In a space once occupied by one of Arizona’s most celebrated fine-dining destinations, a new concept, Tandy’s Cafe, is embracing a different kind of hospitality; one rooted in everyday connection, elevated comfort food, and a sense of community.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, coffee, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch, Tandy’s Cafe is designed as a neighborhood gathering place where guests can stop in for a quick espresso, enjoy a leisurely brunch, or unwind with friends over cocktails. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: great food, warm hospitality, and a seat waiting for everyone.
Located in the former home of the iconic Binkley’s, Tandy’s Cafe draws inspiration from Arizona’s historic “Five C’s”: copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate, while creating a modern identity built around five values of its own: cacao, community, comfort, craft, and connection. At the center of that vision is owner, chef, and chocolate maker Tandy Peterson.
From Fine Dining to Neighborhood Hospitality
Peterson’s culinary journey began far from professional kitchens. Growing up in Wyoming, she developed an appreciation for food while cooking outdoors in Dutch ovens and spending time around ranch life. Her professional foundation was shaped while working alongside James Beard–nominated chef Kevin Binkley, where she refined classical cooking techniques and developed a deep understanding of hospitality and leadership.
Since then, Peterson has cooked in acclaimed kitchens around the world and led culinary teams everywhere from Spain and Alaska to Phoenix. She is also the founder of Embers Chocolate, an award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate company that now plays a central role in Tandy’s menu.
Chocolate at the Heart of the Experience
One of the restaurant’s defining features is its connection to cacao. Peterson’s in-house chocolate program influences everything from desserts and drinking chocolates to specialty cocktails. Guests can explore chocolate flights and cacao-inspired creations that showcase the craftsmanship behind Embers Chocolate while offering a unique experience rarely found in neighborhood cafés.
Elevated Comfort Food
The menu combines familiar favorites with thoughtful culinary techniques and local influences. Starters include beef carpaccio with black garlic ponzu, shiitake mushrooms, scallion-and-fennel salad, and rice noodles, alongside a Southwest Caesar featuring gem lettuce, ancho focaccia croutons, cilantro-lime dressing, and parmesan. Another standout appetizer is the Tinned Fish experience. Presented tableside, guests are invited to select from a curated collection of premium tinned seafood, many of which are imported from Europe. Once chosen, the selection arrives on a platter accompanied by house-made pickles, chips, and baguette slices tucked into a brown paper bag, and a dropper bottle of hot sauce adding a playful touch.
Comfort-driven entrées such as Momma’s Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and garlic broccoli sit alongside elevated offerings like Trout Amandine with wild rice, almonds, lemon, and brown butter sauce. The New York steak arrives with pepitas, blue cheese, pickled onion, chimichurri, and arugula, while a braised pork shank is served with tortillas and house-made mole. Seasonal soups, handcrafted sides, and house-baked cacao bread with honey butter round out the menu.
The pastry program is led by Pastry and Sous Chef Rebekah Swift, whose background combines the creativity of a pastry chef with the operational expertise of an executive chef. Known for creating desserts that are as visually striking as they are delicious, Swift oversees a pastry kitchen focused on scratch-made breads, pastries, and desserts that reflect the restaurant’s commitment to craftsmanship.
Cocktails Inspired by Arizona
The beverage program continues the restaurant’s focus on creativity and local influence. Signature cocktails include the 5 C’s Clover Club, blending vodka, raspberry, cacao, Lillet, Meyer lemon, and egg white; the Embers Mocha Martini featuring drinking chocolate and cocoa whip; and the Chocolate Negroni, which incorporates cacao nibs into a modern twist on the classic cocktail. Other highlights include the Elote Margarita, Spanish Gin & Tonic, Persimmon Painkiller, and a nonalcoholic Carrot Mango Mai Tai…