Rainforest Cafe

- 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282

For Arizona families and visitors seeking a truly memorable and immersive dining experience that transcends the ordinary, the Rainforest Cafe at Arizona Mills in Tempe offers a unique and exciting escape. This establishment is not just a restaurant; it is a full-scale sensory adventure, combining the fun of a theme park attraction with the comfort of a full-service American restaurant and bar & grill. The location is an ideal spot for celebrating special occasions, entertaining visiting tourists, or simply enjoying a vibrant and dynamic family dinner.

The entire venue is meticulously designed to transport patrons deep into a lush, tropical rainforest environment, complete with simulated fog, cascading waterfalls, and the authentic sounds of the jungle. Throughout your meal, you are surrounded by realistic, lifelike animatronic animals, including elephants, gorillas, and exotic birds, which periodically "come to life" for an entertaining show, often accompanied by a simulated tropical thunderstorm that delights guests of all ages. This unparalleled ambiance is the key draw and a major highlight for all visitors.

While the atmosphere is spectacular, the menu offers a diverse range of American cuisine with a tropical twist, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate. From pasta dishes like the spicy Pastalaya and themed options like Anaconda Pasta, to hearty seafood, steaks, and a robust selection of sandwiches and burgers, the food is designed as comforting and crowd-pleasing. The service is often praised by guests, with a focus on being attentive and detail-oriented, which contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.

The Rainforest Cafe's strategic positioning within the Arizona Mills retail complex in Tempe, AZ, makes it a highly convenient and accessible destination for the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. Its exact location is:

Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

Being situated near the Arizona Mills mall ensures that there is ample parking for guests. The restaurant provides:

• Free parking lot options.
• Free street parking, offering great convenience even during busy shopping periods.

The establishment is highly dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all visitors, with essential features to accommodate every guest:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom, which also includes a changing table for families with young children.
• Wheelchair accessible seating arrangements within the dining areas.

Beyond its location, the restaurant is recognized for its family-friendly crowd and welcomes various groups, proudly serving as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace, ensuring a welcoming environment for all Arizona locals and tourists.

The Rainforest Cafe provides numerous dining and hospitality services to accommodate a wide array of needs and preferences for individuals and groups across Arizona:

• Dine-in with Table Service: Guests enjoy full-service dining in the immersive jungle atmosphere, featuring attentive servers known as "Safari Guides."
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for guests who wish to enjoy their comfort food favorites at home or elsewhere.
• Catering: Services for large events and gatherings, although information about specific catering packages should be confirmed directly with the restaurant.
• Accepts Reservations: Planning ahead is highly recommended, as the restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends and for special occasions. Accepting reservations helps reduce wait times.
• Onsite Services: The complete experience includes access to the full bar and, in many locations, an accompanying Retail Village or gift shop to explore before or after dining.
• Party Planner Services: The restaurant is listed as a party planner, indicating its specialization in hosting and organizing events, particularly children’s birthdays and large group celebrations.

The features and highlights of the Rainforest Cafe are largely centered on its immersive themed dining experience, but also include high-quality service and beverage offerings:

• Immersive Atmosphere: The main highlight, featuring realistic animatronic animals, captivating jungle scenery, and periodic simulated thunderstorms that engage all senses.
• Signature Menu Items: Famous for its massive, shareable desserts like the Sparkling Volcano—a giant chocolate brownie cake served with ice cream and sauces, often topped with a silver sparkler—and appetizers like the Awesome Appetizer Adventure (a sampler plate including Chimi-Cha-Chas, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Cheese Sticks, and Chicken Strips).
• Full Bar Service: Featuring a Bar Onsite with a great selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Wine. The bar is known for its creatively themed Cocktails and tropical specialty drinks.
• Beverage Excellence: Specifically highlighted for having a Great beer selection and Great cocktails. Coffee is also available.
• Family Amenities: Specifically noted as being Good for kids and Good for kids birthday, offering a dedicated Kids’ Menu, high chairs, and changing tables, making it a stress-free environment for parents.
• Crowd Appeal: Popular for Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining, Groups, and Tourists, with a casual atmosphere that appeals widely.

To plan your family adventure or inquire about a reservation or party planning, please use the following contact details for the Tempe, AZ location:

Phone: (480) 752-9100

Mobile Phone: +1 480-752-9100

Address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

For Arizona residents, the Rainforest Cafe is worth choosing not just for a meal, but for a complete entertainment package. The restaurant provides an unmatched, transportive atmosphere that truly stands out among the many dining options in the Valley. This is particularly appealing for families with children, as the interactive animatronics and indoor rainstorms create a memorable experience that often turns a simple dinner into a treasured family tradition, as evidenced by loyal customers who make the drive from places like Tucson.

Furthermore, the ability to accept reservations is a major benefit, allowing local planners to secure a table for a special event like a child's birthday party—an occasion the venue is specifically suited for. While the food is solid American comfort fare—including a robust selection of seafood, pasta, and burgers—it is the legendary Sparkling Volcano dessert and the fun, exotic cocktail menu that serve as the perfect capstones to the visit. It’s an establishment that understands its niche: delivering delicious food within a spectacular, fun, and inclusive jungle setting that provides a momentary escape from the Arizona desert heat.

Rainforest Cafe

5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA