12 Best Restaurants in Payson, AZ

Looking for the best restaurants in Payson and the top places to eat near you? This list has everything you need to know about Payson’s food scene.

From tasty breakfast diners to restaurants with stunning views of the airport runway, Payson offers mouthwatering eats for tourists and locals alike. Duza’s Kitchen whips up creative spins on modern American dishes that burst with flavors.

Grab a juicy burger and shake at the casual ambiance of Tiny’s Family Restaurant. Crosswinds Restaurant’s fluffy pancakes fuel morning adventures while their burgers and hot dogs make affordable, hearty lunch plates.

Payson’s dining scene offers something for all tastes from family-friendly affordable joints to upscale steakhouses. So check out this list featuring the 12 best restaurants in Payson and top places to eat near you!

1. Duza’s Kitchen

Duza’s Kitchen is an eclectic eatery providing inventive American fare in a casual yet refined setting. As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice the warm ambiance with natural wood accents, plants, and local artwork adorning the walls. We started our meal with their pumpkin apple bisque – velvety smooth with just the right autumn spices.

For mains, we tried the chicken paprikash, which had the most glorious paprika gravy with tender chicken and buttery spaetzle. We also enjoyed the open-faced hot roast beef sandwich dripping with the natural juices of medium-rare roast beef. And we couldn’t leave without a slice of their triple berry pie with streusel topping – sweet, flaky crust with juicy berries nestled inside.

The service is fast yet unrushed, allowing you to have a relaxing conversation. Outdoor patio seating is also available when weather permits. We spotted several solo diners here enjoying a book which speaks highly of the ambiance. With reasonable prices and generous portions, Duza’s Kitchen should be on your list of must-try restaurants in Payson.

Address: 703 W Main St, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-363-4011

Website: No website available

Email: No email available

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $$

Menu Highlights: Eclectic American cuisine, pumpkin apple bisque, chicken paprikash, open-faced hot roast beef sandwich, triple berry pie

Ratings: 4.8 on Google (964 reviews)

2. Tiny’s Family Restaurant And lounge

Tiny’s Family Restaurant and Lounge is a simple yet delightful diner serving classic American favorites in a casual family-friendly setting. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the warm, cozy atmosphere with rich wood finishes.

We started with their crispy hash browns and fluffy pancakes – exactly what you crave for a satisfying breakfast. For lunch, we tried their pot roast sandwich with tender meat and savory gravy served on a baguette. The chicken tenders were crispy on the outside while moist inside.

Solo diners will appreciate the friendly counter seating. Tourists flock here for a dependable meal. With an extensive kids menu, high chairs, fast service, and reasonable prices, Tiny’s Family Restaurant checks all the boxes for family dining in Payson.

Address: 600 E AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-5429

Website: No website available

Email: No email available

Service Options: Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: American breakfast and comfort food, hash browns, pancakes, pot roast sandwiches, chicken tenders

Ratings: 4.2 on Google (893 reviews)

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3. Crosswinds Restaurant

Crosswinds Restaurant is a quaint and charming diner located right next to Payson Airport offering panoramic views of the runways and planes taking off. The woman-owned restaurant has been a local favorite for 20+ years.

As soon as you sit down, you’ll be greeted with complimentary cornbread muffins that are sweet and moist. For mains, we tried the chicken fried steak – crunchy breading encasing a thick beef patty drenched in peppery gravy with sides of mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. The chicken enchilada soup was slightly spicy and filled with tender chicken, beans, corn, and zesty enchilada sauce.

The service here is fast and friendly which adds to the homey appeal. Tourists appreciate the location near the airport with free spacious parking. Crosswinds Restaurant is one of the best comfort food spots for families and solo diners alike when visiting Payson.

Address: 800 W Airport Rd B, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-1613

Website: No website available

Email: No email available

Service Options: Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Chicken fried steak, chicken enchilada soup, cornbread muffins

Ratings: 4.6 on Google (1458 reviews)

4. Delicious! Cafe

Delicious! Cafe lives up to its name by serving artisan tea, hearty breakfast dishes, and gourmet sandwiches in a charming cafe. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming right away with the smell of freshly brewed artisan tea and coffee.

