Sunny's Diner Tempe AZ: Scratch-Made Comfort Food, Breakfast, and Lunch

Sunny's Diner Introduce

For Arizonans craving classic comfort food and a friendly, unpretentious dining experience, Sunny's Diner in Tempe stands out as a genuine local gem. Opening its doors in the heart of Tempe, this diner has become a beloved fixture, perfectly blending the traditional American diner concept with a distinct touch of Southwestern flair. It's the kind of establishment that prioritizes hearty portions, fair prices, and, most importantly, food made from scratch—a philosophy that elevates even the most classic dishes.

Sunny's commitment to quality is evident throughout its menu, which spans an impressive variety of offerings for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Unlike many chain restaurants, Sunny's takes pride in making its own breads, biscuits, and even hamburger buns in-house, ensuring a fresh, homemade taste in every bite. This dedication to "scratch-made" cooking is a key differentiator and is frequently highlighted by loyal customers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often described as a charming "mom-and-pop" establishment where the staff's kindness and cheerful demeanor are as memorable as the meals themselves. It’s a reliable spot for everyone, from college students and local groups to solo diners and tourists seeking authentic American breakfast and lunch classics.

The extensive menu ensures there's something for every craving, whether you're in the mood for traditional eggs and toast or a Southwestern-inspired dish. Popular items often mentioned by regular patrons include the rich and satisfying Skillets, such as "The Cowboy" or "Piglet," the generously portioned "Chicken Fried Steak," and a wide array of pancakes and French toast options. The diner also caters to the growing demand for border-style favorites with offerings like the "Rancher's Burrito" and "Huevos Rancheros." Furthermore, for those looking to start their day with a kick, the availability of double-shot espresso drinks and a full selection of "Adult Drinks," including Bloody Marys and Mimosas, ensures the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Location and Accessibility

Sunny's Diner is conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona, a prime spot that makes it highly accessible for both local residents and visitors to the East Valley. The diner is situated at:

1825 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Its location on East University Drive places it near key Tempe landmarks, including Arizona State University (ASU) and Tempe Marketplace, making it a popular and easy stop for a meal. The diner ensures a comfortable visit for all patrons by providing several key accessibility features:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking is available in the plaza's lot)
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

The provision of a dedicated, free parking lot is a significant convenience in this busy area. While the diner can attract a crowd, especially during peak hours, the available parking and straightforward access contribute to a pleasant experience from arrival to departure.

Services Offered

Sunny's Diner provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the modern needs of the Arizona community:

Full Dining Service: Serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with seating and full table service.
Flexible Ordering: Offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, including no-contact delivery for ultimate convenience.
Beverage Variety: Features a full Coffee shop menu with double-shot Espresso drinks (Lattes, Cappuccinos, etc.), a wide selection of Soft Drinks and Juices, and a menu of Adult Drinks (Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails like Bloody Marys and Mimosas).
Menu Choices: Specializes in Comfort food and Quick bites, with a diverse menu covering Skillets, Omelets, Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, and Border Favorites.
Family and Group Friendly: Accepts reservations for groups, is generally considered good for kids, and provides high chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu.
Connectivity: Provides Wi-Fi access for patrons.
Payment Options: Accepts multiple forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments.
Special Offers: Periodically offers Family Meal Kits, such as the Brunch Meal Kit, for easy at-home dining.

Features / Highlights

The aspects that make Sunny's Diner a standout destination for dining in the Tempe area are its commitment to quality and the welcoming environment it cultivates:

Scratch-Made Food Focus: A core value of the diner, with many items, including breads, biscuits, and house-made chorizo, prepared fresh in-house daily.
Great Coffee Program: Known for serving quality Guatemalan Roast Coffee, alongside a full menu of double-shot espresso beverages, making it a true Coffee shop as well as a diner.
Fast and Friendly Service: Consistently highlighted in customer reviews, the staff is noted for their warmth, cheerfulness, and efficiency, providing Fast service even when busy.
Expansive and Diverse Menu: The menu is massive, ensuring every visitor can find a favorite, from classic pancakes and waffles to specialty items like the "Shaved Ribeye Benedict" and various Border Favorites.
Signature Dishes: Popular items include the Chicken Fried Steak, various Skillets (like the "Piglet" and "The Cowboy"), and unique Omelets such as the "Irish" and "New Mexico" varieties.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is casual and cozy, drawing a diverse crowd including Locals, College students, and Tourists, fostering a comfortable and vibrant community feel.

