A Local's Guide to Bisbee
Food Scene
In addition to live music and entertainment almost every night of the week, the Quarry also offers late-night gastropub fare geared toward the meat, cheese, and grease-lovers of the world. We suggest sharing the ultra-rich Zacatecas sandwich with meatloaf, bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and house-made mayo.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Quarry Bisbee
40 Brewery AveIn addition to live music and entertainment almost every night of the week, the Quarry also offers late-night gastropub fare geared toward the meat, cheese, and grease-lovers of the world. We suggest sharing the ultra-rich Zacatecas sandwich with meatloaf, bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and house-made mayo.
Our next-door neighbor is a true Bisbee gem, with a sparkle that sets us apart from the rest. What other town with a population of under 5,000 offers fine dining and live jazz, after all? With its signature 5-course menu of seasonally-rotating, thoughtfully prepared dishes, a full bar, and classy service, Roka is ideal for celebratory meals - even if you’re just celebrating being on vacation. Reservations are highly recommended.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Roka
35 Main StOur next-door neighbor is a true Bisbee gem, with a sparkle that sets us apart from the rest. What other town with a population of under 5,000 offers fine dining and live jazz, after all? With its signature 5-course menu of seasonally-rotating, thoughtfully prepared dishes, a full bar, and classy service, Roka is ideal for celebratory meals - even if you’re just celebrating being on vacation. Reservations are highly recommended.
"Gus the Greek" operates with zero pretension and an excess of integrity, with pizza and gyros heavy on homemade flavor, at prices you likely haven’t seen in the last decade - we’re talking $12 for a large pizza and $8 for a pitcher of beer. You’ll also get to look at all of Gus’s family photos and Greek ephemera while you’re eating, and maybe even get to chat with the charmingly disgruntled, cigar-smoking proprietor on your way out.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzarama
1101 S Naco Hwy"Gus the Greek" operates with zero pretension and an excess of integrity, with pizza and gyros heavy on homemade flavor, at prices you likely haven’t seen in the last decade - we’re talking $12 for a large pizza and $8 for a pitcher of beer. You’ll also get to look at all of Gus’s family photos and Greek ephemera while you’re eating, and maybe even get to chat with the charmingly disgruntled, cigar-smoking proprietor on your way out.
A wood-fired pie at this local favorite is worth the wait. Be forewarned, being a local favorite, there often is one ;)
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Screaming Banshee Pizza
200 Tombstone Canyon RdA wood-fired pie at this local favorite is worth the wait. Be forewarned, being a local favorite, there often is one ;)
Though you likely didn’t arrive in Bisbee with the expectation of an incredible Vietnamese meal, we’ll say with no small amount of conviction that Thuy’s is among the best in Southern Arizona. Small and unassuming, you’ll enter and see Thuy herself in the open kitchen as she prepares a selection of deeply satisfying dishes that includes pho, noodles, curry, and spring rolls.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thuy's Noodle Shop
207 Tombstone Canyon RdThough you likely didn’t arrive in Bisbee with the expectation of an incredible Vietnamese meal, we’ll say with no small amount of conviction that Thuy’s is among the best in Southern Arizona. Small and unassuming, you’ll enter and see Thuy herself in the open kitchen as she prepares a selection of deeply satisfying dishes that includes pho, noodles, curry, and spring rolls.
Open the door to this cozy lunch spot, and the antique mosaic tile, brick walls, and scattered bentwood bistro chairs might make you feel as if you’ve entered a portal into another place, at another time. It is, however, the 21st century in Bisbee, Arizona, and you can walk right up to the counter and order a sandwich and the soup of the day, and even a slice of cake if it so strikes your fancy.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Cornucopia
14 Main StOpen the door to this cozy lunch spot, and the antique mosaic tile, brick walls, and scattered bentwood bistro chairs might make you feel as if you’ve entered a portal into another place, at another time. It is, however, the 21st century in Bisbee, Arizona, and you can walk right up to the counter and order a sandwich and the soup of the day, and even a slice of cake if it so strikes your fancy.
