Welcome to the Cottonwood Area Dining Club Website!
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Our goal is to inform the public about the wonderful dining opportunities in the Verde Valley. We are a loose knit group that dines at a local restaurant every other Wednesday evening (kinda!) during the months October - March. This page made its debut on the web in January 2007. Please contact the restaurant prior to arriving for reservations/information. We will make every attempt to keep this site current! Your comments and suggestions are welcome.


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Enjoy your dining experience in the Cottonwood, Arizona area!


Click on the name of the establishment to go to our review on this site:
Page Springs Restaurant

The Gathering

Pasta Casa (CLOSED!)

The Rock Cafe

The Recovery Room at the Verde Valley Wine Co.

Su Casa

Franco's

Manzanita Restaurant

Concho's Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Asylum

Ranch House

Storytellers

Murphy's Grill

 

Page Springs! Page Springs Restaurant
928-634-9954. If you are a group, be sure to ask about the separate checks policy. From Cottonwood intersection of Main Street and 89A, travel about 8 miles toward Sedona, turn right at Page Springs Road. The restaurant is located approximately 2.5 miles on Page Springs Road. It is on the left. It is not well signed, so keep a sharp eye out or you'll pass right by. Roadhouse style setting. Very cozy, with good window views of Page Springs and magnificent trees. There is history here! This restaurant specializes in barbequed beef ribs. At $14.95 you get a full meal, including all the ribs you can eat. The first serving of ribs was the max for everyone who had them. In addition, the ribs meal includes dessert! The rest of the menu is pedestrian. All fish is deep-fried. House salad is basic lettuce with a little color from shredded carrots. Bar drinks are reasonably priced. Our waitress seemed overworked, but she was pleasant. Be aware that if you go as a group,the wait time might be long. It did appear that couples and small groups received their food in an acceptable time period.

 Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

PageSprings

All persons in our group said they would eat here again as well as recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: Ribs - 7; Steak - 1; BBQ Chicken - 1; Soup - 1

Group Comments:

"Big group should have had two waitresses."

"Not fully staffed -- busy night. Barbeque chicken is grilled with barbeque sauce on it. Food was good, but not what expected."

"It was fun and that's what matters."

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Gathering The Gathering
928-567-7914. Go north on I-17 to exit 289 at Middle Verde Road. Turn right (West). Don't get swept up to the casino! Remain on roundabout and exit directly across from your entry point which is the first exit after the sweep to Cliff Castle Casino. The restaurant is on the right in the Lodge less than a half-mile down Middle Verde Road.

 

Excellent menu and variety. A fine dining experience including a wait staff that is personable and eager for their guests to have a wonderful dining experience. Complete explanation of mouth-watering menu items. Entrees range from $14.95 to $25.00. Go to www.cliffcastlecasino.com for complete menu.

 

There was a $1.50 off drinks happy hour from 4-6 p.m., which brought drinks down to an expensive but acceptable level. After that time -- watch out! There also was a draft beer special of $1.00 all night, which evened out the sting to the wallet. But, hey! No one said we had to drink! Right?

 

This restaurant specializes in Southwest cuisine -- so be adventurous! You've got great ambience, including a piano soloist, quiet atmosphere, and plenty of attention. Our group of nine had six separate checks with no problem!

 

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

TheGathering

Nine out of nine persons said they would eat here again as well as recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: Salmon Special -- 6; Steak Special -- 2; Quail - 1

Group Comments:

"Piano music - live! An extra!"

"Prickly Pear Cactus vinaigrette dressing is wonderful. The wine sampler was a nice alternate to just one glass of wine. Food was excellent, variety superb, service great. A Sedona fine-dining experience in Camp Verde."

"Steak special exactly as advertised."

"The restaurant was excellent."

"Just a delightful experience with friends."

"Food was excellent and service was great. Waitress had a wonder sense of humor! Good time and food."

"Professional and knowledgeable staff. Friendly atmosphere. So uptown!!!!"

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Pasta Casa Pasta Casa
THIS RESTAURANT CLOSED IN FEBRUARY, 2007
but here is what we thought at the time!

928-639-3311. Call for hours of operation. 202 North Main Street, Cottonwood, on left heading for Old Town. Wine, beer and limited mixed drinks. House Chianti is $5.00 a glass.

