Eating Places in Flagstaff, AZ

The Flagstaff restaurant scene continues to ripened with new restaurants. If you’ve not been to the historic mountain town for awhile, you’ll be surprised to reap a whole new variety of taste treats at these eating places in Flagstaff, AZ. The following three eateries sprouted from tried-and-true favorites, so that means you won’t have to “experiment” with your restaurant dollars. Get more Flagstaff foodies’ picks for where to eat in Flagstaff.

So what Flagstaff restaurants are ‘tried and true?’ Brix earned “Top 95 New Restaurants in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler in 2007 and now owners Paul and Laura Moir bring that success to their new inception Criollo Latin Kitchen. The couple’s collaborative efforts build upon the philosophy of local and sustainable foods. Their latest endeavor, Criollo (pronounced kree-OH-yo,) is named after a Spanish breed of beef cattle brought to Arizona in the 1400s that is well-suited to the local climate.

Criollo’s brunch menu features local foods such as the ancho-coffee rubbed skirt steak from organically-grown beef and chimichurri in the “Steak and Eggs.” For lunch you can choose from such delectables as Ostiones Fritos (Masa Fried Oysters,) Ceviche del Día (citrus-cured seasonal fish with jalapeño, tomatoes and cilantro) and, of course, a Criollo Burger served with pickled red onion, watercress and chipotle aioli.

I don’t know if paella has ever been seen on a Flagstaff menu before, but this Latin-inspired restaurant is offering one of my favorite dishes, Paella Criollo, made of seasonal fish and shell fish, chorizo, tomatoes, fennel and saffron-infused Arborio rice. Or try the Pollo Mole Burrito, Bistec de Mojo Ajo or Tamarind Marinated Pork Tenderloin plated with grilled cactus and yucca fritters. There are plenty of vegetarian items on the menu.

The Lumberyard Brewery is the love child of family-style Beaver Street Brewery and the over-18-crowd Brews and Cues Billiards. The new restaurant offers a comfortable, sports-bar atmosphere with flat-screen TVs on every wall and lots of outdoor dining. Part of the building was constructed in 1890 during Flagstaff’s timber heyday. Much of the old lumber was repurposed for the new restaurant’s embellishments.

Nosh with nachos, wings, sliders or our fave, Yin Yang Hummus “East (black bean hummus) Meets West (Edamame hummus)” served with crunchy wontons and corn chips. Salads are huge and come in the chef’s metal mixing bowls. Skip the BBQ vinaigrette; what was I thinking? The deli sandwiches are healthy (in size) as well.

After taking your first bite, you might just feel the earth move under your feet. But no worries, it’s just the passing train. The historic building sits at the side of Flagstaff’s famous railroad tracks. Fortunately, the excruciating train whistles were banned and silenced forever before the restaurant opened this spring. We expect the Lumberyard Apricot Ale to be as acclaimed as other brews in the Beaver Street stable of winning beers and ales.

For the past 16 years I’ve said, “Flagstaff would be the perfect town if it had a decent baguette.” Well, I am here to tell you, folks, perfection has arrived. Wildflower Bread Company offers more than the coveted baguette: their breakfast, lunch and dinner are each an understated, mouth-blessing experience.

“We’re offering white tablecloth quality food with fast, casual service and at family prices,” said Louis Basile, the company’s founder last week. “You get your food fast, but you can stay in the restaurant as long as you wish.”

As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

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