Tucson - American Southwest - page 373

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Kids Cowboy Steakhouses

Cowboy steakhouses are family restaurants that generally provide big portions
of grilled steaks and barbecued ribs, as well as entertainment such as live coun-
try music. They tend to be touristy, but they're generally a big hit with the
kids.
Located in Trail Dust Town (p. 383), a Wild West-themed shopping, dining,
and family entertainment center, Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, 6541 E. Tanque
Verde Rd. ( & 520/296-0911 ), specializes in family dining in a fun cowboy
atmosphere. Stroll the wooden sidewalks past the opera house and saloon to
the grand old dining rooms of the restaurant. Once through the doors, you'll be
surprised at the authenticity of the place, which really does resemble a dining
room in Old Tombstone or Dodge City. Be prepared for crowds—this place is
very popular with tour buses. Oh, and by the way, wear a necktie into this place
and it will be cut off! Main courses run $8 to $20.
Owned by the same folks who run Tucson's Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, El
Corral Restaurant, at 2201 E. River Rd. ( & 520/299-6092 ), is another inexpen-
sive and atmospheric steakhouse. Good prime rib and cheap prices have made
this place hugely popular with retirees and families. The restaurant doesn't
accept reservations, so expect long lines. Inside, the hacienda building has a
genuine old-timey feeling, with flagstone floors and wood paneling that make
it dark and cozy. You'll pay $9 to $19 for a complete dinner here.

12

WEST TUCSON, ORO VALLEY & MARANA
Expensive
Harvest Restaurant NEW AMERICAN This restaurant, affiliated with both
the Grill at Hacienda del Sol and Tucson's two Zona 78s, emphasizes fresh, local, seasonal
ingredients and is a good bet if you are staying in the northwest foothills area. The
empanadas, which have a lusciously flaky crust and come with a tangy chimichurri sauce,
are absolutely delicious. Likewise, if you want a great burger, this is the place. Keep an
eye out for unusual fish entrees such as pan-seared arctic char with toasted orzo. The
attention to ingredients also extends to the cocktail menu, which features seasonal drinks
made with fresh-squeezed juices.
10355 N. La Cañada Dr., Ste. 141. & 520/731-1100. www.marketrg.com. Reservations recommended.
Main courses $9-$14 lunch, $15-$29 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 5-9pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat-Sun
11:30am-3pm and 5-10pm.
McClintock's NEW AMERICAN For classic western ranch atmosphere, there
simply is no place else in Arizona to compare with this restaurant inside the exclusive
Saguaro Ranch housing development. When you arrive at the development gate, you'll
even be escorted through the development to the restaurant. Be sure to make a reserva-
tion that will let you sit on the restaurant's veranda and watch the sun go down over the
rugged saguaro-covered hills. The view is gorgeous. As often as possible, dishes are made
with natural or organic ingredients, and the pastas and steaks are highlights. You'll find
McClintock's at the north end of Thornydale Road (north of Tangerine Rd.).