There’s a chain restaurant that my niece absolutely loves visiting, mainly because of its lush rainforest theme and animal decor. She’s a picky eater, so there’s not much on the menu that she enjoys—but it’s the atmosphere that always entices her to return. Theme restaurants are nothing new, but much like my niece’s experiences, they can be fun to visit once, twice, or even more often. Check out these 12 themed restaurants in Arizona that are completely unique. Arizona has no shortage of tons of fun things to do!
- Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, Seligman
Aurelie M/TripAdvisor
PicculiMici/TripAdvisor This historic restaurant goes all out when it comes to themed restaurants. The kitsch factor is high and it can be difficult to figure out where to start in explaining this place to others. Let’s just say it’s exactly what you would expect from a Route 66 roadside eatery. 301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
- George and Dragon English Restaurant and Pub, Phoenix
Robert Fischer/Google Maps
Allen Roberts/Google Maps If you’re a bit of an Anglophile like me, you’ll want to be sure to pay a visit to this restaurant and pub. The decor shows off their English pride and the menu has staples like bangers and mash. 4240 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- Hula’s Modern Tiki, Phoenix
Eric L/TripAdvisor
Management/Google Maps Tiki bars saw their most popular days in the years after World War II but you can still find them scattered around the US. Hula’s combines that retro vibe with a sleek, modern look. 5114 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
- MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain, Phoenix (temporarily closed)
connie2804/TripAdvisor
Barb/TripAdvisor It’s a rare treat to come across a traditional soda fountain these days and Arizona is home to at least one popular location that has been in service since the 1920s. Stop in for a delicious ice cream soda and a burger. 2303 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
- Organ Stop Pizza, Mesa
Organ Stop Pizza/Facebook
Organ Stop Pizza/Facebook Even upon driving up to this restaurant, you can easily tell this its theme: the restaurant’s massive Wurlitzer pipe organ is visible through a glass window. It makes for a fun visit if you want to hear your favorite song played on a pipe organ. Location: 1149 East Southern Avenue, Mesa
- Pinnacle Peak, Tucson
Management/TripAdvisor
Melinda M/TripAdvisor Located in the Dust Town attraction, this steakhouse has the Old West feel you would expect from an Arizona restaurant. Also, if you show up with a tie, be prepared to have it cut off! 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, USA
- Raceway Bar & Grill, Maricopa
Cathy T/TripAdvisor Have a love for racing? You won’t want to miss this Maricopa restaurant which has both an eclectic style and menu. 49237 W Papago Rd #7, Maricopa, AZ 85139, USA
- Rawhide Steakhouse and Saloon, Chandler
Rawhide Western Town/Facebook
Rawhide Western Town/Facebook Part of the Rawhide Western Town attraction, this steakhouse offers a heavy dose of Old West themes. Location: 5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler
- Roadkill Cafe, Seligman
Jake Jobes/Google Maps
Jennifer Atkinson/Google Maps The roadside attraction does exist! While the “you kill it, we grill it” motto doesn’t apply (thanks in part to health codes) it does have the atmosphere you would expect from a restaurant with such a name. 22830 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
- Rustler’s Rooste, Phoenix
abqsage/TripAdvisor
Rebecca B/TripAdvisor This steakhouse is one of the many Western themed restaurants you will find here in Arizona with an emphasis on the ranching and mining history. You won’t want to miss a trip down their slide and the live country music. 8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA
- Space Age Restaurant, Gila Bend
JT_Turner3/TripAdvisor
Blake B/TripAdvisor I think most people tend to associate aliens with a couple of our neighboring states but here’s one place where your alien interests can be welcomed and celebrated. While the menu has typical diner fare, the decor appears out of this world. 401 E Pima St, Gila Bend, AZ 85337, USA
- Wild West Junction, Williams
Management/TripAdvisor
enjtravel/TripAdvisor Another place to experience a taste of the Old West, Wild West Junction has both a saloon and restaurant where you can get a glimpse into the past. 321 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Have you enjoyed a meal at any of these unique restaurants? I’d like to hear your experiences and suggestions in the comments section below!
Aurelie M/TripAdvisor
PicculiMici/TripAdvisor
This historic restaurant goes all out when it comes to themed restaurants. The kitsch factor is high and it can be difficult to figure out where to start in explaining this place to others. Let’s just say it’s exactly what you would expect from a Route 66 roadside eatery.
