Carefree Paradise Guidebook
Food Scene
Local, favorite eating places.
We fuse Southwestern and Native American ingredients and present them in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in Arizona lore.
50 locals recommend
Tonto Bar & Grill
5736 E Rancho Manana BlvdWe fuse Southwestern and Native American ingredients and present them in a warm, welcoming atmosphere rich in Arizona lore.
Housed in the city's oldest commercial building, right along Cave Creek Road, this joint is ready to serve tasty Chicago pizzas and Italian dishes.
33 locals recommend
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
37645 N Cave Creek RdHoused in the city's oldest commercial building, right along Cave Creek Road, this joint is ready to serve tasty Chicago pizzas and Italian dishes.
The original El Encanto is a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant cradled in the heart of Cave Creek. It really has the sights, sounds and Tastes of Mexico. Walk through the archway and you will feel as though you have been transported to Mexico with beautiful tile scenes, wrought iron gates and furnishings. It also has a picturesque pond, where diners famously sit along the water, under a covered patio, and observe and mingle with the playful wildlife, including ducks, turtles, owls, and an amazing blue heron. Each of the El Encanto restaurants have the feel of old Mexico and each has a water feature which helps to create and warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy our fine food.
77 locals recommend
El Encanto
6248 E Cave Creek RdThe original El Encanto is a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant cradled in the heart of Cave Creek. It really has the sights, sounds and Tastes of Mexico. Walk through the archway and you will feel as though you have been transported to Mexico with beautiful tile scenes, wrought iron gates and furnishings. It also has a picturesque pond, where diners famously sit along the water, under a covered patio, and observe and mingle with the playful wildlife, including ducks, turtles, owls, and an amazing blue heron. Each of the El Encanto restaurants have the feel of old Mexico and each has a water feature which helps to create and warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy our fine food.
For Breakfast daily Wagon Wheel Restaurant is just outside the Downtown Cave Creek hustle and bustle. Join us daily for breakfast and lunch. We have a party room for large organizations and family luncheons. Reservations are not needed. Our focus is on delicious food with aged country atmosphere. Eat in or carry out the choice is yours.
Wagon Wheel
36457 N Cave Creek RdFor Breakfast daily Wagon Wheel Restaurant is just outside the Downtown Cave Creek hustle and bustle. Join us daily for breakfast and lunch. We have a party room for large organizations and family luncheons. Reservations are not needed. Our focus is on delicious food with aged country atmosphere. Eat in or carry out the choice is yours.
Located in the heart of Cave Creek, Arizona I was born in the 1930's and started out as a gas station. In 2003 I blossomed and became Big Earls Greasy Eats. You can still get gas here.
29 locals recommend
Big Earl's Greasy Eats
6135 E Cave Creek RdLocated in the heart of Cave Creek, Arizona I was born in the 1930's and started out as a gas station. In 2003 I blossomed and became Big Earls Greasy Eats. You can still get gas here.
Best local coffeehouse.
Welcome to Janey’s Coffeehouse and Bodega in Cave Creek, Arizona. Located along Cave Creek Boulevard in the town of Cave Creek, we are your North Valley scene for good food and local artists playing nightly on our patio.
Come sit under the umbrella or under the stars and enjoy beautiful live music from a wide range of performers. Check out our nightly music calendar, link up yours and stop by for food, drinks and great entertainment.
How did we get started?
Janey’s Coffee Company officially opened on May 9, 2010.
It was started by Samantha (Jane) Gesell, her son, daughter, fiance (now husband) Mitch, and several others. The restaurant was named after Sam’s mother, who went by Janey.
The current owner, Julian Corles took over January 9, 2014 and has been managing Janey’s ever since. He took what was once a coffee shop that occasionally played live music to a local restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Janey’s has also become a hub for local musicians and offers live music every night, year-round.
Janey’s is blessed to have a beautiful outdoor patio with amazing scenery in every direction, live music, and even has room for dancing.
