Food Scene

Weekend Brunch in Downtown Tempe

July 3, 2024

From beats to boardgames, Tempe knows how to brunch.

When it comes to weekend brunch, Tempe is an authority on the matter. For the sake of definitions, let’s consider any late breakfast paired with excellent cocktails as the criteria for what constitutes weekend brunch.

In which case, Downtown Tempe is home to so many worthy restaurants for your brunch consideration. So many, in fact, that we’ve created a guide to assist in your decision making. Important considerations: indoor or outdoor; sweet or savory; mimosas or bloody marys; beats or boardgames?

No matter which you choose, guaranteed chill weekend vibes and delicious indulgence await you.

Alter Ego
108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-612-7871

Located on the ground floor of the Canopy Tempe Downtown Hotel, Alter Ego has an eclectic and comfortable atmosphere with great brunch offerings. From such classics as the chilaquiles and the Ego Benedict to the super trendy smoked salmon board and prosciutto arugula flatbread, this menu offers elevated brunch fare from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Culinary Dropout at The Yard
149 S. Farmer, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-240-1601

For great food and a lively atmosphere, head to Culinary Dropout. From retro décor and yard games to live music and pop-up events, this spot is known as a place to gather, thanks to the spacious dining room and sprawling patio. This brunch menu, which is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, includes such hearty offerings as banana bread French toast, Southwest breakfast bowl and fried chicken & buttermilk biscuit — all of which pair well with a bacon bloody mary.

Daily Dose
96 S. Rockford Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-590-6937

Located next to Tempe Marketplace, Daily Dose has a fantastic selection of breakfast, lunch and, well, brunch. Don’t miss Hangover Sandwich (no judgement) which voted to be the best hangover sandwich by Phoenix New Times, which includes peppered bacon, turkey sausage, fried egg, caramelized jalapeño and onion, melted cheddar/jack, and spicy harissa aioli on sourdough toast. Not to mention, they have a large patio in front of their restaurant to enjoy your brunch with your furry companion. Daily Dose is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., #A101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9288

Breakfast, brunch and lunch on a lovely, pet-friendly patio in the heart of Downtown Tempe? Yes, please! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal with friends and cocktails, Daily Jam is a local favorite. Order such classic breakfast items as omelets, breakfast sandwiches and waffles at the counter or pull up a seat at the coffee and espresso bar. Enjoy daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Morning Squeeze
690 S. Mill Ave., Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-264-4688

This bright and cheery restaurant in Downtown Tempe serves up all the favorites, including pancakes, omelets and egg dishes — complemented by the espresso, cocktail, wine and beer lists. The green chile pork skillet, carne asada fries and chilaquiles are especially festive. As is the strawberry, pomegranate and orange mimosa flight. Cheers from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Over Easy
690 S. Novus Place, Suite #707, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-6294

As the newest addition to Tempe’s brunch landscape, Over Easy brings a retro-meets-modern diner vibe to Novus Place. Aesthetically, the bright space, expansive patio and such décor as the custom neon wall make for a sunny way to start any day. This concept is known for creating energized takes on classic breakfast staples. Think: Golden Waffle Dogs, Chilaquiles and the Monte Cristo — as well as the classic dishes. Pro tip: Try the Banana Nut French Toast (as seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives). Over Easy is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Postino Wine Cafe
615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-927-1111

This Tempe gem is housed in a historic red brick building at the intersection of College Ave. and Sixth St. You may be familiar with their lunch and dinner menu, but Postino’s also serves delicious brunch and cocktail items. Sit at the bar or patio while you enjoy their Smoked Salmon Carpaccio or their Focaccia Stack made with grilled focaccia, smashed avocado, crispy prosciutto, fried egg, watermelon radish, arugula, feta and spicy Marcona almonds. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check out Postino South Tempe too: 8749 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 602-325-2211

Scramble
1120 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-534-4044

Check out Scramble in south Tempe, a quick casual spot that serves up fresh, local ingredients and offer lots of vegan and gluten-friendly menu items. Diners can enjoy their food on the patio and sit awhile to relax over their delicious food. Dogs are also welcome to sit on their patio, an awesome plus! Scramble is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Snakes & Lattes
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-361-6644

Enjoy fun with your brunch at Snakes & Lattes in Downtown Tempe. Choose from their extensive list of brunch menu items while playing a board game or two…or maybe even three! Take your pick of hundreds of board games, from classics like Clue and Mall Madness to the newest in strategy games. You can even play the board games with your brunch bunch on their shady patio! Brunch is offered until 2 p.m. daily.

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 are tempted by from-scratch menu items such as a choose-your-own flight of fluffy pancakes or house-made breakfast pot pie smothered in rosemary sausage gravy. Open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunbar Tempe
1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-303-9967 

Not only has Sunbar made a name for itself as a venue for live music and DJs, but this vibey patio also plays host to one of the most irresistible weekend brunches. For starters, where else can you find bottles of champagne for $0.01 (with the purchase of an entree)? Select your choice of juice and an essential brunch pairing — steak & eggs, chicken and waffles, biscuits & gravy — and enjoy the beats from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Terra Tempe Kitchen + Cocktails at The Westin Tempe
11 E. Seventh St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-8885

Terra Tempe brings a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience to the neighborhood with a menu of Modern-American cuisine that cleverly combines bold, rustic flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Weekend brunch is offered from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and features a brand-new specialty brunch cocktail menu.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-2920

Located at Tempe Marketplace, Thirsty Lion boasts a fantastic weekend brunch menu. Choose from a large selection of breakfast and cocktail menu items like the Lions Breakfast Burger or the Adobo Pork Benedict. Take your brunch out on their spacious patio that overlooks the interior shopping area to establish your shopping day plan. Thirsty Lion offers brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more Tempe breakfast ideas, check out our favorite breakfast spots in Tempe.