***** (5 stars)
We came here for the amazing 360 degree views, but the food is really good, too. I just sat at the bar and had the chip trio, but the people around me were raving about the wings, meatloaf, and other dishes.
My Ten 3 Margarita was excellent.
Service at the bar was great.
Ten 3
30 Tramway Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
**** (4 stars)
This trendy place offers a new take on traditional Mexican dishes such as Carnitas and Mole. For example, The Mole Poblano features Buffalo. The sauce is quite flavorful, but the accompanying rice and refried beans would not pass muster at the most pedestrian of Mexican restaurants.
Given that the dish is the restaurant's namesake, the Elotes are a particularly good appetizer. They are served in the increasingly popular deconstructed style (essentially really good creamed corn), which makes them much easier to eat.
There are a wide variety of made-to-order Margaritas.
Service at the bar was extremely friendly and attentive.
It's expensive but, hey, this is Sedona.
Elote Cafe
350 Jordan Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336
***** (5 stars)
This nice little coffee shop is just off the main road through Sedona. They have a nice selection of locally made pastries, plus the usual coffee drinks. It's nice to patronize local business rather than the chains.
Cuptown
274 Apple Ave
Sedona, AZ 86336
***** (5 stars)
I was not expecting the rooms to be that great and selected this place solely for the experience, but actually they are quite nice. Surprisingly spacious and very clean. And of course some great photo ops!
Front desk staff is very friendly.
If you go, be sure to get food at Howard's Donuts, almost next door. Great breakfast sandwiches and donuts and coffee!
Wigwam Motel
2728 E Foothill Blvd
San Bernardino, CA 92410
***** (5 stars)
Charming and stylish new American cafe and bar in the heart of historic Jerome. The Cauliflower Steak Sandwich is the single best presentation of cauliflower steak I have ever had. Friendly service and a nice vibe.
The Clinkscale
309 Main St
Jerome, AZ 86331
***** (5 stars)
What a great find! Although the grapes are not grown locally (they are from Southern Arizona) the winemaking here is impeccable. You will find many classic varieties from Europe that you rarely see in the US, and every one of a dozen wines we tried was perfectly crafted.
And what a wonderful host we had for our tasting! Even though he has only been with the winery for six months, he was very knowledgable and accommodating, providing us with great recommendations for not only wines, but also local sights and restaurants.
This was our favorite stop in this wine country.
Chateau Tumbleweed
1151 W State Rt 89A
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
***** (5 stars)
This is a very nice facility with both indoor and outdoor seating for wine tasting and food. There is even DAILY live entertainment.
We tried two different flights, one of red wines and one a "roll your own" option. Both were reasonably priced, and one of them included the souvenir glass.
All the wines were well made. We were particularly impressed with the Chardonnay, the best I've had from Arizona.
Alcantara Vineyards & Winery
3445 S Grapevine Way
Verde Valley, AZ 86326
https://www.yelp.com/biz/alcantara-vineyards-and-winery-verde-valley-2
***** (5 stars)
Nom, nom, nom. The Buckeye breakfast is enough food for two or three people. Full disclosure: I finished every bite. Three eggs (perfectly cooked), bacn, choice of bread (English muffin for me), a stack of pancakes, and the best homefries I've ever had.
Let me dwell on those home fries for a moment… They are tiny cubes, perfectly crisped, and served in a square metal basket to keep them that way.
Oh my. I'm ready to go back tomorrow.
Cafe 25:35
409 E Monroe Ave
Buckeye, AZ 85326
***** (5 stars)
Fantastic breakfast sandwich (Bacon, egg, and cheese on a very fresh, flaky croissant) prepared to order!
Great glazed olds fashioned buttermilk donut!
Even greater maple buttermilk bar.
Excellent fresh ground coffee,
Very friendly service.
What more could you want?
Howard’s Donuts
2666 Foothill Blvd
San Bernardino, CA 92410
***** (5 stars)
This is one of a chain of taco restaurants around Phoenix. This one is in a Chevron gas station in Buckeye. It's counter service, but there is a surprisingly nice seating area, and you can buy any beverage you like in the adjacent convenience store.
The Pastor Street Tacos were excellent. As with all of the menu items, you can select your toppings (we chose onions and cilantro) and add any sauce you like from a salsa bar (the green sauce is quite good). The four tacos came with generous servings of rice and black beans.
We also tried the Barbacoa Wet Burrito with red sauce. It was stuffed with rice and beans, and we added onions, cilantro, and guacamole. It was also quite good, and authentically spicy, even without adding hot sauce.
Everything is made to order, so it takes a few minutes, but the service is friendly.
Maskadores Taco Shop Buckeye
2075 N Miller Rd
Buckeye, AZ 85326
https://www.yelp.com/biz/maskadores-taco-shop-buckeye-buckeye