109 E. Phoenix Ave.
(Off of S. San Francisco St.)
779-0106
M - Sat. 11 - 2 pm, 3 - 9 pm
Closed Sundays
Cuzco is a cute place tucked back off San Francisco St. south of the train tracks and around the corner from Dara Thai. It feels like entering a foreign country. Decorated with Peruvian handicraft items and crisp tablecloths with carnations in vases, Cuzco creates a comfortable atmosphere. A very clean bathroom is a plus.
Cuzco is small with only about 8 or 10 tables, so there can be a wait for dinner. Go around the corner to Mia's for a cocktail while you wait. (Cuzco is currently waiting on their liquor license.)
Start your meal with the previously mentioned "Best Soup in Flagstaff": Aguadito de Pollo (cilantro chicken soup). At $8, it seems expensive, but the portion is so generous it is a starter to share at the table or to have as a meal on its own. The Chupe de Camerones (creamy shrimp soup) is great too. The complimentary starter of roasted Incan giant corn kernels with a spicy chile sauce is a treat.
Salads need a little sprucing up. Made primarily of iceberg lettuce, most diners these days prefer more substantial greens.
Cuzco offers an array of entrees moderately priced, but with huge portions (enough to share or for a second meal), that will suit everyone's tastes. From roasted chicken, a small selection of Mexican cuisine, to Mexican-style skirt steak with spaghetti noodles, it's all delicious even though the names might not be familiar. Especially try the stir fry dishes - Arroz Chaufa del Mariscos (seafood), Arroz Chaufa de Carne (steak) or de Pollo (chicken) - all better than any Chinese stir fry I've had it town.
Be adventurous and order a South American soda. The Chicha Morada sounds strange (Inca purple corn with pineapple and apple juices) but is so tasty and would be a great vodka mixer!
Service is friendly and they are eager to explain any item on the menu to you. Service during the meal though can be slow and the kitchen needs to get used to the busier pace with more and more customers coming in lately. It seems that they plate one meal at a time, which makes for a delicious meal, but is overall too slow. Plan to go for a leisurely but highly enjoyable meal.
