Kingman is a city located in northwestern Arizona, along Historic Route 66. With its convenient location along a major highway and proximity to popular attractions like the Grand Canyon, Kingman sees many visitors pass through each year. While the city may be small, it offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious dining scene. From classic diners and barbecue joints to hip cafes and fine dining, there is something to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we have highlighted 12 of the best and most popular restaurants that you must try when visiting Kingman. For each entry, we have provided some background on the restaurant along with details on some of their signature dishes and why you should add them to your Kingman dining itinerary. Whether you are a local or just passing through, this list offers a tasty sampling of the most loved and raved-about restaurants in town.
The Sultana Bar & Grill
If you want fine dining in a casual yet upscale setting, head to the Sultana Bar & Grill. Located in a restored 1910 home, this restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with romantic lighting, local artwork on the walls, and live music on select nights. Chef Ian Olvera serves up contemporary American cuisine using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Standout starters include their duck confit salad and pan-seared diver scallops. For your main course, favorites include the grilled elk chop with blueberry sauce and the hazelnut crusted salmon. End your meal on a sweet note with their house-made peanut butter silk pie. With its combination of culinary creativity and historic charm, the Sultana Bar & Grill is a special dining experience in Kingman.
Redneck’s Southern Pit BBQ
For mouthwatering barbecue cooked low and slow, Redneck’s Southern Pit BBQ is the top choice. The ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken are all smoked to perfection in their custom smoker. Popular picks include the three meat combo plate loaded with your choice of meats and sides like fried okra, collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Can’t decide? Go for the Family Feast with all the meats, sides, cornbread, pickles, and sauce to feed 4-6 people. With picnic tables outside and Americana knick-knacks covering the interior walls, the vibe here is totally casual and downhome. This joint proves some of Arizona’s best ‘cue comes from a self-proclaimed redneck.
Freesoul Café
For a healthy, feel-good breakfast or lunch, visit the Freesoul Café. This bright and cheery café serves up wholesome eats using natural, organic ingredients. Start your day off right with a Warm Morning Bowl loaded with ancient grains, fruit, nuts, and honey.
Lunchtime favorites include build-your-own salads and rice bowls, vegetarian sandwiches featuring local Farm Bread Company baked goods, and homemade soups like their popular tortilla soup. The dessert case tempts with vegan and gluten-free sweets like chocolate avocado mousse cake and lemon coconut macaroons. The atmosphere is artsy and cozy, making this cafe a perfect place to sip fair trade coffee, work remotely on your laptop, or catch up with friends.
The Bank Bar and Steakhouse
Housed in an historic 1908 bank building, the Bank Bar and Steakhouse has preserved the elegant architecture of the past while serving thoroughly modern cuisine. Red leather booths, chandeliers, and antique bank decor transport you back in time. While steaks are definitely the headliner here, standout starters include escargot, fresh-shucked oysters, and truffle fries.
USDA prime steaks feature specialty seasoning blends and creative sauces like teriyaki, brandy peppercorn, and chimichurri. Beyond beef, you can also order elk, ostrich, bison, salmon, and more. After your meal, sip an after-dinner drink like cognac or port wine in the cozy lounge area. With its unique ambiance and outstanding steaks, the Bank Bar and Steakhouse is one of Kingman’s top fine dining destinations.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
When that barbecue craving hits, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit satisfies it with Texas-style, slow-smoked meats, hearty sides, and sweet treats. This fast-casual joint excels at the classics with melt-in-your mouth brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, savory pulled pork, spicy sausages, and more.
Enjoy meat plates, sandwiches piled high with smoked meat, barbecue tacos loaded with cheddar and fried onion strings, and barbecue nachos covered in melty cheese. Don’t forgetsides like baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese and fruit cobbler for dessert. The trademark Big Yellow Cup is filled with a rotating array of soul-warming southern drinks like brisket burnt ends chili and chicken tortilla soup. Order at the counter or use the online ordering for quick barbecue to eat in or take out.
Mattina Rosa Italian Bistro
For authentic Italian cuisine made with Arizona-sourced ingredients, Mattina Rosa Italian Bistro is a great bet. Start your meal off right with bruschetta on house-made focaccia or fried calamari. Next, choose your homemade pasta topped with sauces like bolognese, pesto, marinara, carbonara, or amatriciana.
Signature main dishes include salmon picatta in lemon caper sauce, chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella, and 14 oz bone-in ribeye steak topped with gorgonzola. Leave room for tiramisu or lemon cream cake, homemade on-site just like their pasta. The space features an intimate brick patio, fireplace dining room, and lounge pouring local draft beers and wines. Buona appetito at Mattina Rosa!
