We love small town restaurants and if you do too, this list won’t disappoint. Here are 11 of the best rural restaurants in Arizona with phenomenal food, charming atmospheres, and even better service. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill chain restaurants; this is a list of some of the very best, only-in-Arizona restaurants that offer some truly incredible food. Put these off-the-beaten-path restaurants on your bucket list, and be prepared for some seriously delicious dishes.
- Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (Tombstone)
Google/Carl Moore
Jeff Lawrence/Google Local Named after Doc Holliday’s girlfriend, this long-standing building was originally a hotel where the infamous Clantons and McLaurys stayed the night before the legendary O.K. Corral gunfight. Goldie’s Over-Stuffed Reuben is by far the most popular menu item, but you can’t go wrong with a Black Angus burger or specialty pizza either. With live music, an authentic Western atmosphere, and maybe even a few ghosts, Big Nose Kate’s is the place to be in Tombstone. You’ll find it at 417 E Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ, 85638. You can find out more about their menu, and lineup of live music acts on their website.
- Nurdberger Cafe (Globe)
Google/Terry Teller
Google/Zachariah T Please note, Nurdberger has permanently closed. This quirky burger joint is themed after all things nerdy, from video games to outer space. With appropriately named menu items like the “1 Up Mushroom Berger” and “Imperial Shakes,” simply placing your order is an unforgettable experience. Head to 420 S Hill Street, Globe, AZ, 85501 for a delicious meal unlike anything else in the galaxy. This hamburger restaurant regularly updates their specials on Facebook, so make sure to follow their page!
- Rendezvous Diner (Greer)
Google/David Krzyzanowski
TripAdvisor/Chris L Situated right off the highway in the tiny, 41-resident town of Greer, Rendezvous Diner draws travelers in with its eclectic exterior. While flashy decor might supply the initial attraction, the down-home cooking keeps people coming back. All of your favorites like omelets, pancakes, and cobblers made with fresh berries are guaranteed to send your taste buds to heaven. Stop by at 117 County Road, 1120, Greer, AZ, 85927. Check out their great TripAdvisor reviews and recommendations!
- Bobby D’s BBQ (Jerome)
Google/Patrick Graham
Google/Yaritza Morris Bobby D’s is about as charming as can be. Located in the historic English Kitchen building, Bobby D’s is the oldest operating dining facility in the state. From slow-smoked BBQ to buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant is located at 119 E. Jerome Avenue, Jerome, AZ, 86331. Read more about the history of this great restaurant on their website.
- The Grotto Cafe (Cave Creek)
Google/The Grotto Cafe
TripAdvisor/Management This charming cafe is an hidden oasis in the desert, complete with two enchanting outdoor patios, locally roasted coffee, and homemade pastries. From breakfast to dessert (and everything in between), there’s something scrumptious for every meal and palate. Come to revel in the magic at 6501 E. Cave Creek Road, Ste. # 8., Cave Creek, AZ, 85331. They have an extensive menu, and you can even order online!
- Foxfire at Alpine (Alpine)
Google/Chris Cox
Foxfire at Alpine Website Located near Devil’s Highway, Foxfire serves up some of the most sinfully scrumptious food you’ll ever taste. Crowd favorites include the sausage sandwiches (pictured above), pizza with house-made sauce, and salted caramel cheesecake – but really, everything on the menu is amazing. Plus, you’ll leave a bit more cultured after admiring paintings from local artists decorating the walls. You’ll find this gem at 42661 Highway 180, Alpine, AZ, 85920. Keep up to date on specials and menu changes on their Facebook page.
- Trail Riders Family Restaurant & Bar (Eagar)
Google/Jim Bergstrom
TripAdvisor/Jonathan M A traditional Old West diner, Trail Riders makes every guest feel like family. With an overwhelmingly extensive menu, options range from giant breakfast platters to juicy burgers – and nearly everything in-between. Fueling up is imperative before a long day of traversing through the desert, and this gem of an eatery recognizes that (truly – you will not leave hungry!). Fill your belly at 140 N Main Street, Eagar, AZ, 85925. Make a reservation on their website for your next night out!
- Verde Brewing Company (Camp Verde)
Google/J Z
Facebook/VerdeBrewing Local ingredients are infused into every craft beer at this unique farm-to-mug brewery. Good ales are nothing without tasty eats to compliment them, so try an order of Elote nachos or a bourbon roast beef sandwich for a well-rounded meal. The brewery can be found at 724 Industrial Drive #7a, Camp Verde, AZ, 86322. Keep up to date on special hours of operation on their website.
- Agee’s Barbecue Market (Munds Park)
Facebook/Agee’s Barbecue Market
Facebook/Agee’s Barbecue Market Many have never heard of this rural, unincorporated community, but Agee’s is about to change that forever. Using top-choice meat slowly cooked in a giant smoker, everything is made from scratch and flavored like Central Texas BBQ. They also offer wood-fired pizzas nightly, Thursdays through Sundays, beginning at 4 p.m. Try it for yourself at 17680 N Munds Ranch, Munds Park, AZ, 86017. Be sure to bookmark their website, where they update their menu and offerings regularly.
