Hahaha....the Patio rules!
There are perhaps 6-8 stand-alone restaurants in Oracle that include Western, Italian, Mexican, and American faire. Many of them are excellent if that's what you want, but why not enjoy a little of each cuisine in a friendly, colorful venue? The nimble, creative chefs (the owners) at the Patio Cafe combine several of these food styles in their daily specials in addition to their consistently pleasing standard menu. Your visit here will bring you great joy as well as satisfying your need for fine local cuisine.
What can I say other than its my favorite place within 100 square miles to eat great food, as well as to meet, greet, and watch people. I'd say actually 500 square miles except that Catalina has Claire's and Oro Valley has Sushi On Oracle, my other two favorite restaurants in southern Arizona.
As its name suggests, you can sit outside on the tiny front patio that overlooks American Avenue, the main street of oracle, or you can find a shady spot in the large patio that fills the backyard of this property that was once a home, then an antique shop, and now a fine resturant, gourmet food store, and beer and wine bar.
Breakfast and Lunch are the main meals here and the Patio menu has a nice array of choices that will satiate even the picky palate. The wait staff and other employees are some of the friendliest I have ever met in all my years of traveling Arizona and sampling local restaurants. Pick your own table and settle in for a peaceful meal in one of the four indoor rooms that are decorated with local art (for sale) or wander outside to the patio of your choice. Either way, you'll enjoy the intimate bistro-like atmosphere that makes the Patio so special. If you come for lunch, arrive as early as you can because folks from neighboring towns, even Tucson, drive out to Oracle and fill every table available. And remember that your meal wait time will seem short indeed as you enjoy such a fine place bustling with local energy, visitors from all nations, and delightful outdoor dining.
Every few months, Chef Dave has a special dinner night ("Dinner With Dave") where you sit together with other diners at large tables and get to know the locals who love his cuisine surprises. The waiting list is long so book far in advance if you'd like to enjoy such a night out in Oracle, dining with new friends and eating fabulous food. Live music in the outdoor patio sometimes accompanies such nights so design your special night and book a place to stay in Oracle in advance at one of the...
Read moreI found this place via a Google search for a place where I could enjoy a delicious meal and do some writing while on road trip northbound from Tucson. It was such a wonderful environment to enjoy a delicious meal and spend some time reflecting on the adventures of summer.
It's evident that so much love and care is at the heart of Oracle Patio Cafe - everything from the thoughtfulness of the menu, to the way the foods are mindfully prepared, to the touches of warmth and aliveness in the atmosphere, and the kindness and authenticity I experienced in my interactions with the server, kitchen staff, front desk, and owner.
As someone who recently created an Oracle Deck from this very same intention of "let this be created from love" every step of the process, it was quite a fulfilling experience to receive such a delicious reflection of what's possible when we create from Love.
The homemade Hemp Tamales were flavorful and generous in portion without feeling excessive. The Cherry Almond pie came highly recommended and was something I literally wrote home about while at the restaurant... it routinely appears in my dreams!
I ended up at Bell Rock in Sedona later that evening under the full moon... and was grateful to feel so nourished!
I look forward to many more visits to the Oracle...
Read moreDrove up to town of Oracle and had a very nice Father's Day brunch type meal enjoying Huevos Rancheros, French Croquet type shaved ham, gruyere cheese with A hollandaise type sauce all on a grilled Brioche toast, and home fries that were all served in generous portions. Menu selection is excellent with numerous breakfast and lunch selections that will surely satisfy all your hunger pains. This tucked away cafe had outdoor seating with cooling misters and a bubbling fountain to soothe your soul...don't forget to check out the hand selected grocery items inside, as well as the delicious baked goods too numerous to list here but certainly tasty... pies, cakes, breads,scones, cupcakes, all homemade! I noticed a ready to bake pizza that I will definitely try on a future visit. I did buy a jar of Italian Sunday gravy made in New Jersey that I can't wait to taste at a future meal at home. Locally roasted coffee beans and other food items definitely got my attention. The gift shop also had some offbeat and clever items that are worth your perusal. A comfortable cafe that is worth the drive out from Tucson...also being higher is a bit cooler. Happy Father's Day and any day for a satisfying repast at this comfy...
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