If you’re planning a trip along the famous Route 66 this summer, you must stop for some authentic (and delicious) fry bread, aka the Navajo Taco! A popular Indigenous American delicacy in the Southwest, fry bread was originally invented as a method of survival during the devastating Long Walk due to its simple recipe of four ingredients. And today, the dish continues to be popular!
Check out these spots to grab some fry bread along Route 66 in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Arizona
Salsa Brava (Flagstaff)
Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Route 66 food tour, Salsa Brava is known for its house-made salsas and Navajo Tacos. These fusion fry breads are piled high with pinto beans, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, queso fresco, salsa, and roasted pork. Don’t miss Guy’s favorite, the monstrous stuffed sopapilla.
Fry Bread Bread House (Phoenix)
Founded by Cecelia Miller of the Tohono O’odham Nation, this family-owned eatery serves fry bread plain, in taco form, or sweetened with honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Opened by the owner because there were no Indigenous American restaurants in the area, this unassuming joint has made a name for itself with its delicious cuisine. In fact, it’s a James Beard Award winner! Beyond the fry bread, dig into delicious tacos, hominy stew and traditional burros with sauteed onions, squash and cheese.
Cameron Trading Post (Cameron)
Located on Navajo Nation land, Cameron Trading Post and Lodge is a former 1916 frontier trading post turned tourist attraction in Arizona’s Grand Canyon Region. Dig into fry bread smothered in beef, beans, green chili and cheese. Or try the Navajo Beef Stew and Prickly Pear BBQ Ribs in the on-site restaurant’s cozy dining room, which is decorated with traditional Indigenous American decor. Check out the gift shop – you’ll find plenty of artisan goods and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
Hopi Cultural Center (Second Mesa)
This motel and restaurant on Hopi Nation Lands is perfect for an overnight stop. Learn about the Hopi people and explore the gift shop’s handcrafted jewelry, Kachina dolls, paintings and pottery. Of course, the star of the show is grabbing dinner at the restaurant, which serves up authentic Indigenous American dishes (fry bread included). Chow down on a fry bread taco stuffed with refried beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese and tomato. Or, go for the Hopi Ranchers Beef, fry bread wrapped around roast beef with house-made salsa!
New Mexico
Marigold Cafe (Albuquerque)
Be sure to stop at the Marigold Cafe in Albuquerque for traditional Navajo Tacos that will blow your mind. Made with crispy yet tender fry bread, this spot offers a delicious breakfast version of the classic dish with carne adovada (pork shoulder), pinto beans, chile and cheese topped with two perfectly fried eggs. If you come for dinner, enjoy a summer breeze out on the patio with a cocktail and try other flavorful dishes like green chili chicken curry tacos and samosas stuffed with potato, green chile and cheese.
Indian Arts Center (Laguna)
You can’t miss the way to the Indian Arts Center; just look for the bright yellow “FRY BREAD” signs along the highway. Served from a tiny kitchen next to the cultural center, you can order fry bread that’s savory, sweet and even stuffed! Be sure to explore the cultural center, which is home to Native American artwork, pottery, jewelry, and textiles!
Del’s Restaurant (Tucumcari)
Since 1956, Del’s has been a Route 66 favorite, easily recognized by its giant neon sign. Inside, enjoy fry bread, steak fingers, and brisket sandwiches amidst Western cowboy decor. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for homemade hot sauces.
Texas
Hookers Grill (Fort Worth)
This fun spot, run by a mother-daughter duo from the Choctaw Nation, offers Oklahoma-style fried onion burgers, Indian Tacos, and sweet fry bread. With plenty of seating and Instagram-worthy murals, it’s a hit with visitors. Order specials like the Frito Chili Pie or the coney dog smothered in chili and slaw. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the grilled PB&J or one of their fry bread specials – like a fry bread burger!
Warrior Taco (Saginaw)
Known for its gigantic gourmet Navajo tacos, Warrior Taco is a popular food truck that serves innovative options like the Yeti chicken chili taco, innovative Sasquatch Angus beef burger, and vegetarian-friendly Grassman taco. Despite the huge portions, the prices are reasonable (under $10). Keep an eye on their socials for their next location.
