THE FOODIST / WHAT WE FOUND ON THE WAY THROUGH COTTONWOOD, AZ…

Bing's

QUAINTER THAN SEDONA. BETTER LOOKING THAN JEROME AZ.

Sometimes the best part of a road trip isn’t the destination — it’s the treasures you find when you’re not looking for them. Cottonwood, in the heart of Arizona’s Verde Valley, has long been a crossroads town — the route between Sedona’s red rocks, Jerome’s ghost-town grit, and the rolling vineyards nearby. But lately, it’s been making a case to be more than just a pass-through. 

Main Street hums with cafés, antique shops, and tasting rooms. The Verde River runs green through the desert, feeding cottonwoods that gave the town its name. Hills nearby hide ancient Sinagua ruins, while the surrounding valley pours some of Arizona’s best wine. And for travelers just passing through, there’s a roadside classic that makes hitting the brakes worth it. 

 Bing’s Café: A Retro Roadside Classic 

You can’t fill your tank at the gleaming antique Gilmore pumps out front, but you can fuel up your tummy at Bing’s Café — a lovingly restored 1940s Atlantic Richfield gas station turned into a shrine to mid-century Americana. Owners Brent and Kara Knowlton have created a warm, nostalgic space filled with vintage service-station memorabilia — metal and glass oil cans, porcelain signs, and black-and-white photos of early road travel. 

Outside, a fire-engine-red 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe sedan looks ready to roll. The menu leans classic diner: hand-shaped burgers, grilled cheese, fresh-cut fries, and bottled sodas you haven’t seen in decades. 

You build your burger your way — 17 topping choices from avocado to bacon, plus eight sauces, including the secret “Bing Sauce” and a smoky chipotle avocado ranch. And the milkshakes? Old-school thick, made with real ice cream. Go malted if you like, or stir in candy or cereal mix-ins for an indulgent throwback. 

Travelers rave. 

One recent diner put it best: “This spot is a legit gem… Instead of pumping gas, they’re now fueling hungry adventurers like me with seriously satisfying food. My burger was cooked to perfection — juicy, flavorful, and held together beautifully in its sturdy bun. No mess, just goodness.” 

Bing’s a quick trip back in time, served on a sturdy plate. 

SIDEBAR: 6 Reasons to Stop in Cottonwood 

1. Historic Old Town – Restored brick storefronts, antique shops, boutiques, and wine-tasting rooms. Walkable, charming, and the perfect blend of old and new. 

2. Verde Valley Wine Country – Cottonwood sits in the heart of one of Arizona’s most surprising wine regions. Local tasting rooms pour award-winning reds and crisp whites grown in the high desert. 

3. Tuzigoot National Monument – Just outside town, this ancient Sinagua pueblo ruin offers sweeping views of the Verde River and a tangible link to the region’s deep history. 

4. Ay Chihuahua, West Side of Main – Solid pick for authentically flavored Mexican food in a relaxed, neon, fun environment—especially if you're into tasty margaritas, friendly service, and don’t mind a bit of vibrant energy when the cafe switches to a pub environment without notice. 

5. Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria – Just off Main Street, this sleek new tasting room pairs panoramic views of the Verde Valley with pours from some of the area’s most promising vintners — the perfect sunset stop. 

6. Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar – Known for hearty plates and bottomless coffee, this lively breakfast and brunch spot draws locals and travelers alike. Try the green chile omelet or cinnamon-swirl pancakes before you hit the road. 

 

Whether you come for a burger at Bing’s, a glass of Verde Valley wine at hilltop Merkin's, a hearty breakfast at Crema or Mexican cuisine and plates of atmosphere

 at Ay Chihuahua, Cottonwood has a way of turning a quick stop into a stop well spent — and probably your best highlight to or from Sedona AZ.