Beale Street Eatery
When you need a break from barbecue, the Beale Street Eatery offers delicious diner fare in a retro 1950s-themed space. This little restaurant is decorated with old movie posters, neon signs, and a pink and turquoise color scheme that transports you back in time. On the menu, all your greasy spoon and blue-plate special favorites make an appearance.
Start your day with three-egg omelets stuffed with fillings like chorizo, veggies, or cheese. Baked French toast with pecans and cinnamon butter is another breakfast must-try. For lunch, choose between patty melts, Reuben sandwiches, burgers, club sandwiches, chili cheese fries, chicken fried steak, meatloaf, and more – all served with your choice of sides. Reasonable prices, big portions, and fast service make this a local go-to.
Black Bridge Brewery
Enjoy craft beer and elevated pub grub overlooking the Colorado River at Black Bridge Brewery. Relax at picnic tables on the dog-friendly patio and take in the water views. This brewpub excels at beer – their staples like Kingman Golden Ale never disappoint while specialty brews keep things interesting. On the food menu, locally-sourced ingredients make dishes shine.
The pretzel bites come with beer cheese dipping sauce while the hummus plate features carrots and pita from AZ growers. Burgers come stacked with unique toppings like green chile and fried onions or blue cheese slaw. Hearty sandwiches include an oven-roasted turkey club and The Dagwood overloaded with four types of deli meat. Clearly, the food and drink are both done right here.
Diamondback Grill
For delicious food and stunning views of the Hualapai Mountains, dine at the Diamondback Grill. Located at the Kingman Academy of Learning, this restaurant allows the students to get real-world culinary experience running the kitchen. Talented young chefs serve up contemporary American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Favorite plates include the breakfast burrito with chorizo, veggie frittata with local peppers, burgers stacked sky-high, ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce, and daily specials. The sleek modern dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains. Seasonal patio seating and regular live music elevate the experience. Supporting future chefs while enjoying a quality meal makes dining here a double win.
Thai Kingman
Ask locals where to find the best Thai food in Kingman and they will surely point you to Thai Kingman. Family-owned and operated since 2015, this little restaurant packs bold Thai flavors into every dish. Start with crispy veggie spring rolls or shrimp summer rolls dipped in peanut ginger sauce.
Popular curries include red, green, panang, and massaman with your choice of protein and spice level. Stir fry noodle dishes satisfy with fresh veggies and tender meat atop noodles or rice. Standouts include pad see ew, drunken noodle, pad thai, and lad na. The cozy ambiance dotted with Thai decor makes you feel a world away. Discover your new go-to Thai spot at Thai Kingman.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Diner
You can’t visit Kingman without stopping for a meal at the famous Route 66 Diner. This 1950s-style diner celebrates America’s Mother Road with fun Route 66 decor and delicious comfort food. Sink into a chrome and vinyl booth or spinny stool at the counter to peruse the familiar menu.
Guests rave about the chicken fried steak blanketed in creamy gravy, mile-high meatloaf sandwich with fried onion tanglers, hot roast beef sandwich dripping with jus, and garlic parmesan fries. Be sure to save room for homemade pies and hot fudge cake. Part museum celebrating the history of the Mother Road, this diner also displays vintage cars and gas station memorabilia. For good old-fashioned diner fare on Route 66, this place can’t be beat.
Yellow Deli
For a healthy, wholesome lunch or early dinner in an artsy setting, visit the Yellow Deli. Owned and operated by members of the Twelve Tribes community, the airy, sunlit cafe has a peaceful ambiance where you can unwind over rejuvenating vegan and vegetarian fare. Known for made-from-scratch sandwiches on freshly baked bread, try favorites like almond butter and jelly, tempeh Reuben, curried chickpea salad, and avocado and sprouts.
Other menu highlights include homemade soups, salads topped with tahini dressing, and fresh smoothies. Save room for slice of flourless chocolate cake, brownie, or cookie. The walls display vibrant murals while soft music plays. With its serene vibe and nourishing eats, the Yellow Deli is a one-of-a-kind local spot.
Conclusion
This tasty tour through Kingman spotlights 12 restaurants that should be on any visitor or local’s must-try list. From sizzling steaks at the historic Bank Bar and Steakhouse to Route 66 nostalgia at the Get Your Kicks Diner, there is something for every palate and preference. Barbecue lovers can’t miss mouthwatering smoked meats from Redneck’s or Dickey’s while Mattina Rosa satisfies Italian food cravings with made-from-scratch pastas.
Part of what makes dining in Kingman so enjoyable is the small town charm – many restaurants are locally-owned institutions known for high quality and friendly service. Whatever you choose, come with an empty stomach and a willingness to savor the unique flavors of this northern Arizona town. Use this guide to help plan an epic and delicious culinary adventure in Kingman!