Casual dining and attentive staff. They have a back room called 'the vineyard' which is cozy for a group of about ten. This is very much a 'local' restaurant really trying hard. The best thing about the restaurant is its variety of Italian dishes on the menu and its delightful local feel. Don't expect matching wine glasses -- or even red wine glasses and white wine glasses to match the appropriate color of wine in the glass.

The server handled separate checks, frequently checked in on the group and had a pleasant, helpful attitude. We were visited several times by one of the cooks, who were also training a new server that night. When you go to this restaurant, be relaxed, congenial and ready to enjoy good pasta!

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

PastaCasa

Seven out of nine in the group said they would eat there again. All would recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: 1 each -- chicken parmigiana, ravioli, cheese ravioli, chicken margarita, tortellini a la rose, linguini w/clam sauce, hot Italian sausage spaghetti; 2-vodka sauce w/mushrooms and linguine

Group Comments:

"The house salad was very good."

"The server was attentive but lacked that professional aura. Friendly, but too casual."

"For a pasta parlor -- wine should be a best seller. Chianti should be a specialty and have a special price -- and the proper and matching glasses. Garlic bread needs a larger portion."

"Cozy, quiet-considering our raucous group! Good side salad for $2.50 extra. The vineyard room is nicely appointed."

"Why not a mild/sweet Italian sausage? The canola dessert was ok, overpriced at $4.95, not as creamy as I expected." "General good price/value. Service could have been faster but we were a big group. Excellent flavor and appeal for a 1-dish meal."

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RockCafe The Rock Cafe
928-639-0979. Travel down Main Street towards Old Town Cottonwood. The Rock Cafe is on your left. 206 S Main St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine this is a cozy little restaurant with quiet ambience. And where else will the owner/chef come out from the kitchen to join in repartee at your table? For those who are not adventurous eaters there is a nice rib-eye steak on the menu. There are a variety of dishes with lamb being present in a number of them. And a vegetarian would be very pleased as the menu offerings. Prices range from $12.95 to $16.95 for entrees. Tempted by the modest wine list? Try the RetZina to complement that authentic dish. It's a bit pricey at $6.00 a glass - but worth the experience.

Due to my negligence, surveys were not distributed to diners. However, there was general consensus that the restaurant is a definite repeat. At that time we will gather the appropriate data.

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RecoveryRoom The Recovery Room at the Verde Valley Wine Co.
928-639-WINE. 401 Calvary Way, Suite C.

This is a fancy way of saying the entrance to the restaurant is what I would call the 'back', as the sign for the restaurant faces 89A. It's on the left as you are heading to Jerome on 89A. The restaurant is in the new clinic with the copper dome. Go past the restaurant and turn left on Calvary Way and then next left into parking lot BEFORE you pass the Quality Inn.

Opening day was Wednesday, January 3, 2007. Owned and operated by the same folks who have The Asylum Restaurant in the Grand Hotel in Jerome. The menu items are diverse, so there is sure to be something for everyone. An all day menu includes a cheeseburger ($10.00), pastas, roasted or southern fried buttermilk chicken and three fish/seafood dishes. A dinner menu includes stew, and bacon wrapped filets. There is only one dinner salad - the Cobb Stack for $14.00 and for vegetarians there is a grilled vegetable pasta for $11.00 or spinach and ricotta cheese gnocchi for $15.00. Also on the dinner menu is garlic cured pork chop for $19.00 and Chicken Saltimboca for $18.00. Items from both menus range from $7.00 to $30.00. Wine prices appear to be in line with other restaurants, with a 'sampler' wine menu that is fun!

 

The restaurant has limited seating, so be certain to make a reservation. Individual checks were no problem. Modern decor, friendly, efficient, accommodating staff. Another fine dining experience, but with a playful twist.
Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

VVWC

Everyone in the group said they would eat there again. All would recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: 3 Seafood Asiago Pasta; 2 Flat Steak; 1 each Filet and Onion Rings, Quiche, Lobster Brie LT, Sliders and Onion Tower, Buttermilk Chicken.

Group Comments:

 

"Our waitress was wonderful (Shauna). But too much for one person. Food and atmosphere wonderful!!"

"Drink (Martini) was way too much. Didn't ask for Tanqueray."

