5 of the Best Restaurants in Arizona You Must Eat At

The best restaurants in Arizona definitely include steakhouses and other Southwestern-style cuisines. But there are other offerings that Arizona restaurants have to offer. So, the next time you’re here, check out our list of some or all of the best restaurants in Arizona.

1. Federal Pizza

Don’t let their name fool you, this joint has a lot more to offer than cookie-cutter pizza like the chain companies we all know so well. And they’re no amateurs, either. If ever pizza was classy, it’s here.

Feeling like something Hawaiian? Grab their Pineapple Express pizza, topped with Prosciutto, Pineapple, Calabrian chili, and chives. Not in the mood for pizza? You’re in luck because there are plenty of other menu options. Perhaps the homemade ravioli or a super grinder sandwich will hit the spot. Either way, you’ll definitely want to top it off with tiramisu for dessert. Don’t forget something cold to drink, either. They’re just as proud of their drink menu as their food menu here. The list of beers and wines goes on for days!

If you’re in Phoenix, be sure to dine in so you can check out their neat location! It was a First Federal Bank designed by Al Beadle in the 1950s that has since been restored. If you insist on eating your delicious dinner in the privacy of your own home, they’re happy to have you swing through the drive-thru as well. Official website: http://www.federalpizza.com/

2. Citizen Public House

This restaurant is fairly new on the block, but that’s not to say they aren’t making a splash. Established in 2011, they have plenty of positive feedback across the board. Esquire Magazine included them on the list of Best New Restaurants in America and The Arizona Republic named them Best New Restaurant as well.

Reminiscent of a traditional public house, this restaurant definitely airs on the side of modern. They boast a dining room with mahogany accents, leather booths, and a stainless steel topped bar. Get things warmed up with a cocktail, beer, or wine, and an appetizer from their long list, like Chilean crab cakes.

If you’re ready for some fine dining, you’re in luck. If pan-seared scallops or grilled filet mignon sounds like heaven, then you’ve just found the perfect spot for your next night out! Play it safe and make a reservation. Word is getting out that this is the place to be! Official website: http://www.citizenpublichouse.com/

3. Rustler’s Rooste

This restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1971, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands. They air a bit on the side of spectacle here, so prepare to be immersed in the wild west atmosphere.

At Rustler’s Rooste, the experience begins before you even enter the building. To get into the building, you have to pass Horney, the pet longhorn steer they keep just outside. Coming into the building, you find yourself in an old mine shaft that leads you to the saloon. Not only do they have an indoor waterfall, but they also have a tin slide that will deposit you into the dining room. (There’s a staircase for those who aren’t feeling so adventurous.) Live music and table to table entertainment keep you plenty occupied while you wait for your meal.

A steakhouse by trade, something off of the grill is bound to be an awesome choice here. Chicken, seafood, and maybe rattlesnake as an appetizer… the options are numerous. Just be careful that you don’t eat so much you don’t have the energy for a trip to the general store. You’ll definitely want to check it out before you go! Official website: http://www.rustlersrooste.com/

4. Grassroots Kitchen & Tap

This restaurant is another new location that is starting off strong. Established in 2011, both of their locations (in Scottsdale and Phoenix) are family owned and operated. Restaurant owner Christopher Collins is the chef as well!

The fare here is all made from scratch and inspired by southern cuisine. Meals like cajun spice ahi tuna, Root’s BBQ brisket, and Carolina baby backs are hard to resist. Even harder? A chocolate toffee brownie or coconut cream pie for dessert. If you’re really smitten with something, check the “Common Ground Provisions” list; you might be able to take a decent quantity of it home.

Everyday between three p.m. and six p.m., Grassroots holds a social hour, so on top of a delicious meal, you will have an awesome company as well! Official website: http://www.grassrootsaz.com/

5. Rock Springs Cafe

This restaurant is the oldest on the list, by far. They have been serving happy customers since clear back in 1918! In fact, they take the title for the oldest independently owned restaurant still operating in all of Arizona!

Rock Spring’s originally existed as an Indian encampment many, many years ago. It morphed into a canvas-covered store, then a restaurant, and even a general store and hotel. It once served as a post office and had the first and only telephone for some time.

As automobiles were becoming popular, many people were traveling from Phoenix to Prescott, past Rock Springs. It was a notoriously rough journey, and this cafe became a much-needed stop for travelers. Today, you can learn all about the history of this location and the surrounding town while chowing down on some two gun chili, or southwest mac ‘n cheese.

Their pie is legendary, so it’s imperative that you save room for a slice. At Rock Springs Cafe, they strive to provide enough variety to please anyone and everyone, so you won’t be disappointed. Official website: http://rocksprings.cafe/