Festive Holiday Menus and Craft Cocktails at Top Tempe-Area Restaurants
As the holiday season arrives, elevate your celebrations with special holiday menus and craft cocktails at premier Tempe-area restaurants. Discover these curated festive dining experiences to capture the holiday spirit.
Culinary Dropout at The Yard Tempe
149 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
This Christmas Eve, join the ugly sweater party from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wear your ugliest sweater and savor the Night Before X-Mas Punch—cranberry, orange, Wild Turkey bourbon, and holiday spices—for $8. Complement it with their exceptional local beers, wines, hearty dishes, and cornhole. Open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.
Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044
Known for outstanding food and panoramic views, Rustler’s Rooste offers a holiday menu of home-style favorites. Open Christmas Day from noon to 8 p.m., with live country music from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy traditional turkey or baked ham dinners for $19.95 adults/$8.95 kids (10 and under). Prime rib (8 oz. to 24 oz.) starts at $20.95, served with candied yams and corn. Finish with apple or pumpkin pie, or both, plus ice cream.
Gertrude’s
Desert Botanical Garden | 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008
Nestled in the stunning Desert Botanical Garden, Gertrude’s delivers seasonal menus and cocktails highlighting local artisans and farmers. Savor the garden ambiance with dishes like Flat Iron Steak, Korean Fried Chicken Thighs, or Fried Tofu. Brunch highlights include the Gertie Benedict (sope, chorizo, fingerling potatoes, green chili hollandaise) or Gertie Burger (white cheddar, onions, tomato jam on brioche with black pepper chips). Indulge in ricotta donut holes with smoked fudge, salted caramel, and prickly pear jelly.
Top of the Rock
Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes | 2000 E. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
Skip the kitchen this Christmas. On December 25, enjoy a lavish holiday buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights: roasted turkey, baked ham, prime rib, salmon, short ribs, roasted chicken, cured meats, artisan cheeses, omelet station, salads, sides, and desserts. Pricing: $69.95 adults, $39.95 kids 7-12, free for 5 and under. Reservations recommended: call 602.431.2370 or book via OpenTable.
Market Cafe
Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes | 2000 E. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
On December 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., feast on a holiday buffet featuring spiced rub turkey, prime rib, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, lemon chicken, breakfast favorites, omelet station, salads, sides, and desserts. Pricing: $39.95 adults, $24.95 kids 6-12, free for under 5. Reservations advised: call 602.431.2367.
Thirsty Lion Gastro Pub & Grill
Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281
After holiday shopping at Tempe Marketplace, refuel with hearty meals and seasonal cocktails like Salted Caramel Moroccan Coffee (151 Cruzan Rum, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Buttershots, caramel, coffee, Kosher salt) or The Devereaux (Bulleit Bourbon, St. Germain, lemon, sparkling wine, simple syrup). Try rotating taps: Deschutes Jubelale (spiced ale with cocoa, fruit, toffee) or Hop Valley Citrus Mistress IPA (citrus, peach, tropical notes).
