Quirky and rugged are the names of the game in Cave Creek and Carefree, which skew artsy and Western.
Restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. Price categories reflect average dinner entree prices; drink, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-15
$$$=$16-25
$$$$=$26 and over
El Encanto Mexican Café
Mexican
6248 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-488-1752, elencantorestaurants.com
The Mexican food at this longtime favorite is consistently good. And just as good is the charming patio (tucked behind high adobe walls) that overlooks a duck pond. Stick with Sonoran basics, and don’t miss huevos rancheros on the patio on Sundays. Other location: Carefree (623-780-5948) and Fountain Hills (480-837-1070). $
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
American
6135 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-575-7889, bigearlsgreasyeats.com
Housed in a former gas station, this retro-cool restaurant serves up some of the best burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches in Cave Creek. $$
Black Mountain Coffee Shop
Coffee
7211 E. Ho Rd., Carefree, 480-488-926, blackmountaincafe.com
Locals have been gathering and gossiping at this iconic diner since the 1970s. Start the day with huevos rancheros and a freshly brewed cup of joe. $
Brisam’s Grill, Bar and Patio
American
4730 E. Lone Mountain Rd., Cave Creek, 480-595-2202, brisams.com
Although the mounted TVs say “sports bar,” this neighborhood restaurant caters to families, offering great burgers, peel-and-eat shrimp, fish tacos, loaded fries, and fish and chips. $-$$
Carefree Coffee Roastery
Coffee
7171 E. Cave Creek Rd., Carefree, 480-595-5050, carefreecoffeeroastery.com
This European-style coffeehouse roasts all of its specialty java in-house. Drop in for the daily drip or a freshly baked pastry $
Confluence
Modern American
36889 N Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree, 480-488-9796, restaurantconfluence.com
This brash New American bistro offers dishes both delicate and powerful, like Malpeque oysters on the half shell, each garnished with one tiny sea bean and a spray of glistening finger lime seeds. $$-$$$$
English Rose Tea Room
Tea/sandwiches
201 Easy St., Carefree, 480-488-4812, carefreetea.com
Floral fabrics, crystal chandeliers and bone china make this pretty tea room a must-do for ladies who lunch. The food menu features a variety of quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads. $$
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 dishes, plus daily specials, live music and country dancing. $$
Heart & Soul Café
American
4705 E. Carefree Hwy., Cave Creek, 480-595-7300, heartandsoulcafeaz.com
Cozy up on the patio at this down-home dining destination, which serves up hearty meals from biscuits and gravy for breakfast and a build-your-own burger for lunch. . $
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
Steak
7212 Ho Hum Dr., Carefree, 602-374-4784, keelerssteakhouse.com
Red Sox fans might appreciate the names of the brunch menu omelets at this steakhouse in Carefree: The Big Poppy ($13) comes with bacon, sausage, ham, mushrooms and cheddar. $$$
Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café
American
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-488-7473, localjonnys.com
This eatery is known for its creative breakfast and lunch offerings, ranging from blueberry pancakes to a BLT.$-$$
Ofrenda
Mexican fusion
7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-488-2187, theofrenda.com
Ofrenda reads like a Yucatecan, seafood-focused version of Barrio Café, with Pueblan-inspired fusion entrees. $$-$$$
Palo Verde
Southwestern
34631 N. Tom Darlington, Dr., Carefree, 480-488-9009, theboulders.com
Although it’s primarily frequented by guests of The Boulders resort, Palo Verde also makes a great place for an upscale dinner for locals. Feast on Sonoran grilled octopus, crispy smoked pork belly, crab linguine and stuffed Poblanos among views of the golf course and mountains beyond. Hearty brunch and breakfast options include smoked brisket hash, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, and a trio of Benedicts. $-$$
Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood
Italian
6710 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, 480-524-0989, pomodorousa.com
Occupying the former Cartwright’s space, Pomodoro is owned and operated by husband and wife Federico Venturini and Viola Tagliaferri, who moved to the area from Italy in 2018. The fine dining destination offers a slew of gourmet pasta dishes, seasonal salads and seafood-centric entrees like deep-fried zucchini flowers seasoned with goat cheese, Wagyu meatballs, short rib ravioli, pan-seared salmon and caprese with fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. $$$
