Great Food and Atmosphere is Too Hard to Hide

SEDONA, Ariz. — If you're looking for a comfy casual alternative to all the lofty, overpriced fare in Sedona, try one the town's best kept secrets: The Hideaway Restaurant and Lounge. The atmosphere is breezy and relaxed, with balcony seating that overlooks Oak Creek River. The signature anti-pasta salad is piled higher than the surrounding red rock towers. It's our pick for best overall dining experience in Sedona.

The star of the show is the famous anti-pasta ($16 serves two), a lettuce-based salad with salami, pepperoni, Prosciutto ham, provolone cheese, and a piquant kidney bean & vinaigrette dressing that owner Mark Spector said his family spent a long time perfecting. The salad comes with toasted cheese bread and will satisfy two people with enough leftovers to take home. Other highlights are the pizza, which has that toasted, crispy, right-from-the-oven taste.

Owner Marc has kept his restaurant looking very much as it was when he first opened more than 30 years ago. He's even held off from replacing the wooden balcony walkway, which has become worn and faded with age. It's that aged look that keeps customers returning, he said.

Marc is also the general manager and is often on-hand to answer questions, ask questions and oversee operations. He's very funny, warm and highly engaging. He's also very contentious of keeping the atmosphere family-friendly. Children's drawings paper over the wall behind the register.

Other noteworthy features is the charming wait staff. Pamela (pictured right), who waited on us, has worked at the Hideaway for 28 years and was lively and fun. She also prepares many of the deserts. Try her homemade triple-berry cobbler made from blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Getting there
Heading southbound on 89A from Flagstaff, you take the roundabout heading toward State Route 179 S. Drive for about 500 more feet and see the restaurant sign on the left. Heading northbound on 89A from Cottonwood, take the same roundabout, but merge right. Restaurant is on the left. Address: 251 State Route 179, Sedona AZ 86336. Call (928) 282-4204