The state fair food fry might be over but hello people, we live in Arizona and that means you can eat fry bread all year long -- provided you know where to look. From authentic to highbrow, both on the reservation and off, we've got the hook up on where to get a plate of deep-fried goodness.
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As the name implies, you can certainly find fry bread at this central Phoenix restaurant. Since winning the America's Classic award from the James Beard Foundation last year, the Fry Bread House has become a draw for food nerds all over the Southwest. These folks have been in business for more than a decade, serving up fry bread, Indian tacos and other sorts of artery-clogging goodness. The added attention to quality can mean long lines for lunch so bring a friend to keep you company; you won't be able to finish the giant portions anyway.
In this case, the name really does say it all. Located on the side of a two-lane dusty road on the southeast corner of Indian School and Alma School roads, The Stand offers authentic fry bread, tortillas and Indian tacos with green chile, red chile or beans and cheese -- all for $6 or less. You won't get much atmosphere as dining takes place al fresco and often in the company of lounging dogs. Nevertheless, a must-see for adventurous fry bread diners.
This little place near downtown Mesa may not be open every day (call ahead to confirm), but it's worth the inconvenience. They serve up a mean fry bread with a friendly attitude and if you come by on Saturday, they'll serve you a side of Polynesian fare as well. The red and green chile offer flavor without burning your mouth off but be sure to save room for dessert. They make a coconut caramel sauce that will have you liking your fingers for sure. Just don't think about the calories, just don't.
Venture out to the Gila River Indian Community for a taste of this O'odham cuisine. The Sunna family teams up to serve fresh fry bread and tortillas five days a week at different locations across the reservation (for up-to-date locations, check their Facebook page). In addition to Indian tacos, the Sunna family will prepare taco salads and O'odham burgers, or a burger patty between two pieces of their fresh fry bread. If you haven't had white tepary beans you'll want to try them -- and then swear off all other beans for the rest of your life.
The only Forbes Five Star Award and AAA Five Diamond Award Signature Restaurant in the state may be prim and proper and fancy as hell, but even they serve a version of fry bread. For dessert the restaurant offers Blue Bird Fry Bread Doughnuts, a $13 dish that includes spiced chocolate and ginger fondue and eggnog pot a crème.
Every Food Truck Friday you'll find this turquoise and purple food truck serving their takes on Native American and Mexican dishes. The fusion cuisine includes fry bread -- duh -- as well as carne asada, tacos and burgers. In addition to the weekly Friday food court at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, you can find Emerson at various spots around town, you can get their current locations by following the truck on Facebook or Twitter. Doesn't get more convenient than fry bread on wheels.
