The Unique Restaurant Inspired By Arizona’s Mining History Belongs On Your Bucket List

Update: The Mining Camp Restaurant was destroyed in a fire on July 25, 2017. There are plans to eventually rebuild but the owners have not provided a date.

Mining in Arizona has a long, tumultuous history. It grew towns, busted towns, caused mayhem, ended lives, and made some people ridiculously rich. Learning about the experience in museums and on tours can be fascinating, spooky, and even a bit depressing when you learn about the realities of living in a mining town, especially at the turn of the 20th-century.

If you are looking for a more lighthearted experience that you can share with your family, then you'll want to check out this little central Arizona restaurant that has been serving meals and happy customers since 1961!

The Mining Camp Restaurant, located on the outskirts of Apache Junction and a short distance away from the base of the mountains, takes advantage of that history and the Western culture that continues to live here.

The restaurant and its buildings are fashioned to look like a tiny Western town, complete with wooden buildings, wagons, and mining-related tools around the property. Meanwhile, the Superstitions were home to several mining operations and, most notably, the home of the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. This area makes for a pretty view and a fascinating history.

From the start of Apache Trail, you'll turn onto a little street that will take you right up to this fantastic view.

Upon entering the restaurant, you'll see rows of tables lining the restaurant and seats defined by their tin dishes.

The decor is minimal, but you'll find old mining-style lamps lining the walls and other decorations that call to a more rural lifestyle.

Every meal is served family style and your party will receive a nice variety of dishes. This includes a platter of BBQ ribs, roast chicken, and ham with green beans, baked beans, coleslaw, potatoes, and rolls.

Wash it down with a cold glass of prickly pear lemonade!

In the spring months, you can enjoy live entertainment with acts that include bluegrass, fiddling, and Western music.

When you're finished eating, you can even stop by the little on-site gift shop that sells all kinds of unique jewelry, clothing, and trinkets.

Not in the mood for a big family-style meal? You can order an individual entree off the menu. Additionally, the Dutchman's Hideout is located on the same property if you're craving a burger or steak instead.

And for those looking to host an event, they have you covered! You can rent out the barn for a rustic wedding, family reunion, or other event that you don't want to forget.

The Mining Camp Restaurant is located at 6100 East Mining Camp Street in Apache Junction. You can find details about the restaurant’s menu, hours, and entertainment by visiting their website or Facebook page.

If you want to check out more fantastic restaurants around Arizona, be sure to read up on some other favorites in 11 Unsuspecting Restaurants In Arizona With Food So Good It Should Be Illegal.