Are you planning on visiting Cave Creek in the near future? If so, you might be looking for some of the best restaurants that Arizona has to offer.
There are plenty of amazing carefree restaurants, and many of them will treat you to an amazing happy hour. Regardless of whether you are looking for Italian, Mexican food, barbecue, or traditional American fare, there are plenty of amazing restaurants in the area that would be happy to treat your taste buds to something that you have never enjoyed before.
If you are looking for some of the best restaurants in Cave Creek, AZ while you’re in town staying in one of our incredible vacation homes, take a look at some of the top options below, and make sure you take advantage of good food and live music as you sip on a few margaritas.
1. Big Earl’s Greasy Eats

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This retro diner serves up some of the most popular meals from the past. For a blast from the blast, be sure to check out Big Earl’s Greasy Eats.
This is a restaurant that was built in an old gas station, and it claims to be one of the best locations for an honest hamburger. Of course, all of the meat is made from natural, hormone-free chicken and beef. Furthermore, you have a variety of toppings from which to choose.
As the name suggests, this is also one of the least expensive, no fuss restaurants in the area as well. You may want to try some sweet potato fries and macaroni and cheese as well!
If you want to give this place a try, you can find it located at 6135 E. Cave Creek Rd.
2. Stumblina’s Cantina

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For the best restaurant in the heart of downtown, give Stumblina’s Cantina a try. There is indoor and outdoor seating available, so you should have an easy time finding a spot to eat. Furthermore, you can kick back and relax as you watch the action on Main Street.
You will definitely want to take a close look at the menu as there are plenty of unique options. For example, you might be interested in the Latin pork tacos. Be sure to ask about the specials they have available as well.
To give this Cantina a try, you can find it located at 6268 E. Cave Creek Rd.
3. The Horny Toad

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If you are looking for comfort food in the local area, then you will definitely want to check out The Horny Toad. The name is a bit edgy, but this is definitely something that is fun for the whole family.
You may want to check out the pork ribs or bbq chicken, as everything is made right in the house. Do not forget to order dessert as well. For example, you might be interested in the strawberry shortcake, the apple cobbler, or the peach cobbler. Do not forget to ask for a scoop of cinnamon swirl ice cream with your dessert as well.
Even though there are plenty of expensive options on the menu, you do not have to spend a lot of money here. This is a very affordable restaurant in the local area.
The Horny Toad is located at 6738 E Cave Creek Rd.
4. Tonto Bar & Grill

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For a spot to catch the big game, then you should head to Tonto Bar & Grill. It is a bit more expensive than some of the other options in the area, but you will definitely enjoy a delicious meal.
All of the food is made from scratch, and all of the ingredients are all-natural. You can definitely taste the freshness as you bite into your meat. Don’t forget to take a look at the beer selection, as they have a very impressive selection available. This is definitely a good place to go if you want to fill up for a relatively low price.
To take advantage of everything that this bar & grill has to offer, you can find it located at 5736 E Rancho Manana Blvd.
5. Buffalo Chip Saloon

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If you want to experience what the wild west was like, then you may want to check out Buffalo Chip Saloon. This is a favorite among the locals, where you can enjoy some Texas-style barbeque. Their menu is vast with beef brisket, potato salad, smoked chicken, and even steaks. Of course, you don’t want to miss out on the coleslaw, and you may want to order a slice of the cobbler for dessert. You’ll be happy to know this saloon also offers gluten-free options, as well.
The menu varies slightly every night, so this is definitely a restaurant you can come back to again and again. Furthermore, this restaurant is not that expensive.
There is usually some live entertainment as well, so this is definitely a location you want to check out during your visit to the local area. If you want to give this restaurant a try, you can find it located at 6823 E. Cave Creek Rd.
6. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

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For an original Wild West Saloon, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is definitely the place to go. It opened in 1935, and while it’s undergone renovations and improvements, they’ve worked hard to keep the old feel of the place intact.
Given the size of the menu, it is absolutely impossible to go hungry here. As soon as you order your food, you will be treated to a meal that is larger than you ever could have imagined. If you are looking for the best option at this relatively inexpensive restaurant, you will definitely want to try the baby back ribs. They are so tender that they fall right off the bone without you doing anything.
To give this restaurant a try, you can find it located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd.
7. Village Coffee

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For a break in between meals, try a coffee shop in the area. Village Coffee is, in our opinion, the best place to go. All of the coffee is fresh and the shop stays open throughout the entire day. For a cappuccino, an espresso, or a more unique order, this coffee shop can handle it all.
If you’d like a snack or something to curb your sweet tooth, enjoy one of their homemade crepes while sipping your coffee. It’s truly a delicious treat!
For a bit of caffeine to fuel your day, you can find this coffee shop located at 7100 E Cave Creek Rd Ste. #138.
8. Dairy Queen

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While not a local hideaway as other restaurants on this list, Dairy Queen is a classic spot for fast food and delicious blizzards. It is not exactly the most Innovative restaurant in the area, but it is still popular among the locals.
All of the ice cream is fresh, it is a great way to cool off, and you can take advantage of some unique selections.
You can find the local Dairy Queen at 6548 E Cave Creek Rd.
9. El Encanto

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If you talk to any of the locals in the area, they will probably recommend El Encanto. This is one of the best Mexican restaurant options in the area, and you will certainly have your fill here. You might not get to enjoy an amazing mountain view, but you will have access to some of the best authentic Mexican food in the area. Load up on enchiladas, fresh tortillas, and tacos here!
After all, you are in the desert southwest, so you should take in a few amazing Mexican meals while you are here. The best part is that it is not that expensive either!
A cool option on their menu is a sampler platter with a variety of fresh Mexican specialties to try their most popular plates. It is easy to see why this is one of the top restaurants in the area and after your first bite, you’ll quickly realize why.
If you want to give it a try, you can find it located at 6248 E. Cave Creek Rd.
10. Brugos Pizza and Company Bistro

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You might not know who Brugo is, but one thing is for certain, he certainly knows how to cook a delicious pizza. If you are looking for an Italian restaurant in the area, Brugos Pizza and Company Bistro is the best place to go. Of course, there are plenty of traditional Italian meals from which to choose from on the menu, but there are some unique non-traditional options as well.
This is a restaurant that has been open for generations, and they have a wide variety of meals from which to choose.
If you want to enjoy some delicious pasta with fresh oregano, this is definitely the best place to do so. Do not forget to ask about the specials when you arrive. Brugos is a bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants in the area, but you will certainly enjoy your meal.
If you want to try this amazing Italian restaurant, you can find it located at 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd.
11. Local Jonny’s

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For a budget-friendly restaurant in the area, then you will definitely want to check out Local Jonny’s. The restaurant’s owners are from Arizona, so this is one of the best places to catch a local bite to eat.
Regardless of whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can find your meal here. Of course, this is also a great location for some local libations. If you are looking for some alcoholic beverages, you may want to check out a few of their famous cocktails as well. Of course, do not forget to order a delicious meal, as you do not want to drink on an empty stomach!
This is one of the best locations to go if you are looking for a quick local bite. You can find this restaurant located at 6033 E. Cave Creek Rd.
Enjoy Some Authentic Southwestern Food
For some amazing food in the Cave Creek area, be sure to check out these options. From takeout to fine dining, you’ll have your pick of great options while in town. Consider spending time at some of these restaurants for great food.