Looking for a new little spot to tantalize your taste buds? Sure, you could try out some trendy, new restaurant but why not go for a small, unassuming spot loved by locals? Sometimes the best meals come from the places you least expect and, based on the exterior of some of these buildings, you probably wouldn’t expect much at all. Don’t let that fool you! Here are 11 unassuming hole-in-the-wall restaurants you need to try out here in Arizona.
1. Blue Hills Cafe, Dewey
If you love bacon, this humble little building will be your new home. Breakfast here comes with a massive amount of bacon cooked just right and the other items are absolutely delicious. Address: 12262 East Bradshaw Mountain Road, Dewey
2. Brownie’s Restaurant, Yuma
This place puts the "yum" in Yuma with its delicious, perfectly cooked breakfast options. The meals are inexpensive and simply hit the spot when you’re hungry. Address: 1145 South 4th Avenue, Yuma
3. The Chuck Box, Tempe
One of the few remaining vestiges of the ASU campus from my memories, the Chuck Box is a place that looks like it might fall over with one good wind storm but they serve heavenly hamburgers. In true hole-in-the-wall fashion, this is a cash-only establishment so leave your plastic at home. Address: 202 East University Drive, Tempe
4. Darrel’s Root Beer Stand, Winslow
Once the home of the old A & W, this shop looks pretty bare from the outside but don’t let that fool you. They serve some basic fast food options that will satisfy your belly and their homemade root beer is incredible! Address: 1001 North Williamson Avenue, Winslow
5. The German Cafe, Sierra Vista
German food is seriously underrated. This humble little restaurant serves hearty, heartwarming German dishes that will leave you feeling like you just received a big hug. Definitely give the jaegerschnitzle a try with some spaetzle! Address: 1805 Paseo San Luis, Sierra Vista
6. Jamie’s Waffle Express, Prescott Valley
Another cash-only establishment, this restaurant specializes in serving you delicious, golden brown waffles. You’ll find other diner fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and omelets but definitely try the waffles. Address: 3050 North Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley
7. Miss Fitz 260 Cafe, Payson
Walking into this little restaurant feels a bit like walking into Grandma’s house with the delicate wallpaper, homey décor, and tasty meals. You’ll find simple, homestyle meals, which hits the spot when the temperatures are lower. Address: 803 East Highway 260, Payson
8. Pho Thanh, Phoenix
I’ve never had a bad meal in the few dozen Vietnamese restaurants I’ve tried, so it’s a little difficult to choose just one but the meals definitely the spot here. Located in a questionable section of Phoenix, you can get a hot bowl of pho (a beef noodle soup) pretty fast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pho dac biet. Address: 1702 West Camelback Road, Phoenix
9. Robert’s Restaurant, Tucson
Looking for a back to basics diner in the Old Pueblo? This restaurant keeps things simple with homemade dishes (like the corned beef hash and yummy pies). Address: 3301 East Grant Road, Tucson
10. Satchmo’s, Flagstaff
This little spot looks weathered but you’ll find it’s a well-loved restaurant serving barbeque and other traditionally Southern foods. Address: 2320 North 4th Street, Flagstaff
11. Sirens’ Cafe & Custom Catering, Kingman
Delicious, fresh food is exactly what you’ll find in this little cafe. The two dishes you have to try are the lemon pasta salad and the homemade pies, yum! Address: 419 East Beale Street, Kingman
Want to see more examples of great, unexpected little restaurants around Arizona? Check out our article 11 Small Town Diners In Arizona With Meals To Die For.
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