Safford’s restaurants might surprise you with their range – from award-winning Mexican cuisine to premium steakhouse dining. This Arizona city boasts 39 restaurants in a variety of dining establishments that create a vibrant culinary scene.
Local favorites paint an impressive picture. Casa Manana stands out with 303 glowing reviews, while Plank Restaurant and Bar proudly displays its Travelers’ Choice award. Mexican food enthusiasts and breakfast lovers will find their perfect spots here. Main Street Cafe’s remarkable 4.7 out of 5 rating speaks volumes about its quality.
Our extensive dining experiences and thorough research led us to discover 11 exceptional restaurants. These establishments showcase Safford’s finest dining options. Each spot, ranging from cozy cafes to elegant steakhouses, has earned its place through outstanding quality and consistently positive customer feedback.
Casa Manana, a 72-year-old landmark Mexican restaurant in Safford, started its journey in 1951. Emma and Gabby Gabaldon began this culinary legacy by serving their family’s recipes from their brick house that grew into the restaurant we know today.
Restaurants in Safford: Casa Manana’s Signature Dishes
The restaurant’s kitchen creates exceptional dishes that include:
- Beef hand-shredded and slow-cooked overnight in the original cast iron skillets
- Their award-winning salsa served with a special blend of corn and flour tortilla chips
- The green chile chimichanga special and their creamy chicken enchiladas
Ambiance and Decor
The restaurant keeps its warm, home-like atmosphere. The original brick house expanded as more guests discovered this local gem. Mexican-themed decorations fill the interior and create a cozy dining space that celebrates its residential heritage.
Price Range and Value
The menu prices range from $7 to $25, making it an excellent value. Guests can enjoy daily lunch specials. The portions are generous enough that most people take home leftovers.
Best Times to Visit
The restaurant welcomes guests Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and stays open until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch hours tend to be busy. The 5 PM dinner slot gives you a more relaxed experience with minimal waiting. The restaurant takes a break on Sundays.
Copper Steer Steakhouse sits at 1206 East U.S. Highway 70 in Safford. The restaurant’s exceptional steaks and unique atmosphere set it apart from other local dining spots.
Restaurants in Safford: Copper Steer’s Famous Steaks
The menu features certified Angus beef selections, with the signature Copper Steer Ribeye ranging from $22 to $26. Guests can choose from these mesquite-grilled specialties:
- Sixteen-ounce T-bone steak ($24)
- Ten-ounce N.Y. Strip Steak ($21)
- Top Sirloin Steak ($14-$17)
- “Copper Steer” Combo with sirloin, ribs, and chicken breast ($26)
Wine Selection
The restaurant’s premium steaks pair well with its diverse beverage options, including wine, cocktails, and beer. Sports fans can enjoy the full menu at the upstairs bar area while watching their favorite games.
Dining Atmosphere
The restaurant’s design showcases beautiful woodwork throughout, from exposed rafters to a wrap-around wooden patio. The space includes outdoor seating and a banquet room that accommodates large groups. Families and couples alike appreciate the casual yet refined setting for both regular dinners and special celebrations.
Restaurants in Safford: Reservation Tips
The restaurant welcomes diners from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Each steak entree comes with a trip to the salad bar, a choice of potato, vegetables, or ranch beans, and fresh-baked bread.
Main Street Cafe has been a cherished part of the Safford community since it first opened its doors. The cafe serves as both a favorite breakfast spot and a special community hub.
Restaurants in Safford: Main Street Cafe’s Breakfast Specialties
You can enjoy breakfast from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The menu features these popular items:
- Classic Breakfast Plate with two eggs, choice of meat, and toast for $7.99
- Green Chili Croissant Sandwich with scrambled egg and choice of meat at $8.99
- Warm Cinnamon Rolls served with butter for $3.29
Local Atmosphere
The cafe creates a warm and welcoming space from its charming Main Street location. Its bright interior with white walls and pretty tablecloths reminds visitors of classic luncheonettes. The place offers outdoor seating and keeps a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
Customer Service Excellence
Main Street Cafe shines through its special employment approach that enables people with disabilities to work. The team delivers great service and maintains a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the cafe is more than just a restaurant – it’s a special meeting place that brings together locals and visitors.
