Posted in Arizona Dining January 28, 2022 by

Few People Know There’s A World-Famous Restaurant Hiding In The Small Town Of Winslow In Arizona

Winslow is just full of surprises. From its feature in a world-famous rock song to being the site of the largest meteorite impact crater on earth, it’s truly one of a kind. The small town is also home to one of the most famous restaurants in Arizona: The Turquoise Room. Located in the historic La Posada Hotel, The Turquoise Room is world-renowned for its Southwestern-inspired fare infused with tributes to the railroad industry.

An oasis in the desert, La Posada Hotel was the vision of Fred Harvey, who developed and ran all the resort hotels and restaurants of the Santa Fe Railway. He brought an element of romanticism to the railroad industry, transforming it from just another means of travel to an elevated experience for the rich and famous.
La Posada
La Posada - which translates to "The Resting Place" was to be one of the hotels, with Winslow as the destination because it's an easy drive to all of the most popular attractions in northern Arizona.
The hotel was - and still is - a masterpiece designed by renowned architect Mary Coulter. With beautiful landscaping, art exhibitions, and a museum, it's so much more than just a place to stay.
La Posada
It opened in 1930, but only managed to stay afloat for 27 years. The current owner, Allan Affeldt, saved the building from demolition, and the rest is history.
In 1936, the private dining car - also designed by Mary Coulter - for the Super Chief deluxe train that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles was named "The Turquoise Room."
La Posada
That's where the name for the hotel's on-site restaurant (which happens to be among the most celebrated restaurants in Arizona) comes from.
Widely considered to be the finest restaurant in the Four Corners region, The Turquoise Room will have you captivated the minute you step inside.
La Posada
From the woven rugs on the walls to the ornate stained-glass windows, the décor is equal parts cozy, traditional, and upscale.
As for the food, it's all the work of Chef John Sharpe, who was nominated for a James Beard Award on two separate occasions.
Facebook/The Turquoise Room
He draws inspiration from railroad dining history as well as classic Southwestern flavors, creating fusion dishes unlike anything you've ever tried.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, and breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Facebook/The Turquoise Room
On the menu are classics like Belgian waffles and omelets, plus a variety of unique Southwestern dishes like prickly pear bread pudding and chorizo breakfast hash.
Lunch is from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Facebook/The Turquoise Room
Between lunch and dinner - or from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. - the fare is geared towards travelers just stopping by for a quick bite. The "Traveler's Menu" features small plates and light bites such as soups, salads, and appetizers.
If you're visiting for dinner, it begins at 5 p.m., and the last seating is at 8:30 p.m.
Facebook/The Turquoise Room
This is when Chef Sharpe's culinary expertise really shines. The gourmet dishes are a blend of modern and authentic Southwestern cuisine, with entrees including elk ribeye medallions, red corn posole with lamb chorizo, and grilled chicken with tomatillo sauce and a sweet corn tamale.
There is also a full bar with wine, handcrafted cocktails, and other libations, all intentionally selected to compliment the food.
La Posada
Perhaps you're just in the mood for drinks and dessert - with options like a hazelnut chocolate brownie with tiramisu gelato, it wouldn't be a bad decision!
The Turquoise Room also has a martini lounge, which is open until 10 p.m.
Facebook/The Turquoise Room
Seating is available both indoors and out, and the patio overlooks a set of working railroad tracks. Come sip a prickly pear margarita and enjoy the relaxing pastime of watching trains go by.

Visit the restaurant’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever eaten at The Turquoise Room? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us in the comments! For more of the most famous restaurants in Arizona, check out our previous article.

Address: Turquoise Room LLC, 303 E 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA