There was a time in the Valley when scoring a brunch table on the weekend meant braving hours-long waits nearly everywhere you went. But nowadays, Phoenix is packed with trendy brunch destinations serving stylish spaces, creative menus, and boozy cocktails.
Like the city’s mythical namesake rising from the ashes, these 15 brunch spots in Phoenix prove the scene has reinvented itself into something worthy of attention. From the philanthropist to the partier, there’s something for everyone on this list.
The Eleanor
If it’s a casual eatery with spunky retro vibes you seek, look no further than The Eleanor in Scottsdale. Dig into the breakfast hash with braised short rib and fingerling potatoes, or the Wild Mushroom Omelette with caramelized onions and roasted wild mushrooms.
Popular drinks include a classic espresso martini, though a beautifully crafted cappuccino is just as fitting. The interiors are mid-century with a modern twist. Overall, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to take your friends and stay a while. 3207 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, theeleanoraz.com
Valentine
Valentine in the heart of the Melrose District is effortlessly cool, thanks to its painstaking attention to detail. Backed by three James Beard recognitions, this Southwest regional menu focuses on Indigenous produce and Sonoran ingredients, all set in a space that has lived many lives: a former car wash turned midcentury furniture showroom, and now, a restaurant.
Order the Steak & Eggs with pork belly tepary beans and huitlacoche tortillas, or the Tres Leches French Toast topped with mesquite-pecan butter, sorghum-sage syrup, and spiced cacao. The coffee, tea, and cocktail program is also praiseworthy, from the golden milk latte with fresh turmeric and ginger to the matcha with watermelon-cucumber fresca. Don’t skip the pastries, including the Piñon Croissant with piñon frangipane and the churro croissant roll. 4130 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, valentinephx.com
The Joy Bus
In 2011, award-winning chef Jennifer Caraway launched the nonprofit The Joy Bus to deliver medically tailored meals to cancer patients after witnessing her friend’s battle with ovarian cancer. A few years later, she created The Joy Bus Diner, a 100% nonprofit restaurant supporting the cause.
Today, the diner serves a community-driven brunch experience with a devoted local following and a from-scratch kitchen, because Caraway firmly believes food should be healing. Savory brunch lovers should try the Shakshuka with poached eggs and toasted Wood’s bread, while the Princess Poppyseed Pancakes stuffed with lemon cream offer a sweeter route. Don’t leave without a glass of the fresh-squeezed orange juice. 10401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, joybus.org
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
Cowboy artist Lon Megargee hand-built this inn brick by brick as his personal home in the 1930s, and today it remains one of the most authentically Arizona dining experiences in the Valley.
The brunch menu is strong, with dishes like Red Chile Chicken Chilaquiles, topped with queso fresco, crema, and eggs made to order, and the Croissant Benedict layered with Canadian bacon or smoked salmon, hollandaise, and crispy signature potatoes. Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t pass on the monkey bread finished with salted caramel and cream cheese icing. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, azhideawaycollection.com
The Morning Glory Café
At Morning Glory Café, farm-to-table isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life. Guests can dine under the canopies of pecan trees on this 10-acre farm. The restaurant sources produce from its own garden and partners with beloved local brands because “we believe that the less travel time an ingredient has, the better it tastes here at The Farm,” said Nikki Shaffer, director of events.
Standout dishes include the Loaded Japanese Sweet Potato with brisket smoked on-site, maple-glazed bacon, aioli, and farm eggs; and the Brioche French Toast finished with warm maple glaze and pecans. All seating is outdoors, creating an idyllic brunch experience under the open sky. 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, thefarmatsouthmountain.com/morning-glory-patio
fà-me cafe
The word “fà-me” literally means “famished” or “hungry” in parts of Italy and northern Spain, making it a fitting name for a restaurant that wants guests to arrive hungry and leave happy. It achieves that mission by sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and artisans and turning them into dishes you might just dream about.
Standouts include the “pain perdu” French toast made with Barrio Bread’s rustic loaf, and the Croque Madame, layered with gruyère, ham, béchamel, and a sunny-side-up egg on Noble Bread’s multigrain. Specialty coffee, tea, and cocktails are also thoughtfully crafted. 4700 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, famecafephx.com
Hash Kitchen
“Hash hash baby” and “brunch so hard” are just a few of the cheeky phrases splashed across the walls of this high-energy brunch hotspot. Known for its Bloody Mary bar and live DJs on weekends, Hash Kitchen delivers the fun vibes alongside seriously indulgent food. Try The Best F#*%ing Birria Hash, loaded with slow chile-braised beef, mozzarella, white onions, quesadillas, demi consommé, and escabeche, or limited-time creations like the Ube Dream Pancakes topped with blueberry compote, ube cream, and fresh blueberries.
