These 10 Restaurants In Arizona Don’t Look Like Much… But WOW, They’re Good
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Brown Mug Cafe, 308 E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Address: 1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Address: Fry Bread House, 4545 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
Address: Guayo's El Rey, 716 Sullivan St, Miami, AZ 85539, USA
Address: 1917 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
Address: 1537 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Address: 220 S Plumer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
Address: Mrs White's Golden Rule Cafe, 808 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Address: 2336 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015, USA
Address: 7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Arizona
August 28, 2020
Leah
What are the most iconic restaurants in Arizona?
On the opposite end of the spectrum from lesser known restaurants in Arizona are the iconic ones. These restaurants are immensely popular and for good reason. If you're traveling along the famous Route 66, you'll need to stop at a restaurant in Arizona that became a beloved destination along the road. Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In has great classic food and still looks the part of a 1950s drive-in on the outside. It also played a key role in the inspiration of the Pixar film Cars. Another famous eatery in Arizona Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles in Phoenix. It's a soul food restaurant with tasty fried chicken, all the best southern comfort foods, and waffles of course.
What are the friendliest neighborhood restaurants in Arizona?
Enjoy the best local restaurants in Arizona when you visit these neighborhood favorites. Annie's in Cottonwood, Arizona is a great example. The locals love their yummy breakfast and the lunch is great, too. Their quick and friendly service is the icing on the cake. The Crying Onion Cafe in Tuscon will make you feel like you're eating in grandma's kitchen with their homestyle, made-with-love meals. Speaking of homestyle, Mi Casa Restaurant in Benson might not look like much from the outside, but their cozy dining atmosphere and the menu loaded with goodness will make you feel right at home.
Which tiny restaurants in Arizona are worth trying?
There are many big places to dine in Arizona that are popular and have plenty of space, but you don't want to pass up some of these tiny spots. They may be standing room only at times, like at Dick's Hideaway in Phoenix. This itty-bitty spot is easy to miss and only has a bar and a few tables, but their food is worth possibly waiting for a table for. MartAnne's Cafe in Flagstaff may be small, but their meals pack a big punch. They have a menu of delicious Mexican options and are considered by many to be a true hidden gem.
Arizona In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
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.
