***UPDATED Summer 2024
Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside linger at a crossroads, both by design and by consequence. Geographically lodged where the Mogollon Rim’s high desert mesa ends and eastern Arizona’s still largely unspoiled and verdant White Mountains begin, the region is also slowly transitioning from the conservative, budget-minded getaway it’s been known for generations as, to something attempting to resemble—if faintly—an alpine locale offering more than RV campgrounds, cheap development, and sadly: an abundance of gray, over-promised bar food.
Unlike some of Arizona’s other high-profile, high-elevation destinations like Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, and others, authentically good dining in Show Low or Pinetop-Lakeside remains conventionally elusive . This does not mean that satisfying restaurants don’t exist—to the contrary in fact. However, by most common standards, the area’s better-quality options for dining out remain rare.
If you happen to be traveling to the vicinity, there are a few places where said good food can be discovered. I first profiled the dining landscape years ago in “Part One” HERE, featuring classics like Darbi’s, Red Devil Pizza, and Grumpy Jake’s BBQ. Consider the below highlights the latest addendum to my ongoing exploration of the region:
Wine Mountains – Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
A consistently popular wine bar and alternative dining option, particularly for Phoenix and Tucson area expats throughout peak summer and winter seasons, Wine Mountains satisfies for a light lunch or dinner that avoids the oft-heavy and mediocre “bar and grill” trappings so common around town. Offering an approachable list of familiar and largely domestic wines to peruse via themed flights or exploration by glass, the casual hangout also offers a light menu of assembled snack boards (meats, cheeses, fruits), as well as pressed sandwiches, simple salads and ongoing entree specials. On certain evenings, particularly throughout summer season (usually mid-May through mid-September), Wine Mountains also draws regulars for its calendar of live music. When the afternoon weather is perfect and you have nowhere else to be, few places in Pinetop are as desirable as Wine Mountains, on the patio, pours in hand.
Munich Haus Grill and Beergarden – Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
The latest manifestation of this storied local German restaurant, which has existed in some capacity at locations throughout the Pinetop area over the years, is finally in the right location, delivering the right kind of vibe. Now a more casual experience—think grilled brats and sausages with kraut, doughy oversized pretzels and classic German potato salad—the “new” Munich Haus is also a popular local watering hole, a magnet year-round for its large backyard patio and lawn that hosts live music on warm-weather days—ideal for groups of friends and families.
Lady of Pinetop Cannoli Shack and Kitchen – Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
Tucked away in a courtyard of an old apartment building near downtown Pinetop, literally in a pocket-sized “shack” surrounded by shaded picnic tables, Lady of Pinetop can be easy to miss—or dismiss. However, follow the afternoon crowds (and occasional lines) of visitors and locals alike, all hungry for its menu of hot and cold hoagies and grinders (the classic Italian and Italian beef are both favorites), homemade soups and, of course, cannolis. In a town where higher-quality casual eating is limited or exists on a curve of acceptability, Lady of Pinetop is doing something right. Perfect for lunch to-go or a quick late-afternoon bite al fresco en route to other destinations, this is a local favorite everyone should make the detour for—and support.
Torreon Grill – Show Low, AZ
Located in the heart of an upscale, masterplanned development by the same name, Torreon Grill anchors the community’s expansive clubhouse and golf club. Open to the public year round, the restaurant serves comfortable, non-offending options like burgers, stacked sandwiches and fish tacos throughout the day, to more classic dishes for dinner like varied pastas, steak and prime rib. Boasting one of the more picturesque patios in Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, overlooking an emerald-kept Troon golf course downslope, and offering one of the region’s most capable full-service bars (there’s a mai tai on the menu, friends), Torreon Grill is easily one of the smarter options in town.
Licano’s Mexican Food & Steakhouse – Show Low, AZ
Locals and visitors alike hold loyal to Licano’s throughout the year for unfussy, sentimental and saucy Sonoran-style Mexican comforts like plate-sized chimichangas, smothered burritos, pan-fried tacos, and their wonderfully greasy and brittle, neon-hued cheese crisps. Licano’s also serves a menu of decent margaritas, pleasantly stiff and not-too-sweet riffs often made with fresh-squeezed juices. Little known secret? Licano’s unassumingly serves some of the best prime rib in Show Low.
The House – Show Low, AZ
Slightly off-course on Hall Street in downtown Show Low, The House “yard bar and eatery” brings something unique to an otherwise quiet pocket of town. Boasting a large grassy lawn where, during summer months, diners can take advantage of a pleasant outdoor bar experience while playing competitive, family-friendly outdoor games, The House is primarily known for their over-the-top burgers, sandwiches, salty finger foods, and decent beer selection. The still-new destination has quickly become a welcome retreat for visiting lowlanders craving something more than divey Mexican and warmed over pub fare. Sometimes variety can be a powerful driver.
Red Barn Creamery – Show Low, AZ
Located in small, retrofitted standalone, immediately adjacent to The House (same ownership) in downtown Show Low, Red Bard Creamery is the newest stop for tourists and locals to indulge. Featuring a range of homemade ice cream flavors, mostly classic but a few interesting outliers, often including non-dairy options, Red Barn Creamery is a charming new outpost in an area with surprisingly little-to-no summertime, or anytime, dessert experiences that don’t force you through the drive-thru.
Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse – Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
Not a new place by any stretch, but certainly one of the most famous, the historic, western-themed steakhouse and bar Charlie Clark’s may be Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside’s strongest claim to a hallowed local classic. Charlie Clark’s has been operating in some capacity for almost 80 years, making it one of the oldest continually operated restaurants in Arizona, serving a meaty menu of steaks, prime rib, chicken, burgers, even seafood. The main dining room is only open for dinner, however the adjacent bar and lounge is a popular daytime hangout for burgers, sandwiches, fried sides, and cold beers. Live music on select nights.
Persnikkity’s Cafe & Bakery – Show Low, AZ
Busy most of the year, Persnikkity’s is another above-average option for breakfast and lunch that strays from the usual bar food formula. Beyond the breakfast standards, think a casual counter-service lunch menu of burgers, sandwiches, pitas, wraps, and baked goods worthy of takeaway.
Buffalo Bill’s Tavern & Grill – Show Low, AZ
Owned and operated by some of the principals behind the well-known Porter Mountain Steakhouse in Pinetop-Lakeside, Buffalo Bill’s resurrects many of Porter Mountain’s original charms for a new chapter in a new space. Located in west Show Low as you enter town on the 260, Buffalo Bill’s keeps it simple with an honest menu of sandwiches, burgers, steaks pastas, and similar. An expansive back patio overlooking the surrounding ponderosa forest remains the most desirable perch on perfect-weather days.
Pinetop Brewing Company – Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
If only there were more great breweries in the vicinity. Pinetop Brewing Company is perpetually busy, comfortable, and exactly what a cozy brewery in a strong-minded mountain town should feel like. With a clientele that intersects both locals in-the-know and dialed-in visitors, Pinetop Brewing Company is an ideal go-to for an afternoon layover, to watch the big game, sample a flight of their signature suds, and or grab a better-quality burger on the patio. Besides the beer, what truly sets Pinetop Brewing Company apart is the food menu. A surprisingly alternative range of sandwiches, said burgers, sides, and small pizzas that dare you to find better examples at other local spots. Try the Yardbird sandwich, a handheld of flaky fried chicken, pickles and a schmear of sweet honey mustard inside an airy glazed bun. It’s a sandwich, a digestible moment, that proves there is eating in the area worthy of being discovered.
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Read more about Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside dining:
Arizona: White Mountain Eating (Part One)
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