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Nothing says the Old West quite like a hearty meal cooked over flames and served under the stars — or at least accompanied by live country music. Eat a supper fit for a cowboy (or cowgirl) at these dude ranches while enjoying a theatrical show, horseback ride, outdoor games or other activities.
Tanque Verde Ranch
Located east of downtown Tucson on the edge of Saguaro National Park, Tanque Verde Ranch, an all-inclusive guest ranch, opens its doors to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as its popular cowboy cookout.
Held in the Cottonwood Grove, the barbecued meal is offered daily and features succulent grilled meats, homemade cornbread, fresh fruit and freshly baked desserts. Guests dine at red-and-white-checked picnic tables while live music plays. Be sure to polish your boots and get your groove on because the evening usually includes line dancing, too.
Or, early birds will appreciate their breakfast offerings — indulge in a colorful array of fresh fruits and berries, freshly baked breakfast breads, cinnamon rolls, homemade granola and a Southwestern breakfast buffet with both hearty and healthy options, including farm-fresh eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage and fluffy French toast.
Bumble Bee Ranch
Cowboy dinners at Bumble Bee Ranch in Bumble Bee, Arizona, about 60 miles directly north of Phoenix, are more intimate affairs than at other venues. Instead of purchasing tickets for dinner and a show, you make a reservation for your party of six or more and select your menu. Dinner is prepared specifically for your group. Last-minute reservations will not work for this venue. You'll need to book at least a week or more in advance.
Menu options include deli sandwiches, hamburgers and hotdogs, spaghetti and barbecued ribs. But, for a true Western experience, there's only one way to go: the rib eye steak, chicken or salmon dinner served with a baked potato, corn on the cob, dinner rolls and apple pie à la mode and so much more. Add a cowboy activity, like a two-hour cattle drive, to round out your Old West experience.
Now, who's ready to eat?
Header image credit: An Pham.
Teresa Bitler
Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.
