This Local Restaurant in Arizona Is So Good, You Can Plan an Entire Day Around It

One of my favorite towns for a day trip or weekend getaway in Arizona is Williams. With historic Route 66 at the center of it all, drawing road trippers from across the country through the heart of town, Williams is home to friendly locals, diners, and souvenir stores. This town just exudes that sort of retro charm that feels like stepping back to a time when life was simpler. I've been numerous times, and I still discover someplace new each time I'm there. One such place is Anna's Canyon Cafe, a diner my husband and I stumbled upon while looking for a breakfast spot one morning. It was so good that we agreed it's one of the best road trip stops in Arizona.

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

Whether you're taking a road trip along Historic Route 66 through Arizona or not, Anna's Canyon Cafe in Williams is worth a detour to grab a bite to eat. Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m., this local favorite is housed in a historic building shared with The Red Garter Inn. While the main entrance is at 137 W Railroad Ave, our curiosity led us down an alley on Route 66, where we discovered a back entrance to Anna's Canyon Cafe, which is also known as Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe.

Once we entered through the doors, we found ourselves at a counter and a store featuring Route 66 souvenirs and, past that, the cafe's dining room. The interior of the cafe was larger than we expected, and we could see the main entrance on the other side, past booths lining the walls and tables occupying the middle. The ambiance of the restaurant was timeless, giving it a cozy, welcoming feel. We were also met by the delightful scent of bacon and pancakes, which made us realize how hungry we were.

Shortly after our arrival, a friendly server sat us at a table and gave us time to glance over the menu that offered a selection of American classics and Mexican favorites. We both ordered coffee while deciding what to get for our meals.

My husband ordered the pancakes with a side of bacon, while I opted for a Canyon Burrito, with eggs, potatoes, and cheese, served enchilada-style. Once our plates arrived, we couldn't believe the generous portions laid out before us. His pancakes were nearly the size of the plate they were served on, and my burrito, served with a side of salsa, was massive. We knew we wouldn't be leaving Anna's Canyon Cafe hungry! Our meals were as delicious as they were filling, and we decided we'd be back for more the next time we found ourselves on Route 66.

Nearby Road Trip Attractions

Of course, stopping in Williams for a hearty breakfast or lunch at Anna's Canyon Cafe isn't the only thing to do here — this town is chock-full of attractions! While there's no shortage of Route 66-themed eateries and souvenir shops, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy. One of my favorite stops is Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum, inside a restored 1949 gas station. This free museum displays vintage signs and memorabilia from the heyday of the Mother Road.

For those with a sense of adventure, head to the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park for a thrilling ride down the mountain. And just off Route 66 is the Grand Canyon Railway, where you can board a train and embark on a scenic train ride to and from the Grand Canyon — it's one of the most memorable things to do in Arizona.

Best Road Trip Stops in Arizona

When hunger strikes, Anna's Canyon Cafe is one of the best road-trip stops in Arizona, and it's certainly worth a detour whether driving along Historic Route 66 or the I-40. Not only is the food outstanding, but the ambiance is cozy, the servers are welcoming, and it's also dog-friendly! In fact, there's an entire section of the menu featuring K-9 Specials, from burger patties to chicken breast and more. Visit the Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe Facebook page for updates and location information.

If you have any favorite unexpected road trip stops in Arizona you'd like to share, please do so by filling out our nomination form. You can also plan your own road trip adventures using Only In Your State's Travel Planner.