El Coronado has brought authentic Mexican flavors to Safford’s dining scene since 1981 as a family-owned establishment.
Restaurants in Safford: El Coronado’s Menu Highlights
The restaurant makes everything from scratch in its kitchen. You’ll find both Mexican specialties and American comfort classics. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their most popular items are street-style tacos, menudo, and their famous green chile burger.
Restaurants in Safford: Family-Friendly Environment
The restaurant went through a modern renovation but kept its authentic Mexican feel. Mexican music blends with country tunes to create a welcoming atmosphere. They’re open every day, which makes it perfect for family gatherings throughout the week.
Popular Dishes
Their menu features several customer favorites:
- The Burrito Loco comes with your choice of grilled chicken or steak and sautéed vegetables
- The Sombrero Burrito is packed with Mexican rice and refried beans
- Green chicken enchiladas come with a unique twist – they’re topped with fried eggs
The restaurant’s generous portions will give great value for your money, and many customers take home enough for another meal. You can find El Coronado at 409 W Main St, where they combine quick service with quality food. They’ve earned praise for both their traditional Mexican dishes and American comfort food.
Cottage Bakery sits quietly behind the historic Olney House at 1104 S. Central Ave, adding its artisanal charm to Safford’s food scene.
Fresh-Baked Specialties
The bakery comes alive at 3 AM when skilled bakers start creating an assortment of fresh pastries and artisan breads. Their daily selection features focaccia, ciabatta, baguettes, and cranberry walnut sourdough, all made in small homestyle batches.
Breakfast Options
The bakery welcomes guests Tuesday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Early visitors can enjoy these delightful breakfast treats:
- Spinach feta croissants with melty cheese
- Ham and cheese croissants
- Fresh-baked cinnamon and pecan rolls
- Blueberry cream cheese pastries
Restaurants in Safford: Local Favorite Items
The bakery’s excellent offerings have built its strong reputation. Customers love the shortbread, lemon squares, brownies, tarts, and cheesecakes. Special orders can be placed through their dedicated phone line. A charming provincial garden patio creates the perfect spot to enjoy these treats, making guests feel like they’ve stepped into a French bakery.
A bright blue building catches everyone’s eye in Thatcher – it’s Kainoa’s Hawaiian Grill, bringing a taste of Hawaii to Arizona.
Hawaiian Plate Lunches
You’ll find authentic Hawaiian plate lunches on the menu priced at $13.75. Each meal comes with:
- Kalua pork or SPAM with rice
- House-made macaroni salad
- Choice of fresh green salad with sweet dressing
Unique Island Flavors
The restaurant’s signature dishes really bring out authentic island tastes. Their Kalua pork comes with a rich, smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet, soy-based BBQ sauce. The bulgogi beef and chicken katsu are like fusion interpretations of classic dishes. The menu stays exciting with daily lunch specials – you can get Mini Blairstown on Mondays and BBQ Pork Sandwiches on Fridays.
Restaurants in Safford: Family-Style Portions
They call it the “Wipe Out” – their ultimate family feast that comes with five different types of meat: Spam, bulgogi beef, chicken katsu, Kalua pork, and grilled chicken. You’ll get enough food for two meals. The relaxed surfer-themed décor and classic radio tunes create that perfect Hawaiian vibe. This unexpected tropical paradise stands out among Safford’s dining options.
Sushi King Uno sits at the crossroads of Japanese tradition and Mexican creativity. Owner Raul Reconco brought his culinary skills from Guadalajara to Safford, creating something special.
