El Encanto Mexican Café
Mexican
6248 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-1752, elencantorestaurants.com
The Mexican food at this longtime favorite is consistently good. Stick with Sonoran basics, and don’t miss huevos rancheros on the patio on Sundays. Other location: Carefree (623-780-5948) and Fountain Hills (480-837-1070). $
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
American
6135 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7889, bigearlsgreasyeats.com
This retro-cool restaurant serves up some of the best burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches in Cave Creek. Don’t let the name fool you – Big Earl’s has grease-free grub, too. $$
Brisam’s Grill, Bar and Patio
4730 E. Lone Mountain Rd., Cave Creek
480-595-2202, brisams.com
Although the slew of mounted TVs say “sports bar,” this neighborhood restaurant caters to families, offering great burgers, peel-and-eat shrimp, fish tacos, loaded fries and pizza. $-$$
Confluence
Modern American
36899 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree
480-488-9796, restaurantconfluence.com
Brandon Gauthier conjures up a winning debut with his first venture as a chef-owner – a brash bistro located in the old Café Bink space. Like a hybrid of Café Bink and Gauthier’s more high-end, experimental work at Binkley’s, the menu offers dishes both delicate and powerful. $$-$$$$
English Rose Tea Room
Tea/Sandwiches
201 Easy St., Carefree
480-488-4812, carefreetea.com
Floral fabrics, crystal chandeliers and bone china make this pretty tea room a must-do for ladies who lunch and take afternoon tea. The menu features a variety of quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads. $$
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
American
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com
Bring your cowboy gear for a boot scootin’ good time at this cavernous Western-themed bar and grill that features an eclectic menu of classic American comfort food, daily specials, live music and country dancing. $$
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
7212 Ho Hum Dr., Carefree
602-374-4784, keelerssteakhouse.com
Red Sox fans might appreciate the names of the brunch menu omelets at this steakhouse in Carefree: The Big Poppy ($13) comes with bacon, sausage, ham, mushrooms and cheddar. $$$
Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café
American
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-7473, localjonnys.com
This pub and eatery is known for its creative breakfast and lunch offerings that range from blueberry pancakes to a BLT, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Specialty cocktails, coffee drinks and craft beer round out the menu. $-$$
Palo Verde
Southwestern
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr. (The Boulders), Carefree
480-488-9009, theboulders.com
Although this colorful Southwestern-accented dining room is primarily frequented by guests of the resort, it makes a great place for an upscale breakfast or dinner for locals as well. Sit on the patio, which offers expansive views of the golf course and distant mountains. $-$$
Tonto Bar & Grill
Southwestern
5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek
480-488-0698, tontobarandgrill.com
Tonto Bar & Grill stands on the original site of the Rancho Mañana dude ranch, once the largest of its kind in Arizona. Enjoy fresh baked breads and house-made desserts. $$$
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