- Sawmill Run Restaurant (Mount Lemmon)
Google Maps
Google/vwromero With a menu that rotates with the seasons, you never know quite what to expect at Sawmill Run. No matter what’s being served, rest assured it’ll be delicious - just look at the golden crust on this apple pie! You’ll find the restaurant at 12976 Sabino Canyon Parkway, Mount Lemmon, AZ, 85619. This family-style restaurant has all of your comfort classics, so make sure to visit them next time you’re craving delicious, home-cooked Arizona fare.
- Elvira’s (Tubac)
Google/David Krzyzanowski
TripAdvisor/bogndog From the atmosphere to the food, everything about this kitschy eatery is a work of art. Putting a contemporary twist on Tex-Mex classics, a stop at Elvira’s is obligatory the next time you’re passing through the small town of Tubac. You’ll find it at 2221 I-19 Frontage Road B102, Tubac, AZ, 85646. But don’t just take our word that this is one of the best places to eat in Arizona, check out their amazing TripAdvisor reviews!
What do you think are the best rural restaurants in Arizona? Did they make the list? If you have more that you think we should feature, let us know in the comments below!
Google/Carl Moore
Jeff Lawrence/Google Local
Named after Doc Holliday’s girlfriend, this long-standing building was originally a hotel where the infamous Clantons and McLaurys stayed the night before the legendary O.K. Corral gunfight. Goldie’s Over-Stuffed Reuben is by far the most popular menu item, but you can’t go wrong with a Black Angus burger or specialty pizza either. With live music, an authentic Western atmosphere, and maybe even a few ghosts, Big Nose Kate’s is the place to be in Tombstone. You’ll find it at 417 E Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ, 85638. You can find out more about their menu, and lineup of live music acts on their website.
Google/Terry Teller
Google/Zachariah T
Please note, Nurdberger has permanently closed. This quirky burger joint is themed after all things nerdy, from video games to outer space. With appropriately named menu items like the “1 Up Mushroom Berger” and “Imperial Shakes,” simply placing your order is an unforgettable experience. Head to 420 S Hill Street, Globe, AZ, 85501 for a delicious meal unlike anything else in the galaxy. This hamburger restaurant regularly updates their specials on Facebook, so make sure to follow their page!
Google/David Krzyzanowski
TripAdvisor/Chris L
Situated right off the highway in the tiny, 41-resident town of Greer, Rendezvous Diner draws travelers in with its eclectic exterior. While flashy decor might supply the initial attraction, the down-home cooking keeps people coming back. All of your favorites like omelets, pancakes, and cobblers made with fresh berries are guaranteed to send your taste buds to heaven. Stop by at 117 County Road, 1120, Greer, AZ, 85927. Check out their great TripAdvisor reviews and recommendations!
Google/Patrick Graham
Google/Yaritza Morris
Bobby D’s is about as charming as can be. Located in the historic English Kitchen building, Bobby D’s is the oldest operating dining facility in the state. From slow-smoked BBQ to buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant is located at 119 E. Jerome Avenue, Jerome, AZ, 86331. Read more about the history of this great restaurant on their website.
Google/The Grotto Cafe
TripAdvisor/Management
This charming cafe is an hidden oasis in the desert, complete with two enchanting outdoor patios, locally roasted coffee, and homemade pastries. From breakfast to dessert (and everything in between), there’s something scrumptious for every meal and palate. Come to revel in the magic at 6501 E. Cave Creek Road, Ste. # 8., Cave Creek, AZ, 85331. They have an extensive menu, and you can even order online!
Google/Chris Cox
Foxfire at Alpine Website
Located near Devil’s Highway, Foxfire serves up some of the most sinfully scrumptious food you’ll ever taste. Crowd favorites include the sausage sandwiches (pictured above), pizza with house-made sauce, and salted caramel cheesecake – but really, everything on the menu is amazing. Plus, you’ll leave a bit more cultured after admiring paintings from local artists decorating the walls. You’ll find this gem at 42661 Highway 180, Alpine, AZ, 85920. Keep up to date on specials and menu changes on their Facebook page.
Google/Jim Bergstrom
TripAdvisor/Jonathan M
A traditional Old West diner, Trail Riders makes every guest feel like family. With an overwhelmingly extensive menu, options range from giant breakfast platters to juicy burgers – and nearly everything in-between. Fueling up is imperative before a long day of traversing through the desert, and this gem of an eatery recognizes that (truly – you will not leave hungry!). Fill your belly at 140 N Main Street, Eagar, AZ, 85925. Make a reservation on their website for your next night out!
