Kingman is a city situated along Historic Route 66 in northwest Arizona. Kingman receives a large number of tourists every year due to its handy placement along a major highway and close proximity to well-known sights like the Grand Canyon. Despite its tiny size, the city boasts a surprisingly tasty and diversified dining scene. There is something to suit every palate, from contemporary cafes and fine dining to vintage diners and barbecue spots.
We’ve outlined the top 13 eateries in this post that are definitely worth checking out when in Kingman. We have included some history of the establishment for each entry, as well as information on some of their standout menu items and the reasons you should include them in your Kingman dining itinerary. This list provides a delectable taste of the most popular and highly recommended eateries in the area, regardless of whether you are a local or simply visiting.
Yellow Deli
The Yellow Deli offers a hearty, nutritious lunch or early dinner in a stylish atmosphere. Run and owned by Twelve Tribes residents, this bright, airy cafe offers a serene atmosphere in which you can relax while enjoying reviving vegan and vegetarian food. Try classics like avocado and sprouts, tempeh Reuben, curried chickpea salad, and almond butter and jelly. They’re known for their made-from-scratch sandwiches on freshly baked bread.
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Fresh smoothies, salads dressed with tahini sauce, and homemade soups are some of the other standout items on the menu. Make room for a cookie, brownie, or flourless chocolate cake slice. There are bright murals on the walls, and soothing music is playing. The Yellow Deli is a unique local destination known for its wholesome food and tranquil atmosphere.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Diner
A visit to Kingman would not be complete without dining at the renowned Route 66 Diner. With its whimsical Route 66 decor and mouthwatering comfort food, this 1950s-style restaurant honors America’s Mother Road. Settle into a booth with chrome and vinyl or a spindly stool at the counter to browse the well-known menu.
The sizzling roast beef sandwich dripping with jus, the mile-high meatloaf sandwich with fried onion tanglers, the chicken fried steak covered in creamy gravy, and the garlic parmesan fries are all favorites among the patrons. Make sure to leave space for the hot fudge cake and handmade pies. In addition to historic cars and gas station artifacts, this cafe doubles as a museum honoring the history of the Mother Road. This is the best location on Route 66 for classic diner food.
Thai Kingman
If you ask the locals where in Kingman to get the best Thai food, they will undoubtedly recommend Thai Kingman. This little restaurant, which has been family-run since 2015, incorporates strong Thai tastes into every meal. Start with shrimp summer rolls dipped in peanut ginger sauce or crispy vegetarian spring rolls.
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Choose from a variety of curries with your preferred protein and spice level, such as red, green, panang, and massaman. Noodle recipes that are stir-fried with fresh vegetables and soft meat over rice or noodles are satisfying. Pad see ew, drunken noodles, pad Thai, and lad na are some of the best. The warm atmosphere interspersed with Thai design transports you elsewhere. Thai Kingman will become your new favorite Thai restaurant.
Diamondback Grill
Get dinner at the Diamondback Grill for mouthwatering cuisine and breathtaking views of the Hualapai Mountains. This restaurant, which is part of the Kingman Academy of Learning, gives students the opportunity to gain practical kitchen experience. Contemporary American cuisine is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by young, talented chefs.
The chorizo-topped breakfast burrito, the veggie frittata with regional peppers, the towering burgers, the ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce, and the daily specials are some of the dishes that are well appreciated. The dining room is sleek and modern, with floor to ceiling windows that provide a view of the mountains. Regular live music events and seasonal terrace seating enhance the experience. Eating here is a win-win situation as you get to support aspiring chefs and enjoy a delicious meal.
Black Bridge Brewery
At Black Bridge Brewery, savor gourmet pub fare and handcrafted beer while taking in views of the Colorado River. Savor the views of the lake while unwinding at picnic tables on the dog-friendly terrace. This brewpub is excellent at beer; their specialty brews are always interesting, and their standbys, like Kingman Golden Ale, never let you down. Locally sourced ingredients elevate items on the menu.
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The hummus platter includes pita and carrots from Arizona producers, and the pretzel pieces are served with a beer cheese dipping sauce. Unique toppings like blue cheese slaw or fried onions with green chilies are piled high on burgers. Among the hearty sandwiches are The Dagwood, which is piled high with four different kinds of deli meat, and the oven-roasted turkey club. It’s obvious that both the food and drink are prepared here.
Beale Street Eatery
The Beale Street Eatery, with its classic 1950s decor, serves you wonderful diner fare when you need a break from barbecue. This tiny eatery takes you back in time with its neon signs, vintage movie posters, and retro pink and turquoise color scheme. All of your greasy spoon and blue-plate special favorites are available on the menu.
Omelets made with three eggs and filled with cheese, chorizo, or vegetables are a great way to start the day. Another breakfast staple is baked French toast with nuts and cinnamon butter. Choose from a variety of lunch options, including meatloaf, club sandwiches, chili cheese fries, patty melts, Reuben sandwiches, burgers, and more, all served with your preferred sides. Large quantities, quick service, and affordable rates make this a local favorite.
