Group of young adults celebrating at an outdoor event, some wearing graduation caps. They are sitting around a table in Tempe, AZ filled with food, laughing and enjoying the sunny weather.

Ultimate Tempe Graduation Brunch Guide: Best Venues & Ideas 2025

Hosting a graduation brunch can be tricky. Tempe, AZ offers an array of options to celebrate this big milestone.

In this guide, you’ll find the best tips for planning everything from the venue to the menu.

Let’s make your grad’s day special!

Key Takeaways

  • Consider popular venues like Netta Cheta’s, Culinary Dropout, Salut Kitchen Bar, and The Porch for their unique atmospheres and suitability for different group sizes.

  • Choose a mix of local dishes and classic brunch favorites such as breakfast burritos, chiliquiles, and prickly pear lemonade to highlight Tempe’s flavorful cuisine.

  • Implement themes like Beach Party or Retro 80s with corresponding decorations to match the graduate’s interests for a memorable event.

  • Utilize Tempe’s sunny weather by incorporating outdoor seating with umbrellas or tents, desert plants as centerpieces, and bright-colored decor items.

  • Set up practical features like a cool beverages station with iced tea and lemonade to keep guests refreshed under the Arizona sun.

Note: We offer an event room for all types of parties.

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Selecting the Ideal Venue in Tempe

Finding a spot that fits your guest list and vibe is key. Think about places like Netta Cheta’s for a laid-back atmosphere or somewhere close to downtown Tempe for convenience.

Considerations for size and ambiance

A group of young adults wearing graduation caps sit around an outdoor table in Tempe, AZ decorated with colorful bunting, enjoying food and drinks in a sunny setting.

Smaller parties might enjoy a cozy sit-down restaurant downtown Tempe. Always check if the venue accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other payment options to keep things smooth.

Ambiance sets the mood for your celebration. A lively spot on Mill Avenue can create an upbeat atmosphere perfect for festivities. On the other hand, more intimate settings offer peaceful vibes ideal for heartfelt conversations and sharing memories.

French toast or pancakes from local favorites add a touch of hometown cuisine to your meal.

The ambiance isn’t just about looks; it’s how it makes you feel.

Selecting the right venue is crucial…

Top venue recommendations

A group of people sit around a table outdoors enjoying food and drinks, with one person wearing a graduation cap and gown, laughing and celebrating.

Finding the right venue is crucial for a memorable graduation brunch. Tempe offers some fantastic spots that cater to different tastes and needs.

  1. Netta Cheta’s A classic diner with a large event room is perfect for your grad’s party with up to about 50 people.
  2. Culinary Dropout
    A fun and energetic place for big groups. Known for mimosa flights, it’s perfect if you enjoy a laid-back vibe with live music.
  3. Salut Kitchen Bar
    This spot combines rustic charm with modern touches. Great for a cozy gathering, it includes options for private dining areas for your special day.
  4. The Porch
    Ideal for those seeking casual restaurants with an outdoor seating option. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious brunch menu make it a hit among families.
  5. Perfect Pear Bistro
    Located near Arizona State University, this family restaurant offers healthy options and delicious comfort foods. It accepts both credit cards and debit cards.
  6. The Normal Diner at Graduate Hotel Tempe
    Offers a nostalgic ambiance with classic diner food but elevated in style—a great pick if you have guests from out of town visiting Arizona State University nearby.

Crafting Your Brunch Menu

Think about offering a mix of local dishes and classic brunch favorites. Whether you opt for catering or cook yourself, let Tempe’s flavors shine.

Local Tempe cuisine and specialties

A person prepares a variety of dishes in a kitchen, including salads, bread, and plated meals, with fresh herbs and vegetables evident. Sunlight filters through a window, illuminating the scene.

Tempe offers a delightful range of local cuisine and specialties that can elevate your graduation brunch. These local flavors will impress your guests and showcase the best of Tempe.

  1. Breakfast Burritos
    • Kick off the feast with hearty breakfast burritos. Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and choice of meat or veggies.
  2. Chiliquiles
    • A traditional Mexican dish featuring tortilla chips smothered in salsa, topped with cheese, and often adorned with fried eggs.
  3. Sonoran Hot Dogs
    • Bacon-wrapped hot dogs stuffed into soft buns and loaded with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, mustard, mayo, and more.
  4. Navajo Tacos
    • Enjoy fry bread topped with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream for a unique taste.
  5. Tamales
    • Delight guests with these corn husk-wrapped treats filled with meats or sweet fillings like pineapple or cinnamon.
  6. Prickly Pear Lemonade
    • Offer a refreshing drink made from the juice of prickly pear cactus fruit combined with citrusy lemonade.
  7. Green Chile Mac ‘n’ Cheese
    • Add some kick to comfort food by including green chiles in creamy mac n’ cheese.
  8. Street Tacos
    • Small tacos filled with seasoned meat such as carne asada or al pastor served on soft corn tortillas.
  9. Horchata
    • A sweet rice milk beverage flavored with cinnamon that pairs perfectly with spicy foods.
  10. Sopapillas
    • Finish on a sweet note with these fried pastries drizzled in honey.

