Sierra Vista is a city located in southeast Arizona, about 90 miles southeast of Tucson. With a population of about 44,000, Sierra Vista serves as a commercial and retail hub for Cochise County and nearby Fort Huachuca. The city offers visitors and residents alike a surprising number of excellent dining options, from family-friendly cafes to upscale Southwestern cuisine. This article explores 12 of the top-rated and most popular restaurants that Sierra Vista has to offer.
For each restaurant on this list, you’ll find details on the cuisine type, signature dishes, ambience and decor, price range, and what makes the restaurant stand out. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, these 12 restaurants offer fantastic meals in unique and welcoming settings.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
The Sierra Vista Applebee’s provides all the friendly service and classic American dishes you would expect from this popular chain. Kids love the crisp chicken tenders and cheesy pasta. Adults enjoy choosing from a wide range of cocktails and beers.
Signature entrees like the Bourbon Street Steak and Triple Play Combo offer something satisfying for just about any appetite. With a full bar, outdoor patio seating, and five flat-screen TVs, Applebee’s caters equally well to families, lunch crowds, and sports fans.
The Venezia Italian Restaurant
For fine Italian dining in Sierra Vista, the Venezia Restaurant sets the standard. An extensive menu covers everything from baked ziti and spaghetti to veal marsala and grilled salmon. Signature dishes shine, especially chicken parmigiana layered with mozzarella and marinara sauce.
Patrons rave about the lasagna and tiramisu too. With white tablecloths, ambient lighting, and excellent service, the Venezia offers a taste of Italy in an intimate, welcoming setting. Reservations are recommended to guarantee seating at this popular spot.
Olive Garden
Part of the nationwide Italian restaurant chain, Olive Garden offers Sierra Vista residents generous portions of Italian-American classics. The chicken alfredo fettuccine blends creamy sauce andSeasoned chicken atop noodles. The Tour of Italy lets you sample Chicken Parmigiana, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo – all in one dish. Kids love the cheese ravioli and spaghetti options too.
Olive Garden sets itself apart with superb soups, salads, and breadsticks. The dining room reflects Tuscan farmhouse influences with strings of grapes, painted murals, and Italian phrases accenting the walls. It all combines for an affordable, casual Italian meal in pleasant surroundings.
Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant
Traveling food critics continually recognize Jade Garden as Sierra Vista’s premier Chinese restaurant. Artistic presentations of traditional Chinese fare grace every table. One signature dish not to miss is the Happy Family, a sizzling plate of shrimp, chicken, beef, and assorted Chinese vegetables.
Equally popular plates include the sweet and spicy Scallops & Shrimp Szechuan Style or the rich and savory Moo Goo Guy Pan. Subtle lighting and Asian decor infuse elegance into the dining room. Attentive servers ensure an exceptional Jade Garden experience every time.
The Pizza Company
Great pizza draws Sierra Vista residents and Fort Huachuca families to The Pizza Company in droves. Crispy thin or thick Sicilian crust provides the foundation for favorite recipes like The Works piled high with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, olives, peppers, and more.
Their Philly cheesesteak subs also earn acclaim for deliciously thin slices of tender steak and melted cheese. Hefty chicken wings with multiple sauce options make for perfect bar food too. Six big screens broadcasting sports further fill tables in this lively, high-ceiling dining room. Reasonable prices round out the kid and game-night appeal.
Charro Steak House
Located in the historic Coronado National Forest building, Charro Steak House provides an upscale steak and seafood option in Sierra Vista. Signature menu selections emphasize quality ingredients and artful preparation. Steaks like the tender Filet Mignon melt smoothly on your tongue. Lighter seafood choices such as grilled salmon or lobster tail satisfy lighter appetites.
Creative starters and classic desserts round out an exceptional dining experience. Stone pillars, fireplaces, and an Old West aesthetic infuse warmth and romance into every visit. The outdoor patio further capitalizes on beautiful mountain and city views.
Pierce Historic Dining Car
Dine aboard a 1924 Pullman dining railcar at the uniquely charming Pierce Historic Dining Car. The cozy interior seats just 18 at booths and tables accented by crisp white linens. Hearty entrees feature hot open-faced beef or turkey sandwiches ladled in savory gravy and topped with mashed potatoes.
