When it comes to dining options within the Grand Canyon National Park, visitors are often left wanting more.
80% of the comments on our recent Reddit thread show disdain for food options in the Grand Canyon.
Fortunately, just outside the park’s boundaries lie a variety of culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.
From fried chicken to delectable pastries, this insider’s guide will introduce you to some of the top dining destinations in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, and Kanab.
McDonalds
If you’re already in the Grand Canyon, it seems like McDonalds is your best option.
Many commenters agree that when you’re already there, there aren’t many options.
Atria
Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Atria is a restaurant that offers a sophisticated cuisine highlighting local ingredients.
Chef-owner Rochelle Daniel earned a 2022 James Beard Award nomination for her culinary skills.
The restaurant’s chic decor adds to the dining experience, while the seasonal menus ensure that you have an ever-evolving dining experience.
At Atria, you can start your meal with delicious cocktails like Humphrey’s Highball, made with melon-infused gin, cucumber, Midori, and yuzu citrus liqueur.
The starters include grilled oysters with chorizo or charcoal-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and candied pumpkin seeds.
For the main course, you can try the signature smoked short rib with apple, caramelized onions, and Bordelaise sauce, or opt for pasta dishes like farfalle with lamb sausage, pea purée, and kumquats.
If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss out on the grilled oysters. The dish is a perfect blend of juicy oysters and smoky chorizo.
Moreover, the charcoal-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and candied pumpkin seeds are a great vegetarian option.
Overall, Atria is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a sophisticated dining experience in Flagstaff.
Shift Kitchen + Bar
Shift Kitchen + Bar is located in the historic Babbitt Building on N San Francisco Street in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona.
Chef Christian Lowe, a James Beard semifinalist, puts her artful spin on regional flavors to “shift” diners’ expectations.
The inviting ambiance of the restaurant includes a view of the small open kitchen.
Shift’s menu offers a variety of beautiful veggie-centric dishes, including a mushroom tostada with chimichurri and dollops of ancho crema, and artichoke Rockefeller with buttery breadcrumbs, habanero crystals, and lemon aioli.
For heartier options, you can try the seared scallop atop corn pone cakes and Three Sisters succotash, representing beans, corn, and squash from Indigenous agriculture.
Bison is also available, complemented by a rich chocolate mole and roasted grape salsa, completing the culinary journey.
Here are some highlights of Shift Kitchen + Bar:
- Location: Historic Babbitt Building on N San Francisco Street in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona
- Chef: James Beard semifinalist Chef Christian Lowe
- Menu: Beautiful veggie-centric dishes and heartier options with regional flavors
- Ambiance: Inviting with a view of the small open kitchen
Shift Kitchen + Bar is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a unique culinary journey in Flagstaff.
Forêt
Forêt is a French-style café located at 2 S Beaver Street #170 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The café offers a selection of breakfast items, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
You can reserve a canelé, a small baked cake from Bordeaux, before they sell out or check Forêt’s Instagram page for Jimmy’s weekly egg sandwich.
The specials on the chalkboard offer seasonal surprises like Niçoise salad with white beans, asparagus, and artichokes or crab Benedict with heirloom tomatoes and serrano-spiked Hollandaise.
Forêt is known for its fine dining experience, and the southwestern room is a great place to enjoy a meal.
The Coronado room is also available for private events. Forêt also serves soups, including a quail egg and caper vinaigrette salad.
The café is a great place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the ambiance.
Proper Meats + Provisions
Proper Meats + Provisions is a Flagstaff-based American steakhouse that offers a wide variety of local and organic ingredients.
The restaurant also serves sandwiches, including the popular bánh mì with pork confit and pickled radish and carrot salad on a freshly baked hoagie.
Another favorite is the Aleppo pepper pastrami sandwich layered with roasted green chiles, cactus cream cheese, and mustard on sourdough.
Proper Meats also offers bison and elk burgers, which are made from local ingredients.
In addition to sandwiches, the restaurant also serves mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as caramelized onions and cheese.
Proper Meats + Provisions is more than just a butcher shop, offering specials like Wednesday fried chicken and weekend BBQ along with homemade pot pies, sauces, and pastas.
Historic Brewing Co. Barrel + Bottle House
If you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day of exploring the canyon, the Historic Brewing Co. Barrel + Bottle House is the perfect spot.
Located in the historic Cabinet Saloon built in 1893, this brewpub offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of craft beers and delicious wood-fired pizzas and pub grub favorites.
Take a seat at the bar side, in the adjacent dining room, or even on the dog-friendly patio, and order at the counter.
You’ll find a great selection of Flagstaff-based Historic Brewing Co. beers, including their best-selling Pie Hole Porter, a cherry-vanilla porter that has been a mainstay since the brewery’s launch in 2013.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a six-beer flight with seasonal drafts like Undercover Cucumber and Pumpkin Piehole.
In addition to beers, the brewpub also serves margaritas, cocktails, and Arizona wines, so there’s something for everyone.
Overall, the Historic Brewing Co. Barrel + Bottle House is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves local beer and great food.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you won’t be disappointed.
Nany’s Tacos
If you’re in the mood for Chihuahua-style Mexican cuisine, Nany’s Tacos is a local favorite. This casual eatery serves up Mexican plates, omelets, breakfast burritos, and tacos until 10 a.m.
For lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include quesadillas, burgers, and specialty tacos like the Quesabirria, which is shredded braised beef and cheese served with a cup of rich consommé for dunking.
Another must-try is the Governor tacos, which are shrimp and cheese-stuffed fried tacos.
Nany’s Tacos also offers daily specials ranging from shrimp ceviche to caldo de res, a Mexican beef soup loaded with corn and potatoes.
