About This Guide
These listings are a selective, rotating guide to area restaurants. The summaries reflect independent judgments; no fees were paid for inclusion. Price ranges, necessarily somewhat subjective, are: Inexpensive = $ or $20, Moderate = $$ or $21-30, Expensive = $$$ or $31-45, Very Expensive = $$$$ or $45 or up.
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Village of Oak Creek
Butterfly Burger (American/Burgers) 
Dim lighting, an open kitchen, dark walls and faux snake-skin booths that wrap around the restaurant’s walls all make for a posh cosmopolitan lounge vibe at chef Lisa Dahl’s Butterfly Burger. But the real star of the restaurant is the beautifully illuminated bar along with a wooden ladder staff members climb up to access the top-shelf liquors. Menu-wise, expect 10 of Lisa’s signature burger creations. We personally loved the crunchy Gringo Burger topped with white aged cheddar, louis remoulade sauce, shredded romaine and crispy onion strings. One surprisingly tasty entrée? The impossible-to-eat-just-one Sedona Dog, an American Wagyu 100 percent all-beef hot dog topped with signature piccalilli sauce, charred onions with pico de gallo garnish. Besides the beef, look forward to salads, a few choice appetizers (like the irresistible Street Tots, tater tots topped with queso, pico de gallo and cotija cheese), fries and a selection of veggie burgers. The dessert menu features a few milkshakes (adding booze is optional), like the decadent Dulce De Leche with burnt butter caramel, gluten-free oat streusel and caramel pearls. But we also loved cracking into the Crème Brulee shell that gave way to a rich custard, one of the best we’ve ever had. Open Thursday through Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), for lunch and dinner. Butterfly Burger doesn’t take reservations and operates on a first come, first serve basis. • 6657 AZ-179, Ste. B1, at Sedona Vista Village (928-862-4448) ($$)
Colt Grill (Barbeque)
Since its opening in January of 2017 in Cottonwood, Colt Grill has gained traction quickly. Its popularity is more than evident; Colt has four locations in Northern Arizona. And once you sink your teeth into the smoked barbeque here, you’ll see why so many have fallen for Colt. The meat we ate here was moist, tender and delicious. To sample the goods, consider the Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with slaw and the restaurant’s tangy and sweet Kansas City Sauce. We loved dipping a rich cut of brisket into each of Colt’s four signature barbeque sauces: Holy Habanero, Kansas City, Campfire and Texas Tang. Besides brisket, burgers are also featured prominently on this menu. These are fresh ground daily. We devoured our thick ABC Burger featuring avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and onion in a flash. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich was lightly breaded and moist with just a dash of spice, making it one of the best varieties we’ve ever had. Colt is largely about comfort. And two of our favorite comfort foods are the Butter Garlic Fries topped with parmesan and smoked, creamy Mac-n-Cheese sprinkled with bacon bits. The menu is rounded out by salads, tacos, a slew of sides and a dessert menu. To finish, consider the Cowboy Cookie. One of the restaurant’s signature desserts, this colossal cookie includes oatmeal, chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts. These are texture-rich, decadent and a perfect way to cap off a meal at Colt Grill. Open daily, 8 to 10:30 a.m., for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 6101 AZ-179, Ste. D, in the Village of Oak Creek (928-325-7200) ($ TO $$) Colt has another location in Cottonwood located at 804 N. Main St. in Old Town Cottonwood (928-634-1140)
Dellepiane (Burgers)
No matter what type of burger aficionado you consider yourself, Dellepiane has something that will please your palate. Are you a fan of the classic? There’s one of those – it’s topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and cheddar. Gourmand? The Le Bleu is piled high with bacon, grilled Portobello mushrooms, blue cheese, caramelized onion and Dijon mustard. Adventuress? Two fat shrimp are plopped on top of the Surf ‘n’ Turf. Vegetarian? You’ve got four sandwiches and burgers to pick from. Personally, we love the Dellepiane. It’s topped with bacon, cheddar and onions along with grilled provolone, pickles and barbecue sauce. This restaurant is big on booze, too. You’ll find six beers on tap and even more in cans and bottles. The cocktail list is creative with an emphasis on Latin American drinks like margaritas and caipirinhas. We appreciate the wine list, which focuses on Argentinian Malbecs. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and 10 p.m. on Saturday), for lunch and dinner. • 7000 AZ-179, Ste. C-106, at The Collective Sedona (928-862-4129) ($ TO $$)
Full Moon Saloon (Pub Fare)
