15 Best & Fun Restaurants in Payson (AZ)

In search of the best restaurants in Payson, AZ? There are quite some fun places to visit in Payson for a memorable meal.

Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. The town is often referred to as ” The Heart of Arizona” due to its location is close to Arizona’s geographic center.

According to the 2021 census, Payson had approximately 16,516 people. It is a town with a reputation for its rustic beauty, not-so-cold weather, and a wide range of restaurants.

Payson’s tourist attractions include Green Valley Park, Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Water Wheel Falls, Mogollon Rim, and Rim County Museum.

These are all exciting places to visit and take loved ones for a fun experience, however, you will need a filled stomach to do that.

Visitors know Payson restaurants for their excellent customer service, culinary expertise, and pocket-friendliness.

Now, let’s explore the top restaurants in Payson, AZ.

Restaurants in Payson, AZ

1. Macky’s Grill

Macky’s Grill

Greg and Cari Day established Macky’s Grill in 1997 and named it after Cari’s grandfather, Mac, an accountant and cowboy with a penchant for consuming hamburgers.

Macky’s Grill is a 25-year-old winner of the coveted Best of Payson Awards in several categories in the culinary industry.

The people at Macky’s Grill love their customers and leave no stone unturned to see them genuinely smile with satisfaction and sheer delight.

Macky’s Grill has built a reputation with which locals are proud to associate.

For starters, try their cheese curds, made with bites of natural white cheddar cheese with a bit of fried breaded pepper served with ranch or spicy ranch, or try their seasoned edamame, made of little bites of delightful, steamed, highly-proteinous, healthy soybeans.

On their menu, there are various starters and entrees. Some of their entrees are chicken cobb salad, made of garden-fresh veggies, grilled chicken, olives, sliced eggs, fresh avocado, onion, bacon bits, cucumbers, and bleu cheese crumbles.

They also have an assortment of drinks to go with their edibles.

They open their doors for business from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10:00 – 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sundays. They’re closed on Mondays.

Address: 201 W Main St Ste J, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-7411

2. Tiny’s Family Restaurant and Lounge

Tiny's Family Restaurant and Lounge

Tiny’s Family Restaurant and Lounge is your go-to place if you’re looking for classic American cuisine and drinks in Payson.

Their cooking is excellent, and environment is good. They serve starters, entrees, and desserts at affordable prices.

You should try their salad and soup, their potatoes and veggies or onions liver, and their tender, luscious veal parmesan.

The workers are friendly and good at what they do, and there’s a lot of parking space for customers. Their homemade strawberry lemonade is a must-try.

However, they’re understaffed and should employ more workers to reduce the workload on the few employees and improve customer experience by reducing customer wait time.

They’re open for business from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 4967 600 E, AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-5429

3. Rim Country BBQ and Wood-Fired Pizza

Rim Country BBQ and Wood-Fired Pizza

Rim Country BBQ is passionate about awesome barbeque and great pizzas, all forged in wood fire. It is one of the best places to eat in Payson, AZ.

Each one of the items on its menu is specially handcrafted by its award-winning pitmaster, who knows his craft and delivers delicious value with every bite Rim Country’s customers take.

Rim Country BBQ is on a decade-long mission to create the perfect sauces and rubs. Its mouth-watering, freshly-cooked wood-fired pizzas are a must-try. So bring your loved ones to feast with you on some of the best pizzas in Arizona.

The historic environment is relaxing and family-friendly. It has an outdoor patio where you and your loved ones can sit and enjoy meals in the suiting draft. It also has an assortment of drinks to go with the food.

Its delicacies and drinks are served at wallet-friendly prices. So heading to Rim Country BBQ with the people who matter the most to you for wholesome refreshments is a no-brainer.

Its menu features original cheese with San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella, Bianco with garlic, mozzarella, Italian house seasoning, and ricotta cheese, pepperoni with San Marzano tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

It also has signature specials like Rim Country and Farm House.

Rim Country is made of BBQ sauce, smoked chicken, mozzarella, and red onions, while Farm House is made of San Marzano tomato sauce, carrots, red onions, mozzarella, mushrooms, arugulas, and black olives.

They open their doors for business from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Address: 202 W Main St, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-472-2227

4. Fargo’s Steakhouse

Fargo's Steakhouse

Fargo’s Steakhouse, as a restaurant, had operated and been in business for nearly three decades, even before it showed up in Arizona. It left Tennessee for Arizona in 2004 to establish Fargo’s Steakhouse, which they’ve since turned into an ideal diners’ destination.

