You’re standing on a balcony. Below you, the chaotic energy of Uptown Sedona swirls with tourists hunting for crystals and t-shirts. But right in front of your face? Massive, towering walls of red rock that look like they were painted by someone who had too much orange and purple on their palette. That’s the vibe at Open Range Grill and Cantina. It’s one of those spots that everyone ends up at eventually, mostly because you can't miss the Sinagua Plaza, but also because it manages to pull off a weirdly difficult trick: being a "tourist" spot that actually delivers on the food.
Sedona is expensive. Really expensive. You can easily drop two hundred bucks on a dinner where the portions are microscopic and the waiter explains the "energy" of your appetizer. Open Range is different. It’s loud, it’s friendly, and the views are arguably the best in the entire Uptown district.
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Honestly, most people go for the patio. If you can snag a seat outside, do it. Even if there's a wait. Watching the sun hit Snoopy Rock while you're face-deep in a basket of chips is basically the peak Sedona experience.
The Reality of Dining at Open Range Grill and Cantina
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn't fine dining. If you’re looking for white tablecloths and hushed whispers, keep walking. This is a high-volume, high-energy "Grill and Cantina" that leans heavily into its Western theme.
The menu is a bit of a hybrid. You’ve got your standard American ranch house stuff—steaks, burgers, ribs—and then you’ve got the "Cantina" side which is loaded with tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. It sounds like it shouldn't work, but in a town where half the group wants a burger and the other half wants a margarita and carnitas, it’s a lifesaver.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Don't overthink it.
The Open Range burger is a solid bet. It’s hefty. They use Arizona-grown beef when possible, and you can actually taste the difference. If you’re feeling the Southwest vibe, the bison burger is the move. It’s leaner, a little earthier, and feels appropriate when you’re staring at the desert.
Now, the tacos. The street tacos are surprisingly legit. They aren't trying to be "fusion" or overly fancy; they're just well-seasoned meat on decent tortillas. The carnitas have that nice crispy edge that you only get when the kitchen actually takes the time to sear the pork after slow-cooking it.
Pro tip: The prickly pear margarita is a cliché for a reason. It’s neon pink, it’s sweet, and it’s mandatory.
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One thing to watch out for? The wait times. Because of that prime location in the Sinagua Plaza, this place gets slammed between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. If you show up at peak lunch hour on a Saturday in October, you’re going to be waiting. Luckily, since it's in a shopping center, you can wander around the galleries while they hold your table.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
Uptown Sedona is a bit of a maze. Most of the restaurants are tucked away or have views blocked by other buildings. Open Range is elevated. Because it sits on the second level of the plaza, you’re looking over the shops and directly at the Mogollon Rim.
It’s one of the few places where you don't feel claustrophobic during tourist season. You’re up above the fray.
- The Patio: This is the "Main Event." It wraps around the building. Even if it's chilly, they’ve usually got the heaters cranking.
- The Bar: If you're solo or just a duo, skip the host stand and head straight for the bar. You can usually grab a stool faster, and the service is often quicker.
- The Interior: It’s fine. It’s very "cowboy chic." Lots of wood, rusted metal, and western memorabilia. But if you’re sitting inside with your back to the window, you’re doing it wrong.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Sedona can be surprisingly "adults-only" in its dining scene, but Open Range is one of those places where a crying toddler won't result in death stares from the next table. The noise floor is high enough that your family can actually relax. Plus, the menu has enough plain options to satisfy the pickiest five-year-old on the planet.
Addressing the "Tourist Trap" Allegations
You’ll see reviews online claiming it’s a tourist trap. Let's deconstruct that. Does it have a gift shop nearby? Yes. Is it in the most crowded part of town? Yes. Are the prices a few dollars higher than a grill in suburban Phoenix? Sure.
But a "trap" implies you aren't getting value. Here, the value is the view and the consistency. You know exactly what the food is going to taste like. It’s clean, the staff is usually local kids or long-term residents who know the trails, and the ingredients are fresh.
Waiters here deal with thousands of people a week. They are efficient. If you want a long, lingering conversation about the notes of oak in your Chardonnay, go to Enchantment Resort. If you want a cold beer and a massive plate of nachos after hiking Devil's Bridge, you come to Open Range Grill and Cantina.
Technical Details: Planning Your Visit
If you’re driving in, parking is your biggest enemy.
Uptown Sedona has a massive parking garage right behind the Sinagua Plaza. Use it. Don't waste forty minutes circling the main drag looking for a spot on the street. It won't happen.
The restaurant doesn't always take reservations for small groups during the height of the season, so it’s a first-come, first-served situation.
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- Average Entree Price: $18 - $35
- Best Time for Photos: About 45 minutes before sunset (the "Golden Hour" hits the red rocks directly across from the patio).
- Dietary Options: They are actually pretty good about gluten-free and vegetarian substitutions. Just ask. The Southwest salad is a sleeper hit if you want something lighter.
What Most People Get Wrong About Dining in Sedona
People think they have to choose between "good food" and "good views." Usually, in resort towns, the place with the best view has the worst food because they don't have to try.
Open Range breaks that rule slightly. Is it Michelin-star? No. But the cornbread is made fresh, the salsa has a decent kick, and the steaks are seasoned properly. They aren't coasting entirely on the scenery.
There's also this misconception that you need to dress up. You don't. You’ll see people in full hiking gear, covered in red dust from the trails, sitting next to people in designer outfits. That’s the beauty of Sedona. It’s a mix of grit and glamour. Open Range sits right in the middle of that Venn diagram.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at Open Range, follow this specific sequence:
- Park in the public garage on Jordan Road. It’s a short walk and saves you the headache of traffic on Highway 89A.
- Aim for an "off-peak" meal. 3:00 PM is the magic hour. The lunch crowd has cleared out, the dinner rush hasn't started, and you’ll almost certainly get a patio seat.
- Ask for the seasonal salsa. They often have variations that aren't the standard red, and they’re usually worth the extra buck or two.
- Check the weather. Sedona gets cold the second the sun drops behind the cliffs. If you're aiming for a sunset dinner, bring a jacket even if it was 80 degrees at noon.
- Combine your meal with a walk. After eating, head out the back of the plaza towards the Jordan Historical Park or just wander the local galleries. It helps digest the heavy Southwest portions.
Open Range Grill and Cantina serves as a reliable anchor in a town that is constantly changing. While new "concept" restaurants pop up every season, there's something to be said for a place that knows its identity. It’s a Western grill with a killer view, cold drinks, and a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful geology on Earth. Keep it simple, order the bison, and keep your eyes on the horizon.