We host local friends and visiting friends every night and are proud to be a supporting venue for musical talent. Musicians and bands offer music from every genre and are happy to get to know the audience during breaks. Come on in, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. We are a short drive from downtown Phoenix, welcoming patrons from all over the North Valley, Anthem and Scottsdale.
33 locals recommend
Janey's Coffee Co. & Bodega
6602 E Cave Creek RdBest local coffeehouse.
Welcome to Janey’s Coffeehouse and Bodega in Cave Creek, Arizona. Located along Cave Creek Boulevard in the town of Cave Creek, we are your North Valley scene for good food and local artists playing nightly on our patio.
Come sit under the umbrella or under the stars and enjoy beautiful live music from a wide range of performers. Check out our nightly music calendar, link up yours and stop by for food, drinks and great entertainment.
How did we get started?
Janey’s Coffee Company officially opened on May 9, 2010.
It was started by Samantha (Jane) Gesell, her son, daughter, fiance (now husband) Mitch, and several others. The restaurant was named after Sam’s mother, who went by Janey.
The current owner, Julian Corles took over January 9, 2014 and has been managing Janey’s ever since. He took what was once a coffee shop that occasionally played live music to a local restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Janey’s has also become a hub for local musicians and offers live music every night, year-round.
Janey’s is blessed to have a beautiful outdoor patio with amazing scenery in every direction, live music, and even has room for dancing.
We host local friends and visiting friends every night and are proud to be a supporting venue for musical talent. Musicians and bands offer music from every genre and are happy to get to know the audience during breaks. Come on in, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. We are a short drive from downtown Phoenix, welcoming patrons from all over the North Valley, Anthem and Scottsdale.
Authentic Italian cuisine located blocks away from the condo. Conveniently between Carefree and Cave Creek.
Alberto Ristorante
7171 East Cave Creek RoadAuthentic Italian cuisine located blocks away from the condo. Conveniently between Carefree and Cave Creek.
The Horny Toad restaurant has earned numerous awards for our made from scratch famous Fried Chicken and homemade secret BBQ sauce. Other award-winning specialties include the BBQ Chicken, Pork Ribs, and Mesquite Grilled Steaks including Top Sirloin, Rib Eye, and Prime Rib. And save room for dessert as our Strawberry Shortcake was awarded Best Dessert by New Times Magazine.
29 locals recommend
The Horny Toad
6738 E Cave Creek Rd
The Horny Toad restaurant has earned numerous awards for our made from scratch famous Fried Chicken and homemade secret BBQ sauce. Other award-winning specialties include the BBQ Chicken, Pork Ribs, and Mesquite Grilled Steaks including Top Sirloin, Rib Eye, and Prime Rib. And save room for dessert as our Strawberry Shortcake was awarded Best Dessert by New Times Magazine.
From Umbria to the homes of Carefree, Pizzicata brings our family’s recipes and an enthusiasm rooted in sharing Italiano cuisine with Arizona and the world.
11 locals recommend
Pizzicata USA
North Hum RoadFrom Umbria to the homes of Carefree, Pizzicata brings our family’s recipes and an enthusiasm rooted in sharing Italiano cuisine with Arizona and the world.
Black Mountain Coffee Shop & Cafe - Serving Full Service “Delicious” Breakfast & Lunch All Day! Carefree's oldest restaurant made new again!
10 locals recommend
Black Mountain Coffee Shop & Cafe
7211 East Ho RoadBlack Mountain Coffee Shop & Cafe - Serving Full Service “Delicious” Breakfast & Lunch All Day! Carefree's oldest restaurant made new again!
Pizzafarro's
36889 N Tom Darlington DrFavorite, local pizza shop.
Back in 1958 when there were more saguaros than people in the desert Southwest, Monsieur Louis German arrived in Scottsdale and opened a French restaurant called Chez-Louis in the Old Town Scottsdale. The area was the perfect location. For both of his passion: authentic French food and his love for horses.