Signature Fusion Rolls
This place stands out from typical sushi spots with its creative combinations. The signature rolls tell the story:
- California roll with a sprinkle of shaved coconut
- Umekyu roll that blends cucumber with Mexican Chamoy sauce
- Las Vegas Roll packed with fried salmon and cream cheese
- Dragon Roll that layers crab meat and cucumber under eel and avocado
Mexican-Japanese Innovation
Sushi King Uno expands traditional sushi boundaries. The chef learned his craft through years of working under a Japanese sushi master. The restaurant’s house-made soy sauce packs heat from pickled jalapeños. This creates an unexpected blend of flavors that works beautifully.
Restaurants in Safford: Fresh Ingredients
The modest setting doesn’t stop this place from using top-quality ingredients. The chef’s skilled hands create rolls with perfect ratios of seaweed to fish. The rolls stay fresh and balanced without getting gummy or greasy. Each dish shows how Japanese techniques and Mexican flavors can come together perfectly.
Two sisters from Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico started Mechy’s Mexican Food twenty years ago. They brought their treasured family recipes to Safford.
Mechy’s Popular Items
The restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes that locals love. Customers keep coming back for:
- Shredded beef green chili burros bursting with flavor
- Delicious fiesta bowls loaded with perfectly seasoned chicken
- Fresh homemade green corn tamales
- Hearty meat-filled flautas platters
Quick Service Experience
Customers get their food quickly, which makes this spot perfect for lunch breaks and quick bites. The restaurant’s modest setting doesn’t stop regulars from coming back again and again. Their convenient drive-thru window makes it easy to grab quality Mexican food when you’re in a hurry.
Value for Money
Mechy’s serves generous portions at reasonable prices that keep hungry customers satisfied. Local residents start their day with the restaurant’s breakfast burros. Spice lovers can’t get enough of the signature salsa that comes with a mix of chips. This family-owned spot in central Safford serves up authentic Mexican flavors that won’t break the bank.
The Plank Restaurant and Bar sits in a beautifully restored Elks Lodge and has earned an impressive 4.2-star rating with its modern American cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Restaurants in Safford: The Plank’s Menu Favorites
The kitchen creates distinctive American dishes that locals love. Their standout items include:
- Fried green beans with house-made ranch
- Sweet potato fries with special dipping sauce
- Big Beef Dip sandwich
- House-crafted burger sauce
The restaurant’s burgers are the star attraction, with creative options like the AZ Kickin’ Burger and their signature blue cheese burger that delivers a smokey flavor profile.
Bar Selection
The bar program features craft beers on tap, signature cocktails, and a carefully curated wine selection. Guests can head over to the upstairs bar area that combines sports entertainment with full menu service, making it a favorite spot for casual dining and drinks.
Atmosphere and Service
The restored space shows off thoughtful design elements with an open layout that creates a welcoming dining environment. Guests can choose from multiple seating options in both indoor and outdoor spaces, which adds to the overall dining experience. The cheerful and attentive staff gets consistent praise, though wait times can stretch during peak hours. The restaurant welcomes guests Monday through Sunday and has space for banquets and private parties.
Visitors step into a bygone era when they enter Candy’s Ice Cream Company on Main Street. The Southwest’s only original working soda fountain still serves delightful treats here.
Restaurants in Safford: Classic Ice Cream Treats
We crafted housemade sodas and ice cream specialties at this beloved establishment. Fresh-baked cookies with soft, gooey textures make the dessert experience even better. Simple sandwiches and hot food options round out the menu.
Vintage Soda Fountain Experience
This historic former Rexall Best Drugstore features a wooden bartop that dates back to the early 1900s. The vintage soda shop keeps its authentic charm through phosphates and classic ice cream treats. Today’s expanded selection includes popcorn tins, taffy, and chocolate candies that make great gifts or take-home treats.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Three generations often share sundaes at the historic soda bar, making this place a cherished gathering spot. Friday nights come alive with music performances that add to the nostalgic ambiance. The establishment’s owner, who happens to be the former mayor, sometimes joins the band to create a unique local experience. Modern touches like espresso double shots complement this classic setting.
