Living in the valley of the sun has definite perks, such as being able to dine “al fresco,” or outdoors, almost year round. Eating your meal outside can be a fun way to mix up an otherwise mundane, routine experience. And with all of the beautiful scenery that Arizona has to offer, why would you want to stay inside?
Here are a few of the valley’s best outdoor dining spots. Most are reasonably priced so feeding the entire family won’t drain your wallet. What’s more, some are even dog friendly so even the furry four-legged members of your family can tag along.
Mesa
Gelato Dolce Vita
5251 E. Brown Road, Suite 104 Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 218-0225
Voted best Italian deli by the Phoenix New Times, Gelato Dolce Vita also sells some of the best gelato around. This comes as no surprise since owners Walter and Marti learned the art straight from the source–at the Gelato University near Bologna, Italy. In addition to gelato, they also salads, pasta, and paninis which you can enjoy inside or outside on the patio.
Gluten-Free Friendly, Vegan Friendly, Kid Friendly, Free Wi-Fi, Take Out
Open Sun. 2:00pm – 8:30pm, Closed Mon., Open Tue.-Thurs. 11:00am – 9:30pm, Fri. 11:00am – 10pm, Sat. 11:00am – 10pm
under $10
The Cutting Board
2235 South Power Road Mesa, AZ 85209
(480) 654-8081
Looking for a place that specializes in healthy, wholesome food? Look no further than The Cutting Board. Based on a whole food, plant-based diet, all of all of their dishes incorporate vegan, vegetarian, and raw ingredients consisting of breads, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they serve a wide range of dishes including salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, burritos, pizza, and burgers, so everyone is sure to find something they like. And the Cutting Board is more than just a restaurant; workshops focusing on topics such as women’s health are offered regularly, as well as live music and comedy nights.
Closed Mon., Open Tues – Sat, 8am – 8pm; Sun, 8am – 3pm
kids’ menu
under $10
Crackers & Co. Cafe
Mountainside Fitness Plaza 1325 N Greenfield Rd Ste 101
(480) 924-9977
A favorite local’s spot for breakfast, Crackers & Co. Cafe was was founded on the European owner’s heritage and principle of “from scratch cooking” delicious dishes such as omelets, charbroiled gourmet burgers, meal-sized fresh salads, and fresh homemade desserts are proof that at Cracker’s, they remain true to their roots. They’re open daily at 7am and enjoying breakfast out on the shaded patio is the perfect way to start your day.
Open Mon.-Sun. 7am-2:30pm
kid friendly
$11-30
Tempe
House of Tricks
114 East 7th Street Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 968-1114
Opened in 1987, House of Tricks is housed in two of Tempe’s historic buildings: a remodeled 1920’s cottage and an adobe brick structure. Surrounded by a lush oasis, it’s hard to believe that the restaurant sits in the middle of downtown Tempe and right next to the busy Mill Avenue district. Enjoy an intimate, romantic meal on one of the two patios shaded by mature trees or enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio bar built into the landscaped area between the two houses. Open for lunch and dinner, House of Tricks serves contemporary American fare such as salads, sandwiches, soups and salads, and fine grilled meats and fish.
Open Mon.-Sat. (Lunch 11am-4pm, Dinner 4pm-10pm, bar open until midnight)
$31-60
Top of the Rock
2000 Westcourt Way Tempe, Arizona 85282
602-431-2370
Want to experience world class views and contemporary cuisine all in your own backyard? Be sure to check out Top of the Rock, one of Tempe’s most exclusive patio dining spots. Offering live music, romantic ambience and a panoramic view of the valley, Top of the Rock is one of the most popular choices when it comes to a special night out. Some of the top-rated dishes include pork belly, shrimp and figs, and salmon with quinoa. Ready to claim a spot for your perfect night out? Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends.
open Mon.-Sun. 5-9:30pm
Gluten Free Friendly, Vegan Friendly
Happy hour
$31-60
Casey Moore’s Oyster House
850 S Ash Ave Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 968-9935
Casey Moore’s is a fun, laid back atmosphere located right in the heart of Tempe and close by to the popular Mill Avenue District. Serving up traditional pub food, salads, burgers, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, soups, and of course, oysters, Casey Moore’s doesn’t stop there. They also offer a huge selection of draught beers, bottled beer, whiskeys and spirits, all of which can be enjoyed out on the spacious patio.
