Dinner Time!

Scoping out the grub in Flagstaff

Flagstaff has the charm of a small, old West town but don’t let that atmosphere fool you into thinking the dining scene is either small or old. There’s a plethora of restaurant options, no matter your mood or budget. Come with us on a culinary tour of the best Flagstaff has to offer.

A snazzy dining room, good service and affordable prices puts Pasto (19. E. Aspen Avenue, 928-779-1937) top of the list. Set in a restored historic building, the food Chef Michael Long sends out from the kitchen seems straight out of Italy. The grilled vegetable plate is fresh and tasty while the tagliatelle Bolognaise has unusual highlights of nutmeg and carrot.

If “American comfort food” is more of your mood, head for the Tinderbox Kitchen (34 S. San Francisco Street, 928-226-8400.) Bold powerful flavors dominate the specialties here, which include shitake mushroom soup and a barbeque glazed pork belly. Chef Scott Heinonen puts out a dynamite combo of classic comfort food, jazzed to the nines. A prime example is his meatloaf. The basic slice of meat here is energized with a chili tomato glaze.

Charly’s, located in the Hotel Weatherford (23 N. Leroux Street, 928-779-1919), is a classy bar and grill. Serving up your expected favorites, a sure win is the Leroux burger, a massive beef patty with grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. If you don’t know what you want, choose the Mountain Oasis (11 E. Aspen Avenue, 928-214-9270.) Their menu runs the gamut from Thai to Middle Eastern to Italian. Pasta, sandwiches and smoothies are all recommended.

For something a little different head to either Macy’s or Little Thai Kitchen. Little Thai Kitchen (1051 S. Milton Road, 928-226-9422) isn’t a clever name – it really is a tiny place serving up delicious Thai. Ten tables for two people each, diners will fall in love with the curries and homemade coconut ice cream. For a healthy jolt or a great cup of coffee, head to Macy’s (14 S. Beaver Street, 928-774-2243.) This vegetarian place serves up tasty meals like black bean burgers and a hearty hummus plate. They offer a long list of coffee drinks, plus some outstanding desserts. Diner fans flock to Downtown Diner (7 E. Aspen Avenue, 928-774-3492) for ham and eggs or burger and fries. But this isn’t your father’s diner – the kitchen also trots out specialties like trout and omelets.

Martanne’s (10 N. San Francisco Street, 928-773-4701) is a budget friendly Italian joint. Mama Burger (112 W. Route 66, 928-226-0616) is another budget friendly option especially for those craving a beef patty. The menu is limited, so go in the mood for a burger, perhaps the fully loaded Mama Burger for only three bucks. The Crown Railroad Café (2700 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 928-774-6775) is a great breakfast stop; their massive three-egg omelets will keep you full till dinner time. Their tasty daily dinner specials are great for those looking for a filling meal without emptying the wallet.

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.