Been coming here for a couple years and this place is slowly becoming a disappointment. Bad service and undercooked proteins on multiple separate occasions are the primary reasons why you should not dine here. A few years ago, it seemed that Tinderbox had so much attention to detail and care for their dishes, but now, not so much.I will provide 2 stars for my entire meal being comped by the generous Manager, but something is seriously wrong with this establishment as of late. Don't go here, spend your money for all it's actually worth at Shift, Brix, Atria, or Josephine's.
Karina A.
Tinderbox is so delicious! I love the food & my favorite dish was the mozzarella with beets & arugula!! It was tasty & so satisfying. The CHICKEN was delicious too. Honestly you can't go wrong with any of it! The service was fantastic, everyone was so sweet & helpful & they made my man & I's anniversary a memorable one. The ambiance is beautiful as it is a small place & very intimate setting. Date night is perfect here! We will be back!!
Janet H.
We made reservations for Christmas Eve and had no idea what to expect. WOW!!!! We were blown away. We, my husband and myself, both went with the chefs tasting menu and we loved every course. Exceptional meal!!! Service was impeccable, you never wanted for anything, but never felt rushed. Highly recommend!!!! It's a Devine initiate, small restaurant that ranks one of the best we have ever been to! We can't wait to go back the next time we are in Flagstaff.
Rafael D.
This establishment epitomizes culinary elegance, making it an ideal choice for those in pursuit of a sophisticated dining experience.The evening commenced with a Chef's curated five-course selection. The inaugural dish, a Spring Salad, was a symphony of flavors, featuring honey Dijon dressing, crisp snow peas, roasted tomatoes, and black garlic lavosh. Its simplicity belied its exquisite taste, offering a perfect palate opener.Next, the Alfredo with shrimp and onion pizza presented a modest yet satisfying profile. Although the sauce slightly lacked in depth, it remained a commendable component of the meal.The Smoked Salmon was a masterpiece. The chef's prowess was evident in the harmonious blend of smoky undertones and thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. It was, in a word, sublime.The fourth course featured a Filet Mignon, paired with asparagus and duchess potatoes. The meat was a triumph of seasoning and preparation, boasting a perfectly seared exterior and a succulent interior. The potatoes, creamy and flavorful, were a delightful counterpart.Concluding the meal was a Toffee Cake accompanied by Gelato. This dessert was a balanced fusion of textures and temperatures, offering a satisfying end to the culinary journey with its ideal level of sweetness.The ambiance of the restaurant was both inviting and refined. The staff, especially the bartender, provided exemplary service, treating us with a level of attention that made us feel like royalty.Complementing the meal was an impressive wine selection. A French Bordeaux, in particular, paired exquisitely with each course, enhancing the overall dining experience.In summary, this restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions, or simply for those who cherish classic gastronomy.
Lane W.
It was one the absolute best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was amazing and the ambiance was second to none. Love the small cozy feel of the restaurant and the truly 1 of 1 dining experience this restaurant offers.
Jeanne M.
My son is in a culinary program through his high school and wanted to go somewhere special for his 16th bday. We hopped in the truck and did the three hour drive to Flagstaff and it beyond exceeded our expectations. He got to talk to the chef and was inspired by his approach to his craft. Chef was super down to earth and relatable for a kid. The hostess was very attentive and noticed his culinary shirt and made magic happen. The server was professional and was just the right amount of everything. We all ordered something different and shared. Everything was delicious and contrary to what Chef said about presentation, plated beautifully. Thank for the time you all took to make this a night and a meal he said he would never forget!
Darci Y.