Fargo’s Steakhouse is a place to go with family and friends for great fun and good food at affordable prices.

It serves starters, entrees, and desserts. Its starters include buffalo wings, spinach artichoke pizzas, prime rib sliders, and so on.

The Buffalo wings include eight jumbo Buffalo wings, served out-of-kitchen steaming hot with barbeque or served dry with creamy ranch for dipping.

The prime ribs are slow-roasted and served enclosed with four French rolls to be dipped in a creamy sauce of horseradish.

Its opening hours are from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 11:00 am to 9:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.

Address: 620 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-7455

5. Buffalo Bar & Grill

Buffalo Bar & Grill

Buffalo Bar & Grill is a fun bar with delectable food for locals and tourists alike. Its décor is entertaining to feast your eyes on while you wait for a chance to feast on its luscious food. Its waiters are warm and nice.

The setting is casual and relaxing. It offers drinks to go with their food. You can order and try its steak salad, fish, chips, burgers, or sandwiches. Overall, it’s a place to find good food in Payson at reasonable prices.

On its starters menu, it has fried zucchini, jalapeno cheddar bites, a basket of fries, fried green beans, fried mushrooms, sweet potato fries, fried cheddar cheese curds, Buffalo wings, nachos, quesadillas, and so much more.

It is understaffed, so you might have to wait longer than you wish. Nevertheless, it is one of the best places to eat in Payson, AZ.

It open its doors for business from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 311 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-3900

6. Duza’s Kitchen

Duza's Kitchen

Duza’s Kitchen is a perfect diners’ choice. It serves starters, entrees, and desserts. It even has pet-friendly arrangements.

It makes and serves gluten-free food and vegan assortments. Its fares are creatively crafted by its chef and kitchen crew, and served lavishly for wallet-friendly prices.

Its opening hours are from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays and 8:00 am – 2:00 pm on Sundays. It is closed from Mondays to Wednesdays.

Address: 703 W Main St, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-363-4011

7. Ayothaya Thai Café

Ayothaya Thai Café

Ayothaya Thai Café is a Thai-style café for diners who seek a taste of authentic Thai cuisine and much more. Its iced tea is especially one of a kind. It serves its food delicious and fresh. The kitchen crew members are friendly and great at what they do. They serve you promptly.

If you’re very hungry, try the noodle dishes, Penang curry, and rice dishes, as they are usually amply served.

Its doors are open for business from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 136 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-1112

8. Crosswinds Restaurant

Crosswinds Restaurant

Crosswinds Restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the seating arrangement is aesthetically appealing. The environment is also impressively neat, and the staff are friendly and attentive to its customers’ needs.

Though there’s almost always a crowd waiting to be catered to, it is always prompt in its services and ensure every diner is satisfactorily attended to.

Additionally, if you’re a lover of all things aviation, you’ll love the view of airplanes taking off and landing while you relish your luscious food.

Every single meal was specially crafted to please the taste buds of avid diners. It’s a great place to take family and friends for a memorable time together, as it’s one of the top restaurants in Payson, AZ.

Try its banana cream pie and tell me what you think. I think it’s unusually great! Also, try its fries, toast, and chill cheese omelets. You’ll be glad you did.

It open its doors to customers from 6:00 am – 3:00 pm every day of the week, except on Fridays. On Fridays, it opens for business from 6:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Address: 800 W Airport Rd B, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-1613.

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9. La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant

La Sierra Mexican Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant in Payson that brings a bit of Mexico to Arizona. It specializes in making and serving Mexican cuisine and American specials.

Its meals are good and served in lavish helpings at reasonable prices. The kitchen crew members are friendly and keen on customer satisfaction.

Try its fajitas, burritos, homemade flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and more. It also cater to vegans.

It is open for business from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays and 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: 800 N Beeline Hwy A, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-468-6711

10. Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili's Grill & Bar

Chili’s Grill & Bar has been around since 1975. It is in the business of treating everyone like royalty. It aims to put its customers foremost in all its decisions and actions.

It also care for its staff family, ensuring one another’s happiness. That way, when they show up to serve the public, beaming with smiles, it’s from the inside out and not just a show for effect.

Believe it or not, the establishment has specialized teams dedicated to fajitas, ribs, burgers, etc. But cooking and serving great food isn’t all they do. They’re also into charity. For example, they’ve supported the St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.