The Avocado Delicious sandwich quickly became our favorite with multigrain bread encasing avocado, spinach, tomato, cheddar cheese, and Dijon aioli sauce. We also loved their Breakfast Quesadilla packed with smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, bell peppers, onions, cheddar, and creamy chipotle sauce served with perfectly roasted potatoes on the side.

Food can be customized to accommodate various diets like vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and vegan. The cafe embraces diversity and welcomes everyone. Seating options include charming tablesettings indoors and patio seating outdoors if weather permits. With reasonable prices, generous portions, and fast yet unrushed service, Delicious! Cafe is perfect for a healthy solo or group breakfast in Payson.

Address: 512 S Beeline Hwy Suite 5B, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-468-3013

Website: Official Website | Facebook Menu  | Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $$

Menu Highlights: Sandwiches, breakfast dishes, artisan tea and coffee, vegetarian and gluten-free options

Ratings: 4.8 on Google (306 reviews)

5. Denny’s

Denny’s is a 24/7 casual family diner chain known for serving delicious breakfast items throughout the day. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the warmth from wood finishes contrasting with vibrant booth seating. We started with fluffy buttermilk pancakes and crispy hash browns cooked perfectly. For heartier fare, try their Grand Slam options like the Fit Slam loaded with egg whites, turkey sausage, seasonal fruit, and multigrain pancakes.

Their lunch and dinner menu also shines with options like hand-breaded chicken tenders, pot roast melt, newly added dinner bowls, milkshakes, etc. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and kids’ menus are also available. Solo diners will appreciate counter seating and free wi-fi. With an extensive menu, fast service, and reasonable prices, Denny’s checks all the boxes for family dining in Payson.

Address: 312 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 800-733-6697

Website: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

Email: No email available

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Breakfast served all day, buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, Grand Slam options, chicken tenders, pot roast melt

Ratings: 3.9 on Google (1817 reviews)

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6. Beeline Cafe Payson Az

Beeline Cafe is a historic down-home diner serving hearty American classics in a casual setting since the 1950s. As soon as you enter, the rich wood paneling, vinyl booths, and lunch counter seating will transport you back in time. We recommend starting your meal with their crispy hashbrowns and fluffy pancakes served with whipped butter and warm maple syrup.

For lunch or dinner, sink your teeth into juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches like the French Dip or Hot Beef, and daily specials like Chicken Fried Steak or Meatloaf.

The service is welcoming and fast which adds to the mom-and-pop appeal. Cash only payments accepted currently. Tourists will appreciate the location right off the Beeline Highway plus free spacious parking. With generous portions, reasonable prices, and a nostalgic atmosphere, Beeline Cafe is a must-visit when in Payson.

Address: 815 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-9960

Website: No website available

Email: [email protected]

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: American diner classics, hash browns, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches

Ratings: 4.5 on Google (2279 reviews)

7. Alfonso’s Mexican Food

Alfonso’s Mexican Food serves flavorful, authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual counter-serve setting open late. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the warm, festive decor. Start your meal with their signature Guacamole prepared tableside for the perfect consistency.

We recommend tacos, enchiladas, burritos with your choice of meats like carnitas, carne asada, etc. The creamy enchilada sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy meat-filled tortillas then topped with melted cheese. For a lighter option, build your own ensalada with veggies, beans, meat, and smoky chipotle dressing.

Late-night snacks like burritos also available. Tourists will appreciate the central location and spacious parking. With fast service, wallet-friendly prices, and generous portions, Alfonso’s Mexican Food is one of the best spots for Mexican cuisine in Payson open late.

Address: 430 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-468-6902

Website: Official Website

Email: [email protected] | [email protected] 

Service Options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Authentic Mexican cuisine, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, ensaladas, guacamole

Ratings: 4.5 on Google (1044 reviews)

8. Aliberto’s Mexican Food

Aliberto’s Mexican Food is a quick-service family-owned chain serving classic Mexican fare in a casual setting since 1975. As soon as you enter, festive decor and the smell of sizzling fajitas will entice your senses. Start with freshly made tortilla chips and salsa ranging from mild to spicy heat levels. For mains, customize massive burritos, tacos, quesadillas or try Mexican favorites like enchiladas topped with tangy sauce or smoky fajitas sizzling hot.

