When traveling across the state and looking for the perfect place to do some sightseeing, one of the best ways to enhance that experience is to eat as the locals do. And, sure, dining at some fancy steak grill or the latest New American bistro that features avocado on every dish can increase your sophistication quota on social media. However, sometimes eating at those questionable restaurants on the side of the road brings some tasty experiences for your mouth. Here are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Arizona:
1. Brown Mug Cafe, Winslow
Did you know Harrison Ford once dined at this little Mexican restaurant? It’s easy to miss and a good reason to investigate many of the small towns along I-40. If you like your tacos crispy and your enchiladas swimming in sauce and cheese, this is the perfect place for you.
2. Carolina’s Mexican Food, Phoenix
The restaurant from outside.
If it weren't for the packed parking lot, this Phoenix favorite would look like an abandoned building. Good luck thinking you can make a quick lunch run; this place is always packed during lunch time. Visit the Carolina's Mexican Food website for more information.
3. The Fry Bread House, Phoenix
Pass by this place and you'll miss miss out on some of the tastiest fry bread in the Valley which is owned and operated by a Tohono O'odham family. The old location on 7th Avenue (where the above picture comes from) was also hidden near a bar but its new location is bigger. If you're not in the mood for an Indian taco, try the red chili stew with their signature fry bread. Learn more at the Fry Bread House Facebook page.
4. Guayo’s El Rey Cafe, Miami
If you ever happen to find yourself at the southeastern end of the Superstition Mountains, be sure to check out this place. The restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside but be sure to show up for the tacos and salsa. Learn more at the Guayo's El Rey Cafe Facebook page.
5. Karuna’s Thai Plate, Tucson
The pad thai is awesome but don’t forget to try their other dishes as well! We recommend the red curry and the coconut soup. Check out the entire menu on the Karuna's Thai Plate website.
6. Khai Hoan Restaurant, Tempe
You’ll hear plenty of people argue over where to find the best tasting pho in the Valley but this location comes up again and again. The restaurant is found in a small shopping center near ASU and you will have a difficult time finding a dish you won’t like. Visit Khai Hoan Restaurant's website for more information.
7. Laverna’s Coffee Shop, Tucson
Another restaurant within a building that looks anything but restaurant-like, however, they have some great breakfast options. Be prepared to wait though because this place gets packed fast. Check out the Laverna's Coffee Shop website to learn more.
8. Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe, Phoenix
Looking for some delicious Southern cooking? If you want to avoid some of the crowds at Lo-Lo's (which, by the way, is owned by Mrs. White's son, Larry), check out the original soul food location here along the light rail.
The menu wall at Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe.
9. Pizza A Metro, Phoenix
Sitting in the same parking lot as a dollar store, and a Circle K that attracts some sketchy loiterers, Pizza A Metro is a pleasant, quiet surprise in an otherwise questionable part of Phoenix. They serve an assortment of delicious Italian food and their pizzas are baked in wood ovens. Visit the Pizza A Metro website for more information.
10. Poco & Mom’s, Tucson
Looking for just the right blend of Mexican-American food? Don’t drive past this modest little brick building! You can find some delicious food here, which they do New Mexican style. That means lots of green chile options but there’s still plenty of red chiles. Check out the Poco & Mom's website to find out more.
Have you visited any of these restaurants? Which others would you like to recommend? Here are more of the best lesser-known restaurants in Arizona.
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