8 Perfectly Western Themed Restaurants In Arizona That Will Transport You Through Time
By Monica Spencer|Published November 14, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Arizona is well-known for its Western history and reliving those experiences doesn’t stop at the museum or ghost town. You’ll find that even some of our restaurants take advantage of this history and create themed environments that feel like you might be taking a step back in time. Others are just places to grab a couple of drinks and get some two-stepping in, something you don’t see many people doing these days. If either of these two scenarios sound like something you want to check out, see a few of our suggestions below to get you started.
A Tombstone mainstay since the 1880s, this saloon was once owned and operated by Mary Katherine Horony-Cummings, better known as Big Nose Kate and the common-law wife of Doc Holliday. These days, it’s a place to get a wide variety of meals and hear live music.
Cottonwood and other towns in the Verde Valley maintain some of their Western charm but if you’re looking for something a little more interactive, check out this Old West replica town that hosts live shows to round out the experience. One of the experiences you’ll have here includes dining from their chuckwagon! You can enjoy a meal that includes ribs, beans, and a prickly pear coleslaw.
This historic saloon has been operating for 110 years now. The brothel portion of the saloon is no longer operating but you can still get a meal and drinks here while even hearing some live music in the evenings.
Sitting at the base of the Superstition Mountains, this little small replica of a Western town includes the Mining Camp Restaurant where you can enjoy a family-style meal with live, Western-themed entertainment.
Address: 6100 East Mining Camp Street, Apache Junction
If the West reminds you of a relaxing, casual atmosphere, that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Remove your work tie (or risk having it cut off!), grab a seat, and enjoy a mouthwatering steak.
Another replica of a Western town, Rawhide is a miniature theme park near Wild Horse Pass Casino that thrives on a romanticized view of history. The restaurant here specializes in barbeque and steaks but you can find a variety of meals to satisfy your palate and diet.
Located in Arizona’s "most Western town," the Rusty Spur Saloon is a cowboy bar and saloon where you can find a tasty meal of Mexican and American foods. Grab a table here and enjoy some live music to go along with your dinner.