Must-see restaurants in The Southwest

  • Diablo Burger

    Tucson

    This satellite of Flagstaff's popular burger joint does a mean patty of open-range, locally sourced beef. Try the Big Daddy Kane, with sharp cheddar,…

  • Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In

    Arizona

    The Snow Cap is a Route 66 institution. The crazy decor is only the beginning. Wait until you see the menu featuring cheeseburgers with ‘dead chicken.’…

  • Hillsboro General Store Café

    New Mexico

    Housed in Hillsboro's historic general store, this place is a surprise of the best kind. The New Mexican plates feature local chile, free-range locally…

  • Burger Stand at Burro Alley

    Santa Fe

    This hip burger joint and brewery is good for an easy meal in the Old Town – think cheeseburgers with habanero jam, fish and chips with Hatch green chile…

  • Los Potrillos

    Santa Fe

    This upbeat Mexican restaurant with a hefty menu is another local favorite – choose between shrimp fajitas, chiles en nogada (stuffed with beef, pecans…

  • Grove Cafe & Market

    Albuquerque

    Much more cafe than market, this light, bright EDo (east downtown) bistro is renowned for healthy, all-day organic breakfasts, and does a brisk trade in…

  • Darbi's Cafe

    Arizona

    This might be the most popular restaurant along the Mogollon Rim. It's hard to tell what locals love more: the yummy, stylized American food, or owner…

  • Bhindas Curry Pizza Palace

    Southwestern Utah

    High-school memorabilia and local news clippings cover the walls at this popular Indian-owned pizza joint known for zesty specialty pies made on naan…

  • Pane Bianco

    Phoenix

    Part of the Pizzeria Bianco empire, Pane is a top spot for an artisan sandwich. Enjoy salads and sandwiches (the housemade mozzarella with wood-roasted…

  • Big D's Downtown Dive

    Southeastern New Mexico

    From the green chile cheeseburger to the Bangkok chicken wings with sriracha dipping sauce to the vegetarian Angry Hippie sandwich, there are enough…

  • Bisbee Breakfast Club

    Southern Arizona

    The breakfasts at this longtime favorite are super-hearty and served with unfussy solicitude. The house-corned beef hash with two eggs, home fries,…

  • ¡Dos!

    Southern Arizona

    Quick and easy, this branch of Wisdom's Café features street tacos, Sonoran dogs, burritos, tamales, margaritas and homemade ice cream. Good selection of…

  • Park House Cafe

    Springdale

    Wake up as late as you like: Park House Cafe serves its Asiago bagel with egg and avocado – along with organic coffee and other breakfast items – until…

  • Vertical Diner

    Salt Lake City

    If you are not vegan, you might prefer seeking out authentic international eats as opposed to these watered-down versions, but that's not to say Vertical…

  • Quesadilla Mobilla

    Moab

    For a quick bite, hit this yellow food truck parked alongside the busy main drag. Many like the simplicity of the 'dirtbag' (a large bean and cheese…

  • Mt Charleston Lodge Dining Room

    Southern Nevada

    The chalet-style dining room at Mt Charleston Lodge is popular with day-trippers and lodge guests alike for its skillfully prepared modern American…

  • Farm Basket

    Summerlin

    This locals' favorite, in business since 1973, is the last branch of what used to be a popular fried chicken franchise. Details include chunks of turkey…

  • Riggatti's Wood Fired Pizza

    St George

    With a fanatical local following, this tiny pizzeria is a boon for travelers searching for thin-crust pizzas with bubbling mozzarella and pesto. Grab one…

  • Loyola's Family Restaurant

    Albuquerque

    Pure Route 66 style, baby. Set a quarter-mile east of Nob Hill, Loyola’s has been serving no-frills New Mexican staples, including some of the best chile…

  • Shotgun Willie's

    Central New Mexico

    Locals love this tiny place, serving the ultimate hangover sop-up, artery-clogging breakfast specials of fried eggs, meats and potatoes. The true house…