Contact Information

To experience the renowned hospitality and homestyle cooking of Sunny's Diner, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1825 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 966-2761

Mobile Phone: +1 480-966-2761

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the Arizona region, especially those near Tempe and the ASU campus, Sunny's Diner is undeniably worth choosing for a reliable, delicious, and truly satisfying meal. It offers the rare combination of scratch-made quality and the comforting familiarity of a traditional diner. If you are a fan of breakfast or brunch, the sheer variety of Skillets, Benedicts, and Griddle Corner specialties—all prepared with fresh ingredients—makes it a must-visit. The food is consistently good, served promptly, and the pricing is considered fair for the generous portions provided. Customers often cite the friendly staff and warm, cozy atmosphere as the primary reasons for becoming loyal regulars, reinforcing the feeling that this is a true "mom-and-pop" establishment.

Furthermore, the diner is highly versatile, offering great options whether you're a student needing a study break, a family looking for a kid-friendly spot with a dedicated menu, or a professional seeking a quick, hearty lunch. The added bonus of specialty espresso drinks and a full bar menu means you can tailor your experience, from a simple cup of great coffee to a festive weekend Mimosa. When you choose Sunny's Diner, you are choosing a local business that is serious about comfort food, friendly service, and providing a fantastic start to your day.

Sunny's Diner Menu

Eggs & Such
Two Eggs Any Style - Classic $16.69
Two eggs cooked your way: egg whites, over easy, hard, medium, scrambled, sunny-side up. Side of biscuit, muffin, toast, or tortilla. Served with tomato, fruit, or fries. Choice of bacon or sausage.
Two Eggs Any Style - Premium $18.69
Two eggs prepared to preference. Options include egg whites and four other styles. Served with a choice of biscuit, English muffin, or other bread. Includes chicken breast, corned beef, or ham. Accompanied by tomato, fruit, or home fries.

Salads
Signature Salad $15.99
Diced bacon, shredded jack and cheddar cheese, tomato, cucumber, shredded carrot, croutons, and your choice of dressing.
Taco Salad $17.99
Your choice of ground beef, chorizo or chicken, diced tomatoes, crispy fried corn tortilla strips, onions, avocado, jack cheese on a bed of crisp greens. Served with our own homemade salsa and sour cream.
Greek Salad $18.99
Mixed crispy greens, grilled Chicken, feta cheese, onions, green peppers, Greek olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, served with Greek Dressing.

Sandwiches
California Ranch Club $19.49
Crispy, fried chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, and ranch on a toasted brioche bun.
Philly Cheese Steak $19.99
Shaved ribeye served on a grilled sub roll with sautéed onions, green peppers, fresh cut mushrooms, and melted pepper jack cheese.
Cheesy Steak Dip $19.99
Shaved ribeye topped with melted pepper jack cheese on a french roll. Served with au jus for dipping.
Grilled Cheese $12.99
Grilled toast with your choice of cheese (American, Cheddar or Jack).
BLT $15.99
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on your choice of toasted bread.

Beverages
V-8 Juice $4.30
Hot Herbal Tea $4.30
Chocolate Milk $4.30
Soft Drink $4.30
Choice of soda: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Fanta Orange, Sprite.
2% Milk $4.30
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice $5.00
Hot Chocolate $4.99
Lemonade $4.30
Cranberry Juice $4.30
Apple Juice $4.30
Raspberry Iced Tea $4.30
Guatemalan Roast Coffee $4.30
Guatemalan Roasted Iced Coffee $4.30
Tender Leaf Iced Tea $4.30

Skillets
The Cowboy $19.00
Homefries layered with sauteed onions, bell peppers, melted jack cheese, chicken fried steak and our house made sausage gravy.
California Chicken Club $19.69
Marinated chicken breast, diced bacon, tomatoes, and avocado layered with homefries, sprinkled with melted jack cheese.
Farmers $18.00
Seasoned spinach, fresh mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes layered with homefries and sprinkled with melted jack cheese.
El Patron $18.99
Pickled jalapenos, sautéed onions, peppers, and tomatoes layered with homefries and sprinkled with melted jack cheese. Served with pico de gallo and sour cream.
Piglet $18.79
Diced lean ham, bacon, sausage, sautéed onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes layered with homefries and sprinkled with melted cheddar cheese.
Fajita $18.99
Sautéed onions and bell peppers layered with homefries and sprinkled with melted pepper jack cheese. Served with salsa, sour cream, and avocado.
Create Your Skillet $17.00
All Skillets start with home fries, onions, peppers and 2 fresh cracked eggs* then add up to 3 ingredients. Egg Whites + $2

