These 10 Roadside Restaurants In Arizona Are Worth Stopping For
By Monica Spencer|Published July 14, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Traveling on an empty, grumbling tummy isn’t any fun, especially when it’s along Arizona’s long stretches of highway. Take a break from the drive to grab a meal at an Arizona roadside restaurant. Whether it is a little mom and pop diner or a slightly more upscale dining experience, we know you will love each of these places!
Please note: both Indian Garden’s Cafe and Market and Long Valley Cafe are temporarily closed.
This diner sits just off Beeline Highway and is one of the first restaurants you’ll encounter when driving into Payson. Here, you’ll find some of your favorite home-cooked meals and plenty of pie, all served with a kind smile. What better way to recover from a weary road trip?
Find yourself driving in the remote Arizona Strip? Pull over and enjoy one of the tastiest, heartiest meals you will have in this secluded area! The restaurant is known for its menu made with local ingredients and homemade pies. Read more about it in this article.
Location: Cliff Dweller’s Restaurant is located just off Highway 89A near Marble Canyon at Mile Post 547.
Fancy something sweet to power you through your trip on Interstate 8 between Yuma and Gila Bend?
You will love the date shakes at this incredible little stop in Dateland! In addition to the shakes, you will find other delicious date desserts in the travel center plus sandwiches and other food. Read more in this recent article.
If there’s any roadside restaurant on this list that will give you an unforgettable experience, it’s this wacky place! Find burgers, fries, and shakes served in an eccentric setting with employees who love to joke around. Read more about the experience at this classic stop in this article.
This restaurant not only sits just off Interstate 19 but it is also has beautiful views! A meal here will include a fresh take on American cuisine (perfect for traveling long distances), friendly staff, and a chance to enjoy a view of the desert that runs for miles.
When traveling along the scenic State Route 89A between Prescott and Flagstaff, you’ll find plenty of little businesses tucked away just off the road. Among those is this lovely restaurant which sits just off the banks of Oak Creek and is the perfect place to grab a sandwich and coffee before continuing on your way. Read more in this article.
Another place to stop on Interstate 8 is this little diner in the tiny town of Tacna, located about 25 miles from Dateland. The diner is one of several eateries here but we love the breakfast and pie at Jac’s. Just be warned: the pies sell quickly, so arrive early to get your slice!
Looking for a hometown dining experience when driving in eastern Arizona? This restaurant is located right along the highway and the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal before continuing on your journey.
The road from Payson to Winslow is all quiet wilderness but there is one little place to stop for a coffee and meal along the highway. Long Valley Cafe is the lone restaurant out here where you can get diner food after camping, fishing, or hiking.
If one of your passengers is a wine connoisseur, then you’ll want to make sure to stop at this lovely restaurant with a perfect view of Oak Creek. Located a little ways off State Route 89A, this is a nice spot to get a steak paired with a red wine from a local winery. You can read more about the restaurant in this article.
Address: 1975 North Page Springs Road, Cornville
Wow, each of those looked absolutely fantastic! Be sure to let us know which of these restaurants you would love to dine in and if there are any you think should have made the list.