"Service was excellent under the circumstances. (Opening week and a large walk-in group without reservations at our same reserved time)"

"I gave a '4' on food -- it was good but I didn't realize it was a sandwich. Great place!"

"I think they did well for not being prepared for so many on a Wednesday"

"The experience was 1st class -- service was understandably slow -- busy night. The quality of the food was excellent. It could/should have been hotter (filet). Beef on a HOT plate (stone?) would be wonderful. Shauna was excellent as a waitress -- sharp, precise, good disposition -- a breath of fresh air. A new favorite dining experience in Cottonwood!"

"Food was good but not hot. (flat steak)"

"This is an upscale restaurant with great promise. I expect it to be THE place in Cottonwood for some time."

"Service personnel very good and pleasant. Waiting time too long."

"Good job! Especially considering it was opening week and they accommodated another party of 13 persons who walked in without reservations and still made the experience wonderful for both large groups."

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SuCasa Su Casa
928 634 2771

 

1000 Main Street, Clarkdale, AZ. A large parking lot is a plus. This charming, authentically-decorated restaurant is a local favorite. It is consistently voted 'Best Mexican Food' in the Cottonwood Journal 'Best of' issue. Located on Main Street in quaint Clarkdale, Su Casa is a must visit for casual dining. The senior menu starting at $6.75 (including coffee or tea) must be a favorite here! The hostess was charming. Our server - accurate, attentive and prompt and pleasant.  Separate checks were not an issue. The restaurant was not full and our group not as large as it has been at previously surveyed restaurants. This could have been a factor regarding the quick, efficient service. The restaurant serves house wine at $3.00 a glass. Beer varied from $2.50 (draft) to $2.50-$3.75 (bottled).  
Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

 

SuCasa

 

Everyone in the group said they would eat there again. All would recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: Chicken Fajita Salad -- 1; Senior dinners -- 4; Shrimp fajitas -- 1; Camerones Durango – 1

Group Comments:

"Background music low and very conducive to visiting. Made an overall very good experience. If the restaurant were full it might not have been quite as good for atmosphere."

"Great informal atmosphere. Loved the breadth of selection. Shrimp (Camerones Durango) were a little Hot (could have used a warning or choice of a 'temperature' regarding spices. Salad greens on a cold plate would be plus."

"Although I really enjoyed it (and ate about every morsel) I was surprised to find the sauce to be a sweet/sour (Shrimp fajitas)"

"Su Casa is consistently good and we will always come back here!"

"Authentic shredded beef enchiladas. Excellent Spanish rice."

"Nice acoustics and atmosphere. Very pleasant staff. No wonder they've been rated best Mexican food since forever by local CofC. Great senior menu."

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Francos Franco's
928-634-9245

301 W. Hwy 89A. Located in the Quality Inn. Both exterior entrances to the restaurant and bar are appropriately marked so finding Franco's was an easy task. Separate checks were not a problem. The restaurant is small and was not crowded the night we visited. However, we waited an hour before entrees arrived. Our waiter was pleasant, and cheerful and checked in on us several times, but appeared to lack specific skills customers expect at a fine dining establishment. It felt as if our group (11) was too much for the kitchen to handle. Some 'hot' entrees arrived cool. The food, in general, was very good. A smaller party may have had better luck with the wait time between ordering and receiving food. This is a nice little restaurant that I would return to if I were not on a time schedule and were dining with no more than one other couple.
Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Francos

Four of our group said they would eat there again, seven said maybe. Seven would recommend the restaurant to a friend, four would not. We ate the following meals: Salmon Special -2; Shrimp Scampi-2; Tortellini- 2; Raviolli -1; Chicken Florentine-1; Halibut-1; Brushetta & Ministrone-1; Buffalo Burger (special request) -1.

Group Comments:

"Not any better than average."

"My pasta side dish was luke warm, but the salmon was great."

"The waiter was good but over worked(?) The place was not prepared for our group of 11. Room was large, but we were crowded in a corner."

"Slow service. Food was not warm. Had to ask for waiter. Waiter was friendly and accommodating."

"Service was very slow. Waiter got us started but, but no follow-up. Excellent scampi dish! Drink service in restaurant was non-existent."

"Our waiter and bartender were delightful and did their best."

"Generous portions. Nice decor. Service slow. This restaurant has all the physical trappings of a fine dining experience. If the food could arrive faster and service be more in line with other fine dining restaurants found in the Cottonwood area -- Franco's would be a competitor."