Burgers
Rio Burger $18.99
Roasted green chile, jalapeño and melted jack cheese and green Chile pork sauce, served on a toasted brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickle spear.
Breakfast Burger $18.99
A seasoned patty, over easy egg, bacon, melted american cheese served on a toasted brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickle spear.
California Burger $19.99
Crispy bacon, melted pepper jack cheese, and fresh avocado, served on a toasted brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickle spear.
Western Bacon Cheeseburger $18.99
Spice up a classic with tangy BBQ sauce, crispy onion rings, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.
Patty Melt $17.99
With grilled onions, double American cheese on grilled rye bread.

Waffles
Signature Waffle $18.00
Fresh strawberries, banana slices, pecans, strawberry reduction, powdered sugar, and whipped cream finish off this waffle mountain.
Banana Nut Waffle $14.99
Bananas and pecans baked right into the heart of a golden waffle.
Belgian Waffle $12.00
Golden brown, light and airy.
Chocolate Chip Waffle $13.99
Covered in chocolate chips, powdered sugar, and coca sauce drizzle.

Omelets
California $19.99
Marinated chicken breast, diced bacon, tomatoes, avocado, melted pepper jack cheese. Served with sour cream.
Denver $18.99
Lean diced ham, onions, peppers, and melted cheddar cheese.
Pancho $19.99
Fresh housemade chorizo, onions, tomatoes, melted cheddar/ jack cheese, topped with fresh pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Whole Hog $19.99
Chopped bacon, sausages, ham, and melted cheddar cheese for that perfect morning start.
Garden $19.99
Seasoned spinach, onions, peppers, fresh mushrooms, tomato, and melted jack cheese.
Irish $19.99
Corned beef hash and melted cheddar cheese stuffed in an omelet, plus more cheese on top.
Mediterranean $19.99
Fresh spinach, chopped bacon, fresh mushrooms, scallions, melted jack, and Parmesan cheese.
Skinny $19.99
Inspired from our long time friend Dr. Ken. Four egg whites, diced tomato, spinach, and melted feta cheese.
Create Your Omelet $17.00
All Create Omelets start with 3 eggs*, then add 3 ingredients. (Sub Egg Whites + $2) Feta cheese (+ $1)
New Mexico $19.99
Roasted green chile and melted cheddar/ jack cheese smothered in our special green chile and shredded pork sauce, and topped with sour cream.

Sides
French Fries $7.99
Sour Cream $1.25
Curly Fries $8.99
Side House Salad $6.99
Onion Rings $9.99
Salsa $2.50
Sweet Potato Fries $8.99
Chicken Tenders (2) $8.00
Two pieces.
Cup Of Country Gravy $4.99
Avocado $3.29
Pico De Gallo $2.50
Cup Of Seasonal Fruit $4.79
Cottage Cheese $4.99
Bowl Of Seasonal Fruit $8.79

Adult Drinks
Bloody Mary $7.00
ZingZang Mix and Vodka. Garnished with pickle and lemon. (Spicy also contains Jalapeños).
Quarantine Mimosa Kit $25.00
Bottle of 14 Hands Brut, 16oz. Orange juice. Mix at home and enjoy.
Madras $7.00
OJ, Cranberry Juice, Vodka
Screwdriver $7.00
OJ and Vodka
White Claw $5.00
12 oz. can
Hot Irish Coffee $7.00
Jameson, Irish Cream, Coffee, Whip
Cape Cod $7.00
Cranberry and Vodka
Mimosa $7.00
14 hands for the bubbly and your choice of juice.

Benedicts
Farmers Benedict $19.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with tomato, sautéed spinach, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and avocado.
California Benedict $19.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with bacon, tomatoes, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and avocado.
Shaved Ribeye Benedict $22.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with shaved ribeye, sautéed onions, melted pepper jack, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
Chicano Benedict $19.99
Toasted English muffin, tomato, housemade chorizo, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and jalapeños.
Olga’s Favorite Benedict $18.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with tomato, sautéed mushrooms, onions, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and avocado.
Eggs Benedict $17.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with broiled ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
Irish Benedict $19.99
Toasted English muffin, topped with corned beef hash, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

