Prescott, Arizona is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene. From contemporary American cuisine to classic steakhouses, Prescott offers delicious dining options for every palate. This article explores 12 of the top restaurants that you must try when visiting Prescott.
For each restaurant, I have included details on the ambiance, signature dishes, pricing and more. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this guide will help you discover Prescott’s tastiest restaurants to suit any craving or special occasion.
The Raven Café
The Raven Café is one of Prescott’s most beloved breakfast and lunch spots, having been run by the same family for over 40 years. This cozy cafe serves up freshly made comfort foods in hearty portions.
Signature Dishes:
- The Six Gun Omelette – Filled with ham, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and cheddar cheese, this massive 6-egg omelette is a favorite.
- Giant Cinnamon Roll – These mammoth-sized rolls are dripping with sweet glaze and makes for the perfect morning treat.
Atmosphere: From its knotty pine walls to the display case of freshly-baked desserts, The Raven Café is the epitome of a small-town diner establishment. The service is extremely friendly here.
Pricing: Very reasonable, with most breakfast entrees under $10.
Murphy’s Tap House
Murphy’s is one of the best gastropubs in Prescott, offering creative twists on classic American comfort foods and pub grub. The restaurant has an extensive craft beer selection to pair with any meal.
Signature Dishes:
- Irish Nachos – Waffle fries topped with corned beef, beer cheese sauce, pico de gallo and sour cream.
- Fish ‘n Chips – Generous pub-style beer battered cod served with fries and coleslaw.
Atmosphere: Murphy’s has a lively Irish pub atmosphere with long wooden tables, booths and a wraparound oak bar. There are TVs for catching the game while you eat and drink. Popular hangout any night of the week.
Pricing: Shareable apps and entrees mostly $8-$18.
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
Step back in time with a meal at Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon, which originally opened in 1877. Today, The Palace continues to serve classic steakhouse and American fare in a historic downtown setting. Make sure to grab a drink at the ornate mahogany and brass bar.
Signature Dishes:
- Baseball Sirloin Steak – A hearty charbroiled top sirloin steak, just as baseball legend Babe Ruth would order when he visited The Palace.
- Gold Rush Chicken – Boneless breast of chicken breaded in crushed saltines and parmesan, served with lemon caper sauce.
Atmosphere: With relics from the old West, intimate lighting and servers in 1890s attire, dining at The Palace transports you to a more elegant era. It’s a top spot for a romantic, special occasion dinner.
Pricing: Entrees $22-$50. Worth the splurge!
Iron Springs Café
Located inside the historic Iron Springs building from the early 1900s, Iron Springs Cafe serves chef-inspired Southwestern cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s a favorite brunch destination.
Signature Dishes:
- Green Chili Burrito – Large burrito filled with eggs, potatoes, bacon, green chili, cheddar and avocado. Smothered in more of that tasty green chili sauce!
- Prickly Pear Margarita – Iron Springs puts their own twist on this Southwest classic cocktail with prickly pear puree. Also available as a non-alcoholic drink.
Atmosphere: Exposed brick walls, vintage artwork of the Southwest and an airy patio give Iron Springs loads of character. Servers are upbeat and attentive. Great for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Pricing: Brunch entrees mostly $9-$15. Cocktails $8-$12.
The Bronze Café
For Italian comfort cuisine in a cozy setting, visit the Bronze Café located right on Whiskey Row. Family recipes and fresh ingredients give their pastas and classic Italian dishes homemade flavor. Stop in for a leisurely dinner or weekend brunch.
Signature Dishes:
- Spaghetti and Meatballs – Housemade meatballs served atop a mound of spaghetti in the restaurant’s rich tomato sauce.
- Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast – Cinnamon French toast filled with tart Granny Smith apples and caramel, topped with syrup. A must-try brunch item!
Atmosphere: From its exposed brick interior to sidewalk patio seating, the Bronze Café makes you feel right at home. Attentive service and moderate noise level adds to the welcoming ambiance.
