Where to dine between Tucson and Scottsdale.

Question

Meeting a friend for late afternoon/early evening meetup between Scottsdale and Tucson. Would like a place with outdoor dining option. Have met in Casa Grande on the past, but friend driving from Tucson wanted someplace different didn’t mind driving longer distance. But maybe a place in Chandler or Mesa or Tempe? Any suggestions?

Answer

If you are looking for a convenient spot between Tucson and Scottsdale for late afternoon or early evening dining, Chandler, Mesa, and Tempe offer plenty of outdoor-friendly options. These cities have a mix of casual and upscale restaurants, many with patios or rooftop seating to enjoy the Arizona weather.

Here are some suggestions by city:

Chandler:
- SanTan Brewing Company – Casual brewery with a spacious patio, good for craft beer and pub-style food.
- The Ostrich – Southwestern-inspired cuisine with an outdoor seating area.
- Fired Pie – Fast-casual pizza with outdoor tables, good for a relaxed meetup.
Mesa:
- Blue Adobe Grille – Southwestern and Mexican cuisine with outdoor dining and a lively atmosphere.
- Beachside Grill at Mesa Riverview – Patio seating and casual fare near the water features.
- Handlebar Tempe (Mesa nearby) – American comfort food, bike-themed bar with an outdoor patio.
Tempe:
- Oregano’s Pizza Bistros – Popular for pizza and pasta, with outdoor seating options.
- Four Peaks Brewery – Known for beer and pub food, has a shaded patio area.
- Pedal Haus Brewery – Outdoor seating, casual and lively vibe with good appetizers and drinks.

Additional tips:

Arriving a little earlier may help secure patio seating, especially in the cooler late afternoon or evening.
Tempe Mill Avenue area has many restaurants with outdoor seating, making it easy to walk between options if you’re unsure of where to commit.
If your friend prefers a more scenic spot, consider a location near Tempe Town Lake with lakeside patios.

Overall, for a mix of accessibility between Tucson and Scottsdale and good outdoor dining, Chandler or Tempe offer the best combination of variety, patios, and easy highway access. Mesa is also convenient and slightly less crowded than Tempe in the early evening.