Old Western Steakhouse

We have been to Rawhide when we have visited Scottsdale and loved the atmosphere - the food wasn%26#39;t too bad either. We would like to go another restaurant that has the same atmosphere and food that is pretty good. We have been to Pinnacle Peak, so we don%26#39;t want to got there again either. I%26#39;ve read good and bad things about Reata Steakhouse and Rustler%26#39;s Rooste. Does anyone have a recent (or any) opinion?

Thanks!

Old Western Steakhouse

Reata Pass Steakhouse is VERY rustic, if that%26#39;s what you%26#39;re looking for. We haven%26#39;t had their steaks, but we do go in every now and again for their BBQ sandwiches, which are tasty, but not extraordinary. The atmosphere is so-so. For better atmopsphere and delicious burgers, we actually prefer Greasewood Flat, which is literally around the corner from Reata Pass. Greasewood is open during the day, it%26#39;s outdoors, and becomes more of a bar atmosphere at night, with live music on weeknds. Note that they don%26#39;t serve steaks. Fun and unique place to hang out, though. You%26#39;ll see everyone from bikers to Four Seasons guests to tourists to Scottsdale hotties dressed to the nines - and the occasional Mennonite. (Not kidding!) :)

Haven%26#39;t been to Rustler%26#39;s Rooste in awhile, but they have beautiful views of the city, and the whole place is kind of a novelty for visitors - at least it used to be! There is also a ';western steakhouse'; located at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. (I believe it%26#39;s called the Hole in the Wall.) The patio overlooks their waterfall and pool area; inside it%26#39;s kind of a rustic western atmosphere. Food is decent, but not hugely memorable. Sometimes they have live country music on the patio.

For the moment, that%26#39;s all I can think of. You said you%26#39;d been to Pinnacle Peak Patio and Rawhide; maybe others can give you more options as well.

Bottom line - if you want an ';old west'; steakhouse, there are a few to choose from, but the atmosphere sometimes takes precedence over the food, IMHO. If you just want a fantastic steak, head to one of the other steakhouses in town, such as Mastro%26#39;s.

Old Western Steakhouse

Just thought of a couple more, sort of:

Bill Johnson%26#39;s Big Apple:

Used to have more of a fun, ';western cowboy'; kind of atmosphere, now it%26#39;s more watered down, so to speak. Servers aren%26#39;t as ';into it';, etc. Decor is unique. More known for their BBQ beef ribs, but they do have steaks. It%26#39;s a chain, though, and has lost some of its appeal. But it is an option, especially if you like beef ribs.

There are a couple of steakhouses (sort of) in the Cave Creek area - the Horny Toad, and the Silver Spur, I believe? (That restaurant has new ownership and changed its name.) The menu at both places kind of reminds us of the Big Apple. Regardless, Cave Creek in general is a great place to wander around if you want authentic western atmosphere, and you might stop in at one of those restaurants, or Harold%26#39;s, or even El Encanto for Mexican food.

There is also a historic steak house in Tempe that we really like - Monti%26#39;s La Casa Vieja. Long-time Arizona senator Carl Hayden was born at that location and it features many historic photographs. It does not have a cowboy atmosphere.

Thanks for the ideas. We are going in June, so the outside eating area at Greasewood Flat might not be too comfortable. I will see what I can find on the Hole in the Wall.