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Hi, our AZ trip starts in a couple of weeks and we're down to the details...
We'll be staying 3 days in Chandler and dayhiking the western Superstitions; need restaurant recommendations in that area. A few days later we're spending the night in Flagstaff and would appreciate dinner recommendations there. Also in Flagstaff, we'll probably have a few hours to kill and after 4 days in the Grand Canyon may not feel like hiking - any suggestions for other things to do? Is the observatory worth a visit (moon will be close to full; this will be Tuesday night of Thanksgiving week).

Thanks,
Will

I've lived in Flag for all 24 years of my life, so I know what's up. A few of my favorite places: NiMarco's Pizza, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, Bigfoot BBQ.

Being from PA, and the eastern part, you might like the New Jersey Pizza Company on Cedar east of MacMillan Mesa. They're my favorite in town, but a bit more money than NiMarco's, which is also good. Bigfoot is Texas BBQ, so don't expect it to be like what you may have eaten on the east coast, either Carolina or Florida/gulf coast variety. The Mandarin Chinese Buffet on Milton is the best Chinese in town that I have had, and that is mostly due to them having a Mongolian grill. It all depends on the food you are after. In Flag, where I have now live for 4 years and just over 2 months, we don't have a lot good restaurants. Instead, we seem to have a lot of tourist junk like, The Grand Canyon Cafe, fast food, and chain slop houses like Chili's and Outback Steakhouse. I know of two finer places around Flagstaff: Josephine's Modern American Bistro on US 180 (AKA Humphrey St) north of downtown, and Jackson' Grill on 89A south of Fort Tuthill Park and the Airport Exit on I-17. They are the best in town I have heard of, but that isn't saying a lot. While at the Grand Canyon, I recommend eating at the reasonably priced Arizona Room in the restaurant west of El Tovar (which is extremely expensive) at the S. Rim. For things to do In Flag that aren't hiking or observatory based.....hmmmm...try Oak Creek Canyon and 89A towards Sedona. Worth the drive and the color is coming in, especially in the canyon. Walnut Canyon NM is a good easy thing to do, as is Wupatki. You could always train spot, you'll have plenty of opportunities for that, and BTW don't get a hotel room by the tracks. You'll regret it. Best rooms are found near Butler and Industry around the new Walmart, and down by the 40-17 junction; far from train noise though the horn is largely reduced. You might go camping and have a bonfire as the cold is here at night, but maybe you prefer to ritz it up after dark in which case there is the uh, well, the ....uh......go to the valley for that.

I like Alpine Pizza.

I like El Charro for home style Mexican food, and the Observatory is definately worth the time.

big_load wrote:I like Alpine Pizza.

You're joking right? There is no way any sane person could like that cardboard with ketchup on it, unless high, that is.

Big fan of Beaver Street Brewery's beers and pretzels.

It's funny, I have only been in there once and that was over 3.5 years ago. Are these fresh baked soft pretzels? BTW, Rob, can you hear the mountains in the goat horn?

Yeah, fresh-baked soft pretzels. I could only hear the skittering of spiders and lice in the horn.

tomohawk and broadway, apache junction

used to be mediocre food, but must have a new cook or ownership because the Tres Banderos food has suprisingly increased in quality - so much that i would call it authentic sonoran grub. stick with the shredded tacos, the enchies or the rellenos.

the burgers are not bad either, but dont expect ameri-mexican or atmosphere. if you like real tequila, over 100 varieties are behind the bar

Buster's near the south entrance to NAU. Always good food, great beer selections!

Jim_H wrote:There is no way any sane person could like that cardboard with ketchup on it, unless high, that is.

Well, I'm always near starvation when I go in there, which could impair my judgment.

If you like museums with Indian artifacts you could go to the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Wow, lots of responses! I guess one thing hikers have in common all across the country is, we love to eat. I should have been more specific, though: We like to have food we can't get at home; preferably local specialties. For example, the culinary high point of our last SW trip was the green chili cheeseburgers in San Antonio NM. So Mexican definitely, pizza no thanks unless it's an unusual local twist.

I have great regard for TX barbecue (used to live in Houston). Memphis and Carolina versions have their place, but PA BBQ sucks.

Beer and fresh soft pretzels after 4 days in the Canyon - oh yeah. I guess I'll have to shower first though. What's the best local dark brew?

We did Sedona in the fall a couple years ago; very impressive as long as we stayed in the Wilderness area. Didn't care for the city. Stayed away from anywhere pink jeeps were allowed. Might be nice to go back, but we get out of the Canyon sometime Tuesday and need to be at my parents' in Green Valley before it gets too late on Wednesday, so Flagstaff will have to be a quick stop this trip.

Thanks and please keep them coming.

I never leave Flagstaff without getting breakfast at Macy's...

PA Hiker wrote:the culinary high point of our last SW trip was the green chili cheeseburgers in San Antonio NM

Was that Blake's Lotaburger? Those are great!

No, the Buckhorn. We stayed at the Casa Blanca B&B (great place if you're visiting Bosque) and that's where they recommended.

Buster's is extremely overrated. Beaver Street Brewery is a tourist trap. Alpine Pizza is like cardboard with tomato paste and cheapo mozzarella thrown on top.

I agree about Busters and Alpine, I thought Beaver St had good food, but it is first and foremost a brewery and bar.

Tough_Boots wrote:I never leave Flagstaff without getting breakfast at Macy's...

Are they still a vegetarian-only joint?