If you’re a regular road-tripper, you probably have that diner or restaurant that you simply must stop at every time you’re passing through.
Some people might even hesitate to share these delicious dining spots for fear of them becoming overrun and changing.
But where are these hidden Arizona gems and what makes them so good?
An Arizona Reddit user posed this exact question to others on social media, sparking a deluge of restaurant recommendations from every corner of the state and every genre of food. Though many restaurants were named, some were absolutely raved about by multiple users.
Are you ready for a gastronomic road trip? Here are the best hidden gem restaurants in Arizona, according to residents.
Dot’s Diner in Bisbee
Dot’s Diner may be a small restaurant, but it packs a punch. Housed in a 1957 Valentine Diner, Dot’s serves breakfast and lunch to Bisbee residents and travelers.
“It is the best burger I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t believe it,” user fuzzyvulture wrote. Other Reddit users chimed in to recommend the huevos rancheros while noting that the “whole menu is fantastic.”
Details: 1 Old Douglas Road, Bisbee. 520-346-1624. theshadydell.com/dots-diner.
Cameron Trading Post in Cameron
Cameron Trading Post was mentioned by multiple users who praised the Navajo tacos as the best “you will ever have, hands down.”
“My (girlfriend) makes amazing Navajo Tacos. By far the best in her very large family. She had no problem with me saying these were better,” user GolfShred wrote. “She loves the place as do I.”
Details: 466 US 89, Cameron. 1-800-338-7385. camerontradingpost.com.
Date shakes in Dateland
Multiple Reddit users suggested stopping for a date shake in Dateland. This is an Arizona tradition for those traveling Interstate 8.
Dateland was established in the 1920s as a water stop between railroad lines. Since then it has grown into a destination for weary travelers. Though dates and other items are sold there, the date shakes are what they are known for.
Details: 1737 S. Avenue 64 E., Dateland. 928-454-2772. dateland.com.
Burger House in Miami
In the mining town of Miami, you can’t go wrong with stopping at Burger House. The restaurant specializes in Mexican and American food with some delicious combinations on its menu.
“I don’t live in Globe but grew up in the mining industry and I always get some burritos to go from Burger House,” Reddit user Beaverhuntr wrote. “Can confirm Burger House in Miami-Globe is legit!”
Details: 812 Live Oak St., Miami. 928-473-9918.
The Turquoise Room at La Posada in Winslow
La Posada is an old railroad station converted into a hotel and restaurant that is well worth the trip to Winslow.
“The churro lamb and signature black bean and corn soup are divine,” user henrymclane wrote, “The building is amazing too. … I regularly drive up there just to go to the Turquoise Room.”
Details: 305 E. Second St., Winslow. 928-289-2888. theturquoiseroom.com.
Old County Inn in Pine
Pine is home to this delicious restaurant that specializes in woodfired pizza made entirely from scratch. In addition to pizza, the restaurant serves craft cocktails, appetizers and a variety of desserts.
Reddit users highlighted the restaurant’s green chili dip, calling it the best ever.
Details: 3502 State Route 87. 928-476-6560. oldcountyinn.com.
Place to Be in Lake Havasu City
You can tell from the outside that the western Arizona restaurant is going to be food. The exterior of the building is made to look like an episode of Sesame Street, according to user Wash_zoe_mal.
Step inside for homemade food and seasonal menus featuring risotto, buttermilk chicken strips or burgers.
Details: 333 Lake Havasu Ave., Lake Havasu City. 928-453-8339. placetobelhc.com.
Other hidden gems to try
There were quite a few restaurants shared in the Reddit thread. Here are a few more that social media users suggested.
- The German Cafe in Sierra Vista: This Southern Arizona restaurant serves German food so authentic and delicious, even Germans approve, as several Reddit users pointed out.
- THAT Brewery and Pub in Pine: Stop for the beer, stay for the delicious food and possible wildlife spottings, Reddit users say.
- G’s Burgers in Cornville: This restaurant serves burgers, milkshakes and more in the Verde Valley.
- Darbi’s Cafe in Pinetop: This White Mountain restaurant is a popular choice for breakfast and lunch.
- Humble Pie in Duncan: The pizza at this spot is some of the best in the state, according to both Yelp and Reddit users.
- BirdHouse in Page: Yelp named this northern Arizona restaurant the best fried chicken spot in the whole state.
- Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman: The Route 66 diner was named the best in Arizona by LoveFood.
- Martanne’s Burrito Palace in Flagstaff: This is “the house that chilaquiles built” and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Reporting by Shelby Slade, Arizona Republic