Pine Country Restaurant
For over 35 years, Pine Country Restaurant has been serving up delicious homestyle cooking in a cozy atmosphere.
Whether you’re starting your day with warm cinnamon rolls or enjoying comfort dishes like pot roast and chicken fried steak, Pine Country has something for everyone.
But what really sets this restaurant apart is their famous pies. With over 50 varieties to choose from, including fruit and nut pies like pecan, cherry, and peach, and cream pies like chocolate-covered cherry and butterscotch, you’re sure to find a slice that satisfies your sweet tooth.
If you can’t decide, take a peek at the drool-worthy pie case before you order.
Pine Country also offers wood-fired pizzas, making it a great option for those craving a slice of pizza.
And if you’re in the Grand Canyon area, be sure to check out their sister restaurants, Maswik Pizza Pub and Grand Canyon Pizza and Grill.
Kanab Creek Bakery
If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch spot in Kanab, look no further than Kanab Creek Bakery.
This popular cafe offers a range of European-style artisan pastries, breakfast treats, and sandwiches that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
The bakery’s case is always stocked with an array of goodies, including cherry-almond croissants, chocolate palmiers, and cranberry strudels.
In addition to their sweet treats, Kanab Creek Bakery also offers breakfast specialties like quiche and breakfast sandwiches made with freshly baked bread.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you won’t want to miss their chocolate mousse and crème brûlée.
If you have some free time, be sure to check the bakery’s schedule for pizza-making and bread-baking classes.
With its Italian-inspired pastries and apple-filled breakfast options, Kanab Creek Bakery is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a delicious meal in Kanab.
Sego Restaurant
For the most upscale dining experience in Kanab, head to Sego in the Canyons Boutique Hotel.
The restaurant offers New American cuisine with southeast Asian influences, creating a unique culinary storytelling experience.
Chef Shon Foster, formerly of the ultra-exclusive Amangiri resort, returned to his hometown to introduce guests to his refined techniques and global influences.
Small plates are designed for sharing, including wood-oven-fired foraged mushrooms with a sunny-side up egg and Chinese BBQ pork lettuce cups.
For mains, try the espresso and chile-rubbed Arizona beef filet with ancho chile and horseradish cream sauces, or the Rendang Ayam, Indonesian slow-cooked chicken with sambal chile sauce and crispy shallots.
Sego is also known for its craft cocktails, such as the Beehive Bootlegger with Utah gin, lemon, sage, and local honey, or the Ancho Manhattan with Utah’s High West Campfire whiskey, a smoky blend of scotch, bourbon, and rye.
Overall, Sego offers a unique and upscale dining experience with a mix of New American and southeast Asian flavors.
Havana Cabana
If you’re looking for a taste of Cuba in southern Utah, look no further than Havana Cabana. Originally a popular food truck, this laid-back restaurant offers an unexpected experience that will transport you to the streets of Havana. Don’t miss out on their traditional pressed Cubano sandwich, which layers ham, slow-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of crispy Cuban bread. Other specialties include tostones, empanadas, ham croquetas, and rice plates with black beans and mojo-marinated chicken or steak. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a refreshing margarita. And be sure to save room for a sweet finale – the dessert case offers treats like guava and cheese pastries and tres leches cake soaked in three kinds of milk.
BirdHouse
If you are looking for some of the best fried chicken in Arizona, BirdHouse is the place to go. Located in a former Sonic Drive-In, this chill spot offers a variety of chicken seasonings, including classic, (very) spicy, honey butter, and a house favorite mix of spicy and honey butter called “Eddie’s” special. You can order at the counter and then choose to sit either on the covered patio at a picnic table or in the hip indoor space with an industrial feel.
In addition to the delicious fried chicken, BirdHouse also offers a range of sides, including mashed potatoes with gravy, creamy mac ‘n cheese, broccoli salad with bacon, and signature fries served with homemade honey mustard and ranch dips. To wash it all down, you can choose from a selection of local craft beers, wine, and cocktails like the popular prickly pear margarita.
So, whether you are in the mood for a classic fried chicken combo or want to try something new like the house favorite “Eddie’s” special, BirdHouse has got you covered. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing drink and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this unique eatery.
Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and a cold beer, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery is the perfect spot. This 10,000 square-foot brewpub, located in a former firehouse, offers a large outdoor patio with roll-up garage doors, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery is known for its impressive selection of beers, including award-winning American Pilsner and Black Iron IPA, as well as seasonal brews like Sacred Saguaro Lager and Pumpkin Springs Porter. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the distillery crafts grain-to-glass spirits using Arizona ingredients, which are used to create delicious cocktails.
The menu offers a variety of pub fare, including appetizers, pizzas, calzones, and daily specials. Customer favorites include the giant Bavarian pretzels with bacon-beer cheese and the half-pound Canyon Burger. While you’re enjoying your meal and drinks, you can also play a game of pool, foosball, or shuffleboard.
Whether you’re looking for a bar, a fountain & bar, or a full bar, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery has something for everyone.
Big John’s Texas BBQ
If you’re looking for authentic Texas BBQ, look no further than Big John’s. Housed in a converted gas station on S Lake Powell Boulevard, this popular joint is known for its slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and chicken. The custom smoker out front is a sure sign of the mouthwatering meats you’ll find inside.
Combo plates are available with a variety of homemade sides, including cornbread muffins, cowboy baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. You can choose from traditional, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce to top off your meal.
If you’re in a hurry, grab a smoked meat sandwich piled high with your choice of meat. Or, if you’re planning a picnic or a feast at the Grand Canyon, order meat by the pound to-go.
Big John’s is open daily, but be prepared for a long wait on nights with live music on the patio.