Homestyle chicken and dumplings in creamy broth also makes the menu. While the food impresses, the real allure remains the one-of-a-kind railcar ambience replete with glittering brass, etched glass lights, and plush velvet seats. Kids and train buffs find it particularly inviting.
Angelo’s Family Pizzeria Italian Restaurant
Easy-going Italian fare draws loyal regulars to Angelo’s Family Pizzeria Restaurant in Sierra Vista. Their spaghetti generously topped with savory meat sauce and two plump meatballs makes a familiar, filling meal.
Pizza lovers appreciate the thin yet crispy crust they use for specialty pizzas like the Hawaiian with its sweet pineapple and smoky Canadian bacon or the hearty Meat Lovers. Light olive oil tastes perfect atop their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo as well. As a modest yet cheerful mom-and-pop restaurant, Angelo’s offers big portions without the big price tags.
The Native Grill & Wings
Great wings remain the prime draw at this casual Sierra Vista sports bar and grill. Traditional bone-in wings or boneless wings appeal to all appetites. Guests then choose from an array of mouthwatering sauces, ranging from mild Buffalo to spicy Thai Sriracha flavors.
Other menu highlights include yummy Pulled Pork Nachos piled high with shredded pork, cheese, beans, pico de gallo, and jalapeños. Nine flat-screen TVs broadcast sports from every angle in the welcoming, laidback dining room. Prices stay budget-friendly too, cementing The Native’s place among affordable local favorites.
Guadalajara Grill
For outstanding Mexican food in Sierra Vista, locals suggest you head straight to Guadalajara Grill. Their tender Carne Asada steak rates as a clear favorite. Mesquite grilling imparts delightful char-broiled flavors. The Santa Fe Chicken plate also earns praise for its spicy and smokey profile.
And the mouthwatering Chili Relleno Burrito satisfies any craving, blending a roasted poblano pepper, rice, beans, pico de gallo, and shredded chicken. Vibrant folk art décor adds to the warm, welcoming atmosphere you’ll discover at Guadalajara. Great prices on combinaton plates and lunch specials encourage repeat visits by savvy locals too.
Big League Dreams Bar & Grill
Attached to the popular Big League Dreams sports complex, this restaurant and grill marks a convenient place to refuel mid-game. Their picture-worthy Fish Tacos with mango salsa make a refreshing choice for lunch or dinner. Hearty sandwiches like the classic BLT or tender French Dip Au Jus also satisfy.
Other favorites include hand-pressed burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and shareable apps ideal for groups. An all-ages game room provides family entertainment with pool tables, arcade games, and bowling lanes. Or belly up to the bar to watch sports on nine flat-screen TVs while you dine. Either way, the low prices encourage repeat visits before or after your tournament.
Saigon Café
For a break from the ordinary, try Saigon Café’s fresh take on Vietnamese classics. Their signature Vermicelli Bowl beautifully layers lettuce, pickled carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts beneath grilled pork or shrimp. A Summer Roll Sampler lets you enjoy four hand-rolled rice papers stuffed with veggies and pork or shrimp.
More adventurous diners relish the Shaking Beef, a tender New York Strip prepared with garlic and black pepper. The simple, relaxed café exudes minimalist charm with its modern lines, concrete floors, and potted plants throughout. Reasonable pricing makes this a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine as well.
Conclusion
From affordable family dining to special occasion worthy restaurants, Sierra Vista offers an array of excellent dining choices suitable for all tastes and budgets. American favorites like Applebee’s and chain restaurants like Olive Garden satisfy classic cravings. For international flavors, consider elegant Italian at The Venezia or Asian fusion at Saigon Café. Hearty steaks, seafood, and creative starters shine at Charro Steak House. And several pizzerias and sports bars like The Pizza Company cater well to casual family meals.
So whether you call Sierra Vista home or are just exploring all that it offers, take time to discover the chef-driven cuisine, unique ambience, and exceptional service offered by these top 12 local restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you!