Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
6135 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7889, bigearlsgreasyeats.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. $-$$
Brisam’s Grill, Bar and Patio
4730 E. Lone Mountain Rd., Cave Creek
480-595-2202, brisams.com
Housed in a former gas station, this retro-cool restaurant serves up some of the best burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches in Cave Creek. $$
Confluence
Modern American
36899 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree
480-488-9796, restaurantconfluence.com
Kevin Binkley protégé Brandon Gauthier conjures up a winning debut with his first venture as a chef-owner – a brash New American 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, like a foie gras parfait and butternut squash agnolotti. $$-$$$$
Cryin’ Coyote BBQ
Barbecue
6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7155, cryincoyotebbq.com
Spareribs are the standout here, as are excellent side dishes such as chile relleno rice, baked potato salad strewn with bacon, and green chile cornbread muffins. Finish up with a hefty slab of Texas sheet cake. $$
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). $
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. Reservations suggested. $$
Palo Verde
Southwestern
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr. (The Boulders), Carefree,
480-488-9009, theboulders.com
Although it’s primarily frequented by guests of The Boulders resort, Palo Verde also makes a great place for an upscale dinner for locals. Feast on Sonoran grilled octopus, crispy smoked pork belly, crab linguine and stuffed Poblanos among views of the golf course and mountains beyond. Hearty brunch and breakfast options include smoked brisket hash, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, and a trio of Benedicts. $-$$
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. $$$
Tonto Bar & Grill
Southwestern
5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek
480-488-0698, tontobarandgrill.com
Tonto Bar & Grill stands on the original site of the Rancho Mañana dude ranch, once the largest of its kind in Arizona. Today, visitors can snack on starters like buttermilk fried calamari and spinach artichoke hummus. Other Southwestern specialties include coffee- and Port-braised boneless short rib and mesquite grilled ribeye with sweet onion demi. Save room for lemon lime prickly pear meringue tart for dessert. $$$
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
