Must-see restaurants in The Southwest

  • Secret Pizza

    Las Vegas

    There's an unmarked, unlisted pizza joint hidden within Cosmopolitan. If you're craving a late-night slice of New York pizza, this is the place to go…

  • Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant

    Bryce Canyon National Park

    This supercute diner is classic Utah, with waitstaff that dote, Naugahyde booths and even a crackling fire on cold days. Expect hearty plates of meat and…

  • Horseman's Haven

    Santa Fe

    Let's talk about the green chile. We were warned it was hot, and we like hot, but whoo, that fiery elixir darn near ripped apart our stomach lining, not…

  • Strip House

    Las Vegas

    With a sexy 1920s cabaret vibe and glowing red boudoir lamps, this steakhouse is the opposite of stuffy. Sit down with your bachelor/ette party, or on…

  • China Poblano

    Las Vegas

    Noodles and tacos, together? An eye-catching fusion eatery from chef José Andrés mixes two unlikely cuisines – Chinese and Mexican – in a lively, hipster…

  • In-N-Out Burger

    Las Vegas

    Possibly the best deal on the Strip are the under-$3 burgers at this California institution, known for high quality ingredients and excellent customer…

  • Azteca Mexican Bakery

    Phoenix

    Pumping out no-frills pastries, burros and hot plates to a no-frills clientele since 1957, this roadside Mexican spot is as authentic as it comes. If you…

  • Hideaway House

    Sedona

    The best reason for coming to the Hideaway is to dine on the deck at sunset, when gorgeous red-rock views serve as the appetizer. As the name suggests,…

  • 192 at the Blake

    Central New Mexico

    Nibble on a shared plate of calamari and parsley aioli during après-ski or order up a manzo flatbread (carne asada, blue cheese, arugula and caramelized…

  • Matt's Big Breakfast

    Phoenix

    First, a warning: even on weekdays, lines for breakfast can snake out the door. There are no reservations, so sign your name on the clipboard and expect a…

  • Grotto

    Las Vegas

    At this Italian trattoria covered in painted murals, you'll be drawn to the sunlight-filled patio next to the Nugget's shark-tank waterslide and swimming…

  • Grapes

    Arizona

    Wine newbies and grape connoisseurs are equally happy at this breezy, brick-walled bistro that serves ahi tuna burgers, a 'Tuscan' berry salad with goat's…

  • Station 66 Italian Bistro

    Kaibab National Forest

    Housed in an old Route 66 gas station, with live music in the sidewalk cafe and rooftop dining. Wood-fire-pizza toppings include fresh mozzarella,…

  • Bocce Pizzeria

    Arizona

    This hip gourmet pizzeria goes the extra mile to ensure authenticity: the chef earned her dough-stretching stripes in Naples, the oven burns wood, the…

  • Mr D'z Route 66 Diner

    Arizona

    Put some Bill Haley on the jukebox, slip into a horseshoe booth and be transported back to the happy days of the ’50s in this charming little retro diner…

  • Adobe Deli

    New Mexico

    This amazing, cavernous barnlike structure, on a rundown farm 12 miles east via US 549 (follow Pine St), is filled with stuffed animals from mouflon to…

  • Flatiron Café

    Arizona

    This tiny cafe packs a big, delicious punch. Savor a scrambled-egg quesadilla with hatch chilies, beans and pico de gallo at breakfast, or a vegan…

  • Michael's Kitchen

    Taos

    Locals and tourists alike converge on this old favorite because the menu is long, the food's reliably good, it's an easy place for kids, and the in-house…

  • Back 40 Ranch House Grill

    Wasatch Mountains

    The deck out back provides a lovely view of Heber Valley's green pastures and surrounding mountains. Locally sourced ingredients make all the difference…

  • San Marcos Cafe

    Central New Mexico

    Down-home, country-style cafe that's 7.5 miles north of Cerrillos and 17 miles south of Santa Fe on Hwy 14. Aside from some excellent red chile and…