301 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
Robert Fischer/Google Maps
Allen Roberts/Google Maps
If you’re a bit of an Anglophile like me, you’ll want to be sure to pay a visit to this restaurant and pub. The decor shows off their English pride and the menu has staples like bangers and mash.
4240 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Eric L/TripAdvisor
Management/Google Maps
Tiki bars saw their most popular days in the years after World War II but you can still find them scattered around the US. Hula’s combines that retro vibe with a sleek, modern look.
5114 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
connie2804/TripAdvisor
Barb/TripAdvisor
It’s a rare treat to come across a traditional soda fountain these days and Arizona is home to at least one popular location that has been in service since the 1920s. Stop in for a delicious ice cream soda and a burger.
2303 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
Organ Stop Pizza/Facebook
Even upon driving up to this restaurant, you can easily tell this its theme: the restaurant’s massive Wurlitzer pipe organ is visible through a glass window. It makes for a fun visit if you want to hear your favorite song played on a pipe organ. Location: 1149 East Southern Avenue, Mesa
Management/TripAdvisor
Melinda M/TripAdvisor
Located in the Dust Town attraction, this steakhouse has the Old West feel you would expect from an Arizona restaurant. Also, if you show up with a tie, be prepared to have it cut off!
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, USA
Cathy T/TripAdvisor
Have a love for racing? You won’t want to miss this Maricopa restaurant which has both an eclectic style and menu.
49237 W Papago Rd #7, Maricopa, AZ 85139, USA
Rawhide Western Town/Facebook
Part of the Rawhide Western Town attraction, this steakhouse offers a heavy dose of Old West themes. Location: 5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler
Jake Jobes/Google Maps
Jennifer Atkinson/Google Maps
The roadside attraction does exist! While the “you kill it, we grill it” motto doesn’t apply (thanks in part to health codes) it does have the atmosphere you would expect from a restaurant with such a name.
22830 AZ-66, Seligman, AZ 86337, USA
abqsage/TripAdvisor
Rebecca B/TripAdvisor
This steakhouse is one of the many Western themed restaurants you will find here in Arizona with an emphasis on the ranching and mining history. You won’t want to miss a trip down their slide and the live country music.
8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA
JT_Turner3/TripAdvisor
Blake B/TripAdvisor
I think most people tend to associate aliens with a couple of our neighboring states but here’s one place where your alien interests can be welcomed and celebrated. While the menu has typical diner fare, the decor appears out of this world.
401 E Pima St, Gila Bend, AZ 85337, USA
enjtravel/TripAdvisor
Another place to experience a taste of the Old West, Wild West Junction has both a saloon and restaurant where you can get a glimpse into the past.
321 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona: A Beautiful And Unique State With So Much To Do October 01, 2022 Will Suphan I’ve lived in Arizona for most of my life, and there are things here that simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. From Wild West history to natural wonders and climates ranging from dry deserts to lush forests, there is a lot to enjoy in the Copper State! What natural wonders can I find in Arizona? You’ve probably heard of the Grand Canyon, but Arizona has a lot more natural wonders to behold. Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, with narrow walls that look like flowing rivers of stone. The Canyon de Chelly national Monument is just as gorgeous as the Grand Canyon itself, with spires and mesas that are the very heart of Southwestern natural beauty. Meteor Crater is a full mile across and was made millions of years ago and is still in perfect condition after all this time. Red Rock State Park in Sedona is a pilgrimage for many and is one of the most stunning drives you can take. I would often drive up from Phoenix for a day trip just to take it in. What uniquely Arizonan festivals can be found in this state? With so many sunny days, there is a lot of time for Arizonans to get out and enjoy tons of local festivals. Of course, we would have to have an Arizona Taco Festival. It’s held every October in Scottsdale and people come from all over the state to show off their taco-making skills. Tacos, beer, live music, and lucha libre wrestling make for a truly Arizonan experience. Yuma has an annual Gathering of the Gunfighters each January where historical gunfight re-enactments take place for the enjoyment of all in attendance. If there’s anything Arizonans love, it’s hot chilis. Tucson’s annual Roasted Chili Festival fills the air with the spicy scent of Arizona-grown chilis. Bring some milk if you can’t take the heat! What unique foods does Arizona bring to the table? Since Tucson was the first American city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you know we have lots of unique foods to share! I remember having cheese crisps as a kid and being surprised that I didn’t see them elsewhere when I grew up. It’s a flour tortilla covered in cheese and thrown in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Yum! Navajo Tacos are a definite staple with puffy, chewy fry bread topped with meat, beans, cheese, and any other taco fixings you can think of. They’re so big you often have to use a knife and fork! Tucson gave us the Sonoran Hot Dog which is a hot dog in tostado bun, wrapped in bacon, and filled with chilis, cheese, sour cream, relish, and much more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Arizona: A Beautiful And Unique State With So Much To Do
