Restaurant of the Week: Hammbone’s — A Meat-and-Three Joint

Each week, we highlight one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson!

The term “meat-and-three” is said to have originated in the mid-20th century. It’s all about Southern hospitality — offering choice, comfort, and tradition all in one meal.

Now in the 21st century, Tucsonans have a true gem of a restaurant wrapped in Southern/Southwestern hospitality — Hammbone’s at 2027 S. Craycroft Rd.

“With Hammbones, I wanted to bring something new, yet really familiar to the Tucson restaurant scene,” said Hamm. “I wanted to dish out plates and portions like you’d get at grandma’s house with the same love and old-school techniques, but in a hip, fun and informal, quick-service environment.”

With framed photos of the Kool-Aid man, sticks of butter, and giant roosters, you can’t help but smile when eating at Hammbone’s. Ripping off a napkin from the piggy paper towel holders is surely something special.

“I knew we had achieved our vision the moment I saw people eating chicken and dumplings while Wu-Tang played in our eclecticly decorated dining room,” said Hamm, who also co-owns Mulligans, co-operates Saguaro Corners, and is a writer who has a way with words. 

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.

“Enter Hammbone’s! Scratch-made food, individual and family meals, by the base,” Hamm added. “It’s quality ingredients made the right way.”

Check out the full menu online.

The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday – Saturday (closed on Sunday).

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

PAST RESTAURANTS OF THE WEEK:

• Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe
• The Cup Cafe
• Vero Amore
• Del Cielo Tamal
• Dominick’s Real Italian
• Cafe Francais
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls
• Nautical Bowls
• Tabu
• Salad Nation