Forty years later German open Le Sans Souci in Cave Creek at 7030 E Belle Vista Dr. Le Sans Souci is a rare gem that brings delicious food and French ambiance without having to fly an ocean away.
Le Sans Souci French Restaurant
7030 E Bella Vista Dr Back in 1958 when there were more saguaros than people in the desert Southwest, Monsieur Louis German arrived in Scottsdale and opened a French restaurant called Chez-Louis in the Old Town Scottsdale. The area was the perfect location. For both of his passion: authentic French food and his love for horses.
Forty years later German open Le Sans Souci in Cave Creek at 7030 E Belle Vista Dr. Le Sans Souci is a rare gem that brings delicious food and French ambiance without having to fly an ocean away.
Z's House Of Thai
6602 E Cave Creek RdBest Thai food in town!
The Grotto Café opened its doors November of 2011 and is a family owned business. We serve award winning locally roasted organic coffee from the Roastery of Cave Creek right here in town, fresh bagel & pastries along with breakfast & lunch. We also have a liquor license to complement our food and atmosphere. Here at the Grotto Café we have one of the largest outdoor patio areas in all of Cave Creek. We also have plenty of indoor seating to accommodate guests all year. We’ve built a reputation for being a local hot spot for locals and new guests of all ages. We take a tremendous amount of pride in what we do and would love the opportunity to serve you soon!
35 locals recommend
The Grotto Cafe
6501 E Cave Creek RdThe Grotto Café opened its doors November of 2011 and is a family owned business. We serve award winning locally roasted organic coffee from the Roastery of Cave Creek right here in town, fresh bagel & pastries along with breakfast & lunch. We also have a liquor license to complement our food and atmosphere. Here at the Grotto Café we have one of the largest outdoor patio areas in all of Cave Creek. We also have plenty of indoor seating to accommodate guests all year. We’ve built a reputation for being a local hot spot for locals and new guests of all ages. We take a tremendous amount of pride in what we do and would love the opportunity to serve you soon!
Local hangout from morning to night. Great breakfasts and evening entertainment.
23 locals recommend
Local Jonny's
6033 E Cave Creek RdLocal hangout from morning to night. Great breakfasts and evening entertainment.
Great place to people watch in the center of Cave Creek. Good food. Friendly atmosphere.
Stumblina's Cantina
6268 East Cave Creek RoadGreat place to people watch in the center of Cave Creek. Good food. Friendly atmosphere.
The City Creamery
6268 E Cave Creek RdIce cream anyone?
Fantastico's Mexican Food
6554 East Cave Creek RoadFast Mexican food.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cave Creek’s original “Wild West Saloon and Restaurant,” Harold’s is a landmark and popular stomping ground for both locals and tourists.
88 locals recommend
Harold's Cave Creek Corral
6895 E Cave Creek RdCave Creek’s original “Wild West Saloon and Restaurant,” Harold’s is a landmark and popular stomping ground for both locals and tourists.
Hideaway
6746 E Cave Creek RdLocal biker bar and shops.
A Cave Creek staple. There are rodeo grounds behind where you can catch rodeo shows several times a week. Check local times.
135 locals recommend
Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
6823 E Cave Creek RdA Cave Creek staple. There are rodeo grounds behind where you can catch rodeo shows several times a week. Check local times.
Sesame Inn
34482 N Scottsdale RdYummy. One of our favorite Asian restaurants.
The Roadhouse
6900 E Cave Creek RdUnique biker bar in historic Cave Creek.
Venues Cafe
34 Easy StWine bar in the heart of Carefree.
Our Wine Bar setting is a very rare find in the Valley!
Why you ask?? Well we do not believe in up-charging you to enjoy your wines at Brix! So what does that mean?? Basically, if you find yourself at another unique combination of a wine shop and wine store in one, you will almost always be charged what they like to call a "corkage" fee in order to enjoy your wines while at the bar. Well we simply do not believe in corkage fees! So whatever the retail cost of the bottle of wine, that is the cost for you to enjoy that bottle and an evening out at Brix!
