You might know them as “brunch spots” or “A.M. diners,” but the anatomy is usually the same: bright, breezy restaurants with breakfast- and lunch-driven service that extends into the late afternoon, often owned by a woman, often named after one. The all-day diner is enjoying a renaissance in Central Phoenix, led by these masterpiece additions.
Tandy’s: Set in the old Binkley’s bungalow, this Midtown eatery from former Phoenician chef Tandy Peterson recently added a dinner menu and stays open daily until 9 p.m., but retains the soul of a brunch spot. An egg-centric breakfast/brunch menu deftly glides into lunch, hitting varied pleasure points like tomato-y shakshuka, a Calabrese sandwich spread with spicy ‘nduja and a pepper jack smashburger. 2320 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, 602-441-0511, tandyscafe.com
Lydia’s Kitchen: Besides brunch classics like lemon ricotta pancakes, oeufs en cocotte (baked eggs with shallot cream, fontina and bacon) and a chipotle-kissed fried chicken sammy, this architect-owned oasis north of Camelback boasts something most brunch places don’t: a gastropub-level bar, shaking up midday-appropriate libations like the French 75-inspired Golden Flor: mezcal, lavender honey and lemon, animated with a splash of Champagne. 1215 E. Missouri Ave., 480-725-8034, lydiasphx.com
Matilda’s All-Day Cafe: Caffeine whisperer Devon McConville brings a mixologist’s sensibility to the coffee and tea menu at her smash-hit café near Roosevelt, offering the Valley’s most formidable selection of lattes, machas and assorted wake-me-ups, including seasonal pleasers like the luscious Pistachio Rose, laced with rose water, pistachio and vanilla bean. McConville offers cocktails, too. And terrific food. And a grassy lawn to lay a blanket and nap it all off. 822 N. Sixth Ave., 602-502-3671, matildasallday.com
