Best Tempe Bakeries: Top Spots for Fresh Breads, Pastries, and Savory Eats
Bakeries are among my favorite destinations. From artisan breads and cupcakes to muffins and more, I'm always ready to explore a well-stocked pastry case. Tempe boasts incredible options—we could dedicate a whole blog to its cupcakes alone. Instead, we're spotlighting standout Tempe bakeries offering diverse sweet treats, often with breakfast or lunch. For a complete directory of bakeries and delis, visit the Tempe Tourism website. Here are some top favorites.
Bakeries in South Tempe
Great Harvest Bread Co., a charming family-owned bakery at the northwest corner of McClintock Drive and Warner Road, uses only natural ingredients for its breads, cookies, muffins, and scones. They grind wheat berries fresh daily before mixing dough. Enjoy daily staples like Honey Whole Wheat, plus rotating options such as Cinnamon Raisin and Whole Wheat Sourdough. Grab steaming-fresh bread to go, or savor their sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
P. Croissant—officially Pleasant Croissant—has delighted locals for 20 years at the northwest corner of Rural Road and Elliot. Fresh-baked croissants in flavors like apple and peanut butter sell out quickly. They also offer muffins, mini quiches, and breakfast/lunch sandwiches. Visit Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pairing Wildflower Bread Co. with Changing Hands Bookstore creates a heavenly combo on McClintock Drive and Guadalupe Road. The bakery features cupcakes, cookies, muffins, pastries, breads, rolls, and bagels. Elevate your visit with their exceptional breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Browse new/used books, gifts, and events next door for the perfect day. Open Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Red Apron Bakeshop lives up to its adorable name at the northwest corner of McClintock Drive and Warner Road. Indulge in oversized cookies (chocolate chip, chocolate crinkle, peanut butter, snickerdoodles, lemon), cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, and lovely little bundt cakes. Enjoy complimentary coffee or iced tea. Custom cakes available for special occasions. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tempe Bakeries near ASU
Romancing the Bean, a hidden gem in the Hayden Ferry Lakeside complex at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue, fills its case daily with delectable cookies, oversized muffins, and scones. Pair with gourmet coffee, egg dishes, breakfast sandwiches, salads, or lunch options. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Chompie’s, an institution since the 1980s on University Drive between Rural and McClintock, boasts a stunning deli case. This New York-style spot is famous for flavorful bagels, cakes, cookies, challah, rye, breads, and pastries. Dine in or take out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Open Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sweetest Season Artisan Eatery, a fresh Tempe favorite on Apache Blvd. between the 101 and McClintock in India Plaza, bakes raspberry pop tarts, huge blueberry muffins, soaked lemon cake, and indulgent 'cheat day' chocolate chip cookies. Beyond sweets, try breakfast sandwiches, Belgian waffles, lunch sandwiches, flatbreads, and galettes. A second location was planned for fall 2018 at McClintock and Guadalupe. Open daily 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tracy Dempsey Originals, a cozy haven at the southeast corner of University and Priest Drives, showcases professional pastry chef Tracy's inventive treats: donut muffins, chocolate mousse-lemon verbena bars, ginger creams, homemade marshmallows, bacon pecan brittle, shortbreads, cookies, and cakes. Stunning wedding cakes too. Next door: ODV Wines, opened by Tracy and husband Chuck in 2017. Open Thurs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