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Manzanita

Manzanita Restaurant
928-634-8851

11425 East Cornville Rd. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED. Open Wednesday-Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. From Highway 260 and 89A in Cottonwood, drive towards Sedona.  Turn right onto Cornville Road. Follow Cornville road just short of 5 miles.  The Manzanita Restaurant is on the right just past the intersection for Page Springs Rd.  A rather large hedge is alongside the road frontage – so be vigilant when looking for the sign.  Seating is limited; so don't forget to make reservations far enough in advance. This restaurant recently changed management, but the same wonderful quality prevails. Specializing in homemade European cuisine, there are a number of items on the menu from which to choose.  Download their menu at www.gatewaytosedona.com/.webloc. Come with an appetite, as the portions are very generous. The piano soloist is a plus – and don't miss dessert!

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Manzita  

Of the eleven persons in our group, seven would eat there again, one would likely not, and two wouldnÕt return.  In all fairness, those final two were from out of town.  All would recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following meals: 2 lasagna; 2 wiener schnitzel; 1 rouladen; 1 pork chops; 1 seafood, French onion soup; 1 shrimp poppers and potato leek soup; 1 steak and shrimp; 1 blackened steak, stuffed potato, onion soup; 1 saurbraten.

  Group Comments:  

"I found it difficult to make a decision regarding my choices. I prefer my fish, shrimp, scallops not fried. This was not an option. I chose lasagna and the portion was extremely large. I'd like to suggest a senior portion with ½ the price for smaller appetites."

"Might have been more dark bread. It was great!"

"This was superb -- a bit crowded (afterall, it WAS Valentine's day) The staff handled it very well.  The steak was perfect. All the food was great."

"Generous portions. Excellent service. Very attentive server and bussers. Finally, a restaurant with adequate staff!"

"Much to crowded. I felt rushed to get dinner over with so others could sit."

"Elegant. Nice."

"A bit crowded and cramped for space."

"The food could have been hotter. The space a bit cramped."

"Food could have been warmer."

"Everything is great except too crowded in the restaurant. Too many tables.  All the new waitresses seem to be well trained as I watched the room!!"

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Concho's

Conchos's Authentic Mexican Restaurant
928-649-9680
1124 Main Street, Old Town Cottonwood.
Open 7 days a week 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. Drive through Old Town Cottonwood on Main Street towards Clarkdale. Concho's is on the left side of Main as the road bends to the left heading toward Clarkdale (North)-- it comes up fast -- right after the little stone bridge. Parking is in the rear and along the side the restaurant. Cash and credit/debit cards welcome, but no personal checks, please. This little building has been the home of several eateries in the past few years, and our group agreed we hope Concho's will there for a long time. Casual dining atmosphere, friendly staff and wonderfully authentic Mexican food can be found here! There is an outside dining area in the back of the restaurant. Beer, wine and tequilla (of course!). Ask for the house drink cantarito served in a clay cup. And save room for dessert. This is the best flan we've ever tasted. Be ready for good, plentiful food and a warm welcome!


Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Concho's  

Of the 12 persons in our group, all would eat there again. All would recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following: 2 shrimp; 2 chili Relleno; 3 combo plate; 1 beans/rice; 1 Camarones Enchilada w/beans and rice; 1 cheese enchilada; 1- Taco Enchilata; 1 - Chile Relleno Tamale.

Group Comments:  

"As good as Su Casa in Clarkdale. Best Dessert"

"The flan was the best flan ever - and we have had it IN Mexico! The food was excellent - fun atmosphere. Our waitress was excellent, fun, helpful. Muy Excellente! Bravo. Wonderfully authentic Mexican."

"Very cheerful and friendly."

"Wonderful-pleasant and super fun waitress!!"

"Nice relaxed atmosphere. Fun casual dining. Good value. Attentive, responsive, staff. Food arrived on warm plates (yes)! Flan is excellent!"

"Everything was very good."

"Waitress was great!"

