When you hear the term Spaghetti Western, you probably visualize a gritty young Clint Eastwood in the desert. However, Classic – Spaghetti Western Steakhouse will add a plate of spaghetti and a T-bone steak to your mental imagery once the restaurant opens in early September.
Proprietor Kade Mislinski and co-owners David Musso and Joey Medina’s newest restaurant will feature the expected Old West vibe, but will also rock a menu of classic neighborhood Italian food and western-style steak grilled over mesquite.
For the uninitiated, the Spaghetti Western is a sub-genre of Western films that were produced and directed by Italians in Italy. While a western steakhouse isn’t a unique concept in Tucson, Classic will translate the Spaghetti Western into a culinary context in the Bronx Park neighborhood early September at 1535 N. Stone Ave., which previously housed Roberto’s Mexican Kitchen.
“With what Brother John’s is doing, and Mother Hubbards and Pho #1, I believe this can be the next major food corridor,” Mislinski said.
Mislinski credits his good friend Rob Gallo as the “chief inspirer” of the concept. Mislinski’s six-year-old post-production enthusiast son Polo, who he takes to Old Tucson every six months, also helped inspire the concept with his stepdaughter Luna, 16, who is into wardrobe production.
While the building will retain much of the furniture from Roberto’s, the western vibe will kick up a notch with paintings of Spaghetti Western icons such as Clint Eastwood from local artist Danny Martin.
The Western vibe will expand further with a dress-up area with props and a backdrop. While there won’t be a photographer on site, the area will be selfie-friendly. Furthermore, Classic will also feature a small gift shop with western and local trinkets.
“We want to sell your art, clothing, postcards, food products, movies, mixed tapes, records, CDs, jewelry, memorabilia, local music and such,” Mislinski said.
Additionally, Classic will feature occasional live music from local acts such as Hey, Bucko!
The kitchen team will be led by executive chef Andrew Larkin with support from CJ Hamm, executive chef at sister restaurant Saguaro Corners. The “classic neighborhood Italian” cuisine consists of dishes such as shrimp scampi, saltimbocca, seasonal risotto, veggie lasagna, and more. Both dry pasta and house-made fresh pasta will be available.
Meaty options include the flagship T-bone steak along other cuts such as tri-tip, lamb chops, veal chops, and swordfish. Sandwiches and salads will also be available.
One of Mislinski’s goals is to execute value on a plate and provide a wider range of vegetarian options not often seen in steakhouses. The menu will be kid-friendly as well, since Classic will be all-around family-friendly.
Classic – Spaghetti Western Steakhouse is located at 1535 N. Stone Ave. Keep up with Classic Spaghetti Western Steakhouse on Facebook.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
