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In southern Arizona, cowboy fare is more common than haute cuisine. There are exceptions, though, especially in the wine region of Sonoita and in the trendy town of Bisbee, both popular for weekend outings from Tucson. And, as one would expect, Mexican food dominates menus.
This is the deserved darling of both the hip Bisbee crowd and foodies from all over. The constantly changing, locally sourced evening menu is not extensive, but whatever you order—wild yellow fin tuna, roasted duck, rack of lamb—will be wonderful. Portions are generous, and all entrées come with salad and sorbet. Exposed-brick walls and soft lighting form the backdrop for original artwork, and the 1875 bar harks back to Bisbee's glory days. Reservations are strongly advised.
Packed with locals at lunchtime, this large, funky restaurant and bar claims to be the oldest pool hall and domino parlor in Arizona. It's a great place for a burger or tacos and a brew. The "Especial" combines a cheeseburger and a hot dog and adds a generous dollop of Lutes's "special sauce." For dinner, dine early on weeknights: Monday through Thursday it shutters at 8; Sunday, at 6.
What's a nice little Parisian bakery doing in southeastern Arizona? Churning out perfect sweet and savory croissants, eclairs, tarts, and cookies every Friday and Saturday for the lucky folks who know about the petite pink shop at the upper end of Main Street. With so many choices, like Death by Nutella cookies, broccoli-cheddar hand pies, and salted caramel eclairs, it can be hard to decide. Order online if you like, so they'll be sure to make enough of your favorites.
At the Sells Shopping Center, this good-size chain market with a deli section can supply all the makings for a picnic.
You might not expect diversity at a place with a reputation for having the best burger in town, but this restaurant delivers with salads, sandwiches, pasta, salmon, steaks, and ribs. The dining room, built to resemble an old train depot, fills up fast on weekends. Its location directly across the street from the Mining Museum makes for a convenient meal.
If you're looking for a lively place to grab a bite when touring the wineries---or if you prefer sampling craft beers to wines---you can find it at the Copper Brothel. The bar fare, such as fish-and-chips, tacos, and pulled pork sandwiches (smoked on-site), is way above average; enjoy it as you watch sports on TV or sit on the patio and drink in the scenery.
If you're looking to wet your whistle or fill up on satisfying portions of steak, salmon, or pizza, stop by the Crystal Palace, where a beautiful mirrored mahogany bar, wrought-iron chandeliers, and tinwork ceilings date back to Tombstone's heyday. Locals come here on weekends to dance to live country-and-western music.
This colorful café and espresso bar, which also doubles as an art gallery featuring local artists, serves healthful breakfasts and soups, salads, and sandwiches through the late afternoon. Vegetarian options, like vegan burritos and spinach pesto wraps, are plentiful. Beverages include organic fair-trade coffees; ice cream, cakes, and cookies draw the local younger set.
A Yuma institution, La Fonda opened as a tortilla factory in 1940, then added a colorful restaurant onto the original building in 1982; locals have been enjoying the carne asada, pollo asado, and chiles rellenos here ever since. Only canola oil is used (not lard), and all the sauces and marinades are made fresh, as are the corn tortillas, which many say are the best in town. Save room for the homemade desserts—the flan and fried ice cream are fabulous. Open for breakfast (served all day), lunch, and early dinner, La Fonda closes at 8 (7:30 on weekdays) so the employees can go home to their families.
With reasonably priced Mexican favorites from morning 'til night, this humble eatery is a welcome surprise for anyone passing through. Don't let the weather-beaten exterior keep you from sampling tacos, burritos, tamales, and "shrimp cocktail" (served in a gazpacho-like soup)—they are all winners.
You won't find anything fancy at this friendly eatery just down the street from Big Nose Kate's Saloon, but you will find generous helpings of basic American and Mexican food at decent prices. The menu covers everything from breakfast to dinner with such entrées as omelets, burgers, steaks, tacos, and enchiladas. The food is a little bland, but the rustic environment and easy accessibility keep this longtime establishment in the running.
For traditional Indian food like fry bread, tacos, and chili, or a hearty traditional breakfast, try the Papago Café, the only restaurant on a long stretch of highway. Bring cash—they don't take anything else.
This hip downtown restaurant is a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors, and though it gets a bit loud on weekend nights, the camaraderie of diners is well worth it. Owners Nan and Tony Bain dish out a medley of flavors drawing on Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, Indian, and Caribbean influences. For starters you can sample everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to curried mussels. Entrées include pistachio-crusted salmon, rack of lamb, and a sizeable selection of vegetarian dishes like ricotta-and-spinach ravioli and coconut curry veggies.
A frontier-style design and a weathered-wood exterior help to create the mood at this Western restaurant and bar known for its tasty margaritas and live country music played on weekend evenings. Built and owned by the family that operates the Sonoita Inn next door, the restaurant serves mesquite-grilled steaks, ribs, chicken, and fish.
Locals and visitors head to this unpretentious yet sophisticated bistro, where Chef Patrick serves French-inspired comfort food for the American palette at lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The lunch menu, featuring lower-priced soups, salads, burgers, and fried chicken with waffles, and the dinner menu, featuring steak and seafood, are both served all day. Whatever your selection, it's a welcome alternative to the many chain restaurants in the area.
Before or after a visit to the Sanguinetti House Museum, this adjoining café is a good place to stop for breakfast or lunch. The charming dining spot features lush gardens and aviaries on the outdoor patio, historical photos on the walls, and a menu of homemade salads, soups, and sandwiches. Favorites include the quiche, served with homemade fruit bread, and the tortilla soup. Breakfasts are top-notch, too. One of the best times to visit is Sunday brunch—complete with carne asada, tortillas, potatoes, scrambled eggs, a layered ham-and-egg strata, breakfast meats, fruit, and dessert.
There aren't too many places where you can enjoy a pizza heaped with organic veggies; a crisp salad of organic greens tossed with homemade dressing; freshly pressed juice (try the beet-, apple-, and lime-juice concoction); and creative cocktails while surrounded by images of Elvis and the Virgin Mary. The owner uses a 1930s dough recipe for the pizza's delightful whole wheat crust; a gluten-free, almond-based pizza crust and bountiful salads entice those who may seek a low-carb alternative.
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