Flagstaff isn't just a pit stop on the way to the Grand Canyon. Nor is it a tourist trap — the food scene and dedication to local ingredients has exploded over the past few years, making it worthy of a day trip, or better yet, a full-fledged food vacation.
There's plenty to check out.
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Atria’s on a mission to serve the residents and passers through of Flagstaff delicious, straightforward food that honors the expanse of farm-fresh foods accessible across Northern Arizona. The atmosphere and the oysters might just blow your mind.
For more information, visit atriarestaurant.com.
Locally farmed, sustainable, and organic food is the focus of Brix in Flagstaff. The drinking water is purified via reverse osmosis. They also feature a seasonal cut of pork from Tucson-based E & R Pork.
For more information, visit brixflagstaff.com.
Delhi Palace
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Another gem tucked away in a strip mall, Delhi Palace offers exceptional Indian cuisine even Londoners rave about. Get the Saag Paneer.
For more information, visit delhipalaceflagstaff.com.
Flagstaff is home to the original Diablo Burger location, which features the same dedication to quality with every single component of the burger.
The Belgian-style frites in DB Special Sauce manage the fine balance between a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior. This location is more intimate than that in Tucson and includes a mostly-shaded patio.
For more information, visit diabloburger.com.
While underground bars have a rugged hipness, wine lofts present an elegant hipness. Two flights up a nondescript building, FLG Terroir offers 30 wines by the glass and almost 500 bottles, but don't miss out on the small plates, ice creams, and sorbet.
The Pedro Ximenez Ice Cream is a sherry lover's dream, especially when paired with a glass of Pedro Ximenez. The seasonal Blueberry Riesling Sorbet is also worth hunting down when available.
For more information, visit flgterroir.com.
Lumberyard Brewing Co.
5 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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Sure, items like wings and fish 'n chips seem common for a taphouse menu, but ribs? "Why not!" says Lumberyard Brewing Co. And public opinion maintains that they are doing it right in so many ways.
For more information, visit lumberyardbrewingcompany.com.
Macy's European Coffeehouse & Bakery
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This cozy café makes a delightful vegan waffle. The entire menu is quite affordable, making it a great stop to fill up on the way to the Grand Canyon.
For more information, visit macyscoffee.net.
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You won't leave MartAnne's hungry — portions are gargantuan. Rancheros, Pork Green Chile and Cheese, and Lunch Chilaquiles will all prepare you well for a long day.
For more information, visit martannes.com.
Just look at the beautiful leopard spotting on that crust made from slowly fermented dough. A play on the word bicicletta, which means 'bicycle' in Italian, the pizza is out of this world.
Whether you snag a seat at Mother Road Brewing Company or visit the neighboring pizzeria itself, it's a simple, euphoric experience. Salute e buon appetito.
For more information, visit pizzicletta.com.
Meats get the respect they deserve at Proper Meats + Provisions. New York strips and T-bones dry-age out back, sausages are made by hand within view, and convenient containers of house-made soup are in the freezer by the entrance. All of the meat is local and easily traced back to the source.
For a divine sandwich, order the Warm Aleppo Pepper Pastrami. You can even spoil your canine companion with some of Proper's high-end dog food.
For more information, visit propermeats.com.
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Red Curry Vegan Kitchen is mostly-authentic Thai and 100% vegan. The Tokyo Roll is a favorite appetizer, and you can't go wrong with any of the noodles. Tofu, black beans, and red kidney beans are the protein choices for the curries.
For more information, visit redcurryflagstaff.com.
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What started as a tiny drive-thru has transformed into a family restaurant with Cajun, Creole, and barbecue. Visit on Saturday for burnt ends and don't miss out on the House-seasoned Tots.
For more information, visit satchmosaz.com.
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Shift presents elegant, local fine dining in a casual, approachable atmosphere. The menu changes regularly but Pickled French fries were a favorite in the past.
For more information, visit shiftflg.com.
Unconventional noodle dishes and cocktails are proudly featured at SoSoba. While they don't intend to preserve tradition, they do preserve their dedication to local ingredients through farmers markets and CSAs.
Try The Mic Drop — Tonkotsu pork broth and udon creation — or the Tantanmen — spicer broth with ramen noodles and Hoisin ground pork.
For more information, visit sosobaflg.com.
Try to grab a seat by the plating area in Tinderbox Kitchen, which features the chef facing the dining area while spooning sauces, slicing meats, and garnishing plates with long tweezers. It's a swift yet precise process that's mesmerizing to spectate while dining on the "Progressive American Food."
Tinderbox also proudly serves wine from their Companion Vineyard in Cortez, Colorado.
Next door, The Annex Cocktail Lounge features creative cocktails crafted by mixologist Nick Williams. The small plates make it a lovely precursor to a full dining experience at Tinderbox.
One more door over, the third sister establishment, Tourist Home, opens at 6 a.m. to offer a café experience with breakfast and lunch.
It's easy to get carried away with everything in the pastry display case, but make sure you sample other offerings such as the bread and house-smoked salmon.
Gourmet goods such as high-end cheeses and local flours are available for retail sale.
For more information, visit tinderboxkitchen.com.
Where are your favorite places to eat and drink Flagstaff? Let us know in the comments.
[This article originally was originally published on Tucson Foodie in November 2016. It has sine been updated on July 27, 2022]
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran's Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...
