Must-see restaurants in The Southwest

  • Purple Onion

    New Mexico

    One of the few inhabitants of the virtual ghost town of Mogollon, the Purple Onion claims to serve the best burger in New Mexico. We’re not sure if it’s…

  • Grand Canyon Coffee & Café

    Kaibab National Forest

    Inside the Red Garter Inn, this cafe slings classic breakfasts, sandwiches and a smattering of Mexican dishes. The canyon burrito includes scrambled eggs…

  • River Grill

    Moab

    For romance, it's hard to beat the wraparound veranda overlooking red-rock canyons outside Moab. Dine on heirloom tomato soup, wedge salad and herb…

  • Los Cerritos

    Southeastern New Mexico

    A free basket of chips with a side of spicy salsa starts things off right at this big but welcoming Mexican restaurant where families, friends, seniors…

  • Chart House

    Las Vegas

    This high-end chain eatery is anchored by a stunning 75,000-gallon aquarium and serves a variety of aquatic delights from Alaskan halibut, king crab and…

  • Machi's Saloon & Grill

    Northern Nevada

    This tiny local favorite is almost always buzzing due to its Modern American cuisine, which is a cut above the offerings of your typical Nevadan grill or…

  • Wonderful House

    New Mexico

    The dynamic young staff here, on the main highway next to the Step Back Inn, work hard to live up to its far-from-bashful name, serving quick-fire…

  • Kiva Koffeehouse

    Southwestern Utah

    Just past the Aquarius Plateau, you reach this singular coffeehouse whose round structure was built directly into the cliffside. Floor-to-ceiling glass…

  • Wildflower Bread Company

    Sedona

    The line seems to be perpetually out the door at this Arizona chain, easily Sedona's best choice for an inexpensive meal at any time of day. Buffalo…

  • Eataly

    Las Vegas

    The last Vegas bastion of disgraced celebrity chef Mario Batali, Eataly earns its spot here, with some of the city's most authentic, affordable pasta,…

  • Shabu

    Park City

    Hip, inventive Asian small plates, including addictive firecracker shrimp, warming ramen and namesake shabu shabu (a hot pot of flavorful broth with meat…

  • Bobby's Burger Palace

    Las Vegas

    Hey, it's no palace, but it's Bobby Flay and meals are half the price of other star chefs' burger joints on the Strip. Get the Napa Valley Burger topped…

  • Bright Angel Bicycles & Cafe at Mather Point

    Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

    Grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks and coffee drinks from the bike-shop cafe – the best spot to pick up a last-minute lunch to throw in your…

  • Karma Sushi Bar

    Flagstaff

    A slick sushi bar with low lights and black lacquer, Karma is known for its tasty, reasonably priced rolls – try the Lucy, a signature concoction of…

  • Rizo's

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Service can be a bit brisk at this no-frills place, but it's still one of the town's most reliable eats. In addition to all the usual suspects, you'll…

  • Charlie's Southern BBQ

    Southwestern Utah

    Don't be fooled by the cookie-cutter shopping plaza setting. There's a huge meat smoker outside, rolls of paper towels on the tables and sticky barbecue…

  • Smokey Bear Restaurant

    Southeastern New Mexico

    This little diner next to the Smokey Bear Historical Park serves all of Smokey's personal favorites – who knew bears were partial to chicken quesadillas…

  • Teresa's Tamales

    New Mexico

    A tiny cinder-block building with a wood stove and votive candles in the corner. Come to this community hub for some of the best tamales ($2 to $4) in the…

  • Forscher German Bakery

    Southwestern Utah

    Break your driving fast with fresh pastries, sandwiches on the bakery's signature sourdough, or you might try the grilled bratwurst. This modern German…

  • Nana's Sandwich Shoppe

    Arizona

    Order at the counter of this busy sandwich shop in the heart of Wickenburg. The God-fearing folks here load ’em up right, from the Mustang (hot pastrami,…

  • Red Rock Grill

    Zion National Park

    Settle into your replica log chair or relax on the big deck with magnificent canyon views. Though the dinner menu touts its sustainable-cuisine stance for…

  • Pie-O-Neer Café

    New Mexico

    Step up to the pie bar to peruse the many different slices on offer. Trust us, it will be very hard to make up your mind. If you're particular, call ahead…

  • Churchill

    Phoenix

    Repurposed shipping containers set the scene for this outdoor food hall and hangout space. Get in line at one of the food truck–style eateries …

  • Red Onion

    Arizona

    This diner in Havasu's 'uptown district' is great for breakfast – omelets such as the Sonoran (chorizo, olives, red onion, mushrooms and cheddar) deliver…

  • Burger Stand at Taos Ale House

    Taos

    Much like the Santa Fe branch, this hip burger joint is a popular pick for an easy, decent meal – think burgers with applewood-smoked bacon, and Gouda,…

  • Spice Market Buffet

    Las Vegas

    Middle Eastern, Asian, Italian and Mexican fare are thrown into the global mix at this jewel of a buffet, a throwback to the original Aladdin resort…

  • Del's Restaurant

    New Mexico

    Serves hearty American and Mexican dishes for lunch and dinner; a salad-bar trip is included with American entrees, and chips and salsa with the Mexican…

  • Passion Pie Cafe

    New Mexico

    Watch T or C get its morning groove on through the windows of this espresso cafe, and set yourself up with a breakfast waffle; the Elvis (with peanut…

  • NoMad Restaurant

    Las Vegas

    It's as much about the room here as it is about the food – both are thoughtful, rich and ultimately excellent odes to classic American fine dining. The…

  • Ancient Way Café

    New Mexico

    The cozy Ancient Way Café makes for an excellent pit stop along Hwy 53, serving tasty home-cooked American, New Mexican and veggie specialties in simple…

  • Frontier

    Albuquerque

    This giant cantina that sprawls across several rooms has to be seen to be believed: get in line for enormous buttery cinnamon rolls, smothered enchiladas…

  • La Nueva Casita

    New Mexico

    Bordering the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro in the Mesquite Historic District, this cozy and beloved Mexican restaurant serves made-from…

  • Hi D Ho Drive-In

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Car hops walk up to your window at this drive-in that's been around since 1952. Burgers, tacos, and burritos are on the menu, plus limeades and milkshakes…

  • Gold 'n Silver Inn

    Reno

    A Reno institution for more than 50 years, this slightly divey but super-friendly 24-hour diner has a huge menu of home-style American favorites such as…

  • River City Grill

    Arizona

    Chic, funky and gourmet, with a shaded outdoor patio in back, the River City Grill does a good take on bouillabaisse, and scores points with vegetarians…

  • Gathering Grounds Cafe

    Southern Arizona

    Did somebody say breakfast bowl? This baby comes with green chili, cheddar and two eggs atop grilled potatoes, plus meat if ya' want it. At lunch look for…

  • Searsucker Las Vegas

    Las Vegas

    Searsucker is a heavy hitter serving punchy small plates and killer cocktails in casual digs with a cowboy twang on Caesars' gaming floor. There's a daily…

  • Slate at the Museum

    Albuquerque

    Looking for a quick bite in the Old Town? Stop by the Albuquerque Museum for salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups and cupcakes from the much-loved downtown…

  • Grappa

    Park City

    The rambling old home at the top of the historic downtown hill is perfect for a romantic northern-Italian meal. Dine under the soft patio lights in summer…

  • Peekaboo Kitchen

    Kanab

    A godsend to green diets, this cafe goes big on vegetarian and vegan dishes, salads and beet chips. The artisan pizzas are pretty good too. Breakfast…