Part of the excitement of a Route 66 road trip is stopping for a bite to eat along the way. Arizona has no shortage of culinary highlights on the Mother Road. And that’s not just us talking — eleven Arizona restaurants appeared on Yelp’s ranking of the 25 best restaurants on Route 66.
Yelp compiled the list in honor of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary. Its survey found the best place to eat along the overall route from Chicago to Santa Monica is Watson’s BBQ, a barbecue restaurant inside a general store in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
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Arizona has more restaurants than any other state on the ranking, with 11 of the 25. The highest-ranked is Westside Lilo’s Cafe in Seligman, which specializes in classic American comfort food with big portions. It placed second to Watson’s BBQ on the survey.
Westside Lilo’s and RelicRoad Brewing in Winslow, which ranked at No. 10, also appeared in a recent list from The Arizona Republic on the best restaurants along Route 66.
Yelp’s ranking was determined by identifying restaurant and food businesses with “a large concentration of reviews mentioning Route 66,” then ranked the spots using “a number of factors,” but did not specify what those factors were.
Here’s a look at Arizona’s Route 66 restaurants that made the best Yelp ranking.
No. 2: Westside Lilo’s Cafe, Seligman
Westside Lilo’s Cafe opened in 1996 in a former hobby shop, its menu is inspired by founder Lilo Russell’s memories of the German specialties she grew up with. Since its debut, Seligman travelers made the restaurant a must-visit for its fresh cinnamon rolls and carrot cake. Highlights on the menu include schnitzel, country-fried steak and a club sandwich called the Chubby Sandwich.
Details:22855 Old Highway 66, Seligman. 928-422-5456, westsideliloscafe.com.
No. 7: Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe, Williams
This downtown Williams restaurant, also known as Anna’s Canyon Cafe, is popular for its fusion menu where Mexican specialties are served alongside American comfort food.
Details:137 W. Railroad Ave., Williams. 928-635-4907.
No. 8: Rutherford’s 66 Diner, Kingman
Hearty, home-cooked meals from pork chops to prime rib await diners at this Kingman staple that features a classic diner look and feel.
Details:2011 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman. 928-377-1660.
No. 10: RelicRoad Brewing, Winslow
It’s easy to get a burger and fries from a greasy spoon along the Mother Road, but few offer inventive takes on the American classic like RelicRoad Brewing’s Canyon Diablo Burger, a half-pound brisket burger topped with green chilis, sriracha slaw and pepper jack cheese, served between a toasted everything bagel. RelicRoad’s menu has plenty of specialty burgers and sandwiches, plus a build-your-own option, alongside its 20 Arizona craft beers on tap. If you somehow manage to save room for dessert, consider the house-made chocolate mousse or cheesecake.
Details:107 W. Second St., 928-224-0045.
No. 11: Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman
The place where Route 66 travelers can fulfill their “cheeseburger with cheese” and “dead chicken” cravings, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap is an icon of Route 66 for its kitschy appearance. Built from scrap lumber in 1953 by its founder Juan Delgadillo and his wife, Mary, people come to the Snow Cap for the burgers, hot dogs, chicken, tacos and milkshakes and stay for the nostalgic Americana, including the decorated 1936 Chevrolet parked in front of the restaurant.
Details:301 W. Chino Ave., Seligman. 928-422-3291.
No. 12: Nanys Tacos, Williams
This woman-owned Mexican restaurant inspired by Chihuahuan cuisine — the same region that inspired Phoenix taco icon Tacos Chiwas — is popular for its tacos, burritos and salsa. Nanys Tacos also appeared on Yelp’s 2025 list of the best taco shops in America.
Details:324 E. Bill Williams Ave., Williams. 928-691-4449, nanystacosaz.com.
No. 14: Brewed Awakenings Coffee, Williams
This family-owned coffee shop won praise from Yelpers for its locally roasted espresso and its breakfast burritos. The menu also features lattes, teas, blended drinks and breakfast and lunch sandwiches served on bagels.
Details:326 Historic Route 66, Williams. 928-254-3015, brewedawakeningsaz.com.
No. 21: Calico’s, Kingman
This family restaurant has been a stop for Route 66 and Lake Havasu travelers since it first opened in 1987, with a menu of entrees like steak, pork chops and salmon and sandwiches like a Southwest French dip that adds green chili to the traditional French dip. Many Yelp reviewers who’ve been to Calico’s said they loved restaurant’s salad bar.
Details:418 W. Beale St., Kingman. 928-753-5005, calicosrestaurant.com
No. 22: Fat Olives, Flagstaff
Spotlighted by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and one of my own culinary highlights while hosting my father for a trip to the Grand Canyon, Fat Olives is beloved for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted based on Napoletana standards. It’s also a perennial Yelp ranking favorite — it was also named among best regional pizzerias and best family-friendly restaurants.
Details:2308 E. Route 66, Flagstaff. 928-853-0056, fatolivesflagstaff.com.
No. 24: MartAnne’s, Flagstaff
MartAnne’s is a popular spot with people visiting downtown Flagstaff for its breakfast menu, which has a mix of Mexican and American breakfast staples. Diners say the highlight is the chilaquiles, a dish of toasted tortilla chips topped with eggs, green onions, cheese and chili sauce. They can be ordered Christmas style (with red and green sauces) or Fratelli style (with green chile pork).
Details:112 E. Route 66, Flagstaff. 928-773-4701, martannes.com.
No. 25: Pine Country Restaurant, Williams
Pine Country Restaurant in downtown Williams is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but is a must-stop for Route 66 travelers for the homemade pies. At least 20 different types of pies are baked every day, from banana cream to coconut cream, from lemon meringue to mocha cappuccino.
Details:107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. 928-635-9718, pinecountryrestaurant.com.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 11 Arizona restaurants made the top 25 best places to eat on Route 66
Arizona’s Top Restaurants on Route 66
Arizona’s presence on the list is impressive, showcasing the variety of dining experiences available along the historic highway. Here are some of the standout spots:
- Westside Lilo’s Cafe– Located in Seligman, this restaurant is known for its classic American comfort food and generous portions. It earned the top spot among Arizona’s entries on the list.
- RelicRoad Brewing– Situated in Winslow, this establishment offers a unique blend of craft beer and local flavors. It ranks highly for its welcoming atmosphere and quality offerings.
- Watson’s BBQ– Although located in New Mexico, this barbecue restaurant is a favorite among travelers. It’s housed in a general store and serves up delicious, slow-smoked meats.
Other Notable Arizona Stops
In addition to the top-ranked restaurants, several other Arizona eateries made the list, offering a range of options for travelers:
- The Cracked Egg– Known for its breakfast offerings, this spot is a must-visit for those looking for a hearty start to their day.
- Tucson’s La Pica– A popular choice for Mexican cuisine, this restaurant provides a taste of local flavors with a modern twist.
- Apache Junction’s Big House Restaurant– This family-run establishment serves up traditional dishes that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Why Arizona Stands Out
Arizona’s inclusion of 11 restaurants on the list highlights the state’s diverse culinary scene. From cozy diners to upscale eateries, there’s something for every traveler. The combination of scenic routes and flavorful food makes Arizona a key destination for Route 66 enthusiasts.
Tips for Travelers
For those planning a Route 66 road trip, here are some tips to enhance the experience:
- Plan Ahead– Research the restaurants and attractions along the route to make the most of your journey.
- Stay Flexible– Be open to discovering new places and trying different cuisines.
- Capture Memories– Take photos of the landmarks and the food to remember your trip.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a memorable road trip, Arizona’s Route 66 offers a mix of history, culture, and delicious meals that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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