Carnivore or no, this vegan spot just a few doors down from our building is not to be missed. Order some nachos, a plate of quesadilla tacos, or what we’ll refer to as the “where did my hangover go?” chimichanga, then grab a beer from their cooler and soak up the scene in their colorful courtyard, where you’ll often be treated to the sounds of live music while you eat. Next door, you’ll find their Grocery, where you can pick up bottled drinks, packaged vegan food, and bulk dry goods 7 days a week.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
POCO
15 Main StCarnivore or no, this vegan spot just a few doors down from our building is not to be missed. Order some nachos, a plate of quesadilla tacos, or what we’ll refer to as the “where did my hangover go?” chimichanga, then grab a beer from their cooler and soak up the scene in their colorful courtyard, where you’ll often be treated to the sounds of live music while you eat. Next door, you’ll find their Grocery, where you can pick up bottled drinks, packaged vegan food, and bulk dry goods 7 days a week.
This Main Street market is our go-to for basic provisions (if you can call goat cheese, prosciutto and a bottle of wine basic), and for lifting us out of an afternoon slump with a fresh green juice and a bite from their menu of light, satisfying sandwiches and salads.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
High Desert Market
203 Tombstone CanyonThis Main Street market is our go-to for basic provisions (if you can call goat cheese, prosciutto and a bottle of wine basic), and for lifting us out of an afternoon slump with a fresh green juice and a bite from their menu of light, satisfying sandwiches and salads.
Our local greasy spoon also invites you to explore Lowell, the strip of businesses that once abutted the railroad, and now peer over the striking abyss of the long-dormant Lavender Pit copper mine. Fill up on biscuits and gravy, then take a walk where every step forward takes you two steps back.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bisbee Breakfast Club
75 Erie StOur local greasy spoon also invites you to explore Lowell, the strip of businesses that once abutted the railroad, and now peer over the striking abyss of the long-dormant Lavender Pit copper mine. Fill up on biscuits and gravy, then take a walk where every step forward takes you two steps back.
Your morning in Bisbee will likely be met with the telltale smell of roasting coffee from one of our two local roasters. We love Old Bisbee Roasters’ commitment to supporting fair trade, small farm coffees, as well as their skill in bringing out the unique flavors of each varietal. If you’re here on the weekend, you can stop by the Poco Peddlers Alley and talk to the roaster himself from around 10AM to sometime in the area of 6PM (you’ll soon notice that many Bisbee business hours are qualified by an “ish”).
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Bisbee Roasters
7 Naco RdYour morning in Bisbee will likely be met with the telltale smell of roasting coffee from one of our two local roasters. We love Old Bisbee Roasters’ commitment to supporting fair trade, small farm coffees, as well as their skill in bringing out the unique flavors of each varietal. If you’re here on the weekend, you can stop by the Poco Peddlers Alley and talk to the roaster himself from around 10AM to sometime in the area of 6PM (you’ll soon notice that many Bisbee business hours are qualified by an “ish”).
We sure have some friendly neighbors. Better yet, they have coffee and snacks. Step from our back door onto Subway alley, hop, skip, and jump and you’ll find Bathtub Coffee, along with an open invitation to linger with the locals that congregate there. Indulge in a cup and their buttery croissant breakfast sandwich, and stay for the conversation that’s sure to come with it.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bathtub Coffee
31 Subway StWe sure have some friendly neighbors. Better yet, they have coffee and snacks. Step from our back door onto Subway alley, hop, skip, and jump and you’ll find Bathtub Coffee, along with an open invitation to linger with the locals that congregate there. Indulge in a cup and their buttery croissant breakfast sandwich, and stay for the conversation that’s sure to come with it.
Not only does this adorable, recently opened patisserie make one feel like a character in a Wes Anderson movie, it also offers a selection of sweet and savory treats that are nothing short of divine. One of Jackie's tarts will likely be enough to satisfy your appetite, but you'll want to take some macaron and maybe a German pretzel, a buckwheat scone, and a whole tray of mini cakes for the inevitable moment when you find yourself desperately craving another bite.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Patisserie Jacqui
91 Main StNot only does this adorable, recently opened patisserie make one feel like a character in a Wes Anderson movie, it also offers a selection of sweet and savory treats that are nothing short of divine. One of Jackie's tarts will likely be enough to satisfy your appetite, but you'll want to take some macaron and maybe a German pretzel, a buckwheat scone, and a whole tray of mini cakes for the inevitable moment when you find yourself desperately craving another bite.