Not a penny more,
We are a retail shop first and foremost, so at Brix you have an unsurpassed selection of wines to choose from, either to enjoy during your visit here or to purchase for your cellar at home. We invite you to stop by for your next afternoon date or just to check us out...and you will be pleased to find the selection that many from the wine world have dubbed the best they have ever seen in an independent shop!
Brix Wines
37636 N Tom Darlington DrOur Wine Bar setting is a very rare find in the Valley!
Why you ask?? Well we do not believe in up-charging you to enjoy your wines at Brix! So what does that mean?? Basically, if you find yourself at another unique combination of a wine shop and wine store in one, you will almost always be charged what they like to call a "corkage" fee in order to enjoy your wines while at the bar. Well we simply do not believe in corkage fees! So whatever the retail cost of the bottle of wine, that is the cost for you to enjoy that bottle and an evening out at Brix!
Not a penny more,
We are a retail shop first and foremost, so at Brix you have an unsurpassed selection of wines to choose from, either to enjoy during your visit here or to purchase for your cellar at home. We invite you to stop by for your next afternoon date or just to check us out...and you will be pleased to find the selection that many from the wine world have dubbed the best they have ever seen in an independent shop!
Irish pub overlooking the beautiful mountains in Cave Creek, Arizona.
6 locals recommend
Mountain View Pub
7033 E Cave Creek RdIrish pub overlooking the beautiful mountains in Cave Creek, Arizona.
Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood
6710 East Cave Creek RoadShopping
Frontier Town, located in the heart of Cave Creek, will take you back in time. Walking through main street in the old western town you’ll see a gallows and boot hill. Find a special gift at one of the shops, or dine at the Silver Spur Saloon & Restaurant.
20 locals recommend
Frontier Town
6245 E Cave Creek RdFrontier Town, located in the heart of Cave Creek, will take you back in time. Walking through main street in the old western town you’ll see a gallows and boot hill. Find a special gift at one of the shops, or dine at the Silver Spur Saloon & Restaurant.
Cave Creek Cowboy Company offers fine apparel for Cowboys and Cowgirls. We carry a variety of cowboy hats, boots, leather jackets, belts, purses and hand bags. We feature hand engraved sterling and turquoise jewelry, buckles and buckle sets. We also carry some home furnishings, antiques and art work. Our leather goods include vests and jackets with concealed carry pockets, holsters, cartridge belts, rifle scabbards, chaps, chinks, spur straps, and spurs.
Cave Creek Cowboy Co
6811 East Cave Creek RoadCave Creek Cowboy Company offers fine apparel for Cowboys and Cowgirls. We carry a variety of cowboy hats, boots, leather jackets, belts, purses and hand bags. We feature hand engraved sterling and turquoise jewelry, buckles and buckle sets. We also carry some home furnishings, antiques and art work. Our leather goods include vests and jackets with concealed carry pockets, holsters, cartridge belts, rifle scabbards, chaps, chinks, spur straps, and spurs.
Everything mineral. The best rock shop that you will ever see. Museum quality specimens from around the world.
7 locals recommend
Rare Earth Gallery
6401 E Cave Creek RdEverything mineral. The best rock shop that you will ever see. Museum quality specimens from around the world.
Desert Ridge Marketplace
21001 N Tatum BlvdLarge outdoor shopping mall. On Tatum Road and Hwy 101.
THE SUMMIT AT SCOTTSDALE
North Scottsdale RoadRestaurants, Target, grocery store, CVS and gas.
Everything Else
Walmart Supercenter
34399 N Cave Creek RdWal-mart. What else can I say. Dress casual.
Animal Health Services of Cave Creek
37555 N Cave Creek Rd24 hour pet services for our guests with animals.
Spur Cross Stables
44029 N Spur Cross RdTrail riding anyone?
Unicorn Balloon Company
29834 N Cave Creek RdHot air balloon rides. 5-star rated.
Extreme Arizona ATV & Jet Ski Rentals
6921 E Cave Creek RdDirt bike and ATV rentals. 5-star.
With an interior to rival the Ritz Hotel and a romantic, shady patio for tea al fresco, the English Rose Tea Room is a true gem in the desert. From scones and crumpets, to cottage pie or a Ploughman’s lunch, you are guaranteed a culinary experience to remember.
