Posted in Arizona October 20, 2018 by

This Delicious Restaurant On A Rural Country Road In Arizona Is A Hidden Culinary Gem

We’re all about our small-town restaurants in Arizona. There’s just something about fresh, local ingredients, welcoming faces, and a charming atmosphere that big city chain eateries can never compare to. Old County Inn checks all of those boxes and definitely warrants a visit next time you’re in the Pine area.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Old County Inn is hidden along Highway 87 and it's hard to believe such a remote place is just two hours away from Phoenix.
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Hungry diners often stop by after exploring the nearby Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
With seating room for only 20 patrons inside, most people opt to dine on the patio.
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A live band is almost always playing and the upbeat yet laid-back ambiance is perfect for families.
Though owner Michael Dahling worked as a corporate chef for decades, he gave up the security of a steady gig to pursue his true passion: serving up delicious, homemade food in a restaurant all his own.
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His culinary background definitely paid off! Innovative dishes like craft beer-infused cheese with house-made breadsticks for dipping put a delicious twist on traditional Italian food, and customers can’t get enough of it.
The menu here is pretty simple. Only nine different pizzas are offered, allowing the kitchen staff to ensure every last detail is perfect.
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Shown above is a simple white pizza with three cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and Italian parsley.
For all you meat lovers, the Crowd Favorite is bound to be your favorite, as it’s piled high with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
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Other unique pie toppings include clams, cilantro-serrano pesto, and even wood-fire roasted pork. You can taste the freshness of each homemade ingredient in every bite.
The deliciousness doesn’t end there. Head next door to The Taproom, where you’ll find an extensive selection of on-tap local craft beers and wines, as well as whiskey, bourbon, rye, and scotch.
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The full restaurant menu is served here, so you can stay in one place for both food drink without interrupting conversations to move locations.
Adorned with artwork from Pine's unique antique shops, the atmosphere is cozy as can be.
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Plenty of folks with stories to tell saunter in off the backcountry roads, and these bar stools were designed for strangers to bond over a few drinks.
Whether you choose a fancy cocktail or a simple glass of vino to accompany your meal, you’re sure to find something to please every palate.
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All of the drinks here come from renowned Arizona breweries, and even the fruit juices and simple syrups are made in-house!
It isn't every day that you see riders on horseback passing by a place of business, but this just shows how rural the town of Pine truly is.
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Maybe Old Country Inn should consider putting up a hitching post outside the restaurant!
You'll find this culinary gem at 3502 N Hwy. 87, Pine, AZ 85544.
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When the aroma of pizza is so strong that elk are lined up to get their share, you'll know you've arrived!

Have you ever eaten at Old County Inn? What other small-town restaurants in Arizona should everyone try at least once? Let us know your favorites!

Address: 3502 N Hwy. 87, Pine, AZ 85544