Open Mon.-Sun. 11 am-2am
Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 3-7pm and Sat.-Sun. 11am-4pm
dog friendly (until 5pm)
$11-30
Gilbert
Postino East
302 N Gilbert Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 632-6363
Downtown Gilbert’s historic Heritage District is charming enough on its own, but Postino East adds a certain flair that makes it that much better. Housed inside the Grainbelt building, its iconic yellow garage doors that are almost always rolled up and an outdoor green-space for the kids make Postino East irresistible to passerby. One of the most popular dishes is their bruschetta, which is great paired with one of their $5 glasses of wine, a deal that is available from 11am-5pm five days a week. Also on the menu are soup and salad and paninis.
Open 11am-11pm Mon.-Thurs., 11am-12am Fri., 9am-12am Sat., and 9am-10pm Sun.
$5 wine by the glass and beer pitchers 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5 days a week
kid friendly
$11-30
SoCal Fish Taco Company
219. N. Gilbert Road Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 807-6225
If you’re craving a taste of the California coast, you don’t even have to leave the east valley. Head on over to SoCal Fish Taco Company in Gilbert. A Cali-beach-inspired food cafe, the menu offers dishes like fish tacos, wraps, fresh salads, crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, and award-winning chowder that you can enjoy inside or on their under-the-stars patio.
Mon.-Sat.: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays
kids’ menu
$11-30
Joe’s Farm Grill
3000 East Ray Road Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 563-4745
Take a trip back in time at Joe’s Farm Grill, a family-owned business that gives off a 60’s era feel. A butterfly roof and open breezeway make for an airy patio that offers shade and a grassy yard dotted with picnic tables, citrus trees and flowers provides an awesome space for the kids to burn off some energy while waiting for their meal. Joe’s uses only fresh, local ingredients for their burgers, fries, pizza, salads, and ribs, abiding by the mantra, “common food done uncommonly well.”
Mon-Sun 8am-9pm
kid-friendly
dog friendly
$11-30
Chandler
El Zocalo Mexican Grille
28 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ
(480) 722-0303
El Zocalo is named for Mexico City’s iconic central plaza and it only takes one glance to understand why. Housed in downtown Chandler’s historic Monroe building, El Zocalo’s award-winning patio hosts live music and dancing Friday and Saturday nights. Along with the entertainment, patrons can enjoy traditional Mexican fare such as steaks, chile rellenos, mole de pollo, shrimp, and fresh salads. In addition, El Zocalo has over 200 tequilas on the menu, so be sure to stop on by for happy hour.
Mon.-Thur. 11:00am-9:00pm, Fri. 11:00am-10:00pm, Sat. 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun. 11:00am-8:00pm
Happy hour Mon-Sat 3-6pm
$11-30
Vintage 95
95 W Boston Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 855-9463
Situated in Chandler’s first post office building which dates back to 1926, Vintage 95 describes its food and beverage program as “contemporary American with a twist on the classics.” With selections such as tapas, salads, bruschetta, flatbreads, salads, soups, dinner entrees, and an expansive wine menu, Vintage 95 is the perfect spot for birthdays, anniversaries, or a fun night out. Don’t miss their happy hour which takes place every day from 3-6pm and be sure to take your drink out on the patio and enjoy the cozy ambience of the fire pit.
Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am, Sun. 10am-10pm (kitchen closed daily from 3-4pm)
$11-30
BLD
1920 W Germann Rd Chandler, AZ 85286
(480) 779-8646
One of the newest dining spots in south Chandler, BLD (short for “breakfast, lunch, dinner”) features farm-fresh, from-scratch foods served in a bright, cheery and contemporary atmosphere. Customers can hit the drive-thru window which dispenses barista-made beverages, protein shakes, smoothies and awesome to-go food or take time to enjoy the spacious, stylish outdoor patio.