Don’t let the name fool you. This upscale saloon definitely features beer, wine and cocktails, but when your stomach starts growling, you can nosh on more than pretzels. Check out the juicy burgers, flatbread pizzas and spicy chicken wings, all served until closing time. Open daily, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., for lunch and dinner. • 7000 AZ-179 at The Collective Sedona (928-284-1872) ($ TO $$)
Juniper Bar & Grill at Sedona Golf Resort (American)
One of our favorite things about living in a city like Sedona is the abundance of restaurant patios showcasing the city’s gorgeous scenery. When the weather’s good, the Juniper Bar & Grille at the Sedona Golf Resort is one of our top spots where we can take in red rock vistas and dig into hearty cuisine. Snag a seat on the spacious and shaded outdoor patio and appreciate the jaw-dropping views of iconic Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte in the distance. You also can enjoy those red rock vistas inside as you gaze out of the Village of Oak Creek restaurant’s expansive windows if you prefer. What we love most about the menu is the variety of options. For breakfast, you can go light with Patriot’s Oatmeal topped with strawberries, bananas, blueberries and brown sugar or you can opt for more filling plates like the generously sized Breakfast Burrito. We’re big fans of the breakfast tacos. Juniper’s spin on this classic Southwest morning meal includes scrambled eggs, choice of bacon, sausage or ham, cheddar, green onion and pico de gallo with a dash of spicy chipotle sauce. In the afternoon, you’ll find light appetizers, a variety of salads and entrees. The rest of the menu is filled with sandwiches, vegetarian options and burgers. The restaurant’s director of food and beverage told us the one of the most ordered dishes is the San Francisco Melt sandwich featuring sliced prime rib, tomato, avocado and cheddar that’s served on toasted Parmesan sourdough with au jus. She also told us that the Fish & Chips entrée is a popular one, and we can see why. This classic dish was crisp and perfectly fried. Whether you’re hitting the links or not, you’ll appreciate the stellar views and food at the Juniper Bar & Grille. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., for breakfast; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch. Cocktails are served until 5 p.m. • 35 Ridge Trail Dr. at The Sedona Golf Resort (928-284-2093) ($ TO $$)
Maria’s Restaurant & Cantina (Mexican/American)
Mexican and Native American art and artifacts hang on the clay-colored walls trimmed with brightly stained wood paneling, lending an air of authenticity to this local favorite; it just feels real. The meals certainly are: delicious and bountiful, with much to choose from in both Mexican and American cuisine, including a luscious Sedona Wrap of marinated chicken, roasted peppers and assorted vegetables. Open Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., for breakfast, lunch and dinner. • 6446 S. AZ-179, Unit 212, at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-3739) ($ TO $$)
Miley’s Café (American/Mexican)
The offerings at Miley’s are varied. Aside from breakfast standards, you’ll find burgers, vegetarian and gluten-free options, hot dogs, pasta, salads, comfort food and a full page of south-of-the-border favorites. We started with an order of fried zucchini and then moved on to the Green Chili Enchiladas. The dish featured two corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and slathered in a homemade, flavorful, slightly spicy green chili filled with chunks of crispy pork. The enchiladas were served with a side of refried beans topped with cheese and a mound of tasty Mexican rice. In today’s day and age of neo-industrial decor, small plates and craft cocktails, places like Miley’s seem to be a dying breed, which makes this VOC staple all the more near and dear to locals’ hearts. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. • 7000 AZ-179 at The Collective Sedona (928-284-4123) ($ TO $$)
Oak Creek Espresso (Coffee/Pastries)
This café long ago garnered a local following due to its roasted-on-site coffee and homemade muffins the size of your fist (there are plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options, too). Consider trying the house-made baked vegan donuts or a vegetarian egg and mozzarella puff pastry paired with a hot cappuccino. Visiting in the afternoon? You’ll want a dessert pastry alongside a homemade chai or a refreshing cold brew. Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to noon. • 6500 AZ-179 (928-284-5282) ($)
Pago’s Pizzeria & Italian Cuisine (Pizza/Italian)
