11 Hometown Restaurants In Arizona That Will Take You Back In Time
By Monica Spencer|Published November 02, 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.
No matter how you cut it, it’s always those little hometown mainstays that are the best places to eat. Most have a deep-rooted history that spans decades (in some cases, centuries) or are able to perfectly mimic your favorite decade while serving food that doesn’t taste like it’s been sitting under the heat lamp for years. Here are a few of our favorites that always manage to serve a great meal with an equally amazing experience.
One of the oldest standing saloons in Arizona, the Crystal Palace thrives on its historic status along Tombstone’s Allen Street and a vision of the Old West. The interior looks similar to its 1880s photos and you’ll occasionally find employees dressed in saloon-style outfits.
This iconic steakhouse in central Phoenix is local favorite for its generous portions and old school vibe that will take you back a few decades. The décor is rich in leather and deep red hues, while the food is absolutely delicious.
Want to be transported to a completely different location? A meal at George & Dragon, especially during soccer games or the World Cup, will certainly do that! Reminiscent of a London pub, you’ll find most of your favorite English dishes here. Grab a pint and enjoy it with a plate of bangers and mash or some fish and chips.
Tiki bars were all the rage following World War II and it seems like they’re starting to regain popularity. You’ll find the ‘50s era décor to be on point and the island-style food to be just as good.
You won’t find many traditional soda fountains around the state, so a visit to this restaurant will definitely feel like a blast from the past. You can get a sandwich with a malt shake, an egg cream, or other retro drink.
Want to get a feeling of eating in the Old West? While the reality was more grimy and less delicious than you would like it to be, you can get a romanticized experience at the Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction. Sitting near the base of the Superstition Mountains, the restaurant serves tasty meals with a dinner show in a family-style setting.
Address: 6100 East Mining Camp Street, Apache Junction
Once the favorite of some pretty famous lawmen you might recognize from Tombstone, this saloon dates to the 1870s. You can enjoy steaks, drinks, and some occasional period-style entertainment to take you back to Arizona’s Old West days.
Take a trip back 60 years by dining at this soda fountain in Williams. The restaurant not only has plenty of ‘50s era memorabilia but also delicious food and drinks like egg creams that you might not find outside of a soda fountain.
This German restaurant feels like you’ll be transported right back into an Old World restaurant with its wood-heavy décor and the mouthwatering meals served here. Try out the jager schnitzel with a tall glass of beer to round out the experience.
Love the ambiance of the mid-century era? You’ll find that the entire hotel is rich in this iconic décor and the ZuZu restaurant has an especially beautiful look, plus the food is fantastic!
Address: 6850 East Main Street, Scottsdale
If you’ve visited any of these restaurants, be sure to let us know what you thought of the experience! Do you have any other favorite places that somehow manage to take you back in time?