The West Is Still Wild

There’s many people who think the West has lost it’s old Cowboy feel. There’s also many who are happy about it and yet there’s others who hope that feeling is never lost. I for one do like certain aspects of it, the pioneering spirit for one thing and the resilience of the people that had adapted to that way of life. The wild untamed West, is the stuff of legends now. However, if you look you’ll still find places that give a nod to the freedom and independence that many moved out this way to find. Fred’s Arena And Steakhouse, is one such place. Located between hither and yon about 25 miles west from Tucson. It’s in the remote area known as 3 points , which is a small settlement on the way to Kit Peak Observatory and the road to Ajo Arizona. Even though Fred’s is located way off the main road and down a dirt road, thanks to Google you can still punch it into your GPS. 9650 S. Avra Road, 85736 is its location.

As you turn onto the dirt road you’ll wonder if you’re ever going to see a building. The only things that let you know you are going in the right direction are the telephone poles that carry electricity to this remote location. Keep going you’ll eventually see a sign that reads, Fred’s Arena Steakhouse. I know a long time ago they held rodeo’s out this way and I’m not sure if that still happens today. However, remnants of the old west are scattered about the property and inside the bar. Around back you’ll find horses in the corals and sometimes and old Stage Coach that’s going through a renovation to be used in some tourist attraction or a parade. Inside you’ll see a huge open room with western memorabilia adorning the walls, a few well placed neon signs, a restored authentic stage coach and in the middle of the room is the wood fired grill that serves up mesquite grilled steaks! Mesquite is a hard wood tree that grows in the southwest and imparts a distinctive spicy smoke flavor on whatever you cook it with. If you travel to the southwest having something grilled on mesquite wood is a must.

Fred’s is a friendly place used mostly by the locals and in the winter months the snowbirds who come to Arizona to get away from the bite of winter. The firefighters also eat at Fred’s so that should be endorsement enough. With a wide variety of food to chose from, everyone will find something they’ll like at Fred’s. If I had to pick one thing, I’d say Fred’s is famous for their burgers and their mesquite grilled steaks. As one customer put it, “If I was ever on death row my last meal would be a steak from Fred’s, without a doubt!”. Another thing I like at Fred’s are their salads, always fresh and crunchy. Try the blue cheese or ranch dressings, both are homemade there.

On this trip I decided to depart from my usuals and go with the fried chicken and salad. I found the chicken to be ok but the first few bites were overpowered by the taste of sage. I’m guessing it may have been sprinkled on after the frying, but I’m glad it wasn’t on the entire meal. I loved my wedge of ice berg lettuce which is perfect for dipping in the homemade blue cheese dressing. The hamburger and shrimp of my companions were also met with compliments. The bar serves up anything you’d like and it’s still one of those places where you can get a pitcher of beer. Sometimes nothing beats a cold draft beer and a burger. Our waitress Jenna is usually there most days. She keeps things running smoothly and is always there with a refill. Also, I don’t think I’d mess with her.

So if you ever find yourself way out west of Tucson do your tastebuds a favor and find Fred’s Arena and Steakhouse. Luckily it’s good food, because there’s only a couple places that far out to eat. Kick back and relax and try and envision arriving on a stage coach after traveling miles on a bumpy dust choked desert road. A respite at Fred’s would feel like a night at the Ritz! Soak up the western decor and get that old west pioneering spirit burning, quench your thirst with an ice cold beer and smell your steaks cooking right before your eyes. If you’ve been to Fred’s please leave a comment. Until next time, Boone Appétit!