All the teas are loose leaf and with over 50 to choose from you can find the perfect brew to suit any tea lover’s palette.
Bring your best hat, or borrow one from a dress-up trunk full of vintage chapeaus, and relish in the utterly civilized pleasure of taking time for tea.
Need a brush up on those tea party manners? The Tea Room holds regular etiquette classes for young ladies and gentlemen with trained Etiquette Instructor and Owner of the Tea Room, Jo Gemmill.
Want to know how to host a Bridal Shower, Birthday party or Baby Shower? Call the Tea Room and we would be glad to assist in planning your event.
11 locals recommend
English Rose Tearoom
201 Easy StWith an interior to rival the Ritz Hotel and a romantic, shady patio for tea al fresco, the English Rose Tea Room is a true gem in the desert. From scones and crumpets, to cottage pie or a Ploughman’s lunch, you are guaranteed a culinary experience to remember.
All the teas are loose leaf and with over 50 to choose from you can find the perfect brew to suit any tea lover’s palette.
Bring your best hat, or borrow one from a dress-up trunk full of vintage chapeaus, and relish in the utterly civilized pleasure of taking time for tea.
Need a brush up on those tea party manners? The Tea Room holds regular etiquette classes for young ladies and gentlemen with trained Etiquette Instructor and Owner of the Tea Room, Jo Gemmill.
Want to know how to host a Bridal Shower, Birthday party or Baby Shower? Call the Tea Room and we would be glad to assist in planning your event.
Cave Creek Cannabis Dispensary
6812 E Cave Creek RdCave Creek's oldest dispensary. Friendly staff and good product.
Plug in your electric car. Less than a half mile from the condo. It is by the Post Office in Carefree.
Blink Charging Station
100 Easy StreetPlug in your electric car. Less than a half mile from the condo. It is by the Post Office in Carefree.
Carefree Coffee Roastery
7171 E Cave Creek RdDrop in and have a local cup of Joe.
Arizona Climbing and Adventure School
8050 E Carefree DrGo have some fun!
Grace Museum of America
East Sonoran Desert DriveCollection of Americana articles.
United States Postal Service
100 Easy StLocal postal service. In the center of Carefree.
The UPS Store
29455 N Cave Creek RdNeed to ship something home
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 E Elbow Bend RdGolf
Boulders Golf Club
34631 N Tom Darlington DrRancho Manana Golf Club
5734 E Rancho Manana BlvdA challenging course in a desert setting.
Dove Valley Ranch opened in 1998 to rave reviews and accolades as Arizona's Best New Public Golf Course. Just as ancient people who once lived here conjured beauty and function from the harsh surroundings, so did the Robert Trent Jones Jr. team...creating a golf course that respects the natural topography while supporting a more comfortable lifestyle. The upscale, daily fee facility opened as the key amenity in the 850 acre Dove Valley Ranch master planned golf community just North of Phoenix, Arizona.
20 locals recommend
Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club
33750 N Dove Lakes DrDove Valley Ranch opened in 1998 to rave reviews and accolades as Arizona's Best New Public Golf Course. Just as ancient people who once lived here conjured beauty and function from the harsh surroundings, so did the Robert Trent Jones Jr. team...creating a golf course that respects the natural topography while supporting a more comfortable lifestyle. The upscale, daily fee facility opened as the key amenity in the 850 acre Dove Valley Ranch master planned golf community just North of Phoenix, Arizona.
Signature Robert Cupp design with an 18 hole round in under 4 hours.
Weekly innovative specials and robust social event calendar of fitness, fun, and family entertainment!
Active men's and women's golf groups and clubs for all ages and stages in life.
A warm, welcoming community where you can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the fellowship of new faces who will become lifelong friends.
