Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

THIS MONTH: A Taste of the Old West for All Ages

If you find yourself wishing for a taste of the Old West, you don't have to travel far from these here parts, pardner!

Whether you want to saddle up the whole family, rustle up a few friends, or get all gussied up and spend a night out alone with yer darlin', Tucson offers up lots of Old West style food and fun!

Grownups Night Out

Celebrating your anniversary, a romantic Valentine's dinner, or simply your customary date night? Head north for a first-class Old West night on the town. The Lariat Steakhouse and Saloon, located at 16666 North Oracle Road, offers pure western steakhouse food and atmosphere. Take in the cowboy ambience by dining in their rustically decorated dining room, or "camp out" and enjoy your meal under the stars on the romantic garden patio. Bring a hardy appetite! You can begin your evening with a sampling of their "Herd of Appetizers". Next enjoy an authentic cowboy main course, such as the All You Can Eat Beef Ribs, or choose lighter fare from their wide variety of salads, seafood or pasta. Finish your meal with a decadent dessert; chocolate lovers will go for the Chocolate Stampede.

Food isn't the only draw at the Lariat. Weekly dance classes are offered, and Thursdays are karaoke night. And if you are hankering for some live music, Fridays and Saturdays mean live country bands and dancing.

So for your next night on the town with your spouse or special someone, dust off your Ropers, starch your Wranglers and strap on that big ol' belt buckle because casual attire is all that's required for a great time at the Lariat. Reservations are not required, but for more information you can call (520) 825-9907.

Family Fun

Show your whole gang a rip-roaring good time by heading over to Pinnacle Peak, located in the heart of Trail Dust Town, Tucson's favorite "in-town" Old West town. Head to Pinnacle Peak, conveniently located at 6541 East Tanque Verde Road near Grant Road, a bit earlier than suppertime. That way you can all stroll down the brick roads and wooden sidewalks, perusing the shops and Old West attractions by the light of old-fashioned gas lamps.

Make a stop at Toys-N-Tiques, Trail Dust Town's general store, where Mom and Dad are likely to find playthings and treats that will take them back in time. Shop the Chocolate Depot for some after-dinner sweets. The whole family will want to take a ride at the CP Huntington Railroad; the train runs daily from 5 - 8pm; admission is $1 for children and $2 for adults. And don't miss the Dragoon Street Wild West Stunt Shows. Current show times are Sunday through Thursday - 6:30 and 7:30pm, and Friday and Saturday: 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm. Admission is "pay what you can afford".

When you've worked up a cowboy-sized hunger, head to the restaurant for some no-frills Old West-style dinner. Pinnacle Peak's Cowboy (and Cowgirl) steaks are cooked to perfection over a roaring log fire on an open grill, using only mesquite wood. Steaks are served with salad, bread and their famous ranch beans. Even the pickiest young'un will find something appealing from the "Side Kicks" menu. And if steak just isn't your first choice, check out the "Something Different" selection which offers everything from salmon to veggie burgers.

Contact Pinnacle Peak by calling (520) 296-0911 (before noon call (520) 296-4551). Reservations are accepted for parties of 20 or more. Casual attire is right fine, pardner. Just remember one thing - NO TIES ALLOWED!

Dinner on a Budget

Finally, for the college student or twenty-something that's on a tight budget yet still has a yen for a bit of the Old West, rustle up a herd of friends and giddy-on-up to Li'l Abner's steakhouse. Located at 8501 North Silverbell, Abner's might just have the best "cheap" steaks in Tucson with ambience to boot.

While the menu is somewhat limited - ranch beans, baked potato and salad are your only side options - the portions are huge. The steak, ribs and chicken are cooked over an open flame, enticing you with their mouth-watering aroma. Head to Li'l Abner's on a warm evening or bundle up a bit if it's cool so that you can dine on the patio and be that much closer to the tantalizing outdoor mesquite grill.

Enjoy your meal while listening to live music two nights a week, or simply sit back and take in the unspoiled surroundings that might make you feel as if you have been taken back to the Old West days. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 5pm-10pm, and Friday - Saturday 5pm-11pm. For more info call (520) 744-2800.