If I could give a 4.5 I would. Consider this review a 4.5 The Tinderbox is only open for dinner. They open promptly at 5. No sooner. If you have a 5pm reservation, expect to get in at 5. The ambiance is that of a former home turned restaurant..very trendy..it has one, one room restroom at the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen. It isn't too loud and has a good volume on music. This was my second visit. The first was for my birthday with my BFF, this time I brought my hubby for his bday.When I came I would have given a 5/5, this visit I was a little disappointed with some of the items. Olive app.. good but not sure it was worth $10.Lobster bruschetta... Oh, my, word... So incredibly good. I could have a whole plate of that. The flavors were spot on, everything blended together to make a delectable appetizer!Quail was also very good. It seemed to have a big more meat this time than last which was nice.In between appetizers and main courses they will bring a pallette cleansing sorbet. Tonight was a cucumber mint... It was okay, but def not something I'd want again. The last time it was a delicious berry one that I could have eaten by the pint!My hubby and I both got the filet mignon. It was ok. I was a little surprised it wasn't more flavorful... Esp. being $50. The broccolini was amazing. I could eat that by itself. The risotto cakes were okay. They lacked flavor and honestly I prefer regular risotto to putting them into a cake with crusted mancheco as the outside. We shared the sticky apple coffee cake. It was delicious! I could have eaten more!I also had a vanilla, oat milk latte. It was probably one of the best lattes I have ever had. The service was also good.. you never had to ask for drink refills and the food came in a timely manner.The first visit we were given a birthday dessert and a birthday drink. It was super nice. They also sign a card and have it at your table. This time we did get a birthday drink but no dessert. There was a card. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant. Some dishes/drinks I would recommend:Lobster bruschettaOven roasted quailDuck two waysDessertLatte
K B
We had dinner here on the recommendations of our friends who live in Sedona and met us here when we were staying in Flagstaff. I could not have been more pleased: excellent food and very friendly professional service. We had duck and trout and a to die for over the top chocolate brownie dessert. In addition, excellent wine selection: we had a delicious French pinot noir.
Carina F.
It has been 12 years since I have been here last, see my previous two-star review. I had been wanting to give them another chance, especially since I know they changed things a bit and per the Yelp reviews, so when I saw they were participating in restaurant week, I thought I'd give it a shot! Barramundi was one of the entrée choices, and I just love a good sea bass! I mentioned it to my husband, but he said "hell no", as he had a horrible experience here before we met. I asked several friends if they wanted to go and they all said they do not like this restaurant, so I decided to make a reservation for myself on an evening where my husband would be back fairly late from Phoenix. I love the cold, but the first thing I noticed was that it was freezing in there, and the two gals at the table beside me were shivering. I mentioned it to the server and she did close the vent. The interior is very dark. The blinds were closed and with the green wall, I felt like I was inside a green-lined coffin! I was happy when they finally pulled up the shades. The music was techno/hip-hop and loud! Very strange for a pricey restaurant like this!For a drink, I ordered the Dorian Gray. That was actually the best part of the meal and my experience here. Now onto my choices from the restaurant week menu: Mussels, Barramundi...this is where we slammed on the brakes. My server told me they do not have Barramundi, even though it was listed on the restaurant week webpage, their website, and on their menu card! The substitute was Steelhead Trout. What kind of a substitute is that? Steelhead trout has more of a likeness to salmon, not sea bass. I did not want the stuffed chicken or the ratatouille, so I went with the trout and chose the Choux Craquelin for dessert. The steamed mussels were decent, but very salty, and the bread was more like sourdough than focaccia crostini. Then they brought a sorbet as a palate cleanser. Not needed, because what was to come, was not good! The Steelhead Trout was completely disappointing! It didn't taste fresh, and again extremely salty. I told the server I did not like it so the manager came over and offered a substitution. I asked what other seafood they have and the only thing they had was lobster bruschetta. I decided to give that a try. This was even more disappointing than the steelhead trout! It was like a Where's Waldo for lobster! There was more bread, corn, and sauce than lobster, and again, what is it with the salt?Raychel asked me if she could get me anything else, and I just wanted to get the dessert and get out! She said the manager would come over again, but he never showed the second time! The Choux Craquelin was decent. I enjoyed the Marcona almond diplomat cream, but again, the ratio of pastry to the actual cream was overwhelming. It also came with brown butter gelato, which was okay.One of the entrées was removed from my bill as the manager promised, but between the two entrées, I didn't eat a full entrée! Then, at 2 AM in the morning, my stomach started rumbling and I was in the restroom for a couple of hours with an unsettled stomach! So, on top of bad food, a minor case of food poisoning! I'm guessing this is why everything is so over seasoned with salt, to cover things up! This experience was an absolute waste of money for a dinner that I did not enjoy, and on top of that, made me sick!Over the next few days, I spoke to several co-workers and clients, and everybody tells me that they do not like Tbox Kitchen! I should've listened to my husband and my friends! I truly do not understand all the good reviews of this place whatsoever! I gave them a second chance, and lesson learned, I will not be back!!!