Mattina Rosa Italian Bistro
Mattina Rosa Italian Bistro is a terrific place to get traditional Italian food cooked using ingredients that are obtained from Arizona. Start your meal with fried calamari or bruschetta on focaccia prepared in-house. Choose your own pasta next, then cover it with sauces such as carbonara, marinara, pesto, bolognese, or amatriciana.
Salmon picatta with lemon caper sauce, chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella, and a 14-ounce bone-in ribeye steak with gorgonzola on top are some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Make sure to save space for their homemade tiramisu or lemon cream cake, which go well with their spaghetti. The area includes a dining room with a fireplace, a cozy brick patio, and a lounge that serves regional draft beer and wine. Enjoy your meal at Mattina Rosa!
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers Texas-style slow-smoked meats, robust sides, and sweet sweets to satisfy your cravings for barbecue. With its mouthwatering brisket, succulent pulled pork, sizzling sausages, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, this fast-casual restaurant excels at the basics.
Savor sandwiches heaped with smoked meat, meat plates, barbecue nachos topped with melting cheese, and tacos filled with strings of cheddar and fried onions. Desserts such as fruit cobbler, mac and cheese, slaw, and baked beans should not be overlooked. A changing selection of hearty, southern-inspired beverages, such as chicken tortilla soup and brisket burned ends chili, are served in the iconic Big Yellow Cup. For quick BBQ to dine in or take out, place an order at the counter or online.
The Bank Bar and Steakhouse
The Bank Bar and Steakhouse, housed in a historic 1908 bank building, serves up modern cuisine while preserving the exquisite architecture of the past. You step back in time with the chandeliers, red leather booths, and old bank decor. The highlight of the menu here is undoubtedly the steaks, but there are also excellent appetizers like escargot, freshly shucked oysters, and truffle fries.
Specialty spice mixes and inventive sauces, such as chimichurri, brandy peppercorn, and teriyaki, are used to enhance USDA grade steaks. In addition to beef, you can order bison, ostrich, elk, salmon, and other foods. In the comfortable lounge area, enjoy an after-dinner beverage such as port wine or cognac. One of Kingman’s best places for exquisite dining is the Bank Bar and Steakhouse, which is known for its distinctive atmosphere and excellent steaks.
Freesoul Café
Stop by the Freesoul Café for a hearty, satisfying breakfast or lunch. This airy and cheerful café offers healthful food made with organic and natural ingredients. A Warm Morning Bowl full of ancient grains, fruit, nuts, and honey is a great way to start the day.
Lunchtime favorites include rice bowls and build-your-own salads, vegetarian sandwiches topped with baked goods from the nearby Farm Bread Company, and housemade soups, such as their well-known tortilla soup. Vegan and gluten-free treats like chocolate avocado mousse cake and lemon coconut macaroons entice from the dessert display. This cafe’s artistic and welcoming ambiance makes it the ideal spot to meet with friends, work remotely on your laptop, and enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee.
Redneck’s Southern Pit BBQ
The best option for succulent barbecue prepared slowly and low is Redneck’s Southern Pit BBQ. Their unique smoker produces perfectly smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pig, and poultry. The three meat combo plate, which comes with your choice of meats plus sides including coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, fried okra, and collard greens, is a popular choice.
Unable to decide? With enough meats, sides, cornbread, pickles, and sauce to feed four to six people, go for the Family Feast. There are picnic tables outdoors and rustic Americana decor adorning the interior walls, creating a relaxed and rustic atmosphere. This restaurant demonstrates that a self-described redneck serves out some of Arizona’s best “cue.”
The Sultana Bar & Grill
Visit Sultana Bar & Grill if you’re looking for elegant eating in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. This restaurant, housed in a 1910 home that has been tastefully renovated, boasts a cozy ambiance complete with romantic lighting, wall-mounted local artwork, and live music on some evenings. When possible, Chef Ian Olvera sources his ingredients locally and seasonally to create his modern American dishes.
Their pan-seared diver scallops and duck confit salad are particularly noteworthy appetizers. My favorites for your main course are the hazelnut-crusted fish and the grilled elk chop with blueberry sauce. Try their homemade peanut butter silk pie to cap off your meal with something sweet. A unique eating experience in Kingman, Sultana Bar & Grill combines creative cooking with old world elegance.
Conclusion
This delicious tour of Kingman highlights 13 eateries that both tourists and locals should definitely check out. There is something for every taste and inclination, from Route 66 nostalgia at the Get Your Kicks Diner to sizzling steaks at the iconic Bank Bar and Steakhouse. For those who enjoy barbecue, Redneck’s or Dickey’s succulent smoked meats are a must-try, and Mattina Rosa’s freshly cooked pastas satisfy their need for Italian cuisine.
The small town charm of Kingman, where many restaurants are locally owned establishments renowned for excellent food and welcoming service, is one of the things that makes dining there so delightful. Whichever option you select, make sure to arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind to relish the distinct tastes of this town in northern Arizona. Plan a fantastic and delectable food adventure in Kingman with the aid of this guide!