Drinks are just as playful, like the whimsical lemonade flights crowned with cotton candy, or opt for a simple fresh-squeezed green juice to start the day right. Multiple locations, hashkitchen.com
Lydia’s Kitchen and Market
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re brunching in the English countryside, Lydia’s brings the Old World charm to Central Phoenix. Located inside The Frederick, a restored midcentury modern complex, the restaurant is elegant, yet cozy.
Dishes worth recommending include the Oeufs en Cocotte with shallot cream, bacon, fontina, baked egg, herbs de Provence, and sourdough toast, as well as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with blueberry compote, maple syrup, and whipped butter. Coffee and cocktails are both excellent choices here, making it tempting to stay awhile. 1215 E. Missouri Ave., Suite 10, Phoenix, lydiasphx.com
Brunch and Sip
At Brunch & Sip, the party isn’t reserved for weekends. This Arcadia brunch spot brings high-energy vibes every day of the week, courtesy of the team behind longtime Valley favorite Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. The made-from-scratch kitchen creates soulful, sweet-and-savory dishes made with wholesome ingredients and plenty of heart.
Favorites include the Fried Chicken Biscuit layered with a folded egg, turkey bacon, and turkey sausage gravy, as well as the Short Rib Hash featuring red wine-braised short rib over garlic rosemary potatoes. Guests may also want to enjoy an inventive cocktail or a classic mimosa. 3714 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, brunchnsip.com
Foch Café and Bistro
Along Mill Avenue, this chef-driven café brings French flair and house-made ingredients to Tempe’s brunch scene. Recommended favorites include the Chicken n’ Gravy Crepe, stuffed with fried chicken, sausage gravy, a sunny-side-up egg, and jalapeño jam, as well as the Brie Burger topped with red wine-braised onions, brie cheese, and black garlic aioli.
Foch also leans into local partnerships, serving Arizona-made breads, kombucha, lemonades, and more. The atmosphere is casual, bright, and airy, making it an easy place to settle in. 21 E. 6th St., Tempe, fochcafe.com
Sophia’s Brunch Counter
This new spot is generating buzz for its take on fast-casual counter service. The space feels like a Los Angeles café just moved to Scottsdale, complete with leather booths, sage green accents, and bright, airy lighting. The restaurant also leans into local partnerships with names like Provision Coffee and Underbelly Meat Co., which is always nice to see.
Recommended dishes include the Breakfast Fried Rice with kimchi and shiitake mushrooms, or the French toast topped with dulce de leche and French butter. It’s the kind of place equally suited for a quick chat or a longer brunch. 336 E. Thomas Rd., BLDG. 3, Phoenix, sophiasbrunch.com
The Henry
Weekend brunch at The Henry is always a good idea. Start with the Bloody Mary cart if that’s your thing, or select something else from the restaurant’s multi-page beverage menu. Reimagined brunch classics include the Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas with queso Oaxaca, pico de gallo, guacamole, and poblano crema. Or go sweet with the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast topped with cinnamon caramel and cream cheese frosting. The atmosphere is “casually upscale,” making it ideal for brunch-goers who want to ease into the morning in a beautiful space. Multiple locations, thehenryrestaurant.com
Butters Pancakes and Café
Since arriving in the Valley in 2011, Butters Pancakes & Café has established itself as a reliable go-to for brunch lovers. Batters are made from scratch daily, and sweet dishes are finished with fresh whipped butter.
Popular orders include the Granola Power Pancakes with blueberries, oats, and almonds, as well as the Chorizo Egg Burrito served with hash browns or grits. The atmosphere is comfortable and laid-back, making it an easy choice for a relaxed brunch focused on quality local ingredients. Multiple locations, butterscafe.com
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
Located next to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Scottsdale Quarter, this crêperie takes a creative approach to the French classic. Guests can go savory with La Canadienne, filled with scrambled eggs, mozzarella, potatoes, bacon, and maple syrup, or keep things sweet with the Nutella® Crêpe. The croffles—a croissant-waffle hybrid—are another standout for their playful inventiveness.
Coffee lovers should also order the Iced French Toast Latte finished with cinnamon and vanilla cold foam. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, the milkshakes are well worth it. 15147 N. Scottsdale Rd. #133, Scottsdale sweetparis.com
JoJo Coffeehouse Breakfast & Brunch
If coffee is a crucial part of your brunch experience, JoJo Coffeehouse’s signature flights might just make your day. The themed flights rotate quarterly, featuring inventive combinations like strawberry-and-cream latte, coconut cream pie, and pistachio cream cold brew, all served on long wooden boards for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Guests can also opt for a more classic flight offered hot or iced with staples like cold brew, latte, and cappuccino.
On the menu, try the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or the JoJo Breakfast Sandwich. Live music on weekends adds even more energy to the experience. 3712 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 110, Scottsdale, jojocoffeehouse.com