Dan N
A consistently excellent restaurant in Flagstaff, Tinderbox a little bit of everything right now has never disappointed us. The food is excellent and the presentation is quite good. We have had Vivian weight on our table and visors on Wine’s several times and she is always a plus. Recommended!
OMG this place is incredible. We were so impressed. Probably my favorite spot that we went to while visiting flagstaff. The staff there were the kindest, most welcoming people that right off the bat we we're excited! We tried the mussels, quail, and more and it was just incredible. It was such an elegant, classy spot with reasonable prices. If you're in Flagstaff you have to try this place!
miles c
My wife and I had dinner at the Tinderbox at 7:45pm on August 18th. Our reservation was later than we normally like to eat but as it turned out the timing was perfect. The earlier rush was over and our waitress was very personable and helpful with the menu. To start, we had the Roasted Garlic appetizer--delicious. My wife had the Yukon Potato Gnocchi and she enjoyed every bite. I had the Duck Two Ways and it was delicious also. I had a very nice glass of Pinot Noir by the glass to accompany my duck dish. For dessert, they were offering a new dessert entree and that was an Almond Cream Croissant--it was to die for! A very enjoyable evening; a wonderful dinner and a solid 4+ star restaurant. Highly recommended and we would return.
Wolfgang R
Our last night of our annual hiking week, and - after missing this place due to Covid- we enjoyed a great dinner tonight. From the moment we were greeted by the host to signing the guest book, everything was wonderful. The mozzarella and Brie to start with, mussels to follow…..and there was no room left for more than one large plate. We picked the pork loin! Definitely a great ambience and a place to share different plates.
Mathew M
5 star dining. Excellent service, food , and ambiance. We enjoyed our celebration dinner at Tinderbox. Our waitress was very polite, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our evening special. One of the BEST restaurants in Flagstaff.
Ed S.
Incredible. One of the best meals I've ever had. The duck two ways was awesome. The service was spectacular!
Been coming here for a couple years and this place is slowly becoming a disappointment. Bad service and undercooked proteins on multiple separate occasions are the primary reasons why you should not dine here. A few years ago, it seemed that Tinderbox had so much attention to detail and care for their dishes, but now, not so much.I will provide 2 stars for my entire meal being comped by the generous Manager, but something is seriously wrong with this establishment as of late. Don't go here, spend your money for all it's actually worth at Shift, Brix, Atria, or Josephine's.
Tinderbox is so delicious! I love the food & my favorite dish was the mozzarella with beets & arugula!! It was tasty & so satisfying. The CHICKEN was delicious too. Honestly you can't go wrong with any of it! The service was fantastic, everyone was so sweet & helpful & they made my man & I's anniversary a memorable one. The ambiance is beautiful as it is a small place & very intimate setting. Date night is perfect here! We will be back!!
We made reservations for Christmas Eve and had no idea what to expect. WOW!!!! We were blown away. We, my husband and myself, both went with the chefs tasting menu and we loved every course. Exceptional meal!!! Service was impeccable, you never wanted for anything, but never felt rushed. Highly recommend!!!! It's a Devine initiate, small restaurant that ranks one of the best we have ever been to! We can't wait to go back the next time we are in Flagstaff.