Double Shot Espresso Drinks
Vanilla Latte $5.99
Iced or hot double espresso shot with vanilla, optional no whip or sugar-free.
Caffe Latte $4.99
Double espresso with steamed milk. Options include hot or iced, with no whip, non-fat milk, or sugar-free choices.
Espresso (Double) $4.00
Double shot espresso, available iced. Choose from no whip or sugar-free options.
Caffe Americano $4.50
Double espresso shot diluted in hot water, available iced. Options include no whip or sugar-free.
Caffe Mocha $5.99
Espresso blended with rich cocoa, choice of iced. Options include no whip, sugar-free.
Caramel Macchiato $5.99
Espresso with caramel drizzle, hot or iced. Option for no whip, non-fat milk, sugar-free.
Cappuccino $4.99
Double espresso cappuccino, hot or iced, with options for no whip, non-fat milk, or sugar-free.

Breakfast Sides
Biscuit $4.50
Egg (1) $2.59
Eggs cooked to order: whites, over easy, hard, medium, scrambled, or sunny-side up.
Bowl Of Oatmeal $7.50
Turkey Sausage Links(4) $7.99
Corned Beef Hash $8.79
Tomato Slices $3.99
Toast $3.00
Pancake (1) $5.50
One piece.
Hollandaise Sauce $5.59
Ham Steak $6.99
Bacon (4 Slices) $5.99
Toasted Bagel $3.79
Sausage Links (2) $3.99
Eggs (2) $4.99
Two eggs, choice of preparation: egg whites, over easy, hard, medium, scrambled, or sunny-side up.
Bacon (2 Slices) $3.99
Homefries $5.99
Toasted English Muffin $3.00
Corn Tortilla $3.00
Two pieces.
Sausage Links (4) $5.99
Flour Tortilla $3.00
Housemade Chorizo $8.79
Cream Cheese $1.25

House Specials
Egg White Breakfast $17.69
Build your muscles from the ground up! Egg whites, cottage cheese, or fruit and four turkey sausage links to start your day lean.
Spinach Florentine $19.99
3 fresh cracked eggs scrambled with fresh mushrooms, diced bacon, and spinach. Topped with melted jack cheese and hollandaise sauce. Served with home fries or tomato slices, and choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit, or tortilla.
Chicken Fried Steak $19.99
Three fresh cracked eggs any style, chicken fried steak smothered in our sausage gravy. Served alongside home fries or tomato slices, and choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit, or tortilla.
Western Scramble $18.79
Diced lean ham, peppers, onions, and home fries all scrambled together with three fresh cracked eggs and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Served with choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit, or tortilla.
Lumberjack Breakfast $19.00
Three fresh cracked eggs any style, 1/3 lb. ground sirloin, served with home fries or tomato slices, and choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit or tortilla.
Meat Lovers $19.99
Three fresh cracked eggs any style, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage links, and lean ham. Served with homefries or tomato slices and choice of toast, English muffin, biscuit or tortilla.

French Toast
Full Order French Toast (3) $13.00
Thick slices, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Signature French Toast (3) $18.79
Thick slices topped with fresh strawberries, banana slices, pecans, strawberry reduction, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and whipped cream.
Banana Nut French Toast (3) $15.00
Thick slices, topped with fresh bananas, and pecans, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Family Meal Kit
Brunch Meal Kit $89.99
Pick 4 of the options to create your own custom brunch for the family.

Biscuits
Country Breakfast $18.99
Three fresh cracked eggs any style, choice of three bacon or three sausage links, and a homemade biscuit split in half and covered in our sausage gravy.
Biscuits & Gravy $16.99
The classic American comfort food-soft, buttery golden biscuits swimming in creamy housemade sausage gravy. Served with your choice of home fries or two eggs or two bacon or two sausage links.
Biscuit Volcano $19.99
One biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, cheddar/ jack cheese, pickled jalapeño and spicy chorizo. Served with three eggs and home fries.
Loaded Biscuit $19.99
One biscuit smothered in sausage gravy and topped with cheddar/ jack cheese, chopped ham, bacon, and sausage. Served with three eggs and home fries.

Strawberry Banana Parfait
Strawberry Banana Parfait $11.00
Vanilla yogurt, granola, sliced bananas, and strawberries. Get the right start to your day!

