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Luxury travel this is not. Fine dining is difficult to find; homestyle cooking, steakhouses, and the occasional authentic Mexican joint pepper most towns. Casual is the norm—a pair of jeans will gain you entrance to just about any eatery in the area—anything dressier and you'd be out of place. Reservations are helpful during the busy summer months, and remember that some places are closed from November to April.
This family-owned restaurant prides itself on serving comfort food with a kick: most of the wide-ranging menu is devoted to Mexican dishes that feature hot hatch chiles. If you're not in the mood for spice, you can opt for a burger, sandwich, or salad. Like most places in the area, Booga Reds closes at 9, so make your dinner an early one.
Attracting golfers relishing a successful day on the links as well as locals in search of good food, Charlie Clark's has been the meeting place of the White Mountains since it opened in 1938. Prime rib is the house specialty, and make sure to try a cup of the French onion soup. Minnesota walleye adds a Midwestern spin to the menu.
This local haunt takes burger shack chic to a whole new level. Try the house burger, which has some kick with poblano chiles; or for a quirkier meal, try the White Mountain burger, encased in a glazed doughnut. You can lounge in the expansive yard or play some cornhole while you enjoy an afternoon or a sunset over a burger and a fries basket.
Any trip to Arizona should become a tour of different styles of Mexican food, and if you like trying different interpretations of Sonoran cuisine, stop here. Portions are large, and the service is friendly at this popular spot. The green-corn tamales and enchiladas are delicious, and locals go for the bean burrito smothered in green-chile sauce.
Along with what locals claim are the best enchiladas on the mountain, Licano's serves shrimp tacos, prime rib, and Alaskan salmon, making for a fairly broad menu. The convenient downtown location is within walking distance of most Show Low hotels.
Locals come to this family-style Mexican eatery for the enchiladas and lunch specials. Dessert specialties include fried ice cream and apple chimichangas.
Opened in 1973 by "Trapper" Hatch, this family-owned diner is decorated with Hatch's old trapping equipment and animal paintings by local artists. Chicken-fried steak and green chile melt draw a loyal crowd. People drive out of their way just for a piece of pie, especially the banana cream. Have a slice at the counter with a cup of coffee.
