Phoenix is starting to show off with mild fall temperatures that are the envy of the nation. And with these cool mornings and evenings comes the perfect time to sit outside and dine al fresco in the Arizona desert. Whether you're looking for a casual patio setting, or a truly unforgettable sunset dining experience on the water, here are the best patio culinary dining experiences to try in and around Phoenix this fall.
1. Scorpion Bay Grill
Coming out of the busy season at the lake means fall is the perfect time for a relaxing lunch or dinner on the water at Scorpion Bay Grill. Plenty of parking, easy access down the stairs to the dock with the tram and breathtaking nearly 360-degree views would be enough to make this patio dining spot top of the list, but then Chef Joe and Food and Beverage Director Matt Osterman take the culinary experience to the next level. Indulgent weekly dining specials, hand-crafted cocktails and a variety of freshly grilled burgers (including savory veggie burgers), flatbreads, filling salads, sandwiches and decadent desserts tempt diners each visit. The Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating or drive your boat straight up to the restaurant for a to-go order! Beautiful private event charter boats are available for 40 people plus captain and catering for full- or half-day cruises, or to remain docked at the restaurant creating a private event room.
Location: 10970 Peninsula Blvd, Morristown
https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/food-drink/scorpion-bay-grill/
2. T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort
You can't beat views of the iconic Camelback Mountain while dining alfresco at this long-standing Valley dining favorite. Delicious new American fare is served in this posh, yet welcoming patio surrounded by fireplaces, gardens, fountains and reflecting ponds. Diners can choose sunny or shaded tables and open kitchen views.
Location: 5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix
https://www.royalpalmshotel.com/tcooks/
3. Prime, a Shula's Steakhouse
Located on the top floor of the Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, Prime is a new culinary offering spectacular views of the Valley and a robust dinner, lunch and now brunch menu with French influences.
Location: 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226
https://primessh.com/
4. Lon's at Hermosa Inn
Another long-standing classic, Lon's feels like an outdoor oasis in the desert with gorgeous flowers, trees and live music combining with premium food offered up to diners on their popular patio a delightful experience. Lon's is currently featuring some spectacular and breakfast deals as well making fall a great time to try out their patio.
Location: 5532 N Palo Cristi Rd, Paradise Valley
https://www.hermosainn.com/dining/lons
5. Joe's Real BBQ & Joe's Farm Grill
East Valley favorites, Joe's Real BBQ and its sister culinary concept Joe's Farm Grill, both in Gilbert, offer family-friendly, laid-back outdoor patio dining experiences that are great for large family gatherings, birthday parties and events. Kids run around freely while delicious fresh food is served cafeteria style at both venues. Joe's BBQ focuses on slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides, while the Grill ventures into a more eclectic menu serving uncommonly good burgers, salads, pizza and desserts with impeccable service. And don't forget to walk over to Topo for some famous prickly pear ice cream when you're downtown at Joe's Real BBQ. Topo is a third culinary concept by Gilbert resident Joe Johnson that serves burritos, street corn and soft serve ice cream out of a giant Gopher-shaped food stand next to his downtown BBQ restaurant.
Joe's BBQ Location: 301 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234
https://www.joesrealbbq.com/
Joes' Farm Grill Location: 3000 E. Ray Rd., Bldg. 1, Gilbert, AZ, 85296
https://www.joesfarmgrill.com/
6. Cibo, an urban pizzeria
Get in line early as this popular pizzeria is seemingly always packed after multiple national television culinary feature stories. But the wait is worth it when you're savoring these delectable wood-fired pizzas nestled in a cozy backyard-style patio with live music in downtown Phoenix.
Location: 603 N. 5th Ave, Phoenix
https://www.cibophoenix.com/
7. Olive and Ivy, Scottsdale Waterfront
Mediterranean food served on the waterfront offers a peaceful patio escape from the ordinary at Olive and Ivy's downtown Scottsdale location. Cozy fire pits, shrubbery and small seating pockets create a feeling of intimacy despite the large restaurant space. Watching the sunset on the waterfront while sipping wine with friends or family places this patio dining experience on the must-try fall list.
Location: 7135 E Camelback Rd #195, Scottsdale
https://www.oliveandivyrestaurant.com/locations/scottsdale-az/
8. Queen Creek Olive Mill
This family-owned gem has established itself as one of Queen Creek and the East Valley's top culinary destinations. Add in their giant patio surrounded by lush trees, signature wines, olive oils, stuffed wines and delicious menu sources by their onsite local sustainable farm and it's easy to see why this is such a popular patio agri-tourism experience.
Location: 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek
https://www.queencreekolivemill.com/
9. The Perch, Chandler
A sunset on this scenic rooftop patio in historic downtown Chandler is unforgettable. Their extensive selection of beers, burgers, salad, and pizzas for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch can be savored in a unique patio dining environment with more than 50 brightly-colored tropical rescue birds chattering and talking to diners throughout the day. A hit with kids, out-of-town guests and loyal locals.
Location: 232 S. Wall St., Chandler
http://perchpubbrewery.com/
10. Luci's at The Orchard in uptown Phoenix
This is an understated spot for family and friends to gather this fall amidst citrus trees, lush green grass and lovely flowers. Enjoy the entire outdoor dining complex perfect for kids and an ice cream shop. Plus, its sister restaurant, Pomelo offers a more refined culinary atmosphere in a historic house with its own patio and fire pits.
Location: 7100 N. 12th St., Phoenix
https://lucisorchard.com/
Get outside and enjoy this perfect fall patio weather at one of these top dining offerings here in the Phoenix desert.
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/