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. $$
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
American
6135 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-575-7889, bigearlsgreasyeats.com
Housed in a former gas station, this retro-cool restaurant and bar serves up some of the best burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches in Cave Creek. Don’t let the name fool you – Big Earl’s has grease-free grub, too. To wit: half a dozen salad options, including the Jewel of the Creek, an inventive Asian-inspired concoction with grilled chicken breast and sesame soy dressing. $$
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. $$-$$$$
Local Jonny’s Tavern and Café
American
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-7473, localjonnys.com
Family-owned and family-friendly, this pub and eatery is known for its creative breakfast and lunch offerings that range from blueberry pancakes to a BLT, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Specialty cocktails, coffee drinks and craft beer round out the menu.
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
