Do you plan your entire trip around where you’ll eat? Is discovering a hidden gem as thrilling as any scenic vista? Do you believe a great meal can define a destination? If you answered yes, we’ve got your guide. Welcome to Show Low’s most essential dining experiences, from a cozy cabin serving elk tenderloin to a historic downtown spot with prickly pear margaritas. At these restaurants, food isn’t just fuel—it’s the journey.
Bison Bar + Grill
$ | (928) 537-1555 | WEBSITE
People come to this cozy spot in Show Low for finger-lickin’ good wings with flavors like cilantro lime and honey jalapeño, along with seasoned sweet potato fries. The Bloody Marys are addictive, and the atmosphere features a welcoming fireplace with attentive service. The Reuben sandwich and fried items continue to impress even during unexpected power issues.
Just be careful: The manager’s dedication to customer satisfaction is remarkable, as she personally delivers the correct food items when mistakes occur, showcasing genuine kindness. The restaurant is very clean, making it a pleasant choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a welcoming environment.
Bertie’s outlaw eatery & tavern
$ | (928) 251-4325 | WEBSITE
We’d visit Bertie’s purely for these donuts, which have become as closely associated with this cafe as pulled pork tacos or cabbage sausage soup. The homemade donuts, just slightly crisp on the outside to add some texture, are outstanding on their own. But the layer of cinnamon sugar on top, and the fresh apple fritters for sharing, add a level of comfort and sweet-savory contrast that make them as memorable as any breakfast or lunch.
Harvest Juice Co.
$ | (928) 251-2509 | WEBSITE
Harvest Juice Co. makes some of our favorite healthy food in Show Low, so it should tell you something that the best dish at this bright and cheerful spot might be the avocado toast. Arriving on the warm side of toasted, it’s a dish constructed with kitchen precision, with layers of creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs. The finish is a perfectly poached egg on top that makes the whole thing look like a still life from a wellness magazine.
One Eyed Jacks Sports Lounge
$$ | (928) 537-5929 | WEBSITE
This sports lounge is a must after a long day exploring Show Low, and the headliner is the phenomenal bar manager who runs the place like a well-oiled machine. A friendly staff keeps the vibe welcoming, with five pool tables for some friendly competition and an outdoor patio for fresh air. The entire spot is meant for hanging out until 2am, but we’ve definitely lost track of time here before.
Bandido’s Mexican Food
$ | (928) 537-7303 | WEBSITE
Just like their fresh guacamole, each Carne Asada burrito at Bandido’s Mexican Food defies expectations. The Arizona-inspired, spice-packed take on a taqueria classic is substantial but balanced, flavorful with a perfect char, and hearty enough that the warm chips and salsas have something to complement. It’s a burrito that is, ahem, burritoed-up. Plan on sharing, and if you order the Arizona Melt for your lunch, accept that all future burritos will disappoint.
Hole In One
$ | (928) 532-8657 | WEBSITE
Things that happened in 2025: Hole In One got new owners who actually care. It’s also when Show Low residents started calling ahead to this old-fashioned burger joint, grabbing the greatest fast food meal around. It’s a no-frills classic: a decently sized, moist burger patty with fresh condiments, your choice of toppings like Ortega chiles or mushroom and Swiss, and maybe some tacos on the side. Oh, and it’s only about $10 for a satisfying meal.
The personable staff provide service with a smile, they’ve put up more seating and corn hole, and they even accept debit cards now. It’s not fancy—just fresh, hand-crafted food that makes you feel good about supporting the community.
Torreon Golf Cabin Restaurant
$$$ | (928) 532-8000 | WEBSITE
Since chef Eric Rippie took over, Torreon Golf Cabin Restaurant has become the answer to every Show Low local’s craving for innovative yet affordable dining. This golf course gem’s Calamari in AgreDolce and roasted chicken with fingerling potatoes are executed with precision, while the desserts arrive as edible works of art. And don’t forget the Short Ribs.
The professional yet friendly staff makes the upscale atmosphere feel welcoming rather than stuffy, and the Cauliflower Crust Pizza or Gluten-Free Pizzookie will put your taste buds on autopilot for the entire meal. The crisp salads with fresh chicken remain satisfyingly bright even as the Arizona sun sets over the fairways.