6 locals recommend
Tatum Ranch Golf Club
29888 N Tatum Ranch DrSignature Robert Cupp design with an 18 hole round in under 4 hours.
Weekly innovative specials and robust social event calendar of fitness, fun, and family entertainment!
Active men's and women's golf groups and clubs for all ages and stages in life.
A warm, welcoming community where you can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the fellowship of new faces who will become lifelong friends.
Sightseeing
Get into that true Western attitude with a trail ride through the foothills around Carefree.
15 locals recommend
Cave Creek Trail Rides
37019 N 32nd StGet into that true Western attitude with a trail ride through the foothills around Carefree.
A comfortable walk along the creek bed North of Cave Creek. Several trails of varying difficulty to choose from. Adjacent to Spur Cross Trail.
Jewel of the Desert Trail
A comfortable walk along the creek bed North of Cave Creek. Several trails of varying difficulty to choose from. Adjacent to Spur Cross Trail.
The residents of Cave Creek liked this old ranch so well they bought it and turned it into a preserve. Only minutes from the condo, it is a remarkable natural area that showcases the Sonoran Desert.
Spur Cross Trail
Spur Cross TrailThe residents of Cave Creek liked this old ranch so well they bought it and turned it into a preserve. Only minutes from the condo, it is a remarkable natural area that showcases the Sonoran Desert.
Bartlett Lake is about a 40 minute drive, East of Carefree Paradise. This reservoir servers the Phoenix are and is a favorite of boaters and those wanting to fish. The drive through open high desert is known for it's wildlife and wildflowers. Watercraft are available for rent at the marina.
61 locals recommend
Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake is about a 40 minute drive, East of Carefree Paradise. This reservoir servers the Phoenix are and is a favorite of boaters and those wanting to fish. The drive through open high desert is known for it's wildlife and wildflowers. Watercraft are available for rent at the marina.
Lake Pleasant is about a 40 minute drive to the West of Carefree Paradise. This large reservoir to the northwest of Phoenix is popular place for residents of Phoenix to boat. Watercraft is available for rental at the marina.
239 locals recommend
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is about a 40 minute drive to the West of Carefree Paradise. This large reservoir to the northwest of Phoenix is popular place for residents of Phoenix to boat. Watercraft is available for rental at the marina.
Cave Creek Museum
6140 E Skyline DrLearn the local history.
World class museum displaying the evolution of musical instruments from around the world.
652 locals recommend
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo BlvdWorld class museum displaying the evolution of musical instruments from around the world.
Tour the studios of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright who made his home in the Scottsdale desert.
36 locals recommend
Arcosanti
Tour the studios of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright who made his home in the Scottsdale desert.
If you are interested in the history of native Americans in the Southwest, this is the place. World renown exhibits.
653 locals recommend
Heard Museum
2301 N Central AveIf you are interested in the history of native Americans in the Southwest, this is the place. World renown exhibits.
Learn how early settlers lived in the desert.
18 locals recommend
Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
3901 W Pioneer RdLearn how early settlers lived in the desert.
Grocery Stores
Boutique grocery store. This is the closest grocery to the condo. See the map that is provided.
20 locals recommend
Bashas'
36889 N Tom Darlington DrBoutique grocery store. This is the closest grocery to the condo. See the map that is provided.
About a 10 minute drive from the condo. 5.3 miles southwest. A larger, full service grocery.
23 locals recommend
Fry's Food And Drug
4815 E Carefree HwyAbout a 10 minute drive from the condo. 5.3 miles southwest. A larger, full service grocery.
An even larger Full Service grocery. Fry's is a subsidiary of Kroger so various grocery reward cards are good here.
23 locals recommend
Fry's Food And Drug
4815 E Carefree HwyAn even larger Full Service grocery. Fry's is a subsidiary of Kroger so various grocery reward cards are good here.
Safeway
29834 N Cave Creek RdThere is a Safeway grocery store 7.7 miles south on Cave Creek Road.