Rich in Arizona History, Cave Creek’s Tonto Bar & Grill, sits on land that has been occupied for centuries. Remints of American Indian settlements stretches back to 500AD. It has also house a U.S. Cavalry camp and eventually became a private cattle ranch.
The end of World War I brought postwar prosperity, the invention of the automobile and the rising popularity of western movies. Dude ranches were quickly becoming a favorite tourist destination. In the 1940’s China and Ted Loring of Chicago partnered up with Romaine “Romy” Lowdermilk (who was a cowboy musician and author) and transformed this 750 acre cattle ranch property into the Rancho Mañana dude ranch. Tourist hungry for some “Old West” adventure could come to this prestigious ranch and get a taste of the cowboy way of life. High-end guest rooms, a swimming pool fed by a natural spring and horseback riding were all a part of the experience. Evening campfires and storytelling were other tourist highlights. Because of the beautiful landscape in the surrounding Cave Creek/Carefree area, Rancho Mañana soon became one of the most popular dude ranches in the state. In 1955, the owners sold the ranch and over the years developers have built a golf course, resort and private homes scattered throughout the 750 acres. In 1994 the original dude ranch structure was refurbished and Tonto Bar & Grill opened its doors.
Today you can sense the dude ranch nostalgia as you walk up to the Tonto Bar & Grill. An archway entrance welcomes you into a cozy courtyard. The big wooden doors are a quick reminder of the building’s western roots. The ceilings are low with exposed wood beams with Mexican tile flooring and stucco walls. Wrought iron accents and fixtures fill this charming space. Historic photos hanging in The Grill Room show a glimpse of days past and are fun to browse.
The menu has a delicious variety priding itself with as many native Arizona products as possible. Hearty salads, all-natural beef burgers, creative sandwiches, mouthwatering meat entrees, and even a vegetarian section. Any of these choices are sure to fill and cowboy or cowgal’s craving.
The patio views overlooking the golf course and mountains are stunning. As the sun sets and the stars come out you can just imagine what it must have been like at the dude ranch (fight back the urge to sing a campfire song.) Oh! And don’t be surprised if you see tons of wildlife…families of javelina crossing the golf greens are a nightly occurrence. So mosey on over to Tonto Bar & Grill, yummy food and a bit of Arizona history awaits!