Your brunch will be brimming with flavor when you include these Tempe specialties!

Catering options

Catering can make or break your graduation brunch. Choose the right catering service, and you’ll have guests raving long after the event.

  1. Local Delights
    • Consider serving regional dishes that highlight Tempe’s local cuisine.
    • A spread of breakfast burritos, chorizo, or Sonoran hot dogs adds a special touch.
  2. Sit-Down Restaurant Catering
    • Many graduation party venues offer sit-down restaurant style catering with prix fixe menus.
    • This option provides a structured meal and eliminates guesswork about food quantities.
  3. Food Trucks
    • Hiring a Tempe based food truck brings a fun, casual vibe to your brunch.
    • Look for trucks offering gourmet tacos, waffles, or coffee specialties.
  4. Buffet Style
    • Buffets allow guests to sample various dishes and serve themselves at their own pace.
    • Make sure to include both savory options like quiches and sweet treats like muffins.
  5. DIY Brunch Stations
    • Set up stations where guests can assemble their own breakfast parfaits or bagels.
    • This interactive option works well for engaging attendees of all ages.
  6. Catering from Local Farmers’ Markets
    • Work with vendors from Tempe’s farmer’s markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
    • Fresh fruit platters and locally sourced cheeses are great choices.

Next, dive into planning themes and decorations that stand out in Tempe’s vibrant setting.

Planning and Decor Ideas

A group of people enjoy an outdoor gathering in a garden with colorful flowers and a variety of food on the table. A man is preparing food while two women stand nearby.

Brainstorm fun theme ideas that resonate with the graduate’s interests. Think of using bright, local flowers and Tempe-themed decorations to enhance the vibe.

Theme suggestions for a memorable event

Choosing the right theme can make your graduation brunch unforgettable. Pick a theme that matches the graduate’s personality or interests.

  1. Beach Party Theme
    • Use blue and white tablecloths.
    • Decorate with seashells and starfish.
    • Consider renting a snow cone machine for extra fun.
  2. Retro 80s Theme
    • Hang up neon signs and play classic hits from the 80s.
    • Encourage guests to wear colorful, retro outfits.
    • Serve popular foods from that decade, like mini sliders and jello cups.
  3. Garden Party Theme
    • Host it at a sit down restaurant with an outdoor patio in Tempe.
    • Adorn tables with fresh flowers in mason jars.
    • Offer light, refreshing drinks like iced tea and lemonade.
  4. Travel Adventure Theme
    • Decorate with maps and travel postcards.
    • Set up a photo booth with props like suitcases and globes.
    • Create dishes inspired by different countries for a global menu.
  5. Hollywood Glamour Theme
    • Roll out a red carpet entrance for guests.
    • Place gold balloons and twinkling lights around the venue.
    • Serve mocktails in fancy glasses to make everyone feel like stars.

Each theme above provides unique ideas to jazz up your event while celebrating this special milestone.

Decor and setup tips tailored for Tempe’s environment

Three people walking down a red carpet holding drinks, surrounded by gold balloons and festive lights, with other people in the background.

Tempe’s sunny weather makes for a stunning graduation brunch. You can create a refreshing and memorable setup with these simple tips:

  1. Outdoor Seating
    Embrace the warm climate by setting up tables outside. Use umbrellas or tents to provide shade.
  2. Desert Plants Decorations
    Incorporate succulents and cacti as centerpieces. They are beautiful and low-maintenance.
  3. Bright Colors
    Choose decorations in bright, cheerful colors like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow.
  4. Local Art Pieces
    Display artwork from local Tempe artists around the venue to add a touch of culture.
  5. Eco-friendly Options
    Use biodegradable plates and utensils. It’s good for the environment and adds a modern touch.
  6. String Lights
    Hang string lights around trees or across patios for an inviting evening ambiance.
  7. Custom Signage
    Create DIY signs congratulating graduates using local themes and materials like reclaimed wood.
  8. Cool Beverages Station
    Have a station with iced tea, lemonade, and water infused with citrus fruits to keep guests hydrated.
  9. Photo Booth Area
    Set up a photo booth with props related to Tempe landmarks for fun memories.
  10. Personalized Touches
    Include custom napkins or place cards with each graduate’s name printed on them for that extra special feel.

Conclusion

An assortment of Mexican dishes includes tacos, taquitos, nachos, and macaroni, served with various sauces, and accompanied by glasses of juice and beer on a wooden table.

Hosting the perfect graduation brunch in Tempe can be a breeze. With a great venue and tasty menu, your party will shine. Add some fun decorations to set the mood right. Most importantly, enjoy celebrating this special milestone!

FAQs

1. What food should I serve at a graduation brunch in Tempe?

Serve simple yet tasty dishes like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fruit salads. Consider local favorites too.

2. How do I decorate for a graduation brunch?

Use school colors and banners to add flair. Balloons and flowers make it festive without going overboard.

3. Where is the best place to host a graduation brunch in Tempe?

Look for places with outdoor seating or nice views, like parks or restaurants with patios.

4. What activities can keep guests entertained during the brunch?

Plan fun games related to school memories or set up a photo booth with props for everyone to enjoy.