Chandler, Arizona is a delightful city in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with one of its residents’ favorite activities being outdoor dining. Yes, I’ll be the first to admit that for six months out of the year, the weather here is quite unbearable, but that doesn’t discount the other half that’s characterized by some wonderful weather. Maybe this is precisely why outdoor dining is so popular – it’s so miserable half the time that we truly appreciate and savor the half that’s beautiful.
Having said this, eating delicious food outside when it’s sunny and 60-75 degrees is right up people’s alleys. Now, these recommendations might not be the absolute best choices. But instead of rankings, think of these restaurants as solid suggestions for different occasions, because really I don’t know if you’re looking for a brunch spot, a happy hour, or somewhere to take the kids. This list will pretty much have all of that covered.
The Perch Brewery & Pub
The Perch Brewery & Pub has been a mainstay of Downtown Chandler for some time now. The place gives you quintessential gastropub vibes – a rotating tap list, your hearty “pub grub,” as they like to call it, and TV screens showing live sporting events. But it’s the outside that makes this restaurant unique, and it can only be characterized by one word – BIRDS. The outdoor dining also doubles as somewhat of a rescue bird sanctuary, as they’ve given these displaced aviary pets a home to thrive. Give The Perch a try, you won’t find another experience quite like this one.
Bottle & Bean
Coffee, brunch, beer, and wine – what’s not to love about this? But what makes Bottle & Bean a solid recommendation is the picnic-style outdoor area where you can relax on the grass with the tranquil sounds of the adjacent fountain in the background while your little ones can run around and enjoy some fresh air. My wife and I have come here on several occasions. Blankets are provided by the restaurant as you sit down and can take in some sun over a bottle of wine. Of course, there’s also tabled outdoor seating for those who want to order brunch as well. While you’re at it, check out Bottle & Bean’s wine selection inside.
The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails
If you’re a lover of cocktails and mixology, The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails provides a more modern feel than you’re normal gastropub. The vodka-infused Pink-Mopolitan and the gin-based Rosemary Poppin’ seem to be popular drink choices. But The Parlay boasts a spacious outdoor patio with Edison bulbs, heat lamps, and live music to create quite a lively atmosphere. There’s also a nice grassy lawn neighboring the patio which gives this place a nice, spacious feel.
The Brickyard Downtown
The tagline for The Brickyard Downtown is award-winning tapas and craft cocktails. Once you step inside, you will see their wide array of spirits and liquors filling the bar wall, and of course the walls inside are made of bricks. As mentioned, this restaurant boasts its selection of tapas to choose from, and if you know anything about tapas, it’s a food that’s meant to be social. You eat different varieties of them and you often share with someone else. So whether you want a place for a group setting or for a date night with that special someone in your life, you won’t find yourself bored here. The outdoor seating area is a bit limited as the whole restaurant is shaped a bit like a narrow corridor.
Hash Kitchen
Brunch on steroids. If that’s what you want, then Hash Kitchen is your answer. Loud music, big dishes, and their Bloody Mary’s. I’m not even a huge fan of Bloody Mary’s personally, but when I had theirs, I began to think, maybe I do like Bloody Mary’s. As someone who’s a bit older now, I prefer the outdoor seating here because it is pretty loud inside. But overall, this is a very popular brunch spot with long waits on weekends.
Chandler Has Great Outdoor Dining
Whether it’s a big brunch, somewhere to take the kids, a unique experience, or a night out, Chandler has it all covered in the area of outdoor dining. Like I said in the beginning, for half the year this is one of Chandler residents’ favorite things to do. Can you find better places to eat? Probably. Can you find more affordable spots to eat at? Definitely. But when it comes to outdoor dining, it’s more all-encompassing than just the food. It’s about the experience, the vibes, and how it enhances the company you’re with. So give these restaurants a try.