Hammbone’s: Southern-style ‘Meat & Three’ to Open on the East Side

C.J. Hamm, a so-called Swiss Army Knife here in the community who co-owns Mulligans, co-operates Saguaro Corners, and is a writer who has a way with words, both approachable and heartfelt, is opening a new “meat and three” restaurant to the Old Pueblo.

Hamm’s newest concept, Hammbone‘s, is making its debut to the public on Monday, September 23 at 2027 S. Craycroft Rd., which is right next to the longstanding Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant.

“It’s a comforting, customizable meal that reflects Southern hospitality and home-style cooking,” said Hamm.

Usually served in casual, cafeteria-style restaurants, a “meat and three” is a Southern-style dining tradition where you choose one meat and three side dishes from a selection of home-cooked options. Meats include classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, or pork chops, while sides range from collard greens and mac and cheese to mashed potatoes and cornbread.

“The thought behind the concept derives from my trips to the South and my experiences with meat-and-three’s, coupled with the current financial and restaurant climate,” Hamm added. “Here in Tucson, we have very few options for affordable family-style meals.”

Here’s how it works at Hammbone’s:

Order an entree and pick three sides. Or, if you’re not as hungry, they offer an entree-and-two-sides option and an entree-and-one-side option. Every meal comes with a choice of bread (cornbread, Pullman slice, biscuit, or dinner roll).

Fountain soft drinks, iced tea, Texas sweet tea, and their own Kool-Aid blended drink are available to wet your whistle.

“Think about this: You have a family of four, you don’t want to cook, and you aren’t rolling in dough to go out to one of our wonderful sit-down restaurants,” said Hamm. “What are your options? Either you can get some pizza (which I am a huge fan of), a chicken bucket, or go to a fast-food joint, where with a family of four getting their own ‘value meal’… the total is still going to be in the area of $60 and you are eating crap.”

“Enter Hammbone’s! Scratch-made food, individual and family meals, by the base,” he added. “It’s not healthy food, per se, but it is quality ingredients made the right way. “

Once the restaurant opens on Monday, September 23, they’ll be offering takeout, dine-in, and delivery on different platforms. Also, they’re working on military discounts, being so close to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and accepting EBT.

So, mark your calendars, bring a bib, and craft your very own meat and three! Slap some gravy on it and it’s a Hamm-bonafide masterpiece.

Hammbone’s is located at 2027 S. Craycroft Rd. For more information, visit hammbonestucson.com and follow Hammbone’s on Instagram.