A visit to the Desert Botanical Garden will soon come with an extra treat. The Phoenix attraction has announced plans to open Quail House Coffee & Creamery this fall, a café located just beyond the admissions gate that will serve coffee, tea, house-made gelato and grab-and-go fare.
Created in partnership with Arizona chef and restaurateur Mark Tarbell, the new concept is designed to give guests a welcoming place to relax before, during or after exploring the Garden’s scenic trails.
Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, a light lunch or an afternoon scoop of gelato, visitors will find an inviting space intended to complement the experience and encourage guests to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
The addition is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the experience and was made possible through support from the T.W. Lewis Foundation, whose longtime philanthropy has helped fund numerous improvements and amenities throughout the property.
“We are deeply grateful to the T.W. Lewis Foundation for helping make Quail House Coffee & Creamery possible,” President and CEO Chris Kline said. “This new space gives guests another reason to slow down, stay longer and enjoy the Garden in a new way. It also reflects our commitment to creating thoughtful, memorable experiences that bring people together in the desert.”
Quail House will be operated in partnership with Tarbell, who assumed leadership of Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s and Patio Café in 2025. A James Beard Award nominee, Iron Chef America winner and one of Arizona’s best-known culinary figures, Tarbell brings nearly 40 years of hospitality experience to the new venture, with a focus on fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine.
The café’s name honors one of the Garden’s most recognizable feathered residents while celebrating the distinctive wildlife and character of the Sonoran Desert. An official opening date for Quail House Coffee & Creamery is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more at dbg.org.
