Other than a delicious meal, the only thing that makes dinner more enjoyable is a good story. If you like those stories to have a historical side, check out these eight Arizona restaurants that showcase some amazing local history.

1. The Asylum, Jerome

Located inside the Jerome Grand Hotel, there's a lot of history in this restaurant and some of it might even join you for dinner! The hotel once operated as the city's hospital during its mining heyday and there is plenty of speculation that the building is haunted by former patients and workers. Address: 200 Hill Street, Jerome.

2. Crystal Palace Saloon, Tombstone

The original saloon that sat in this spot burned in a fire and was rebuilt in 1881 into one of the city's premier fine dining establishments where you could still gamble to your heart's content. In 1964, the restaurant was faithfully restored to its 1881 luster. Address: 436 East Allen Street, Tombstone.

3. Drift Inn Saloon, Globe

This saloon opened in 1902 and is one of the longest operating saloons in the state. While the restaurant has seen numerous owners and clientele over the years but continues to be a community staple.

Address: 636 North Broad Street, Globe.

4. Durant's, Phoenix

This Phoenix steakhouse staple first opened in 1950 and has served meals to celebrities and politicians alike, including Joe DiMaggio and Clark Gable. If you want a colorful view of the restaurant's history, check out the recent movie, Durant's Never Closes which features the restaurant and its notorious owner, Jack Durant.

Address: 2611 North Central Avenue, Phoenix.

5. El Charro Cafe, Tucson

The oldest Mexican restaurant in the city, this place is also rumored to be the birthplace of the chimichanga. How much more historical can you get? Address: 311 North Court Avenue, Tucson.

6. Palace Restaurant and Saloon, Prescott

Located on Whiskey Row, this saloon dates to the 1870s before a fire nearly swept the entire building away. Luckily, locals saved the mahogany bar itself by carrying it from the fire and continuing to drink as the rest of the building burned. The Palace also has an impressive list of historical customers, including the Wyatts from Tombstone lore. Address: 120 South Montezuma Street, Prescott.

7. St. Elmo Bar, Bisbee

Another bar that opened in a mining town in 1902 and is still operating, this place was known for its raucous crowd and its upstairs brothel. Like other nearby Bisbee establishments, this bar is rumored to be haunted. Address: 36 Brewery Avenue, Bisbee.

8. The Turquoise Room, Winslow

Located just off of Route 66 inside the historic La Posada Hotel, this place has plenty of history to boast about. This includes connections to the railroad, the Fred Harvey Company, and architect Mary Colter.
Address: 305 East 2nd Street, Winslow.

Have you visited any of these restaurants for the blend of history and food? What other restaurants would you recommend?