This Village of Oak Creek family-owned-and-operated institution received a facelift in early 2017, giving it a modern European vibe. The menu, however, still features Old World favorites such as the eggplant parmesan topped with a sweet marinara sauce and served with a side of penne pasta. All entrées are served with minestrone soup or antipasto salad – order your salad topped with the restaurant’s signature creamy feta dressing. The pizzas and calzones at Pago’s are also top-notch and feature homemade dough and sauce. Save room for a slice of Italian Lemon Cream Cake, one of our favorite desserts in the VOC. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner; Open Sunday, noon to 8 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 6446 AZ-179, #221, at Castle Rock Plaza (928-284-1939) ($ TO $$)
PJ’s Village Pub and Sports Bar (Pub Fare)
Stellar pub fare coupled with a lively atmosphere have made PJ’s Village Pub and Sports Bar a favorite amongst locals since it first opened in 1974. When we last dropped by, we ordered the beer-battered fish and chips and a Rueben. Service was speedy and friendly. The fish and chips were everything we wanted, and smelled heavenly. The moist fish inside of the thick fried outer layer was a delight to bite into. When we asked the employee about what sandwich to order, he answered without hesitating: The Rueben. And we can see why. This is one of our top sandwiches in town. The hearty sliced pastrami served with tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese in between grilled rye was perfectly balanced and just what we needed after a long hike. And we couldn’t write a review of this place without mentioning the burgers. Try the Classic Burger – topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo and mustard – or opt for the Red Wine Burger – a juicy burger cooked in red wine with caramelized onion, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce and bleu cheese crumbles with port wine mayo. The rest of the menu features everything from lighter fare like salads to heartier bar food like the Roasted Jalapeno Chili Cheese Fries and the Jumbo Vienna Hot Dog. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., for lunch and dinner. • 40 W. Cortez Dr. (928-284-2250) ($$)
Red Chopstick (Chinese)
From a menu offering a broad choice of three Chinese cooking styles – Hunan, Szechuan and Mandarin – with a sprinkling of dishes from Thai and Vietnamese origins, we selected two entrées that impressed with intensely fresh vegetables, fragrant meats and fresh seafood. One of the House Royal Specialties, the Sizzling Plate Delight mixes sautéed chicken, beef, shrimp and pork with fresh mushrooms and a strong ground bean sauce that perfectly flavors the steamed rice. For vegetarians, the restaurant serves a variety of tofu dishes. We’re fans of the Sweet & Sour Tofu that’s served with pineapple, peppers, carrots and onions. Open Thursday to Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 111 Bell Rock Plaza in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-9088) ($ TO $$)
Red Rock Cafe (Southwestern/Breakfast)
This unassuming cafe, located next to Clark’s Market, serves up some of the best breakfast in the VOC, as evidenced by the wait time on weekends. We find ourselves craving the blue-corn huevos rancheros topped with black beans and a homemade, spicy green ranchero sauce. Breakfast comes with your choice of hash browns or home fries; we prefer the latter dish with its combination of gold, purple and sweet potatoes. Other favorites include the build-your-own burritos, Southwest eggs benedict, and the country biscuits and gravy. Don’t miss out on 99-cent mimosas on the weekend and the larger-than-life cinnamon rolls that have been known to feed four people. Open Wednesday through Monday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for breakfast and lunch. • 100 Verde Valley School Road, Unit 107, (928-284-1441) ($)
Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie (Pizza)
Wood-fired pizzas are the name of the game at the Village of Oak Creek’s Rotten Johnny’s. And this place delivers – both literally and figuratively. Customers choose from red, meaning that the pizza has crushed Italian tomatoes, or white pies, meaning made without tomato sauce. What we loved most about the pies were that the crust wasn’t too thin or too thick – but just right in the middle. Each bite of crust was crispy, yet moist, a truly winning combination. We split our pizza with The Standard, or classic Marghertia and Capocollo. Both made with local produce and meats from Niman Ranch. We couldn’t get over how fresh all the ingredients on the Marghetia tasted. The Capocollo topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Niman Ranch capocollo and Mediterranean olives really packed a dynamic flavorful punch, with each ingredient complementing and never overpowering each other. Our personal favorite menu item was the customer-favorite Cheesy Garlic Bread. This appetizer as almost an entire meal in and of itself, as our attentive waitress informed us before we ordered. The rectangle-shaped, hand-held bread topped with cheese and garlic accompanied by a side of marinara was simple and palette-pleasing, making this one perfect starter. The generous portion sizes here make this ideal for a group of people or for someone who wants leftovers. Wings, meatballs, appetizers including the notable buffalo mozzarella, salads and sandwiches typically complete the menu here. To finish, we ordered a slice of flourless chocolate cake served with caramel sauce and four dollops of whipped cream from the rotating dessert menu. This made for one decadent dessert with a satisfying gooey center. Open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 7000 AZ-179, Suite B110, at the Collective Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek (928-641-6586) ($$)