Burritos & Border Favorites
Chorizo & Eggs $18.99
3 eggs* scrambled with spicy house made chorizo. Served with refried beans, home fries, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream and your choice of tortilla.
Breakfast Tacos $20.00
3 corn tortillas with your choice of seasoned ground beef or spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, cheddar Jack cheese, and fresh pico de Gallo. Served with home fries, refried beans, salsa, and sour cream.
Breakfast Enchiladas $18.79
2 enchiladas with your choice of mildly seasoned ground beef or spicy chorizo. Topped with cheddar Jack cheese, 2 eggs, and pico de Gallo. Served with home fries, refried beans, chopped lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. Gluten-free available.
Green Chile Pork Burrito $19.99
Roasted green chiles, scrambled eggs, home fries and jack cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered with our green Chile pork sauce.
Rancher's Burrito $20.99
Chicken fried Steak, home fries, scrambled eggs, onions and jack cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered with our sausage gravy.
Breakfast Burrito $17.00
Choice of Bacon, Sausage or ham with onions and peppers, scrambled with 3 eggs*, jack cheese. Served with home fries, salsa and sour cream. Grilled Chicken + $2 Chorizo + $2 Shaved Ribeye + $3
Huevos Rancheros $17.69
3 eggs, your choice of salsa or green chile pork sauce. Served with home fries, refried beans and 2 flour tortillas.

Pancakes
2 Banana Nut Pancakes $13.99
Fresh banana slices and pecans, baked into two pancakes and powdered sugar.
2 Protein Power Pancakes $14.99
Blueberries, oats, cinnamon, and slivered almonds baked into two whole wheat pancakes and powdered sugar.
2 Cinnamon Roll Pancakes $17.00
Buttermilk pancakes with a buttery brown sugar filling baked right in. Topped with cinnamon and icing.
2 Wheat Pancakes $10.00
Whole wheat pancakes, flipped to perfection.
2 Signature Pancakes Pancakes $18.00
Fluffy pancakes topped with fresh strawberries, banana slices, pecans, strawberry reduction, powdered sugar, and whipped cream.
2 Buttermilk Pancakes $10.00
Golden brown buttermilk pancakes, flipped to perfection.
2 Blueberry Pancakes $13.99
Juicy blueberries baked right into two pancakes, topped with powdered sugar.
2 Chocolate Chip Pancakes $13.99
Two cakes stuffed with chocolate chips, topped with powdered sugar and cocoa sauce drizzle.
2 Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes $14.99
Fresh banana slices and chocolate chips in the heart of two pancakes, topped with cocoa sauce drizzle and powdered sugar.

Sunny's Diner Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
College students
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Sunny's Diner Photos

Sunny's Diner Location

Sunny's Diner

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe East University Drive

1825 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Sunny's Diner Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 2344 user reviews.

breakfastskilletfrench toastbiscuits and gravyhome frieschicken fried steakchorizostudentmimosasvalley

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Sunny's Diner1825 E University Dr,Tempe, AZ 85281I’ve driven past Sunny’s countless times, always curious but never stopping. This morning, however, I had a 7:00 AM appointment with a commercial client, and after a productive meeting, I felt a delightful hunger creeping in. Remembering that Sunny’s was just a quick five-minute drive away, I decided it was finally time to check it out.Friends, Sunny’s Diner is an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warmth and friendliness. The atmosphere was buzzing with positivity, and the staff truly made the experience special. My server was fantastic, and the hostess who seated me radiated kindness. Even the busboy was cheerful, spreading smiles as he worked.I believe this is a charming mom-and-pop establishment, though I’m not entirely sure. What I do know is that the food was delicious, but it’s the wonderful staff that will definitely bring me back. I had an awesome time today, and I can’t wait to return to enjoy more of what Sunny’s has to offer!
September 27 · James Park, Realtor
Been going to this greasy spoon for 10 years. Nothing too fancy, but the food is consistent, and the price is fair. The service is top notch.My regular plates are as follows:Piglet skilletsChicken fried steakFrench toastGreat spot ill be back!
September 20 · Ron E
The food used to be so good. When ever I'm here in the valley I come here or used too. Food taste and looks like leftovers. Pancakes taste they are frozen. No wonder it's dead in here. Any day of the week it's a wait.
March 26 · Dominic Martinez
We stopped in for breakfast and had a couple of skillets. The service and our meals were great! This place will be on our regular rotation of local joints.
May 23 · Rayge87
Absolutely fantastic food and its so refreshing to see the kids that work there so polite and respectful! What an amazing family restaurant! Sunny’s was referred to us ages ago & we finally got to try it - wish we would have tried it sooner - our new favorite for Sunday breakfast after church - can’t wait to try their lunches!
October 19 · Cheryl Shepherd