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Asylum

The Asylum
928-639-3197
200 Hill Street, Jerome, AZ.
Open for lunch and dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for the one way street on the right off of Highway 89A that leads to the restaurant. The street is across from The Haunted Hamburger. Both the navigation to the hotel and parking are equally challenging. Best to car pool if going as a group. The Asylum is located in the historic Jerome Grand Hotel, which used to be the hospital. The restaurant is named for the hospital mental ward - thus, The Asylum. The view is exquisite. Seating is limited, so don't forget reservations. Be prepared for a 20% automatic gratuity if going as group, although the server will break out separate checks.

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Asylum  

Of the 10 persons in our group, eight would eat there again, one might, and one didn't know. Nine would recommend the restaurant to a friend, one didn't know. We ate the following: 2 filet mignon; 1 New York Steak; 1 spinach pasta with chicken; 1 spinach pasta; 2 Prickly Pear Barbeque Pork; 1 salmon; 1-Caesar Shrimp appetizer salad; 1 - Spinach chicken alfredo.


Group Comments:  

"Very enjoyable"
"It was a bit noisy. No way to help that. Otherwise, a "10" all down the line."
"I loved everything about it."
"Portions were beautifully presented. Smaller than other restaurant experiences, but still enough to take home!"
"Atmosphere and service great. Food very good, but pork was cooked medium. Pricey-moderately expensive but value ok. I've been here before. Suspect it would be more appealing to group of 4 or 6. Nice to do on special occasions or two or three times a year."
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Ranch

Ranch House
928-567-4492
4250 N. Montezuma Ave.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From I17, exit at Montezuma Well (Exit 293) and head towards the well. When the road forks at Montezuma Well, stay with the main road (choose right fork of road). Travel on Montezuma Ave to The Ranch House. Restaurant is on the right. www.beavercreekranchhouse.com/ The on-line dinner menu needs updating. This was a more relaxed dining experience and the acoustics were better for conversation than at other restaurants.

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Ranch  

Of the 9 persons in our group, all would eat there again and recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following: 3 Garlic Seafood Pasta; 1 French Dip and Pie; 1 Grilled Cod; 1 Chile Stuffed Chicken; 1 Petite Fillet; 1 Chicken Alfredo; 1 Pot Pie.


Group Comments:  

"Needed more wait staff but ours did great."

"Excellent service, just short staffed."

"The service was slow but the food was good."

"Excellent service, just too short staffed."

"The food was excellent - a perfect fillet! No complaints all the way 'round. The waiters seemed overworked, but she was good - no complaints or frowns. She did her job well in spite of the work load."

"Everything was very nice."

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Stortellers

Storytellers
928-567-7903
Exit 289 on I17
This charming, fine dining experience is a must if you are in the Verde Valley. Located inside the Cliff Castle Casino, you will forget you are anywhere near slot machines after stepping into the faux red rock decor of the dining room. This restaurant is a bit pricy but the ambience and quality of food is wonderful! This is one restaurant where acoustics are perfect for dinner conversation. Go to their web page www.cliffcastle.com/ for menu items. Be aware that prices might be higher than listed on the web site. For example the pork chop entree is now $21.95. But what a pork chop!

Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Storytellers  

Of the 6 persons in our group, all would eat there again and recommend the restaurant to a friend. We ate the following: 1 filet with portabello mushroom; 2 Pork chops; 1 grilled jumbo shrimp; 1 petite filet; 1 New York Strip.

Group Comments:  

"Always excellent...the filet was done just right. Great vegetable side."

"Interesting and unusual atmosphere"

"This is an expensive, special occasion restaurant. Excellent food! Service wonderful. Atmosphere great!"

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Murphy's Grill

Murphy's Grill
928-634-7272
7747 S Main Street
A popular local restaurant with a varied menu. Individuals in our group had previously been here for lunch and had a good experience. If you go for dinner, be prepared to wait.
Our group scored this restaurant as follows:

Murphy's Grill  

Of the 6 persons in our group, three would eat there again and recommend the restaurant to a friend. Two would recommend it only for lunch, and one would not return. We ate the following: 2 fish and chips; 2 beef stroganoff; 1 grilled vegetables; 1 chicken enchilada soup.

Group Comments:  

"Slow but friendly service - Not very attentive. The malt vinegar bottle was so full it would not 'shake' out properly."

"After ordering, service was slow and spotty throughout the evening. Restaurant was not particularly busy."

"Usually have a better experience - must be a bad night for the server."

"Service pleasant - some requests had to be repeated. Food good - hot - suggest tartar sauce option for catfish."

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