Pricing: Pastas $13-18, other entrees $15-25. One of the best value fine dining spots downtown.
The Local Eatery and Pub
The Local Eatery and Pub brings a hip, contemporary vibe perfect for lunch, happy hour or late night dining. With globally inspired small plates, 20+ craft beers on tap and lively ambiance, it’s a favorite Prescott hot spot.
Signature Dishes:
- Korean BBQ Sliders – Brisket, Korean barbecue sauce, slaw and cilantro on mini potato buns. An explosion of flavor!
- Local Wings – Crispy fried then tossed in your choice of creative sauces like peanut curry or honey sriracha. Great bar snack.
Atmosphere: The Local has a chic industrial look with concrete floors, exposed ductwork and string lighting. A central bar and communal-style seating make this place buzz all night long.
Pricing: Small plates and starters $4-12, with great happy hour specials like $2 off beers and half-priced appetizers.
El Gato Azul
For an upscale Southwestern dining experience with Creole and Mexican influences, visit El Gato Azul. The menu bursts with innovative flavor pairings you won’t find elsewhere. It’s situated in a restored 1920s bungalow downtown.
Signature Dishes:
- Southwest Paella – Saffron rice studded with chicken, chorizo sausage, shrimp and vegetables for a unique take on classic paella.
- White Chocolate Bread Pudding – An indulgent dessert with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Best consumed warm with berry compote.
Atmosphere: With stucco walls, colorful artwork and strings of chili pepper lights, El Gato Azul envelopes you with Southwest charm. Service is polished yet relaxed. Lovely patio for outdoor dining too.
Pricing: Dinner entrees range widely from $15 for vegetarian options to $30 for unique meat and seafood entrees. Worth a special night out!
Nic’s Grill
Nic’s Grill is a Prescott institution, having served hearty American diner fare since 1946. Today it still delivers tasty burgers, fried chicken, pit BBQ sandwiches and breakfast plates in a nostalgic retro setting. Cash only but worth a visit!
Signature Dishes:
- The Dee Burger – An 8oz beef patty chargrilled and topped with barbecue sauce, ham, bacon, cheddar and fried onion tanglers on a potato bun. A meaty masterpiece.
- The Big Dub – Two fluffy waffles stacked with ham, bacon and sausage, doused in maple syrup. Ideal for the breakfast (or brunch!) of champions.
Atmosphere: From its red-top bar and swiveling stools to tabletop jukeboxes playing oldies tunes, Nic’s Grill is a throwback to the 1950s diners. Quick, friendly service too.
Pricing: Nic’s offers some of the best value meals downtown. Burgers, sandwiches and breakfast plates $6-10.
Wild Iris Coffee Shop
More than just an ordinary coffee shop, Wild Iris is part café, bakery and cocktail bar featuring locally roasted beans and from-scratch goodies. Visitors love their healthy lunch bowls, brunch plates and small-batch desserts to satisfy any craving.
Signature Dishes:
- Southwest Quinoa Bowl – Quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa and guacamole create a tasty and protein-packed meatless meal.
- Carrot Cake – Moistslices of carrot cake filled and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. Award-winning!
Atmosphere: From plush armchairs by the fireplace to outdoor garden seating, Wild Iris has cozy spaces to unwind over coffee, wine or a pastry. Lots of natural light and charming decor.
Pricing: Baked goods $3-5, lunch meals mostly $8-12.
The Prescott Brewing Company
The Prescott Brewing Company has been crafting unique handmade ales, lagers and specialty brews since 2012. Located in an old converted movie theater, it’s also a great place for elevated pub grub that perfectly pairs with those tasty craft beers.
Signature Dishes:
- Baked Mac and Cheese – Orecchiette pasta and four cheese blend topped with panko bread crumbs for the ultimate comfort food.
- Reuben Sandwich – Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and housemade thousand island dressing on marbled rye is a generous portion to soak up their hearty beers.
Atmosphere: With its brick walls, soaring ceilings and giant movie theater marquee, Prescott Brewing has heaps of character. It gets lively at peak times but there’s usually no wait for a table.