This establishment epitomizes culinary elegance, making it an ideal choice for those in pursuit of a sophisticated dining experience.The evening commenced with a Chef's curated five-course selection. The inaugural dish, a Spring Salad, was a symphony of flavors, featuring honey Dijon dressing, crisp snow peas, roasted tomatoes, and black garlic lavosh. Its simplicity belied its exquisite taste, offering a perfect palate opener.Next, the Alfredo with shrimp and onion pizza presented a modest yet satisfying profile. Although the sauce slightly lacked in depth, it remained a commendable component of the meal.The Smoked Salmon was a masterpiece. The chef's prowess was evident in the harmonious blend of smoky undertones and thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. It was, in a word, sublime.The fourth course featured a Filet Mignon, paired with asparagus and duchess potatoes. The meat was a triumph of seasoning and preparation, boasting a perfectly seared exterior and a succulent interior. The potatoes, creamy and flavorful, were a delightful counterpart.Concluding the meal was a Toffee Cake accompanied by Gelato. This dessert was a balanced fusion of textures and temperatures, offering a satisfying end to the culinary journey with its ideal level of sweetness.The ambiance of the restaurant was both inviting and refined. The staff, especially the bartender, provided exemplary service, treating us with a level of attention that made us feel like royalty.Complementing the meal was an impressive wine selection. A French Bordeaux, in particular, paired exquisitely with each course, enhancing the overall dining experience.In summary, this restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions, or simply for those who cherish classic gastronomy.
It was one the absolute best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was amazing and the ambiance was second to none. Love the small cozy feel of the restaurant and the truly 1 of 1 dining experience this restaurant offers.
My son is in a culinary program through his high school and wanted to go somewhere special for his 16th bday. We hopped in the truck and did the three hour drive to Flagstaff and it beyond exceeded our expectations. He got to talk to the chef and was inspired by his approach to his craft. Chef was super down to earth and relatable for a kid. The hostess was very attentive and noticed his culinary shirt and made magic happen. The server was professional and was just the right amount of everything. We all ordered something different and shared. Everything was delicious and contrary to what Chef said about presentation, plated beautifully. Thank for the time you all took to make this a night and a meal he said he would never forget!
If I could give a 4.5 I would. Consider this review a 4.5 The Tinderbox is only open for dinner. They open promptly at 5. No sooner. If you have a 5pm reservation, expect to get in at 5. The ambiance is that of a former home turned restaurant..very trendy..it has one, one room restroom at the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen. It isn't too loud and has a good volume on music. This was my second visit. The first was for my birthday with my BFF, this time I brought my hubby for his bday.When I came I would have given a 5/5, this visit I was a little disappointed with some of the items. Olive app.. good but not sure it was worth $10.Lobster bruschetta... Oh, my, word... So incredibly good. I could have a whole plate of that. The flavors were spot on, everything blended together to make a delectable appetizer!Quail was also very good. It seemed to have a big more meat this time than last which was nice.In between appetizers and main courses they will bring a pallette cleansing sorbet. Tonight was a cucumber mint... It was okay, but def not something I'd want again. The last time it was a delicious berry one that I could have eaten by the pint!My hubby and I both got the filet mignon. It was ok. I was a little surprised it wasn't more flavorful... Esp. being $50. The broccolini was amazing. I could eat that by itself. The risotto cakes were okay. They lacked flavor and honestly I prefer regular risotto to putting them into a cake with crusted mancheco as the outside. We shared the sticky apple coffee cake. It was delicious! I could have eaten more!I also had a vanilla, oat milk latte. It was probably one of the best lattes I have ever had. The service was also good.. you never had to ask for drink refills and the food came in a timely manner.The first visit we were given a birthday dessert and a birthday drink. It was super nice. They also sign a card and have it at your table. This time we did get a birthday drink but no dessert. There was a card. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant. Some dishes/drinks I would recommend:Lobster bruschettaOven roasted quailDuck two waysDessertLatte
We had dinner here on the recommendations of our friends who live in Sedona and met us here when we were staying in Flagstaff. I could not have been more pleased: excellent food and very friendly professional service. We had duck and trout and a to die for over the top chocolate brownie dessert. In addition, excellent wine selection: we had a delicious French pinot noir.