Vegetarian options, kids’ menu, plus full bar also available. Tourists will appreciate the central location right off AZ-260 plus spacious parking. With fast service, wallet-friendly prices, and generous portions, Aliberto’s is one of the best spots for no-frills Mexican food in Payson.

Address: 219 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-468-9000

Website: Official Website | Facebook

Email: No email available

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Mexican classics, massive burritos, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, chips and salsa

Ratings: 4.5 on Google (682 reviews)

9. Filiberto’s Mexican Food

Filiberto’s Mexican Food is a quick-service taco shop specializing in massive burritos plus other Mexican favorites in a casual setting since 1982. As soon as you enter, expect efficient counter service where you can customize burritos, tacos, quesadillas, etc.

We recommend starting with homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Then for mains, try signature massive burritos with an array of fillings or Mexican plates with enchiladas, tamales, tacos topped with lettuce, cheese, onions, and other fresh fixings.

Drive-thru, online ordering, plus full bar available. With fast service, wallet-friendly prices, convenient location off AZ-260 and generous portions, Filiberto’s is one of the best spots for grabbing classic Mexican on-the-go in Payson.

Address: 505 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-3201

Website: No website available

Email: No email available

Service Options: Delivery, Drive-through, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Massive burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, tortilla chips and salsa

Ratings: 4.1 on Google (561 reviews)

10. Wendy’s

Wendy’s is a popular fast food chain serving fresh never frozen beef burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, entree salads, and signature Frosty desserts since 1969. We recommend starting with their hot juicy burgers topped with veggies and condiments of your choice. Crispy chicken sandwiches with pickles or spicy chicken options also hit the spot. For lighter fare, build entree salads full of premium ingredients like strawberries, blue cheese, fire-roasted corn, avocados etc.

Kids’ meals, breakfast, drive-thru plus app for mobile ordering also available. As one of the world’s largest hamburger chains with several Payson locations, Wendy’s is a convenient, quick, and consistent option for on-the-go meals.

Address: 911 S Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-3197

Website: Official Website | All Locations | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Email: No email available

Service Options: Delivery, Drive-through, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $

Menu Highlights: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, Frosty dessert

Ratings: 4.1 on Google (1140 reviews)

11. Miss Fitz 260 Cafe

Miss Fitz 260 Cafe is a charming and cozy cafe serving homestyle comfort food in a relaxing atmosphere. As soon as you enter, the smell of freshly brewed coffee entices you to the counter to order. The portions here are generous so come hungry. Start your day with fluffy pancakes, veggie omelets or hearty breakfast sandwiches. For lunch, sink your teeth into their hot meatloaf or chicken pot pie brimming with veggies.

The cafe embraces a historic western theme with rich wood accents and decor. Tourists will appreciate the location right off AZ-260. Solo diners can appreciate free WiFi while enjoying a hearty, homemade meal. With reasonable prices, generous portions, and welcoming service, Miss Fitz 260 Cafe is a delightful spot when dining in Payson.

Address: 803 E AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-474-5881

Website: No website available

Email: No email available

Service Options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $$

Menu Highlights: Homestyle comfort food, pancakes, meatloaf, chicken pot pie

Ratings: 4.5 on Google (1054 reviews)

12. Chinese & Thai Restaurant

Chinese & Thai Restaurant serves authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine in an elegant yet casual atmosphere. As you enter, warm eastern-inspired decor immediately sets the ambiance. Start with favorites like crab rangoon crispy on the outside with crab and cream cheese filling or tom yum soup packing traditional hot and sour flavors. For mains, savor plates like sweet and sour chicken or pad thai noodles with your choice of protein and veggies tossed in signature sauce.

Do note they have limited seating with reservations recommended. The convenient location right off the Beeline Highway with spacious parking makes this place popular with Payson visitors craving Asian fare. With flavorful cooking techniques, this no-frills restaurant focusing on food quality ranks as one of the best Asian spots in town.

Address: 806 N Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541

Location: Google Map

Phone Number: +1 928-363-1267

Website: Official Website

Email: No email available

Service Options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Price Range: $$

Menu Highlights: Authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine

Ratings: 4.5 on Google (337 reviews)