like HAAS Avocado, Will Travel, Sun Deviled Eggs and the Bananas Foster the People Waffle. You can also order breakfast for your four-legged friend on this dog friendly patio in Tempe.
Postino Annex
This red brick schoolhouse-turned-art-studio-turned wine cafe offers great wines, and a spectacular patio on which to enjoy them. Choose a selection of Postino’s bruschetta boards, the house speciality, while you sip in the shade of patio trees and umbrellas.
Snakes & Lattes
This unique eatery isn’t just a restaurant with a great outdoor patio. It’s also a gaming HQ that is a great place to go for a fun time out. The kids will be entertained by the scores of board games to play, including classics like Candyland to the newest games shipped from Germany. You can sit, nibble and play for hours on its shady patio, which is also dog friendly for four-legged family members.
Spinnato’s Pizzeria
Spinnato’s newly renovated and expanded Tempe location has a lovely outdoor space overlooking Rio Salado. This is a little slice of patio heaven. Of course, pizza rules here, but you can also order tasty pastas, wings and salads at this family friendly restaurant.
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Next to Postino Annex in the same red brick schoolhouse, Snooze offers a fresh take on breakfast favorites like pancakes, french toast, and eggs benedict. The outdoor patio is decorated with bright orange patio umbrellas and is large enough for big groups of families or hungry college students. I highly suggest ordering the pancake flight, it’s your choice of three sweet and delicious fluffy pancakes like Pineapple Upside Down, Banana/Pineapple, Blueberry Danish. Great for sharing, or not sharing.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub
This family friendly restaurant is located at Tempe Marketplace, a large outdoor mall with many other restaurants and stores. The gastropub setting encourages sharing of appetizers and dishes from its huge menu. The outdoor patio is large and roomy and overlooks the mall’s shopping area, with plenty of space for large groups and families. It can get a tad noisy due to its popularity, but it’s a fun and lively spot if you’re looking for that kind of scene.
What to pack for a trip to Tempe, Arizona
Did we miss your favorite patio in Tempe? Tell us in the comments.
Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye
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