When traveling, dining expenses tend to be a significant portion of the budget, especially for our family of six where costs accumulate rapidly. We make a concerted effort to discover restaurants that offer fantastic food without breaking the bank. Here, we share our top three picks for delightful yet budget-friendly eats in Sedona to energize your outdoor escapades!
Breakfast – Red Rock Café
Situated 7 miles south of downtown Sedona, in the charming Village of Oak Creek area, Red Rock Café stands out as a premier breakfast and brunch destination with a stellar reputation. Indulge in a Southwestern-infused morning feast with their top-rated selections of eggs benedict, flavorful omelets, or a satisfying breakfast burrito.
During our visit, I opted for the Florentine Benedict, while my wife savored the Southwest Chicken Fried Steak—both choices proving to be delightful culinary experiences. As we made our way to our table, I couldn’t resist the temptation stirred by another group enjoying biscuits with sausage gravy. Needless to say, I ordered the same, and it turned out to be one of the most delectable biscuits and sausage gravy combinations I’ve ever had!
If you find yourself with some extra room and a desire to guarantee everyone is energized for the day’s adventure, consider indulging in Red Rock Cafe’s colossal 3-pound cinnamon roll! While dishes of this magnitude may often seem cliché, my wife and I decided to give it a try for dessert, and to our surprise, it turned out to be exceptionally delicious!
Lunch – McDonald’s
Before any objections arise, let me clarify the inclusion of McDonald’s in this list. While it may not be the healthiest option, it undeniably stands out as an affordable choice. Following the hearty breakfast experience at Red Rock Café, you likely won’t require an extensive meal to sustain you until dinner. More notably, I feature McDonald’s here for its distinctive appeal.
In Sedona, this particular McDonald’s stands as the sole establishment without “The Golden Arches.” The city’s stringent building codes mandate a harmonious integration of structures with the Southwestern style. Upon entering the parking lot, you’ll encounter uniquely turquoise blue arches and an adobe-style building, a departure from the conventional McDonald’s appearance. It’s a sight to behold, and tourists are consistently captivated, often snapping photos in front of or even atop the turquoise blue arch sign at the entrance.
Feel free to explore and treat yourself to a refreshing McFlurry to chill out after a day of hiking in the desert!
Dinner – Tortas De Fuego
As Cherisse and I arrived in Sedona, the darkness had settled, and our hunger was undeniable. Turning to TripAdvisor for guidance, we discovered a hidden gem with rave reviews—Tortas De Fuego. While its small parking lot behind the building posed a potential challenge, we lucked out around 7pm with available space.
Despite its compact size, the restaurant packs a punch in terms of flavor. Offering a delightful array of authentic Mexican dishes, the standout feature was an impressive toppings bar (definitely try the green salsa—it’s a game-changer!). Cherisse and I indulged in a scrumptious burrito and enchiladas, leaving both our taste buds and wallets thoroughly satisfied.
For an authentic Mexican meal or a budget-friendly dinner without compromising quality, Tortas De Fuego comes highly recommended. It’s advisable to arrive either early or after the dinner rush since the space is limited, and parking can be challenging.
Explore our curated list of the best hikes in Sedona.
Have you dined at any of these restaurants? Are there any others you’d suggest for our next visit? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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