  • Over the Counter Cafe

    Salt Lake City

    Hugely popular greasy spoon with booth seating and a convivial counter around an open grill. Regulars love the ancient-grains pancakes, blueberry-lemon…

  • Fusion House

    Kanab

    Casual Asian fusion – think Japanese-style chicken katsu curry, coconut shrimp, udon noodle soups, and fried rice with spinach and pine nuts – served in a…

  • 710 Bodega

    Park City

    Don't underestimate the seduction of a deep pour of tempranillo paired with crab-stuffed peppers and lamb lollipops. Small bites are the thing in this new…

  • Milad Persian Bistro

    Santa Fe

    The delicately seasoned kabobs and bountiful salads are made for lingering at this pleasant bistro on Canyon Rd. The cozy patio is particularly well…

  • Village Buttery

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Go gourmet in Ruidoso: freshly made soups and quiche, tortellini salad and whole-wheat tuna sandwiches, all followed up with just-baked croissants and pie…

  • Cellblock Steakhouse

    Northern Nevada

    Housed near Ely's old jailhouse, the Cellblock serves up fabulous steaks in 'cells' complete with antique iron bars and sepia-toned photos of outlaws. It…

  • Bruno's Pizza & Wings

    New Mexico

    This friendly spot across from the train station is one of the only eateries of note in Raton. Pizzas run from standard margheritas to more local options,…

  • Taste of Thai

    Southeastern New Mexico

    You can still ask yourself New Mexico's state question here (red or green?), but you'll no doubt appreciate that it applies to curry for a change. The…

  • Rusty's Ranch House

    Southwestern Utah

    On Hwy 14, 3 miles east of town, this steakhouse certainly has one of the the nicest locations in Cedar City. Expect moose and bison heads on the wall and…

  • Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue

    Southeastern New Mexico

    The devoted owner here is serious about his Texas-style BBQ – feast on brisket, ribs, pulled pork and other mouthwatering delicacies such as the Chile the…

  • Bagel Project

    Salt Lake City

    Top-notch bagels are made with old-world care by the owners straight outta Jersey. Chewy, simple, satisfying. It also sells bialys (Polish rolls with…

  • El Bruno's

    New Mexico

    The best place to eat for many miles, this riverside restaurant, close to the bridge, serves high-class Mexican specialties from carne asada to steak, and…

  • Beer Belly's

    New Mexico

    This roadside shack just west of town has plenty of chile-smothered everything: smothered burgers, smothered fries, smothered potato skins and delish BBQ…

  • Circle D Eatery

    Southwestern Utah

    Has attentive service and satisfying burgers using local beef on fresh sesame or cheese buns, served with shoestring fries. Smoked meats are a specialty,…

  • Antiquity

    Albuquerque

    With just 14 tables in an atmosphere of rustic elegance, Antiquity specializes in steak, seafood and fine wine. The desserts list isn't long, but it doesn…

  • Casa Blanca

    Southeastern New Mexico

    Dine on Southwestern cuisine in a renovated Spanish-style house or on the pleasant patio in the summer. It's hard to go wrong with the New Mexican plates,…

  • Peach City

    Utah

    Brigham City certainly has no shortage of drive-ins and this old-timer gets much-deserved love for its homemade ice cream and shakes made with flavors…

  • Moab Garage Co

    Moab

    Get your 'cryocream' on, ice cream made with liquid nitrogen and tasty flavors such as s'more and salted caramel crunch. This hip cafe also does strong…

  • Windy Ridge Cafe

    Park City

    Escape the Main St mayhem at this out-of-the-way American cafe. There's a long list of salads to choose from, also available as sides, and comfort food…

  • India Spice N Bar

    Arizona

    No trip to London Bridge would be complete without some curry – come to India Spice to catch up on all those Bollywood videos you’ve been missing, paired…