Travelers from across the country and around the world visit Arizona to enjoy its desert beauty alluring even the pickiest of travelers. Visitors enjoy the state's remarkable Grand Canyon, exciting spring training games, pristine golf courses and resorts, and to-die-for weather in the winter. What visitors and residents alike may not be aware of is that Arizona features some of the best cuisine in the country. Whether searching for a relaxing lake-front atmosphere or authentic Mexican food, these dinner spots are sure to please out-of-town guests.
1. Scorpion Bay Grill
When visitors make their way to Scorpion Bay Grill they find a lovely lake-front restaurant that features a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Located on the west side of the stunning Lake Pleasant, Scorpion Bay Grill's chefs make exceptional dinner specials using only the freshest ingredients. Entrees change to reflect the season. A great fall offering is Pasta Moreno with house made marinara and grilled salmon, topped with original sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Call or stop by Friday or Saturday night to see what they whip up. The establishment also features a full-service bar so guests can pair cocktails with the amazing cuisine choices. Out-of-town guests will want to rent a pontoon boat or kayak to experience the gorgeous water and surrounding terrain after dinner.
Location: 10970 Peninsula Blvd., Morristown
Phone: 928.501.7368
Tagline: Purveyors of fresh food & cocktails on the water
Family Friendly: Yes, indoor and outdoor seating is available
2. Wild Horse West
There's fun for the whole family at Wild Horse West. Terrific burgers with delicious toppings, plus chili, hot dogs and salads. The Chili Size Burger, a high-quality burger served open face with chili and cheese, is a favorite among locals. A choice of inside or outside dining, juke box, big screen TV and a full bar. Service is great and food is affordable. Also stop by their general store with bait, tackle, beer, soda, snacks and supplies for the lake.
Location: 8415 W Carefree Hwy., Peoria
Phone: 623.566.0740
Tagline: Where the Burgers are the Best
Family Friendly: Definitely
3. Cantina Gueros
You'll love so many things on their menu, from Carnitas Tacos to Barbacoa Enchiladas and more. Be sure to ask for the charred pineapple salsa and order the Molcajete, a hot stone mortar filled with carne asada, chicken, grilled shrimp, cheese and grilled jalapeno. Delicious, and you'll have plenty left to take home! The excellent customer service will make you want to return. Great family meals to go (tacos and enchiladas), with rice and beans, plus chips and salsa included.
Location: Two locations.
North Peoria: 25315 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy
Peoria and Goodyear: 15375 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear
Phone:
Peoria: 623.440.3680
Goodyear: 623.600.8694
Family Friendly: Yes
4. Tortas Chano
Enjoy a freshly prepared authentic Mexican meal topped off with a homemade margarita at Tortas Chano. They serve excellent, tasty original family recipes. Try an Al Pastor burrito with marinated Chile pork, slowly cooked on the grill with pineapple and then topped with lettuce, cheese and Pico de gallo. Tastes delicious. Bottled beer stored in ice hits the spot too!
Location: 39510 N. Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem, about 9.5 miles from Scorpion Bay
Phone: 623.465.1515
Tagline: Always cooking up something good
Family Friendly: Yes, small outdoor patio
5. V's Taproom
V's Taproom placed #13 of 230 restaurants in Peoria because of great brews, tasty food and friendly staff and patrons. You'll find upscale burgers, comfort food, seasonal classics and wood-fired pizza. We tried and would recommend the Picasso pizza, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onion, tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Yummy! They host a rotating selection of big name and locally crafted brews on tap, made to order cocktails and more. V's expansive patio overlooks the beautiful golf course, while the cozy interior is just right for inside dining.
Location: 12575 W Golf Club Dr, 9.4 miles from Scorpion Bay Grill
Phone: 623.328.5110
Tagline: The servers are great and polite, food is always good, and the atmosphere and outside dining is lovely.
Family Friendly: Yes
6. Gio's Pizza
Gio's Pizza is women-owned and operated. They serve excellent fresh pizza and Italian food with high quality, fresh ingredients that has earned them national attention. Find their pizza, wings, salads and desserts here. We loved the Large Chicken Alfredo White Pizza with Blackened Chicken. Or you can order a custom pizza with all your favorite toppings.
Location: 4205 W Anthem Way, 8.2 miles from Scorpion Bay Grill
Phone: 623.500.2350
Family Friendly: Yes
7. Roadrunner Steak House-Saloon
Roadrunner is a cowboy bar restaurant/saloon that offers tasty sandwiches, huge burgers and a tasty house salad in addition to bull riding and live music. Try the jalapeño ranch burger wrapped in a tortilla with Pico de gallo and special sauce. Delicious and crispy french fries. Place is usually packed with people on the weekend band nights, it's the perfect place to meet all kinds of people.
Location: 47801 N Black Canyon Hwy, 9.3 miles from Scorpion Bay Grill
Phone: 623.465.9903
Tagline: American fare in a country atmosphere
Family Friendly: Yes
Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/