Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [200]
This upscale whistle-stop cafe was the first microbrewery in Flagstaff. Potbelly stoves and railroad artwork decorate the high-spirited dining room, with an open kitchen and popular bar attached. Pub-style platters include bratwurst, crunchy Cajun catfish, a number of sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. And it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to come here without trying one of the fresh brews. Among the best are raspberry ale, Indian pale ale, and Railhead red ale (the most popular brew with locals).
Charly's
In the Hotel Weatherford, 23 N. Leroux. ☎ 928/779-1919. Lunch $5.75–$9.95; dinner main courses $7.95–$19. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am–11pm (10pm in winter). SOUTHWESTERN/AMERICAN.
Charly's is spacious and cool, both inside, where the 12-foot ceilings of the Hotel Weatherford provide breathing room, and on the sidewalk, a favorite place for summertime dining. Besides steaks and burgers, the restaurant offers a number of vegetarian dishes and salads that make for perfect light dining. After dinner, you can dance in the hotel bar, which features live entertainment nightly and has 20 beers on tap.
Cottage Place
126 W. Cottage Ave. ☎ 928/774-8431. Reservations recommended. Dinner $22–$31; chateaubriand for 2 $63. AE, MC, V. Tues–Sun 5–9:30pm. COUNTRY FRENCH.
The quiet serenity of Flagstaff's most elegant restaurant is ideal for special occasions, and this is a wonderful spot to peacefully celebrate your vacation in the Southwest. Original artwork decorates three rose-colored rooms with candlelit tables. Chateaubriand (for two) is executive chef and owner Frank Branham's signature dish, served with fresh vegetables, garlic duchess potatoes, and tomato Provençal. All entrees are served with soup du jour, green salad, and fresh breads. A number of fish and seafood selections accompany the meat choices. Service is refined, and the restaurant's impressive selection of wines has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence frequently over the past decade. A six-course tasting menu is offered Thursday through Saturday with or without matching wines.
Fratelli Pizza
112 E. Route 66. ☎ 928/774-9200. Reservations not accepted. Pizza $9.54–$15. Calzone $7.72. AE, DISC, MC, V. Sun–Weds 11am–10pm; Thurs–Sat 11am–11pm. PIZZA.
This is not a place to come for a relaxing, romantic, or even sit-down dinner. It has only a few seats, and most people order takeout. There's not much more to say about Fratelli's—except that its pizza is the best in northern Arizona. The authentic hand-tossed pies come with a selection of traditional, vegetarian, and specialty toppings. Antipasto, salads, and calzones are also on the menu.
Josephine
503 N. Humphreys, Flagstaff. ☎ 928/779-3400. Lunch $7.50–$11; dinner main courses $16–$27. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Sat 11am–2:30pm and 5:30–9pm year-round; Sun 5:30–9pm summer. AMERICAN.
This modern American bistro in the historic Milton Clark house serves the best lunches in town. A good choice at midday is Lebanese hummus with roasted bell pepper, served with warm pita. Josephine's also serves a small selection of pizzas and calzones, washed down with delicious fresh lemonade. The simple, creative dinner menu offers dishes ranging from marinated lamb meatloaf to cilantro pesto halibut or grilled vegetables with couscous.
Macy's European Coffee House
Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurante 14 S. Beaver St. ☎ 928/774-2243. Main courses $3–$8. No credit cards. Sun–Thurs 6am–8pm; Fri–Sat 6am–10pm. VEGETARIAN/ BAKED GOODS.
Macy's may not be able to save the world, but its fine vegetarian food, fresh pastries, and great coffee encourage people to slow down and smell the latte. It's a place where vegans are welcomed, where bikes lean against the building, and where the staff will (literally) carry your meal across a busy street for you. In addition to the standard menu items such as tempeh tuna and "tofurkey" (tofu made to taste like, but not too much like,