  • Pueblo Harvest Cafe

    Albuquerque

    A rare chance to sample the real local cuisine, with dishes such as blue-corn porridge for breakfast, Tewa tacos for lunch – the Pueblo take on Indian fry…

  • Mariposa

    Sedona

    Stunning mountain views and divine (if steeply priced) Latin-inspired food from the grill are the hallmarks of this upmarket option from local celebrity…

  • Adobe Café & Bakery

    New Mexico

    A culinary oasis in the middle of nowhere (aka '7 miles west of Reserve'). Aside from creative renditions of typical diner fare, the Adobe features…

  • Simply Delicious Cafe Daily Fare

    Flagstaff

    This tiny gem, attached to a catering business, is well hidden in the back of an industrial strip – look for the inviting orange awning jutting out from a…

  • Diane's Restaurant & Bakery

    New Mexico

    Diane's is the local restaurant of choice, especially for weekend breakfasts. If you visit then, order the Hatch Benedict eggs, doused with chile. There's…

  • Vetri Cucina

    Las Vegas

    It's plenty refreshing for a new Italian restaurant opening in Vegas to eschew the Neopolitan pizza craze that is sweeping the city. Even better, the 56th…

  • Latitude 33

    New Mexico

    Relaxed, friendly bistro, tucked away downtown between the two main drags, which serves Asian-inspired dishes at good prices. Think spicy peanut noodles…

  • Holsteins

    Las Vegas

    At Holsteins, hand-crafted burgers are championship-worthy, as are all-American classics with a gourmet twist – pork nugget fries, fried cheese curds, and…

  • Wazuzu

    Las Vegas

    The flamboyant decor at this upscale yet casual pan-Asian eatery includes blood-red walls, giant golden pears and, for good measure, a 27ft-long crystal…

  • La Boca

    Santa Fe

    A casual offshoot of the all-but-identical La Boca restaurant in the courtyard off Lincoln Ave, this relaxed central tapas bar offers a changing but…

  • Crystal Palace Saloon

    Southern Arizona

    Built in 1879 and thoroughly restored, this lively saloon is a favorite end-of-the-day watering hole for Tombstone's costumed actors. With its long bar,…

  • Hoodout Hideout

    Southwestern Utah

    Coffee shop and lodging open year-round, making it a great option when many of the area's businesses close for the winter. A very welcoming place serving…

  • Floyd & Co Real Pit BBQ

    Arizona

    The pork, brisket and andouille sausage are smoked to a turn at this popular Beale St barbecue joint – just order your protein, choose your sides, grab a…

  • High Country Restaurant & Saloon

    New Mexico

    The round-the-clock throng of diners tells you this Wild West restaurant, at the Y-junction south of town, is something out of the ordinary. Whether you…

  • Main Street Social

    Wasatch Mountains

    The changing menu at this small restaurant with outdoor seating features mostly locally sourced organic ingredients, along with craft cocktails and local…

  • Tito & Pep

    Tucson

    A mid-20th-century-modern throwback in Tucson's midtown, Tito & Pep features John Martinez' chef-driven fare hot off the mesquite-fired grill: think lamb…

  • Bavarian

    Central New Mexico

    The best dining on the mountain (at the bottom of Lift 4), you can fuel up here on hearty Spätzle (noodles), Wiener Schnitzel, scrumptious Apfelstrudel…

  • The Cafe

    Southern Arizona

    This cafe east of the Hwy 82/83 junction is a breezy place to nosh after a day of wine tasting, bird-watching or scenic driving. Salads, sandwiches and…

  • Mesa Grill

    Las Vegas

    While star chef Bobby Flay doesn't cook on the premises, his bold signature menu of spicy Southwestern fare is usually satisfying, whether it's a New…

  • Boca Tacos & Tequila

    Tucson

    While Boca looks divey from the outside, the cuisine leans gourmet, with fillings like lime-and-chipotle shrimp, curried cauliflower and chicken mole all…