Red Barn Creamery & Sweets Shop
$ | (928) 532-9866 | WEBSITE
Red Barn Creamery’s caramel apple cheesecake bar is one of those rare desserts that everyone seems to agree on, though we’ve heard some debate about whether the butter praline or brownie batter ice cream is better. The foundation of this post-burger treat is a sturdy graham cracker crust layered with creamy cheesecake and tart apple filling, topped with a caramel drizzle that doesn’t overwhelm the tangy fruit.
Each forkful is rich and satisfying and perfect with a scoop of their smooth vanilla ice cream at the picnic table.
The Bagel Box
$ | (928) 892-5578 | WEBSITE
It’s true—one of Show Low’s best breakfasts lives in a small storefront. But not just any storefront: The Bagel Box. Their counter is home to a modest display loaded with house-made bagels, all praised for their freshness. They’re perfectly chewy, ever-so-slightly crisp on the outside, and topped with spreads that melt on contact. The chive cream cheese one is the most popular, but they also have a heartier version with the Cuban sandwich and one packed with the Italian’s savory meats.
The small-town charm and friendly staff make each visit feel like a local secret, with quick service and clean tables adding to the appeal. At around $8-12 per sandwich, it’s a fantastic value for such delicious, fresh food that keeps customers coming back for more.
El Azteca Family Restaurante
$ | (928) 296-6738 | WEBSITE
Let us set the scene at El Azteca. It’s 7:30pm, you’re one basket of chips and salsa deep at the table, and a sizzling skillet of steak and shrimp fajitas just got dropped in front of you. That’s our heaven. The savory juices seep into the broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and mushrooms as you eat, making each bite richer and more flavorful. The scoop of really good guacamole is there to cool everything down.
Arizona Mountain Coffee Co.
$ | (928) 892-2326 | WEBSITE
You can’t leave Arizona Mountain Coffee Co. without trying the cinnamon rolls. All the pastries are stellar thanks to the fresh, in-house baking, but the cinnamon roll—layered with swirls of cinnamon, topped with creamy icing, and served warm from the oven—is our north star. Our only regret is that they don’t sell them by the dozen to take home, but maybe if we ask nicely enough, they’ll start a family pack. Not that we need the temptation.
Licano’s
$ | (928) 537-8220 | WEBSITE
The best night out in Show Low? A Navajo taco from Licano’s, the welcoming eatery that’s been a local favorite for years. We love starting with the chips, salsa, and pico they bring to the table (our go-to is pairing them with one of their delicious bar drinks). That warm, hearty fry bread topped with seasoned beans, cheese, and fresh toppings is the stuff of dreams—specifically those dreams where you wake up craving another visit.
While the prices run a bit high at around $18-22 for entrees, every bite feels worth it in their cozy dining room with its rustic wooden tables and soft lighting. The green corn tamales make a perfect take-home treat too—just like the staff’s stories about this historic building linger long after you leave.
Firehouse Subs Show Low
$ | (928) 251-0687 | WEBSITE
The best meals at Firehouse Subs involve some sort of hearty chili, and turns out, that also includes leftovers. This generous portion of homemade chili with a rich texture is almost all meat and no filler, with a savory, stew-like consistency that warms you like a fireplace. A bit of gluten-free bread keeps things from veering heavy. Because while there’s a time and place for fast-food simplicity, this is the chili we want to start every week.
Torreon Grille
$$$ | (928) 532-8000 | WEBSITE
Torreon Grille is basically fine dining for your comfort food cravings. The menu is filled with beautifully presented classics, and in the kitchen, glorious burgers cooked to perfection. Served on a warm plate, the beef is juicy and flavorful and the numerous toppings are always the perfect complement. The best nights in Show Low end at a cozy table with this beauty and a side of creamy mascarpone polenta.
The House
$ | (928) 537-9273 | WEBSITE
The best thing about the signature medium rare burger at The House isn’t even the perfectly cooked patty, though that’s near the top. It’s the flavor: rich but also balanced and satisfying, with a homemade taste memorable enough to make you actually finish the surprisingly generous portion they put on the plate. You’ll be tempted by the veggie patty options or garlic parmesan cheese fries, but this burger can, and deserves to, stand on its own.