Step out of, well, our back door, and you’ll find the Back Door Breakfast. Simple, satisfying, and shockingly affordable, the Oliver House kitchen offers up the basics to kick start your day from 7 AM to 1 PM every weekend.
Oliver House
26 Sowles AveStep out of, well, our back door, and you’ll find the Back Door Breakfast. Simple, satisfying, and shockingly affordable, the Oliver House kitchen offers up the basics to kick start your day from 7 AM to 1 PM every weekend.
Drinks & Nightlife
On the ground floor of the historic, possibly haunted Copper Queen Hotel (what isn’t historic and possibly haunted here, after all?), you’ll find the red-lit, vaguely Lynch-ian Spirit Room bar. They obviously deal in puns, and also employ barkeeps who fix a fine cocktail. Sip on a gin martini and soak up the ambience, which often includes live music.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copper Queen Hotel, Restaurant and Bar
11 Howell AveOn the ground floor of the historic, possibly haunted Copper Queen Hotel (what isn’t historic and possibly haunted here, after all?), you’ll find the red-lit, vaguely Lynch-ian Spirit Room bar. They obviously deal in puns, and also employ barkeeps who fix a fine cocktail. Sip on a gin martini and soak up the ambience, which often includes live music.
Our local brewery offers its product at most establishments in town, and also has a bar where you can sample their brews right on the aptly named Brewery Gulch. During the warmer months, their patio is an ideal spot for an afternoon beer and bratwurst, supplemented by the endless entertainment of Bisbee character-watching.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Bisbee Brewing Company
200 Review AlleyOur local brewery offers its product at most establishments in town, and also has a bar where you can sample their brews right on the aptly named Brewery Gulch. During the warmer months, their patio is an ideal spot for an afternoon beer and bratwurst, supplemented by the endless entertainment of Bisbee character-watching.
“The Smallest Bar in Arizona” quite literally operates out of a closet on the second floor of the Silver King hotel. Once you’ve ordered a beverage in said closet, there’s also a charming sitting area and a patio where you can enjoy it, often to the tune of live music.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Silver King Hotel (Room 4 Bar)
43 Brewery Ave“The Smallest Bar in Arizona” quite literally operates out of a closet on the second floor of the Silver King hotel. Once you’ve ordered a beverage in said closet, there’s also a charming sitting area and a patio where you can enjoy it, often to the tune of live music.
There’s a reason why the oldest bar in Arizona frequently makes national lists of the best dive bars in the country. St. Elmo’s captures the essence of what it is to be a dive bar - which is to say, don’t order a craft cocktail or expect a clean bathroom, but do prepare yourself to have the kind of good time that you can feel the next day, and might just remember for the rest of your life.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St Elmo Bar
36 Brewery AveThere’s a reason why the oldest bar in Arizona frequently makes national lists of the best dive bars in the country. St. Elmo’s captures the essence of what it is to be a dive bar - which is to say, don’t order a craft cocktail or expect a clean bathroom, but do prepare yourself to have the kind of good time that you can feel the next day, and might just remember for the rest of your life.
In its heyday, Bisbee was the biggest town between St. Louis and San Francisco, with a population of over 40,000 at the turn of the last century. Being as such, Bisbee had its very own stock exchange, and the original board still stands at the Stock Exchange Saloon in Brewery Gulch. With a full bar, one of the best stages for performers in town, damn good pizza, and a Bourbon Street-esque balcony for watching the goings on down below, the Stock is the perfect spot to start a night on the town.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Stock Exchange Saloon
15 Brewery AveIn its heyday, Bisbee was the biggest town between St. Louis and San Francisco, with a population of over 40,000 at the turn of the last century. Being as such, Bisbee had its very own stock exchange, and the original board still stands at the Stock Exchange Saloon in Brewery Gulch. With a full bar, one of the best stages for performers in town, damn good pizza, and a Bourbon Street-esque balcony for watching the goings on down below, the Stock is the perfect spot to start a night on the town.
Sightseeing
Also known as "the poor man's Grand Canyon," his honest-to-goodness ecological disaster happens to be quite beautiful. Created as it was by large quantities of explosives, the Lavender Pit is awash in the stunning palette produced by the land’s unusually high mineral content.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lavender Open Pit Mine
Also known as "the poor man's Grand Canyon," his honest-to-goodness ecological disaster happens to be quite beautiful. Created as it was by large quantities of explosives, the Lavender Pit is awash in the stunning palette produced by the land’s unusually high mineral content.
