3 Best Restaurants in Navajo Nation East, Northeast Arizona

The westernmost branch of the beloved New Mexico chain of old-school burger joints is technically in the Land of Enchantment (i.e., New Mexico) but just a few hundred feet over the Arizona state line, and within walking distance of the Quality Inn and Window Rock museums. Blake's began in 1952 in Albuquerque and enjoys a cult following for its Angus-beef green-chile cheeseburgers, seasoned fries, breakfast burritos, and milkshakes.

The lobby restaurant at Chinle's Holiday Inn is low-key, a bit lacking in natural light, and rather ordinary, but people come here because it is one of the area's only non–fast food dining options. You can count on well-prepared Navajo and American fare, such as frybread topped with chili and cheese, but be prepared for slow service and no alcohol. It's a reliable—if unspectacular—choice for dinner. It also sells a box lunch.

Across the parking lot from the Best Western Canyon de Chelly Inn, this sun-filled, airy dining room with cream-color walls, a long granite counter, and a mix of attractive booths and tables has a cheerier feel than any other restaurant in town. Specialties include posole and sheepherder's sandwiches (a tortilla or fry bread stuffed with steak, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, chiles, and tomatoes).