Mon.-Thurs. 7:00am- 9:00pm, Fri. 7:00am-10:00pm, Sat. 8:00am-10:00pm, Sun. 8:00am-9:00pm
Happy hour every day from 3-7pm
dog friendly
kid friendly
$11-30
Scottsdale
Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
10426 E. Jomax, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 585-1599
As its name suggests, Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse specializes in al fresco dining during Arizona’s warmest months (April through October). With three different patios to choose from, patrons are guaranteed to experience some of the best outdoor dining in the valley. The Palo Verde Patio is a cozy, walled patio lined with beautiful Palo Verde trees, complete with a dance floor, band stand, and private entrance. The Sunset Patio has a river rock wall and overlooks a cactus garden. The Lower Patio is for those who want in on the action, as it puts diners right in front of the dance floor where live country western music and dancing are a regular occurrence. As for the food, the menu includes appetizers, salads, steaks, burgers, chicken, salmon, microbrewed beers.
Open Mon.-Sat. (4-10 pm) and Sun. (12-10 pm)
$11-30
Sip Coffee and Beer House
3617 N Goldwater Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 625-3878
Established in 2013, Sip Coffee and Beer House is described as a hipster’s paradise. Most of the furnishings and decorations inside the building have been handmade or picked from Arizona yard sales or antique shops and recycling and sustainability are a continuous goal at Sip. The owners invite customers to “hang out with good friends, meet complete strangers, share their favorite stories, or telling their tallest tales, all while enjoying specialty coffee, craft beer, and a locally sourced food menu.
Monday-Thursday 7am-9pm, Fri. 7am-11pm, Sat. 7am-11pm, Sun. 7am-Close.
Happy Hour everyday from 4-7pm
Open mic night
Yoga on Sunday from 9-10am
Live music on Fri., Sat. and Sun.
dog friendly
O.H.S.O. Eatery & NanoBrewery
15681 N Hayden Rd Ste 112 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 948-3159
Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost (O.H.S.O.) has two locations in the valley; one in Phoenix and their newest spot in north Scottsdale. They have 36 beers on tap, 24 wines by the glass and several signature cocktails. Also on the menu are salads, entrees, and tacos. Be sure to stop in for happy hour during the week or check out their Beer Brunch on the weekends. And don’t forget your four-legged best friend. Dogs are always welcome out on the patio and will be served their own special little treat!Salads, entrees, tacos, craft beers, wine, cocktails, kid menu
kids’ menu
Mon.-Thurs. 11:00am-12:00am, Fri. 11:00am-1:30am, Sats 9:00am-1:30am, Sun. 9:00am-12:00am
$11-30
Phoenix
Ranch House Grille
5618 E. Thomas Road Phoenix, Arizona 85018
(480) 946-1290
Family owned and operated since 1999, Ranch House Grille is a hidden gem in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. They serve up traditional breakfast food and lunch all day (and dinner on select days) and you can enjoy your meal indoors or outside on the patio, which is surrounded by blooming native plants.
Open 6am-3pm everyday and 4:30-8:30pm Thurs.-Sat.
dog friendly
$11-30 ($6 kids meals)
Beckett’s Table
3717 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-954-1700
Beckett’s Table offers contemporary American and comfort food and a unique dining experience with their “Community Table.” With 16 seats, it allows customers to socialize and dine with each other during the restaurant’s “social hour,” which takes place six nights a week from 5-6:30pm. If you prefer to stay to yourself and the ones you came with, traditional seating is available inside or outside.
Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Sunday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Closed: Monday
Special events such as “The Grown Ups Table,” every Wednesday during the summer in which a different themed four-course menu is served at the community table.
$30 and under
Cibo
603 N 5th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 441-2697
Set in a restored 1913 bungalow, Cibo (pronounced “CHEE-boh”) offers historic charm while serving up beautiful salads, antipasto, artisanal pizzas and housemade fresh pasta. Locals will agree that the patio, with its fire pit and occasional live music, is the best place to dine.
Open Mon. 11pm-9pm, Tues.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm, and Sun. 5pm-9pm (now offering breakfast Sat.-Sun. 9am-2pm)dog friendly
Happy hour 3-6pm Mon.-Fri.
$11-30