ShadowRock Tap + Table (Modern American)
ShadowRock Tap + Table manages to strike that rare balance of both fun and elegant. The entrance to the restaurant – located on the ground floor of the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock – features a plush lounge area where diners can enjoy their food and play games like shuffleboard. Diners can look forward to Executive Chef Brandon Park’s modern Southwestern specialties including Carnitas Tacos and Baja Striped Bass. Sharable starters include the Spanish Octopus and Loaded Wedge Potatoes. The entrée menu features sustainably sourced Seared Atlantic Salmon, Herb Roasted Chicken Breast and Grilled Pork Chop. The crowd-pleasing smoked Copper State Old Fashioned is smoked tableside and poured over a giant ice cube. Our favorite way to end an evening here? By roasting a s’mores kit outside on the expansive outdoor patio. Open daily, 6 to 10:30 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch; 4 to 10 p.m., for dinner. • 90 Ridge Trail Dr. in the Village of Oak Creek (928-284-6909) ($ TO $$$$)
Tara Thai Cuisine (Thai)
At Tara Thai, it’s about some of the most consistently tasty Thai food in northern Arizona. All dishes are cooked to order here, so if it’s busy, be prepared to wait. We have a slew of favorites at this restaurant, but we always start with an order of spring rolls. When it’s time to order your entrées, you can’t go wrong with the Pad Thai or the fragrant Tom Ka Gai soup, but we recently discovered two new favorite dishes: Sweet Grand Canyon Curry and Pla Rad Prik. The former is a green curry with your choice of beef, pork or chicken swimming alongside carrots, squash and bok choy in a slightly spicy curry. The Pla Rad Prik is a delicate white fish fried until it’s crispy and topped with veggies and a special sweet-and-spicy chili sauce. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; 4:30 to 8 p.m., for dinner. Open Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; 4:30 to 8 p.m., for dinner. • 34 Bell Rock Plaza (928-284-9167) ($ TO $$)
VeggieEat (Vegan)
Family-owned VeggieEat serves a menu of Asian fusion cuisine that’s entirely vegan or devoid of all animal products. This is the second location of the restaurant with the first one being in Las Vegas. Diners can look forward to tasty entrees like Mushroom Udon Noodles, Walnut Shrimp Bowl and BBQ Pork Banh Mi. Finish your meal here with a slice of vegan cheesecake. Open Wednesday through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 6507 AZ-179, (928-862-8003) ($$ to $$$)
Village Chophouse
The Village could use a steakhouse that serves high-quality seafood, and the Village Chophouse more than delivers. Chef/Owner John Ramagli (also of pizza place Rotten Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza Pie that’s a short stroll away) has created a dynamite menu that’s served in a contemporary space. The light-filled dining room features wood floors, plush gray chairs paired with dark wood tables and wood paneling on the walls. We also appreciated the vibrant art on the walls, colorful liquor bottles on shelves and flowers on the tables. It’s the kind of place where diners flock for a romantic date night, a business meeting or a special celebration. We couldn’t resist ordering the Wild Colossal Shrimp. This generously sized appetizer was served in a clear cocktail glass with the tails hanging out with cocktail sauce on the bottom made for a colorful presentation. Each and every plate here was well plated and aesthetically pleasing. The Jumbo Lump Crabcake was another winner. The crabcakes were thick, flaky and well breaded. The lemon aioli accompanying them proved to be tangy, rich and perfect for the dish. The steaks and chops are all fine cuts. We loved our juicy, tender and cooked-just-right 28 Day Dry Aged New York Strip. We paired our steak with the green peppercorn sauce. For a side, we ordered the Parmesan Whipped Potatoes. These were decadent, creamy and filling. To cap off our evening, we decided on a hot cup of tea and the sweet Bananas Foster dessert that was set aflame. While we sipped on our refreshing Moroccan Mint tea, we relished in savoring our last bites. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m., for dinner. • 7000 AZ-179 in the Village of Oak Creek (928-641-6587) ($$$ TO $$$$)
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