Restaurants

Cocktails & More with a View

Because the main reason you're in Sedona is to enjoy the views of those amazing red rocks, it would be a shame not to take every possible opportunity to sit back and ogle the scenery. So why not sip a drink while you stare? In the morning, I like to get coffee at the Pink Jeep tour company's Pink Java Cafe, 206 Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-0249), which has a little patio with an astonishing view. Alternatively, you can get coffee and a pastry at Wildflower Bread Company, in the Shops at Piñon Point, 101 N. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/204-2223; www.wildflowerbread.com), which is in the shopping complex between uptown Sedona and the "Y." Although there's a bit of traffic noise here, the view of Snoopy Rock is hard to beat.

When it's time to watch the sunset light show, I like to head to the bar at uptown's Open Range Grill & Tavern, 320 N. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-0002; www.openrangesedona.com), which is located in Sinagua Plaza. This place does decent margaritas. Because only a handful of tables have views, try to arrive early. The view tables are tucked around behind the bar. If these tables are already taken, try the nearby Canyon Breeze, Sedona Center, 300 N. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-2112; www.canyon-breeze.com), where you can sit at the bar and gaze out at the red rocks. There's a big terrace, too.

Inexpensive

Dining in Sedona tends to be expensive, so your best bets for economical meals are sandwich shops or ethnic restaurants. For breakfast, locals swear by the Coffee Pot Restaurant, 2050 W. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-6626; www.coffeepotsedona.com), although I personally am not a fan. You can decide for yourself. For filling sandwiches, try Sedona Memories, 321 Jordan Rd. (tel. 928/282-0032), 1 block off Ariz. 89A in the uptown shopping area. Having a picnic? You can stock up on exotic imported meats, cheeses, and other fun foods or get a gourmet sandwich to go at west Sedona's Euro-Deli, 3190 W. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-4798; www.eurodelisedona.com). For picnic supplies, head to New Frontiers Natural Foods, 1420 W. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-6311). You can also get organic and vegan fare at Chocolatree Organic Eatery, 1595 W. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-2997; www.chocolatreecafe.com), which specializes in live foods, including raw chocolate treats.

When you need good espresso, perhaps for that long drive to the Grand Canyon, you've got a few good options around town. I like to start my days in Sedona at Pink Java Café, 206 N. Ariz. 89A (tel. 928/282-0249), which serves organic coffee and has a patio where you can sit and gaze at the red rocks while you sip your latte. In west Sedona, stop by Heart of Sedona Coffee, at the Old Marketplace shopping center, 1370 W. Ariz. 89A, Ste. 12 (tel. 928/282-5777). In the Village of Oak Creek, try Posse Grounds Coffeehouse, 7000 Ariz. 179, Ste. B110 (tel. 928/284-4620; www.possegrounds.com).