Quirky and rugged are the names of the game in Cave Creek and Carefree, which skew artsy and Western.
About this guide
The 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 entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
Iconic Arizona Restaurant – IAR
Best New Restaurant – BNR
$=under $10 $$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25 $$$$=$26 and over
3 Destination Restaurants in Carefree
These northerly dining destinations are worth the drive.
1 Confluence
This brash New American bistro offers dishes both delicate and powerful, like Malpeque oysters on the half shell, each garnished with one tiny sea bean and a spray of glistening finger lime seeds. Also: It boasts the Valley’s best chicken sandwich. $$-$$$$
36889 N Tom Darlington Dr., 480-488-9796, restaurantconfluence.com
2 Keeler’s neighborhood steakhouse
Red Sox fans might appreciate the names of the brunch menu omelets at this steakhouse in Carefree: The Big Poppy ($13) comes with bacon, sausage, ham, mushrooms and cheddar. $$$
7212 Ho Hum Dr., 602-374-4784, keelerssteakhouse.com
3 palo verde
Although this Southwestern-accented dining room is primarily frequented by guests of the resort, it makes a great place for an upscale breakfast or lunch for locals as well. Sit on the patio, which offers views of the golf course and mountains. $-$$
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., 480-488-9009, theboulders.com
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
american
6135 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7889, bigearlsgreasyeats.com
Housed in a former gas station, this retro-cool restaurant and bar serves up some of the best burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches in Cave Creek. Don’t let the name fool you – Big Earl’s has grease-free grub, too. To wit: half a dozen salad options, including the Jewel of the Creek, an inventive Asian-inspired concoction with grilled chicken breast and sesame soy dressing. $$
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, of course, 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. $-$$
Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
Barbecue
6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7155, bryansbarbecue.com
Meat, beer and fries are kings here. Start with the rib and meat combo with a side of seasoned fries. For vegetarians, there’s a vegetarian “pulled” squash sandwich or olive coleslaw. Cool your taste buds with a refreshing chocolate-chip ice cream cookie. $-$$
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 $
El Encanto Mexican Café
Mexican
6248 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-0024, elencantorestaurants.com
The food at this longtime favorite is consistently good. Just as good: the charming patio that overlooks a duck pond. Stick with Sonoran basics like the huevos rancheros. Other locations: 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 food menu features a variety of quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads. Reservations suggested. $$
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
american
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com
Bring your cowboy gear for a boot scootin’ good time at this cavernous Western-themed bar and grill that features an eclectic menu of classic American dishes, daily specials, live music and country dancing. $$
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. The dining room is anchored by an old car and Arizona-centric art adorns the walls. $$
Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café
american
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-7473, localjonnys.com
Family-owned and family-friendly, this pub and eatery is known for its creative breakfast and lunch offerings that range from blueberry pancakes to a BLT, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Specialty cocktails, coffee drinks and craft beer round out the menu. $-$$
Ofrenda
mexican fusion
7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-2187, theofrenda.com
Formerly drinking hangout Indigo Crow (same owner, new concept), Ofrenda reads like a more Yucatecan, seafood-focused version of Barrio Café, with Pueblan-inspired fusion entrees such as Pasta en Nogado (tagliatelle with a poblano- and raisin-studded walnut sauce) running point for a well-authored selection of tacos, salads and gourmet hand-food. $$-$$$
Tonto Bar & Grill
Southwestern
5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek
480-488-069, 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. $$$
