Welcome to Creekside Tavern
Creekside Tavern is a charming eatery located at 1520 E Christopher Creek Loop in Payson, AZ. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this quaint lodge offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family outings or a relaxing meal after a hike. Renowned for its fresh, made-to-order dishes, patrons rave about the generous portions, from the fully loaded nachos to the delectable Beast Burger and crispy fries. With friendly service and a variety of indoor and outdoor seating, including dog-friendly options, Creekside Tavern provides an exceptional dining experience that keeps customers returning, making it a must-visit destination in the area.
- 1520 E Christopher Creek Loop, Payson, AZ 85541, United States Hotline: +1 928-478-4557
Welcome to Creekside Tavern, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Payson, Arizona. Located at 1520 E Christopher Creek Loop, this delightful tavern is more than just a pit stop—it's a culinary experience that beckons all food lovers, especially those seeking a cozy and inviting atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Right from the outset, the charm of Creekside Tavern is evident. As you step into this quaint lodge, you are greeted by friendly staff, ready to serve you delicious food made to order. The ambiance is relaxed and warm, ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to escape into a serene environment while enjoying a hearty meal. Patrons can choose to sit indoors or bask in the beauty of the outdoors, perfect for dining with your four-legged friends by your side.
One of the standout highlights of Creekside Tavern is their generous portion sizes that guarantee satisfaction. Customers rave about favorites like the Nachos, which come fully loaded and are perfect for sharing. The Beast Burger, described as "incredible" by happy diners, exemplifies the focus on quality ingredients and flavors. And let's not forget their expertly crafted Old Fashioneds, which add a perfect touch to the dining experience.
The variety on the menu ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer like the Sampler Platter or a hearty meal. Diners express their delight in how the dishes come fresh and bursting with flavor, making the journey to this out-of-the-way tavern well worth it. With reviews highlighting the fried offerings even being gentle on sensitive stomachs, it’s clear that Creekside Tavern delivers on both taste and comfort.
Moreover, the surrounding wildlife only enhances your dining experience. Visitors appreciate the tranquil setting, and many have expressed a desire to return for more than just a meal—some even plan to stay nearby for a weekend getaway. The outdoor seating by the fire pit creates a magical dining atmosphere, especially during cool evenings, adding another layer of appeal to the overall experience.
In a world where finding places that excel in both food quality and service can be challenging, Creekside Tavern stands out as a beacon of delightful dining. As echoed by guests like Cassandra Boris, the tavern is a wonderful spot to create lasting memories, be it for a casual lunch with friends or a significant milestone like a wedding celebration in the beautiful Payson hills.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, I urge you to make a stop at Creekside Tavern. The combination of superb service, delicious dishes, and stunning surroundings will leave you eager for your next visit!

Cute little spot. The service was great and food was fresh and made to order.

got the nachos and the sampler platter for the three of use and could not finish it! Hot and yummy, so worth the money! bring your appetite the portions were much bigger then i expected and we filled up without ordering a meal. will have to come back again for sure.

This place was amazing! We started off with the Nachos, it comes fully loaded on baking sheet and was delicious. I had the Beast Burger, which was incredible. The Old Fashioneds were also on point. The staff was great, the atmosphere is a cozy, quaint lodge. Everything was perfect. It was a 20 min drive from Payson and well worth the trip! We will definitely be back.

I can't recommend Creekside Tavern enough! We've visited a few times and enjoyed every experience. The food is absolutely delicious, and despite having my gallbladder removed, I can happily say I have no issues with their fried dishes, which is rare for me. The service is always friendly and welcoming, making each visit special. I appreciate the outdoor seating, perfect for those who want to bring their dogs along, as well as the variety of seating options available indoors. We're also excited to be hosting our wedding here in Halloween 2026! It’s always a joy to make the two-hour drive to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and this fantastic tavern. Plus, the prices are incredibly reasonable for the generous portions you receive. I can't wait for our next visit!

We absolutely loved this place! My burger was cooked perfectly to order and seasoned nicely. The reuben also had a very good flavor! The staff was friendly and checked on us frequently enough. Driving through? Definitely stop here! Wildlife was beautiful, as well

Drove up there to have lunch with my daughters. Was so peaceful. We ate outside by the fire pit, surrounded by trees. Food was really good. Our waitress was very sweet. Loved every bit of our visit. Will have to book a cabin and stay the weekend!

A pleasant surprise just off highway 260. Stopped for lunch and discovered a quaint atmosphere @6800 ft, fresh food, great service! Highly recommended.

I was hoping for a good local meal after a long hike and this place did not disappoint! Believe the reviews about the food. We order a burger and firehouse chicken sandwich and they were both so juicy and flavorful. The fries are uniquely crispy and seasoned and you are given a side of ranch. The atmosphere outdoors is welcoming and scenic. Mo provided wonderful service and made the experience even better it’s hard to find places with good food and service these days and this place is it!