Flagstaff Favorites

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with my best friend from college, Toni, who did me the solid of abandoning her family and flying across the country to hang out with me.*  We barely took any pictures because we’re kind of goobers like that, but we did grab a couple of snaps from Girls’ Night, held in Scottsdale with a group of other lovely ladies.

Murph, Toni, and I enjoying a few adult beverages at Hula’s Modern Tiki

Dinner at Tommy V’s Italian Bistro -

From left, counterclockwise around the table:

Christina, Murph, Trisha, Jenna, me, and Toni

In addition to eating a lot, getting our shopping on, and touring the tiniest space museum in the country (if not the free world),** we also headed up to Flagstaff for an overnight stay.  While thinking of what to blog about this week, it struck me that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Flagstaff quite a few times since we’ve lived in Arizona, but I’ve never really discussed it on the blog or mentioned my favorite locales in the city.

Time to remedy this!

When Chris and I visit Flag, we normally stay at one of the Marriott properties on Milton Road, southwest of the historic district; we get Marriott points plus they generally have a free/cheap breakfast and a good rate.  However, since Toni and I wanted to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars, we opted for the Hotel Monte Vista, one of the historic old hotels in downtown.

Not my picture.  But still pretty, right?

I’d read some mixed reviews on the hotel, but overall, we enjoyed our stay.  The beds were comfy, the wifi worked fine, parking was free, location was excellent, and we didn’t get pestered by ghosts all night!  Sweet!  I’d stay there again and recommend it; as long as you understand the hotel is truly historic,*** it’s a fine stay.

On my visit with Toni, we ate dinner at Brix, a wine bar that features “new American” cuisine.  It was .2 miles away from the hotel, just up a small hill toward the residential side of the city.  This was my first time at Brix, and it was great.  Excellent wine, beer, and cocktail selection, and the food was outstanding.  The chef was even pleased to offer me a half portion of my pasta dish, so I could have room to shove other delicious offerings in my face.  Noms!

Not my pic, but this was what my pasta looked like.  

It was delish!

We sat on the left of the shot, at a table for 2 underneath the picture.

After dinner, we headed over to the Lumberyard, a local brewery and eating establishment.  The Lumberyard is the sister establishment to Beaver Street Brewery, which I actually prefer, but the bar area at Lumberyard is a bit more fun, particularly if you’re just going for drinks.

Look at this artsy-a$$ shot!  Again, not mine.

We’ve hit many of the breweries in Flagstaff at one time or another, and while Beaver Street remains our favorite if you’re both eating and drinking, there are also a bunch of other great options.  A newer entry on the scene is Historic Brewing, out on the east side of town near the Flagstaff Mall.  Toni and I stopped in for a quick pint after hiking Fatman’s Loop, and although the taproom is small (and shares space with the actual production facility), the staff is great and it’s a nice, chill atmosphere.  

They also have super clever beer names/logos, like this:

Because who doesn’t like cuddling?

One of the other great breweries in town is Wanderlust Brewing, a brewery that just happens to have been started by an engineer at Gore!  We’re not biased at all, but you should totally visit Nate and drink his beer.

Nate and his beer.  Trust me, it really is quite good.

We also love Mother Road Brewery, a brewhouse that makes a wide variety of styles and seems to really have fun inventing new flavors and crafting exciting options.  Mother Road doesn’t serve food right now, but they are conveniently located right next to a pizzeria called Pizzicleta, which is seriously outstanding.

This week, the blog is chockfull of cool pictures that I didn’t take.

After a night spent sampling all of the fine brews Flag has to offer, it’s generally necessary to have a hearty breakfast, and Martanne’s doesn’t disappoint in this area.  If you’re there on a weekend, it’ll be packed from the moment it opens, and it’s cash only, but don’t that let deter you.  Their prices are reasonable for the massive portions they serve you,**** and the food is outstanding.  If you like spicy, try the chilaquiles.  Oh man, so good!

Yes, Virginia, this is ONE breakfast.

Overall, for being such a small place, Flag has a fantastic concentration of outstanding places to eat and drink, and we always love visiting.  Until next time!

Later!

Amy

* And the dogs and Chris.  But mainly me.

** City of Peoria, represent!

*** Think: kinda creaky floorboards and short showerheads

**** Chris and I had to bring home leftovers when we ate there the morning after hiking Mount Humphrey’s.  I mean, really.