It is waiting to offer you a memorable experience with your family and friends.

It’s open to serving the public from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 900 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-468-7036

11. Beeline Cafe Payson AZ

Beeline Cafe Payson AZ

Beeline Café Payson, AZ, is one of the best Payson restaurants if you’re looking to enjoy delectable homemade food. It serve breakfast and other meals. It has an interesting interior décor and a relaxing, informal atmosphere that encourages you to unwind and enjoy your meals.

The staff team is friendly and prompt. Try its cinnamon rolls, French toast, ribs with baked potatoes, garlic toast, corn on the cob, soup and grapes, and so much more. Unfortunately, the establishment don’t let you pay with Visa or by any other card transaction. It accepts only cash.

It is open for business from 5:00 am – 3:00 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 815 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-9960

12. Backwoods Bar & Grill

Backwoods Bar & Grill

Backwoods Bar & Grill is a local eatery that is proud to meet the eating needs of their neighborhood. Community-oriented dedication is its focus.

Its menu adequately provides for entire families needs. Its great cooking, warm and efficient service and relaxing atmosphere will compel you to return for more.

Its menu features nachos, fries, tots, diced chicken, hickory bacon or beef chorizo, green Chile cheese curds, breaded boneless wings, pepperoni, margaritas, and so much more.

It opens their doors to customers from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 am – 9:00 pm on Sundays.

Address: 210 E, AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-6883

13. El Rancho

El Rancho

El Rancho has been in the business of making Mexican cuisine for more than 30 years. That makes them stand out as far as the culinary art of Mexican cuisine is concerned, making it one of the best restaurants in Payson, AZ. As a result, they’ve arrested the attention of its returning customers, including locals and tourists.

Its satisfied community-based, avid, returning customers have voted them the “Best Margarita in Town” and the “Best Mexican Food.”

The kitchen crew members are awesome and nice, and the environment is casual and relaxing. It’s a place to go for unwinding and having fun with family and friends.

It offers delicious daily lunch specials, including Mexican and American cuisines. Try its delectable, fresh-from-the-kitchen salsa, and you’ll be hooked.

Its menu includes bean burritos and green or red enchiladas, double green or red cheese enchiladas, double ground beef tacos, a ground beef taco, green or red cheese enchiladas, cheeseburgers, crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches, and so much more.

It swing its doors open to attend to customers from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 200 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-3111

14. Miss Fitz 260 Café

Miss Fitz 260 Café

 

Miss Fitz 260 Café is a favorite among local and tourist diners for breakfast, lunch, and more. It is one of the outstanding Payson restaurants.

The kitchen crew does an excellent job every time. The service crew members are friendly and efficient. In addition, its portions are lavishly good.

You can understand why the people at Miss Fitz are almost always busy. The crowd won’t stop coming because they know what Miss Fitz offers regularly. Therefore, you might have to exercise a bit of patience as you wait your turn because they sometimes get overwhelmed by its influx of demanding customers.

You can order some muffins, eggs, hash browns, corned beef, pancakes, and sausage. There are plenty of options to choose from.

They’re open for business from 7:00 am – 2:30 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 803 E AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-5881

15. Pinon Café

Pinon Café

 

Pinon Café is the ultimate food stopover for locals and tourists. Its meals are expertly crafted to satisfy every taste bud that recognizes fantastic cooking. In addition, it makes some of the best southern-style edibles in Payson.

It serves appetizers, entrees, and desserts. So, it has you covered whether you’re looking to eat breakfast or lunch. The locals have voted them “Best Breakfast.” So, you’re in good hands with them.

Its menu features giant cinnamon rolls, French toast, classic burgers, Swiss burgers, veggie burgers, avocado bacon cheeseburgers, chili burgers, cowboy burgers, chicken strip platter, chicken and waffles, homemade meatloaf, buffalo chicken club, Southwest salad, homemade soup, cowboy chili and cornbread, and more.

They’re open for transactions from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm every day (Sundays to Saturdays).

Address: 1001 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541, Phone: +1 928-474-2890.

Map of the Best Restaurants in Payson, AZ

To get around during your trip to Payson, here is a map of the best restaurants in Payson with markers of the top places to eat in Payson, AZ.

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Plan a Visit to Payson

Now, you can confidently waltz into Payson, as you know the best Payson restaurants. Our list has something you must like. Each restaurant is uniquely made to serve the community of Payson like none other.

Payson awaits you with so much fun and good food in stock. So go have some fun and let us know how it went.