October 01, 2022
Will Suphan
I’ve lived in Arizona for most of my life, and there are things here that simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. From Wild West history to natural wonders and climates ranging from dry deserts to lush forests, there is a lot to enjoy in the Copper State! What natural wonders can I find in Arizona? You’ve probably heard of the Grand Canyon, but Arizona has a lot more natural wonders to behold. Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, with narrow walls that look like flowing rivers of stone. The Canyon de Chelly national Monument is just as gorgeous as the Grand Canyon itself, with spires and mesas that are the very heart of Southwestern natural beauty. Meteor Crater is a full mile across and was made millions of years ago and is still in perfect condition after all this time. Red Rock State Park in Sedona is a pilgrimage for many and is one of the most stunning drives you can take. I would often drive up from Phoenix for a day trip just to take it in. What uniquely Arizonan festivals can be found in this state? With so many sunny days, there is a lot of time for Arizonans to get out and enjoy tons of local festivals. Of course, we would have to have an Arizona Taco Festival. It’s held every October in Scottsdale and people come from all over the state to show off their taco-making skills. Tacos, beer, live music, and lucha libre wrestling make for a truly Arizonan experience. Yuma has an annual Gathering of the Gunfighters each January where historical gunfight re-enactments take place for the enjoyment of all in attendance. If there’s anything Arizonans love, it’s hot chilis. Tucson’s annual Roasted Chili Festival fills the air with the spicy scent of Arizona-grown chilis. Bring some milk if you can’t take the heat! What unique foods does Arizona bring to the table? Since Tucson was the first American city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you know we have lots of unique foods to share! I remember having cheese crisps as a kid and being surprised that I didn’t see them elsewhere when I grew up. It’s a flour tortilla covered in cheese and thrown in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Yum! Navajo Tacos are a definite staple with puffy, chewy fry bread topped with meat, beans, cheese, and any other taco fixings you can think of. They’re so big you often have to use a knife and fork! Tucson gave us the Sonoran Hot Dog which is a hot dog in tostado bun, wrapped in bacon, and filled with chilis, cheese, sour cream, relish, and much more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What natural wonders can I find in Arizona?
You’ve probably heard of the Grand Canyon, but Arizona has a lot more natural wonders to behold. Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, with narrow walls that look like flowing rivers of stone. The Canyon de Chelly national Monument is just as gorgeous as the Grand Canyon itself, with spires and mesas that are the very heart of Southwestern natural beauty. Meteor Crater is a full mile across and was made millions of years ago and is still in perfect condition after all this time. Red Rock State Park in Sedona is a pilgrimage for many and is one of the most stunning drives you can take. I would often drive up from Phoenix for a day trip just to take it in.
What uniquely Arizonan festivals can be found in this state?
With so many sunny days, there is a lot of time for Arizonans to get out and enjoy tons of local festivals. Of course, we would have to have an Arizona Taco Festival. It’s held every October in Scottsdale and people come from all over the state to show off their taco-making skills. Tacos, beer, live music, and lucha libre wrestling make for a truly Arizonan experience. Yuma has an annual Gathering of the Gunfighters each January where historical gunfight re-enactments take place for the enjoyment of all in attendance. If there’s anything Arizonans love, it’s hot chilis. Tucson’s annual Roasted Chili Festival fills the air with the spicy scent of Arizona-grown chilis. Bring some milk if you can’t take the heat!
What unique foods does Arizona bring to the table?
Since Tucson was the first American city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you know we have lots of unique foods to share! I remember having cheese crisps as a kid and being surprised that I didn’t see them elsewhere when I grew up. It’s a flour tortilla covered in cheese and thrown in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Yum! Navajo Tacos are a definite staple with puffy, chewy fry bread topped with meat, beans, cheese, and any other taco fixings you can think of. They’re so big you often have to use a knife and fork! Tucson gave us the Sonoran Hot Dog which is a hot dog in tostado bun, wrapped in bacon, and filled with chilis, cheese, sour cream, relish, and much more.
