Perhaps you’re driving through the Verde Valley and are in need of a good breakfast pitstop and a coffee top-up? With its small town vibe, Cottonwood is going to be the best place to stop for that old town family feel. Whether you’re looking for somewhere that serves a hearty breakfast, a brunch place or a local favorite, you’ll find something for you. 

Here’s a selection of 10 places to choose from for a great breakfast in Cottonwood, Arizona. 

1. Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar

Situated in the old town, Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place to come for a fantastic breakfast. Full of history (there are underground tunnels once used for bootlegging!) and a ghost (!) this casual dining place also has outdoor seating on their patio for those hot, Arizona days. 

Our menu picks: breakfast tacos, giant gooey cinnamon roll and bottomless coffee!

Open daily, 7am – 2pm.

917 N. Main Street in Historic Old Town Cottonwood, AZ 86326

2. Old Town Red Rooster Cafe

Focusing on great food supplied locally, this cosy breakfast spot looks like the best place for a pitstop in the Verde Valley. Well known for friendly service and for going ‘above and beyond’ for customers. All-in-all a great place.

Our menu picks: open faced corned beef hash and iced cold brew!

Open mon-sat, 8am-3pm & Sun, 8am-2pm.

901 Main St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326

3. Colt Grill

With an array on accolades, from Best American Food in the Verde Valley to Best BBQ, Colt Grill is THE place to get your protein fix. Colt Grill cook their food in steel smokers with genuine hardwood – you’ll smell your food cooking! Casual, cosy, with good music. 

Our menu picks: The vaquero omelet and outlaw burrito!

Open daily, 8am-8:30pm. 

804 N. Main St. Old Town Cottonwood, AZ.

4. Black Bear Diner

All the food you’ll need to feed your ‘inner bear’! You won’t be disappointed with the generous portions. Bring along your cubs too for a fantastic kids brekkie menu. Black Bear Diners are supporting local communities and charities. This community-orientated, family dining concept is not one to be missed! Little ones will love spotting the bear sculptures outside too.

Our menu picks: The Grizz, Joe’s Hobo Omelette and bottomless coffee!

Open Sun-Thurs, 7am-9pm & Fri-Sat, 7am-10pm. 

1041 AZ-260, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

5. Randall’s Restaurant

A no-fuss or frills establishment serving up good food. Great portions and great customer service – what more could you want!? If you’re looking for a casual place for Sunday morning breakfast with reasonable prices, this is your place. 

Our menu picks: Eggs Benedict and corned beef and cabbage!

Open Mon-Fri, 5:30am – 2pm and Sun-Sat 6:30am – 2pm. 

891 South Main Street, Cottonwood, AZ

6. The Old Town Cafe

A cute, bustling old town cafe, serving up pastries and scrumptious breakfasts. The service is top notch with friendly staff and fresh delicious food. One not to be missed when in Cottonwood!

Our menu picks: vanilla croissant, cream cheese bagel and a dirty chai!

Open Mon-Sat, 7am – 3pm. 

1025 N. Main St. Cottonwood, Az. 86326.

7. Verde Lea Market Deli and Grill

A very long time establishment in Cottonwood, Verde Lea is the perfect place to stop for that home from home Mexican-style breakfast. You can also pick up market essentials like milk, eggs, cereals, juices, sodas, wines and beers (and more!) There are benches outside for those sunny days!

Our menu picks: breakfast sandwich and three egg omelette!

Open daily, 9am – 9pm.

516 N. Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

8. Denny’s

In case you’re looking for a place you a familiar with, look no further than Denny’s – the all-American diner. Open 24 hours a day, no matter what time you’re passing, Denny’s will be open. Kids also eat free every Tuesday from 4pm – 10pm. An excellent place for knowing what you’re going to get.

Our menu picks: Original Grand Slam.

Open daily, 24 hours.

2211 State Route 89A, Cottonwood, Az. 86326.

9. Wholesome Cafe

If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast or perhaps you are vegan, look no further than Wholesome Cafe. This colourful cafe serves up nutritious smoothies along with delicious brekkie fare where everything is veggie, vegan and organic. Good prices too.

Our menu picks: Chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie and avocado toast!

Open daily, 9am – 4pm.

1413, 89A, Cottonwood, AZ.

10. Wildflower Bread Company

Nearby Cottonwood, you’ll find the chain, Wildflower Bread Company, in the town of Sedona. Specialising in handcrafted artisan breads, you won’t be let down when it comes to your breakfast sandwich! You’ll find a whole array of different types of breakfast sandwiches on the menu too. This fun, modern cafe will brighten up your morning and have you raring to go once you’re done! It’ll give you the pick you that you need!

Our menu picks: Lemon ricotta pancakes, millionaire’s bacon and a Georgia Peach drink!

Open daily, 8am – 8pm. 

101 Arizona 89A Sedona, AZ 86336 

Don’t Miss!

Whilst you’re in the area, be sure not to miss out on visiting the Verde Canyon Railroad, a 4-hour, 20 mile journey through 110 years of history. You’ll travel through canyons, along a river’s edge. The 734-foot manmade tunnel is sure to impress. This truly is an awesome experience that you’ll never forget. Perfect for young train-lovers. The train’s panoramic views are made for a spot of wildlife-watching during the journey. Take your nature journal and sketch what you find. Kids can spend their pocket money in the boxcar depot. Lunches can be bought at the Copper Spike Cafe and brought on board the train. 

Other things to do in Cottonwood – 

Stroll through the Old Town

Walk the Jail Trail

Visit the Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Stop by an old mining Boom Town, Jerome

Drive a long Mingus Mountain Scenic Road

Walk around Riverfront Park (great if you have dogs and need to give them a run)

Visit the Old Town Copper Art Museum

Go rummaging at Larry’s Antiques and Things

See the Tuzigoot National Monument

Have an adventure at Blazin’ M Ranch

Go wine shopping at Burning Tree Cellars

Every Wednesday is the Cottonwood Farmer’s Market, 4-8pm

Shop for vintage clothes at The Hippie Emporium

Drop off your pet at Cats Meow

Wander around nearby town, Sedona

Out of town, visit the Pueblo Ruins for a spot of history