The Prohibition era might be long gone, but remnants of it still remain. One of them is Charlie Clark's, a circa-1938 steakhouse nestled way up in the White Mountains. Located on the grounds of a former speakeasy, it's one of the oldest restaurants in Arizona, and the Western-themed atmosphere is almost as delightful as the food. It's nestled in Pinetop/Lakeside, one of the coolest small towns in the nation.
At over 7,000 feet above sea level, Charlie Clark's is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Arizona's White Mountains - and allegedly the 5th-oldest steakhouse in the state overall.
You'll find the eatery in the beautiful town of Pinetop-Lakeside, located in northeastern Arizona.
Upon entrance, you'll feel as if you've stepped into an old Western.
Taxidermy covers the walls, and the all-wooden furniture imparts an undeniable country charm.
The history of Charlie Clark's is, perhaps, even more colorful than its ambiance.
During the Prohibition era, the site the restaurant is now located on was home to a speakeasy. Even after the property was sold to Charlie Clark, patrons were tasked with preparing their own drinks while he prepared their meals! Thankfully, that isn't the case any longer - you can sit back, play some pool, and watch the game while an expert bartender makes your beverage of choice.
As for the menu, it's as wide and varied as your appetite.
There are several different cuts of steak to choose from, plus other entrees like prime rib, chicken-fried steak, pasta dishes, and mouthwatering sides like loaded baked potatoes and French onion soup.
If a big, juicy burger is calling your name, look no further.
Two different kinds grace the menu: the original Charlie's Burger and the Kobe Beef Burger. Both feature the same toppings - lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle (plus optional cheese, green chili, grilled onions, or sautéed mushrooms for $1 each) - however, the Kobe burger uses beef produced without growth hormones.
Seafood lovers will find plenty of delectable options, as well.
From steamed Alaskan king crab legs served with drawn butter to coconut shrimp, there's something to please every palate. Each table receives a complimentary loaf of freshly baked bread, as well, and you can cut your slices as thin or thick as your heart desires.
Address: 1701 East White Mountain Boulevard, Pinetop, AZ 85935.
Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday, and Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Visit the restaurant's website or Facebook page for more information.
Have you ever eaten at Charlie Clark's? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us all about your dining experience in the comments section below, then check out our previous article for another bucket list-worthy restaurant in the White Mountains.
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