Parks & Nature
North Juniper Flats Road
North Juniper Flats RoadArts & Culture
You’ll find the usual historical museum suspects here - photos, artifacts, dioramas, informational placards, et cetera. What really grabs us, though, is the jaw-dropping collection of gem and mineral specimens that you’ll find in their mining exhibit. After all, there was more than just copper in the Mule Mountains - there were actual caves of sparkling cobalt blue azurite, emerald malachite, and milky selenite, some of which bounty was thankfully preserved for us to humbly peer upon today.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
5 Copper Queen PlazaYou’ll find the usual historical museum suspects here - photos, artifacts, dioramas, informational placards, et cetera. What really grabs us, though, is the jaw-dropping collection of gem and mineral specimens that you’ll find in their mining exhibit. After all, there was more than just copper in the Mule Mountains - there were actual caves of sparkling cobalt blue azurite, emerald malachite, and milky selenite, some of which bounty was thankfully preserved for us to humbly peer upon today.
Shopping
Dig our style? Come on down to our retail shop, which we’ve filled with vintage, antique and high quality goods for travel, garden, and home. Our space is also home to Terra Firma, a ritual apothecary stocked with herbal medicines and plant-based self-care products for the modern nomad. While you’re there, ask for Katie, our in-house tarot reader, for a 3-card energetic check-in.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Object Limited
29 Main StDig our style? Come on down to our retail shop, which we’ve filled with vintage, antique and high quality goods for travel, garden, and home. Our space is also home to Terra Firma, a ritual apothecary stocked with herbal medicines and plant-based self-care products for the modern nomad. While you’re there, ask for Katie, our in-house tarot reader, for a 3-card energetic check-in.
Our shop neighbor makes 1970s fantasies come to life 7 days a week. At Classic Rock Couture, you’ll find a killer selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as well as their in-house line of tees, trucker hats, and bomber jackets.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Classic Rock Couture
38 Main StOur shop neighbor makes 1970s fantasies come to life 7 days a week. At Classic Rock Couture, you’ll find a killer selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as well as their in-house line of tees, trucker hats, and bomber jackets.
What better way to take the desert home with you than in the form of artisan creosote soap? The signature scent is just one among sundry self-care items, all handmade in Bisbee, all available here.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bisbee Soap & Sundry
25 Main StWhat better way to take the desert home with you than in the form of artisan creosote soap? The signature scent is just one among sundry self-care items, all handmade in Bisbee, all available here.
This local institution doesn’t have much for the casual shopper, but they do have a skilled milliner who will make you a custom lid to last a lifetime.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Optimo Hatworks Milliner / Renovator
47 Main StThis local institution doesn’t have much for the casual shopper, but they do have a skilled milliner who will make you a custom lid to last a lifetime.
Dee's Vintage Mercantile
214 Bisbee RdAcacia Art & Antiques
69 Main StEssentials
Make your way down Brewery Gulch, and you’ll find the oldest continuously operating grocery store in Bisbee, which still does business much as it did 100 years ago (though in more recent years they did step it up with a selection of VHS tapes for rent). In addition to such modern forms of entertainment and dry provisions, they also have a deli counter and coolers stocked with craft beers. *Note that, in keeping with their many charming anachronistic tendencies, Mimosa Market only accepts cash.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mimosa Market
215 Brewery AveMake your way down Brewery Gulch, and you’ll find the oldest continuously operating grocery store in Bisbee, which still does business much as it did 100 years ago (though in more recent years they did step it up with a selection of VHS tapes for rent). In addition to such modern forms of entertainment and dry provisions, they also have a deli counter and coolers stocked with craft beers. *Note that, in keeping with their many charming anachronistic tendencies, Mimosa Market only accepts cash.
Mel is always behind the counter at the centrally located Bisbee Bodega, where you’ll find an assortment of convenience items like bottled water, Tylenol, and cigarettes, as well as postcards and other souvenirs should you wish to indulge more pedestrian tourist impulses.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bisbee's Table
2 Main StMel is always behind the counter at the centrally located Bisbee Bodega, where you’ll find an assortment of convenience items like bottled water, Tylenol, and cigarettes, as well as postcards and other souvenirs should you wish to indulge more pedestrian tourist impulses.