Arizona has a few uniquely themed restaurants — some are bigger chains like Rainforest Cafe in Tempe, where you can eat in a jungle alongside animals and thunderstorms, and Medieval Times in Scottsdale where eating with your hands is essential.
However, in Tucson, we have Pinnacle Peak — a rootin’ tootin’ steakhouse in Trail Dust Town at 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
The food-themed publication LoveFood rounded up the “Best Themed Restaurants” in the U.S. and Pinnacle Peak came in number one in Arizona. Sure, eating with elephants by your side in a jungle is cool, but there’s something special about getting your tie snipped if you step foot in the dining room wearing one.
Here’s what LoveFood had to say about Pinnacle Peak:
“You’ll be transported to the Wild West as you swing through the doors of Pinnacle Peak, a steakhouse that looks like it’s sauntered straight out of a cowboy movie. Open since 1962, the restaurant focuses on meaty cuisine; dishes include a mesquite-flamed cowboy steak, filet mignon (served with house vegetables), and barbecue baby back ribs. Don’t wear a tie, unless you want to add to the wall art — an old tradition means the end will be cut off and put on display.”
Check out the full list at lovefood.com.
The Wild West on the East Side
The menu at the restaurant that’s been around for more than 55 years offers everything you’d hope to find at a steakhouse. At first glance, you’ll notice the T-Bone steaks come in three sizes — the Cowboy, Cowgirl, and Big Cowboy. It all depends on the severity of the grumbles inside yer’ belly. Each is cut from the short loin and cooked over real mesquite wood.
And, trailing back to the restaurant’s strict “no ties allowed” policy… If you attempt wearing one it’ll be snipped and hung from the ceiling, alongside the thousands of others they’ve collected over the years. Not unlike the ties adorning the ceiling, there are nods to the Old West throughout the restaurant.
Also, a costume once worn by John Wayne inhabits the lobby and colorized images of the Old West decorate the walls. The servers are even pulled from history books and Western movies so that you can get served by the likes of Bat Masterson and Josie Wales.
Pay a Visit
The restaurant is currently open for dinner from 5 – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday, 4:30 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 4:30 – 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Bring an appetite, hop on the train that chugs around the property, buy vintage candy from one of the shops, and have a good time!
Pinnacle Peak is located in Trail Dust Town at 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. For more information on their menu, events, and hours, please visit pinnaclepeaktucson.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