It has been 12 years since I have been here last, see my previous two-star review. I had been wanting to give them another chance, especially since I know they changed things a bit and per the Yelp reviews, so when I saw they were participating in restaurant week, I thought I'd give it a shot! Barramundi was one of the entrée choices, and I just love a good sea bass! I mentioned it to my husband, but he said "hell no", as he had a horrible experience here before we met. I asked several friends if they wanted to go and they all said they do not like this restaurant, so I decided to make a reservation for myself on an evening where my husband would be back fairly late from Phoenix. I love the cold, but the first thing I noticed was that it was freezing in there, and the two gals at the table beside me were shivering. I mentioned it to the server and she did close the vent. The interior is very dark. The blinds were closed and with the green wall, I felt like I was inside a green-lined coffin! I was happy when they finally pulled up the shades. The music was techno/hip-hop and loud! Very strange for a pricey restaurant like this!For a drink, I ordered the Dorian Gray. That was actually the best part of the meal and my experience here. Now onto my choices from the restaurant week menu: Mussels, Barramundi...this is where we slammed on the brakes. My server told me they do not have Barramundi, even though it was listed on the restaurant week webpage, their website, and on their menu card! The substitute was Steelhead Trout. What kind of a substitute is that? Steelhead trout has more of a likeness to salmon, not sea bass. I did not want the stuffed chicken or the ratatouille, so I went with the trout and chose the Choux Craquelin for dessert. The steamed mussels were decent, but very salty, and the bread was more like sourdough than focaccia crostini. Then they brought a sorbet as a palate cleanser. Not needed, because what was to come, was not good! The Steelhead Trout was completely disappointing! It didn't taste fresh, and again extremely salty. I told the server I did not like it so the manager came over and offered a substitution. I asked what other seafood they have and the only thing they had was lobster bruschetta. I decided to give that a try. This was even more disappointing than the steelhead trout! It was like a Where's Waldo for lobster! There was more bread, corn, and sauce than lobster, and again, what is it with the salt?Raychel asked me if she could get me anything else, and I just wanted to get the dessert and get out! She said the manager would come over again, but he never showed the second time! The Choux Craquelin was decent. I enjoyed the Marcona almond diplomat cream, but again, the ratio of pastry to the actual cream was overwhelming. It also came with brown butter gelato, which was okay.One of the entrées was removed from my bill as the manager promised, but between the two entrées, I didn't eat a full entrée! Then, at 2 AM in the morning, my stomach started rumbling and I was in the restroom for a couple of hours with an unsettled stomach! So, on top of bad food, a minor case of food poisoning! I'm guessing this is why everything is so over seasoned with salt, to cover things up! This experience was an absolute waste of money for a dinner that I did not enjoy, and on top of that, made me sick!Over the next few days, I spoke to several co-workers and clients, and everybody tells me that they do not like Tbox Kitchen! I should've listened to my husband and my friends! I truly do not understand all the good reviews of this place whatsoever! I gave them a second chance, and lesson learned, I will not be back!!!
A consistently excellent restaurant in Flagstaff, Tinderbox a little bit of everything right now has never disappointed us. The food is excellent and the presentation is quite good. We have had Vivian weight on our table and visors on Wine’s several times and she is always a plus. Recommended!
Restaurantji Recommends
OMG this place is incredible. We were so impressed. Probably my favorite spot that we went to while visiting flagstaff. The staff there were the kindest, most welcoming people that right off the bat we we're excited! We tried the mussels, quail, and more and it was just incredible. It was such an elegant, classy spot with reasonable prices. If you're in Flagstaff you have to try this place!
My wife and I had dinner at the Tinderbox at 7:45pm on August 18th. Our reservation was later than we normally like to eat but as it turned out the timing was perfect. The earlier rush was over and our waitress was very personable and helpful with the menu. To start, we had the Roasted Garlic appetizer--delicious. My wife had the Yukon Potato Gnocchi and she enjoyed every bite. I had the Duck Two Ways and it was delicious also. I had a very nice glass of Pinot Noir by the glass to accompany my duck dish. For dessert, they were offering a new dessert entree and that was an Almond Cream Croissant--it was to die for! A very enjoyable evening; a wonderful dinner and a solid 4+ star restaurant. Highly recommended and we would return.
Our last night of our annual hiking week, and - after missing this place due to Covid- we enjoyed a great dinner tonight. From the moment we were greeted by the host to signing the guest book, everything was wonderful. The mozzarella and Brie to start with, mussels to follow…..and there was no room left for more than one large plate. We picked the pork loin! Definitely a great ambience and a place to share different plates.
5 star dining. Excellent service, food , and ambiance. We enjoyed our celebration dinner at Tinderbox. Our waitress was very polite, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our evening special. One of the BEST restaurants in Flagstaff.
Incredible. One of the best meals I've ever had. The duck two ways was awesome. The service was spectacular!