Flagstaff is a cute, walkable little city and a great home base from which to visit some of the breathtaking natural attractions of the Southwest. But, after you’ve hiked up a mountain, down the Grand Canyon and around Sedona, you’ll be plenty hungry. Luckily, Flagstaff’s got what you need for your post-exertion calorie loading. These are some of my favorites from a recent adventure to the Southwest. They consist mostly of recommendations I got (and then tried and loved!) from a former Flagstaff resident and a friendly local bartender at Rendezvous, the bar in the ground floor of the Hotel Monte Vista, whose sign reaches into the clear blue sky over the city.
Lisa Yoder’s Top Dining & Drinking Spots of Flagstaff:
Macy’s European Coffee House
Brown sugar cinnamon croissant. That is what I remember most about Macy’s. That huge croissant will live ever in my memory as layers of cinnamon goo spread between layers of the flakiest dough. I think of it often. As its name suggests, Macy’s offers plenty of European-style espresso based drinks to wash down such pastry treasures.
Biff’s Bagels
Right across the street from Macy’s, Biff’s is clearly a local favorite with a steady stream of bagel lovers lining up for the wide selection of sandwiches, bagels, spreads, and coffee. And animal lovers rejoice—Biff’s supports the local no-kill shelter! It seems to also serve as a doggie honor and memorial center, its walls completely papered in photos of Flagstaff’s former and current canines.
Beaver Street Brewery
It was still warm enough to sit in the seasonal beer garden at Beaver Street and try some of their award-winning brews. Highlights of the menu, at least for our party that night, included the Beaver Street pizza featuring loads of cheeses and the Green Goddess Salmon Salad. If I ever return, I’ll make a point to try their fondue and even more of their beers.
The Wine Loft
Having a very specific craving for an evening in featuring board games, an extensive selection of wine and a variety of cheeses? The Wine Loft can meet all of those needs. I’d love to spend a rainy evening here with a group of friends, lazily sipping a glass of red while arguing over Scrabble words and eating more cheese than anyone should.
Rendezvous
Stop in for a cup of Intelligentsia by day, come back for a craft cocktail by night. On the first floor of the Hotel Monte Vista, Rendezvous offers corner views of pedestrians shopping for outdoor gear and Southwestern turquoise jewelry. The sunny coffee-shop atmosphere during the day converts to a cozy-but-swanky-but-low-key-lounge vibe after dark. Our bartender happily shared his favorite food spots, and he also gave me the scoop on the local beer scene in Flagstaff; sadly I didn’t have time to check it out.
Diablo Burger
We had avoided Diablo Burger all week. But when the friendliest bartender in town told us it’s everyone’s favorite casual dinner spot, we decided we couldn’t miss out. I’m so glad he suggested we check it out. DB’s focus on local and sustainable agriculture is undeniable. Considering the selection and quality of the burgers, it’s no wonder there’s a line out the door after 6 every night. The burgers come with fries, which are not to be missed. Actually, it might not be a bad idea to order extra. Seating is outdoors, perfect for enjoying the clean, crisp air of a Flagstaff evening, but it is fairly limited and fills up quickly. Need some entertainment with your rad local beef? DB is great for people watching, with the perfect view of the Flagstaff’s Heritage Square.
Old Town Creperie
I admittedly never made it to Old Town Creperie’s actual location in an alley beside Diablo Burger, but I found their affiliated crepe stand at Flagstaff’s Sunday morning farmers’ market. The woman making my crepe was shocked to learn that I’m not so into vegetables but made sure she filled my crepe with plenty of other deliciousness consisting of cheese, eggs, meat and herbs.
- Photography: Lisa Yoder
