On December 28, Buckeye’s culinary scene officially welcomed a new wave of dining excellence. In the months since, dozens of our favorite restaurants around the city have refined their craft, so we’re highlighting them here. As with any top-tier dining destination, these establishments have embraced elevated standards, including innovative menus and exceptional service—here are the protocols for culinary greatness.
Ciao Grazie
$$ | (623) 853-1717 | WEBSITE
Italian restaurant Ciao Grazie continues to serve its delightful food in Buckeye, with a very pleasant atmosphere. Currently, they’re open daily, from 11am-9pm. Check their website for holiday hours. The Caesar salads are delicious, and the Emiliana salad remains a favorite. They offer seriously good pizza, including the recommended 5 cheese with Prosciutto and caramelized onions. The chicken parmesan is absolutely amazing, with flavorful tomato sauce.
While service isn’t always great, the ownership is attentive, and the staff is phenomenal. The food is more filling than anticipated, and dessert is worth the visit.
A 1 Tacos
$ | (602) 980-7493 | WEBSITE
Buckeye taco spot A1 Tacos offers both dine-in and take-out options, with a quaint setup and welcoming atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner daily. More details available at their location.
Raspados El Jinete
$ | (623) 806-3918 | WEBSITE
Raspados El Jinete is a unique snack spot in Buckeye run by a kind grandmother – she’s the sole operator. The escamocha and fresas con crema are delicious and well-presented. However, some may find the prices steeper than other similar establishments, with a small drink featuring ice cream priced over $9, and portion sizes aren’t clearly marked. The owner’s serious demeanor might come across as lacking in warmth.
Reservations aren’t taken, but it’s worth checking local listings for current hours and availability.
Federico’s Mexican Food
$ | (623) 327-2366 | WEBSITE
Buckeye’s Federico’s Mexican Food has a main dining area, a takeout counter, and a family-friendly section – and all are open for dine-in daily from 11am-9pm. No reservations needed – check their website for current hours and specials.
Wild West Cowboy Steakhouse
$ | (623) 386-1400 | WEBSITE
The picnic tables at Buckeye’s Wild West Cowboy Steakhouse are open for steaks – and Mexican favorites like chorizo burritos – daily from 11am-9pm, with kid-friendly meals and nostalgic arcade games. More details on their website.
ANTHEM Coffee & Tea | Verrado
$ | (623) 248-4412 | WEBSITE
Now located in a shaded courtyard, ANTHEM Coffee & Tea | Verrado is back open with a new look and feel and coffee from their own roastery. Check their website for more information.
Culver’s
$ | (623) 322-8444 | WEBSITE
Culver’s is open for indoor and outdoor dining, with clean tables spaced comfortably throughout the space. The drive-thru remains available for quick service, and the staff is friendly and efficient as always. More details on hours and seasonal offerings can be found on their website.
HOT DOGS OBREGÓN
$ | (602) 524-7802 | WEBSITE
Buckeye’s HOT DOGS OBREGÓN is open for food truck service with spaced-out ordering and outdoor seating. Check their menu for more information.
Rooftop on Miller
$ | (623) 386-5129 | WEBSITE
Buckeye’s casual spot Rooftop on Miller is serving up tasty burgers, fresh breadsticks, and cold drinks for sports viewing. Open daily 11am-late, one of the most convenient spots in town. They’re offering happy hour specials, and you can catch more game day action on their TVs.
Barro’s Pizza
$ | (623) 225-7589 | WEBSITE
A pizza and wing spot in Surprise, Barro’s Pizza serves hot and delicious food. Known for standout wings, the Habanero Mango offers a nice and balanced flavor with a slow heat build. The thin Crust Barro’s Special is tasty and worth repeating. Friendly staff provide quick service, and the nostalgic atmosphere with 80’s music adds to the charm. The restaurant uses great ingredients, and the prices offer good value—expect to pay around $15–$25 for a meal.
The large veggie salad is also a highlight, customizable to your liking, and the take-out presentation is nice. Plenty of parking is available around the location. However, some recent visits show inconsistency, with pizzas sometimes loaded with sauce or applied unevenly. Wings ordered extra crispy sometimes arrive soft and gooey. Despite these issues, the restaurant remains a favorite for many.
The Cliff House at The Victory Course
$$ | (623) 533-3867 | WEBSITE
The Cliff House at The Victory Course is back in action – they’ve got cocktails, appetizers, main courses, and a whole lot of panoramic views from their elevated perch, with early closing times that some find limiting. More details on their website.
Palermo’s Pizza
$ | (623) 386-7222 | WEBSITE
Palermo’s Pizza is serving up tasty extra hot wings and Dry-rub Lemon Pepper in a lively atmosphere perfect for sports fans and families. More details and their friendly, respectful service on their social media.
Fresh Donuts
$ | (623) 474-0028 | WEBSITE
Fresh Donuts, the beloved donut shop in Buckeye, has become a local favorite with its fresh and soft donuts. Check their hours carefully – they often sell out early due to popularity. Popular choices include the whipped cream donut, sprinkled donuts, and custom apple fritters, all much better than chains like Dunkin or Krispy Kreme. The friendly staff enhances the experience, and they also offer delicious smoothies with and without bobas, plus croissants stuffed with ham and cheese or jalapenos.
Everything is fresh, yummy, and reasonably priced, making it a perfect stop for comfort and satisfaction, especially for kids who love the daily-fresh donuts.
Jacky’s Mexican Food
$ | (602) 615-8605 | WEBSITE
Jacky’s Mexican Food is open, albeit with a different setup than your typical restaurant – but they do have amazing Mexican food, generous portions, and pet-friendly seating. Open daily. Special requests accommodated – more details on their menu.
A&L Water and Ice Cream
$ | (623) 327-9838 | WEBSITE
In addition to their clean storefront and welcoming counter service, Buckeye’s hidden gem A&L Water and Ice Cream has been serving quality treats and refreshing drinks since 2011. Open for walk-ins and water refills. Check their location for more information.
Panda Express
$ | (623) 386-6069 | WEBSITE
Panda Express in Buckeye is open for all your late-night Chinese food cravings. Hours are consistent, check their website for more details.
A1 Tacos
$ | (602) 980-7493 | WEBSITE
Buckeye family-owned spot A1 Tacos is always ready, with a cozy outdoor dining area and their popular quesabirria with consome. Daily, 6:30am-9:30pm, delivery available. No reservations needed for any groups – just walk in. For more information, check out their menu.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (623) 327-3667 | WEBSITE
Carl’s Jr. is a standout fast-food spot in Buckeye, AZ, reopening daily. They’ve got classic burgers and a solid lineup of fresh menu items. Check their location for more details.
KFC
$ | (623) 327-0724 | WEBSITE
KFC reopened in Buckeye for, as their consistent quality proudly shows, “CHICKEN AND SIDES.” They’ve also got ample parking out front – more info and hours on their website.