Ginaveve’s Market Place sits right in downtown, blending European cafe charm with warm local hospitality.
Coffee and Tea Selection
The cafe shines with its drink menu that features seasonal coffee flavors. Their beverage options go beyond regular coffee and include gourmet champagne flights and a unique Bloody Mary bar during weekend brunches. The cafe’s quality shows in their 4.7-star rating from over 200 customer reviews.
Restaurants in Safford: Light Bites Menu
The menu brings together comfort food and creative dishes. The cafe turns into a crepe haven on Sundays from 8 AM to 1 PM. Customer favorites include:
- Sweet cherries with cream crepes
- Savory egg and sausage variations
- Gluten-free alternatives
Relaxed Ambiance
The cafe’s interior works perfectly for social meetups and quiet work sessions. Unique decor pieces add to its peaceful atmosphere. Guests can pick from different seating spots that suit casual meetings or focused work time. The cafe welcomes guests from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and serves everything from breakfast to afternoon snacks.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Price Range | Operating Hours | Notable Features/Specialties | Rating |
| Casa Manana | Mexican | $7-$25 | Mon-Thu 11 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun Closed | Hand-shredded beef, award-winning salsa | 303 reviews mentioned |
| Copper Steer Steakhouse | Steakhouse | $14-$26 | Mon-Thu 11 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-9PM, Sun Closed | Certified Angus beef, mesquite-grilled steaks | Not mentioned |
| Main Street Cafe | American Breakfast | $7.99-$8.99 | Green Chili Croissant Sandwich supported work program | Weekdays 4 PM-9 PM, Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sun 11 AM-7 PM | 4.7/5 (45 reviews) |
| El Coronado | Mexican | Not mentioned | Daily operation | Street-style tacos, menudo, green chile burger | Not mentioned |
| Cottage Bakery | Bakery | Not mentioned | Tue-Fri 7 AM-3 PM, Sat 8 AM-2 PM | Artisanal breads, fresh pastries | Not mentioned |
| Kainoa’s Hawaiian Grill | Hawaiian | $13.75 for plate lunches | Not mentioned | Kalua pork, authentic Hawaiian plate lunches | Not mentioned |
| Sushi King Uno | Japanese-Mexican Fusion | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Fusion sushi rolls, house-made spicy soy sauce | Not mentioned |
| Mechy’s Mexican Food | Mexican Fast Casual | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Green chili burros, green corn tamales | Not mentioned |
| The Plank Restaurant and Bar | Modern American | Not mentioned | Mon-Sun (hours not specified) | Signature burgers, craft beverages | 4.2/5 |
| Candy’s Ice Cream Company | Ice Cream/Desserts | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | The original working soda fountain, housemade sodas | Not mentioned |
| Ginaveve’s Market Place | Cafe | Not mentioned | 6 AM-6 PM | Coffee, crepes, champagne flights | 4.7/5 (200+ reviews) |
Conclusion
Safford’s dining scene packs more variety than you might expect from a small Arizona city. These 11 restaurants serve everything from Casa Manana’s 70-year tradition of Mexican dishes to Sushi King Uno’s creative Japanese-Mexican fusion.
Many restaurants here share deep local roots. El Coronado’s family recipes blend naturally with newer spots like The Plank and its modern American menu. Quick casual spots dot the landscape, while Copper Steer Steakhouse offers an upscale setting perfect for special occasions.
Each restaurant adds its own flavor to the mix. Kainoa’s serves authentic Hawaiian plate lunches, Cottage Bakery crafts artisanal pastries, and Candy’s Ice Cream Company keeps its historic soda fountain flowing. These places do more than serve food – they create memories that capture Safford’s welcoming spirit.
Great dining thrives beyond big cities, and Safford proves it. These local favorites serve delicious food with the personal touch that makes small-town dining special.
