Five Interstate Restaurants in Tucson for Rustic Western Fare
In a dark room with flickering neon lights and pool tables, a server with her hair pulled back who doesn’t make eye contact with you asks you what you’ll have and refers to you strictly as “darlin’.” There’s a table in the corner surrounded by suspicious men, looking like they’re planning a bank robbery. On the table between them sits monstrous-sized meals ordered from ketchup-stained menus. Beef ribs, peach pie, and a jumbo rib-eye they call “Big Mo,” demanding attention like a well-placed centerpiece.
It’s the making of a scene right out of a modern western such as “Hell or High Water,” “No Country for Old Men,” or “Wind River.” Yet it’s also the backdrop at some of the most beloved Arizona joints for American cuisine.
It’s no surprise that some of the best-kept food secrets of any city are in the dusty dives where deep character and cryptic decor tell the story of a region’s history. At the end of the day, however, the food is always the real hero.
Tucson is no exception when it comes to unassuming restaurants that serve up classic American favorites. Often found along the side of the highway or off the beaten path, these local haunts are tried and true for a good reason. While the list was long and difficult to narrow down, we’ve selected five well-worn eateries full of dubious patrons and not-so-dubious dinners that will satisfy your desire for authentic American fare.
The Triple T Truck Stop - Southeast Tucson
This iconic spot along I-10 in Southeast Tucson opened in 1954 but moved to its current location in 1966 where it was once one of the largest truck stops west of the Mississippi. What originated as a place to do laundry, grab a quick bite, and browse the humble clothing shop has transformed into 22 acres that include a huge gift shop, truck and RV wash, hotel, and more.
More specific to our conversation, you haven’t tasted a deep-dish pie until you’ve eaten at the on-site restaurant, Omar’s Hi-Way Chef. Featured as the No. 2 Best Truck Stop in the country by the Food Network, the menu places a high emphasis on 24-hour breakfast options with the selection of a diversified American bistro. But that’s not what people drive more than 100 miles to eat here: That would be the deep-dish hot apple pie with ice cream. If you leave this place hungry, it’s your own fault.
Circle S Saloon - Marana
In the Rancho Del Sol Lindo neighborhood of Marana, you’ll find a quaint spot for late night food, memorable happy hours, and classic bar games. Family owned and operated since 1982, Circle S Saloon offers weekly pool tournaments and karaoke as well as an ambience that needs to be experienced.
The nightly specials bring in the crowds from nearby Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson. Though you can’t go wrong with Hamburger Mondays, they are most celebrated for their famous Taco Sundays. The restaurant isn’t big but you’ll always find lots of motorcycles, trucks, and off-road vehicles lining the dusty parking lot for a taste of the “local phenomenon.” Making over 1,000 tacos in one night, these people mean business when it comes to shredded or ground beef, pork, or chicken tacos. The best part is the price: You can get three tacos for two bucks.
The Silver Saddle Steakhouse - South Tucson
The Silver Saddle is a rustic restaurant all about bounteous portions. Found along Benson Highway in South Tucson, this popular spot for road warriors looking for a hearty meal is perfect for steak lovers. Their brick mesquite wood grill adds a smokey flavor and an undeniable reason why it was named one of the 10 best steakhouses in the state by Best Things Arizona.
Sky Rider Cafe - Gladden Farms
Five miles west of I-10 off of Ava Valley Road at the Marana Regional Airport, this Gladden Farms cafe is a humble breakfast spot. Established in 1982, the Sky Rider Cafe offers a variety of hearty options. Not much about the food suggests anyone is watching their figure here, but the real draw is located just outside the windows.
Pilots fly in from multiple states and come over to sip coffee while admiring the exotic planes that take off and land all day long. The walls are lined with aviation memorabilia, but you’ll also usually be able to spot a cowboy or two in the crowd.
Classic Spaghetti Steakhouse - North Tucson
Classic Spaghetti Steakhouse is a slight veer from the Interstate at 1535 N. Stone Ave. in North Tucson. Though the menu is mostly Italian-American fare, the word “steakhouse” is in the name for a reason. Get your fill of pasta and meats from the grill with decadent add-ons like bone marrow compound butter and sauteed bacon and mushrooms.
To get a sense of the restaurant’s motif, one only has to look on their website where a picture of Clint Eastwood from “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly” says it all. Be prepared to enter an homage to spaghetti westerns and practice your best side-eye while checking out the impressive menu.