3951 State Route 89a
Sedona, AZ 86336
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
While making the journey along gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon drive, you will come across a cute little cafe and market known as Indian Gardens.
Stopping at this peaceful breakfast and lunch oasis gives you the opportunity to stretch your legs and take a break from driving while you enjoy great food, fantastic espresso drinks, and a beautiful garden patio. While living in the region, this was my go-to breakfast spot nearly every weekend I was not traveling somewhere else. I love everything about this place: the healthy menu, the coffee, the pastries, and the beautiful patio.
At Indian Gardens, you will find a full coffee bar complete with cappuccino, mocha, espresso, and latte drinks. In addition, everyday a selection of single origin coffee drinks are available. The mocha, available with dairy or a dairy-free alternative, is creamy and delicious: a perfect treat! I also love their Americano: it's the best in Sedona. For non coffee drinkers, a selection of organic teas from Mountain Rose Herbs is available.
The breakfast menu is pretty limited, although you will find most of the usual selections like an eggs your way plate with potatoes and toast, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and smoothies for those with a sweet tooth. My absolute favorite menu item here is the Greens and Grains bowl: I've never found a better breakfast entree anywhere. This healthy dish includes: quinoa, kale, butternut squash, avocado, roasted pumpkin seeds, green chili chimichurri, nutritional yeast, and chili powder, topped with 2 eggs. Mike also loves their breakfast burrito: he has never found one anywhere else that even comes close to the quality here. This burrito includes scrambled eggs, potatoes, jack cheese, and roasted green chilies (you can also make it enchilada style).
Vegetarian and gluten-free selections are clearly marked and the staff has no problems with substitutions including gluten-free toast with breakfast and bread for the lunch sandwiches.
For lunch, you will have your pick amongst a small variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. The Garden Pita, available vegan and gluten-free with a few small substitutions, is a wonderful, filling choice before spending the afternoon in Sedona's great outdoors.
A combination of veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, spinach, and alfalfa sprouts), healthy fats (avocado), feta cheese, and hummus, served on a spinach wrap or on toasted gluten-free bread, was a great pre-hike meal as it did not leave me with an overstuffed feeling.
As a suggestion, serving a few chips alongside the sandwich as opposed to just pickles, would be a great future improvement.
The soup of the day varies. I recommend the delicious Butternut Squash if available, a reminder of the beautiful fall season to come! The creamy butternut squash/apple flavors complimented the veggie sandwich perfectly.
For meat eaters out there, Mike really enjoys the Chicken Pita, a combination of chicken breast, hummus, and veggies with a red wine vinaigrette.
If you are craving a sweet after your meal, check the tempting display counter for today's selection of treats and pastries. The seasonal pumpkin muffin is amazing. Also be sure to try out a piece of organic dark chocolate candy, made locally by Chocolatree Organic Oasis, a popular gluten-free cafe and chocolatier.
The service is always friendly and attentive despite the crowds. Expect a long line on weekends and sometimes a wait to even find a seat on the patio.
Although both indoor and outdoor seating is available, you must take advantage of the gorgeous, shady patio. With all the beautiful trees and birds frequenting the area, it's really too hard to leave. So relaxing and peaceful. The Native American decor is attractive as well. I love the Native American blankets that they put on each seat.
What a relaxing setting before continuing on with your Oak Creek drive and whatever other scenic activities/hikes you have planned in Sedona. Be prepared for crowds on weekends: oftentimes, you will need to wait for a seat if you arrive too late. It's best to visit on a weekday on your first visit.
Indian Gardens is sure to please anyone exploring the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive. The relaxing garden dining area perfectly compliments your scenic drive and relaxing day in Sedona exploring nature. Conveniently located right off the road with great food and great views, there really is no excuse not to try out this local gem. It's my favorite breakfast restaurant in Northern Arizona, hands down. It' also my favorite coffeeshop as they serve the best espresso. And finally, it's also my favorite place to dine alfresco as I just love the serene, shady patio. I highly recommend treating yourself to the Grains and Greens Bowl if you are seeking something healthy and the Burrito if you are looking to fuel up pre-hike.