Google/J Z
Facebook/VerdeBrewing
Local ingredients are infused into every craft beer at this unique farm-to-mug brewery. Good ales are nothing without tasty eats to compliment them, so try an order of Elote nachos or a bourbon roast beef sandwich for a well-rounded meal. The brewery can be found at 724 Industrial Drive #7a, Camp Verde, AZ, 86322. Keep up to date on special hours of operation on their website.
Facebook/Agee’s Barbecue Market
Many have never heard of this rural, unincorporated community, but Agee’s is about to change that forever. Using top-choice meat slowly cooked in a giant smoker, everything is made from scratch and flavored like Central Texas BBQ. They also offer wood-fired pizzas nightly, Thursdays through Sundays, beginning at 4 p.m. Try it for yourself at 17680 N Munds Ranch, Munds Park, AZ, 86017. Be sure to bookmark their website, where they update their menu and offerings regularly.
Google Maps
Google/vwromero
With a menu that rotates with the seasons, you never know quite what to expect at Sawmill Run. No matter what’s being served, rest assured it’ll be delicious - just look at the golden crust on this apple pie! You’ll find the restaurant at 12976 Sabino Canyon Parkway, Mount Lemmon, AZ, 85619. This family-style restaurant has all of your comfort classics, so make sure to visit them next time you’re craving delicious, home-cooked Arizona fare.
TripAdvisor/bogndog
From the atmosphere to the food, everything about this kitschy eatery is a work of art. Putting a contemporary twist on Tex-Mex classics, a stop at Elvira’s is obligatory the next time you’re passing through the small town of Tubac. You’ll find it at 2221 I-19 Frontage Road B102, Tubac, AZ, 85646. But don’t just take our word that this is one of the best places to eat in Arizona, check out their amazing TripAdvisor reviews!
And if you want more totally unique places to grab a bite to eat, here are the 8 Wackiest Restaurants In Arizona Where Dining Is A Blast. (You have to check out #3 on the list, where you can literally dine in an underground cave!)
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, 417 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, USAAddress: 235 E Warner Rd STE 107, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USAAddress: 117 Co Rd 1120, Greer, AZ 85927, USAAddress: 119 Jerome Ave, Jerome, AZ 86331, USAAddress: 6501 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USAAddress: 42661 US-180, Alpine, AZ 85920, USAAddress: 724 Industrial Dr #7a, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USAAddress: 17680 N Munds Ranch, Munds Park, AZ 86017, USAAddress: 12976 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USAAddress: Elvira, Tucson, AZ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Rural Restaurants In Arizona February 05, 2021 Megan McDonald What food is Arizona most famous for? Officially, Arizona’s state food is the Apache Trout. But unofficially, chimichangas, otherwise known as deep-fried burritos, top the list of local’s favorites. Arizona folk take their chimichangas very seriously, and these 10 restaurants serve the very best in the entire state. Does Arizona have a lot of rural areas? Interestingly enough, land wise, Arizona is mostly rural. But the population primarily resides in urban areas. In fact, 90% of the population of Arizona lives within city boundaries. Does Arizona have any cool roadside attractions? Once you’ve eaten at all of the best rural restaurants in Arizona, you’ll want to move on to explore some other unique places in the state. Our advice? Check out these 10 quirky roadside attractions in Arizona, compiled in a neat, little road trip that’s sure to satisfy your curiosity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Rural Restaurants In Arizona
February 05, 2021
Megan McDonald
What food is Arizona most famous for? Officially, Arizona’s state food is the Apache Trout. But unofficially, chimichangas, otherwise known as deep-fried burritos, top the list of local’s favorites. Arizona folk take their chimichangas very seriously, and these 10 restaurants serve the very best in the entire state. Does Arizona have a lot of rural areas? Interestingly enough, land wise, Arizona is mostly rural. But the population primarily resides in urban areas. In fact, 90% of the population of Arizona lives within city boundaries. Does Arizona have any cool roadside attractions? Once you’ve eaten at all of the best rural restaurants in Arizona, you’ll want to move on to explore some other unique places in the state. Our advice? Check out these 10 quirky roadside attractions in Arizona, compiled in a neat, little road trip that’s sure to satisfy your curiosity.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Officially, Arizona’s state food is the Apache Trout. But unofficially, chimichangas, otherwise known as deep-fried burritos, top the list of local’s favorites. Arizona folk take their chimichangas very seriously, and these 10 restaurants serve the very best in the entire state.
Does Arizona have a lot of rural areas?
Interestingly enough, land wise, Arizona is mostly rural. But the population primarily resides in urban areas. In fact, 90% of the population of Arizona lives within city boundaries.
Does Arizona have any cool roadside attractions?
Once you’ve eaten at all of the best rural restaurants in Arizona, you’ll want to move on to explore some other unique places in the state. Our advice? Check out these 10 quirky roadside attractions in Arizona, compiled in a neat, little road trip that’s sure to satisfy your curiosity.
