Fry bread - also known as the Navajo taco - is one of our unofficial state foods here in Arizona. You'll see the dish on restaurant menus from Kayenta to Yuma, but only a select few get it right. This road trip leads to eight little-known spots with the best fry bread in Arizona, and your taste buds will love you for embarking on the journey. It's up to you if you want to make this a day trip or more of a weekend trip, so you can enjoy both the local areas and the amazing food. Should you decide to extend your trip, be sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list to make your preparations a breeze!
Click here for the customizable Google Map for the trip.
1. Sunna Frybread Wagon (Casa Blanca)
Native American-owned and operated, Sunna Frybread Wagon offers a bevy of fry bread tacos. The most unique menu item is easily their signature O'Odham Burger, which features a hamburger patty sandwiched between two pieces of fry bread. Learn more about all of the current menu options on Sunna Frybread Wagon's Facebook page.
2. Elmers Tacos (Chandler)
You'll find several different kinds of fry bread on the menu at Elmers Tacos, a Chandler institution whose owner is from Sonora, Mexico. Get it with beans and cheese or beef and either red chile, green chile, or Machaca. There's even a sweet fry bread with honey and powdered sugar! You can check out the Elmers Tacos website for their full menu, hours and even online ordering.
3. The Stand (Scottsdale)
Perhaps the most unassuming restaurant on the list, The Stand is - quite literally - a stand seemingly held together with sticks that look as if they could give way at any moment. The exterior is irrelevant, though... at least in comparison to the delicious fry bread. Choose between red chile, green chile, bean and cheese, or a Navajo taco with meat, cheese, beans, lettuce, tomato, and chile. No matter how you order it, rest assured your taste buds are in for a treat. Learn more about The Stand by checking out their Facebook page.
4. El Bravo Mexican Food (Phoenix)
Open since 1982, the family-owned El Bravo dishes out authentic Mexican food in a low-key setting. El Bravo calls Navajo tacos "fried popovers," and you can get yours with beans and cheese, red or green beef, ground beef, or traditionally with all the fixings. Check out the El Bravo Mexican Food Facebook page for more information on hours, location, and food specials.
5. Emerson Fry Bread (Phoenix)
With humble beginnings as a stall at the Arizona State Fair, Emerson Fry Bread quickly made a name for itself in the Phoenix food scene. Patrons can customize their taco with an assortment of proteins and other toppings, so the options are basically endless. Learn more on the Emerson Fry Bread Facebook page.
6. Salsa Brava (Flagstaff)
As its name suggests, Salsa Brava is known for having the best salsa in all of Arizona. Their fry bread, however, deserves its time in the spotlight as well. It comes piled high with pinto beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, queso fresco, and your choice of smoked chicken, roasted pork, or carne asada. The Salsa Brava website has current hours, menu, and all other information you need.
7. Cameron Trading Post (Cameron)
Cameron Trading Post has long been a popular stop for Grand Canyon tourists, but not everyone is aware the century-old general store doubles as a restaurant. Their fry bread is traditional as can be, topped with chili beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mild green chile. If you're a vegetarian, there's also a meatless version! Learn more on the Cameron Trading Post website.
8. Amigo Cafe (Kayenta)
Family-owned since 1983, Amigo Cafe serves up the best scratch-made Mexican food in the Monument Valley area. Regulars can't seem to get enough of the Navajo Taco, which comes topped with all the usual suspects: beans, meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. More information on Amigo Cafe, including their menu and hours and days of operation can be found on their website. Having recently had their Grand Reopening, you won't want to miss dining at Amigo Cafe.
Would you take this fry bread road trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For more of the best fry bread in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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