Drive southwest past Kitt Peak and the bulbous clouds shaped like marching snails, and you get to Sells, a little town that's capital of the Tohono O'Odham Nation. There aren't many restaurants open, but head over to the Shell gas station and you might see people eating out on the patio, behind the sign that says "Thirsty Thursdays, all fountain drinks 79 cents."
The Shell Diner is owned and staffed by the town's residents, who have developed the menu together. It's a mixture of cheeseburgers and diner foods, but the place sure does make a mean Indian taco. Their dough is a work of art — thick, yet super fluffy and crispy golden brown — smeared with a refried beans and chunky ground beef. A substantial meal, and boy, is it a treat!
Insider's tip: The gas station is changing out its pumps right now. So if you want gas, you have to go to the nearby Sells Gas Service Station on Indian Route 19.
Location: Highway 86, milepost 112
Phone: 520-383-8778
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., hours vary
Payment: accepts debit and credit