Pricing: Apps and sandwiches $8-15. Beers $6-7, with weekly specials.
Union Public House
The Union Public House brings contemporary refinement to rustic New American cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Tuck into a juicy steak or try their standout wood fired pizzas in a relaxed upscale environment.
Signature Dishes:
- Bone-In Ribeye – Perfectly marbled, tender and flavorful. Go for the 20oz cut and try it with a red wine reduction sauce.
- Truffle Frites – Crispy french fries tossed in white truffle oil, parmesan and herbs for upscale indulgence.
Atmosphere: Exposed brick, leather couches and a welcoming bar set an upscale yet casual backdrop at Union Public House. And their outdoor patio with twinkly lights is one of the nicest in town.
Pricing: Pizzas and salads $12-15, steaks and mains from $22-$36. Worth a special night out.
Lone Spur Café
No visit to Prescott’s Old Town district is complete without stopping by the historic Lone Spur Café. This 131-year-old café on Whiskey Row still retains its original 1890s Victorian décor. Hearty portions of classic American breakfasts and sandwiches keep locals and tourists coming back.
Signature Dishes:
- Sourdough Flapjacks – Three jumbo-sized sourdough pancakes topped with powdered sugar and honey butter. The fluffiest in town!
- Patty Melt – Grilled rye stacked with Swiss, caramelized onions and a juicy burger patty. Served with fries or onion rings. The perfect midday meal.
Atmosphere: From the hand-carved back bar brought over from the Yukon in 1898 to every last fascinating antique decoration, the Lone Spur Café transports you back in time with legacies all around. And the food and service quality never falters.
Pricing: Very reasonable with breakfasts and sandwiches averaging just $8-12. Cash only.
The Gurley Street Grill
Tucked away on a side street, the Gurley Street Grill serves elevated versions of lunch and dinner classics like juicy burgers, hearty pastas and fresh salads. Their comfortable dining room and garden patio make an ideal spot for casual American fare with friends.
Signature Dishes:
- Bacon and Blue Burger – 8 oz beef patty topped with crumbled blue cheese, Applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato and roasted shallot aioli on a brioche bun. Utterly craveworthy.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese – Elbow macaroni tossed in a rich blend of cheeses with chunks of sweet lobster meat mixed throughout. Worth the splurge!
Atmosphere: From painted wine barrels topped with table umbrellas to strings of patio lights, the outdoor garden and front dining patio at Gurley Grill are charming. Inside is homey yet contemporary.
Pricing: Salads and sandwiches mostly $9-15. Pastas and grilled meats $15-25.
Park Plaza Liquor and Deli
While best known as a gourmet liquor store in Prescott since 1947, the Park Plaza also has an adjoining sandwich shop serving some of the best deli subs in town. Made fresh to order, their piled-high sandwiches can be enjoyed at a few counter seats or taken to-go.
Signature Sandwiches:
- Italian Combo – Ham, salami, pepperoni, banana peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini and red wine vinaigrette all stacked onto a fresh sub roll.
- Rachel – Thinly sliced pastrami with sauerkraut, melted Swiss and housemade thousand island dressing on grilled rye bread. A Reuben’s saucier cousin.
Atmosphere: From Cases of craft liquor bottles to nostalgic old advertisements on the walls, Park Plaza Liquor transports you to the golden age of neighborhood delis and bars. A true local institution.
Pricing: Their meaty deli subs range $8-$12 and are worth every penny. Load up on drinks from their killer craft beer and liquor selection too!
Conclusion
With its lively restaurant scene encompassing everything from historic saloons to contemporary dining halls, Prescott offers outstanding cuisine for visitors and locals alike.
Whether you seek classic comfort foods, elevated Southwestern fare, wood-fired pizzas or juicy steaks, you’ll discover endless tasty options in this northern Arizona destination. Use this guide to explore the top dining spots suiting any budget or palate and savor the best of Prescott’s food scene.