The Hitching Post - Pizza Pub

The Hitching Post is located at 2341 N. Apache Trail, right next to the Dash Inn convenience store. Our neighbors invited us to check out this new restaurant and we were glad that we did. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the lively atmosphere and authentic old west feel. There was a live band playing, an active dance floor, a variety of video games, and a rustic looking bar. We were there with a pretty diverse group and there was something for everyone.

The band that was playing that night was the Western Electric Band and they were excellent. If I had known there was going to be live music, especially with a band as good this band is, I would not have worn flip flops.  I will remember to put on some dancing shoes the next time I visit the Hitching Post.

There were several video games for the children in our group to play including everything from Motocross games to good old-fashioned Ms. Pac-Man (my favorite).

For the shopper in your family, there is also a gift shop which features the handiwork of local artists. The items were very nice, unique, and well-priced.

Such a great atmosphere would be totally wasted without good food. We ordered pizza and wings and they were awesome.  I am told that a New Yorker and a Chicagoan are employed as cooks.  I am not sure if that is true or not, but I will say that the pizza is a Chicago-style thin crust and is truly delicious.

The wings were a hit with the carnivores in our group.

I will definitely be going back to the Hitching Post. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun and lively, and the service was fantastic and friendly (and for you single guys out there, the women serving the tables are beautiful). Grab a friend and head to the Hitching Post for some fun and some great food.

 

The Hitching Post

2341 N. Apache Trail

(480) 983-8800

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Dirtwater Springs

 

Dirtwater Springs is located at 586 West Apache Trail. It has been an Apache Junction favorite for over 25 years. Our family went in for dinner on a weeknight at an off hour so we could avoid the crowds that always seem to assemble there at busier times. 

My son loved the western atmosphere which is also fun and friendly. The menu is diverse, with everything from Mexican food to country fried steak. The star of the menu is a 72-ounce steak. Other than its enormous size, what make this steak special is that if you eat the steak and all the "fixins" in one hour or less, your meal is free (just make sure you call your order in ahead of time so they can cook the giant up for you).

We ordered a sampler appetizer which included something for everyone in our family.

I decided to try a Mexican food dish so I ordered a 2 item combo with a tostada and a cheese enchilada.

My children had chicken tenders with fries (and ranch dressing of course).

Finally, my husband ordered ribs - which he raved about. He wanted even more because my children stole some off of his plate.

 

The most memorable part of the outing for my children was the western atmosphere which kept them pointing fingers and asking questions. My son was beaming as he drank his sarsaparilla out of a bottle and he really got a kick out of the swinging doors leading into the bathrooms.

If you are looking for an authentic western atmosphere and a friendly experience, stop by Dirtwater Springs. If you are feeling brave go ahead and try that 72 ounce steak.  ;)

 

Dirtwater Springs

586 W Apache Trail

(480)983-3478

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Crow's Nest Cafe

The Crow's Nest Cafe is located at 185 North Apache Trail. It is in the strip right next to Best Hardware.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the Crow's Nest Cafe was that it was filled with customers. I also noticed the quaint and homey decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. The back wall held a sign with the day's specials and I ordered off of the board: a grilled cheese sandwich with minestrone soup for $3.99! My husband ordered a cheeseburger with curly fries and we both ordered drinks. We enjoyed our food a lot. The grilled cheese and minestrone tasted just like it would if you made it at home, but without the work and mess to clean up. When I asked my husband for a comment on his burger he replied "better than a Whopper." His burger was served on a very nice bun and was the perfect size.

The cheeseburger - big and beautiful.

 

The day's lunch special. Minestrone and grilled cheese for $3.99.

 

We did not have time to order dessert. But we got a picture of the chocolate sundae. It looked yummy and sells for about $2.99.

The staff was friendly, the food was good, and the prices were just right. With a good sized tip, we got out of there for $15. That's pretty good in today's economy. Speaking of value, the Crow's Nest Cafe has a very low priced children's menu. Kids eat breakfast for $1.99 and lunch or dinner for $2.99. That is cheaper than a happy meal and surely tastier.

Stop by and visit the Crow's nest Cafe for some homestyle food and friendly service. You won't regret it.

Two important notes: The Crow's Nest cafe only accepts cash payment. Also, the Cafe is not located under the sign on the building. If you are facing the building, it is located a few doors to the right of the sign.

 

 

Crow's Nest Cafe

185 North Apache Trail

(480) 671-7720

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City Signs

If you are looking for family-friendly service and great workmanship, look no further than City Signs. They create and sell business cards, t-shirts, signs, flags, postcards, banners, hats, magnets, lapel pins, calendars, vehicle lettering and much more.

My shopping experience at City Signs consisted of buying numerous items for my campaign for City Council. They were very helpful and always willing and able to talk me through the process of ordering. They helped me create a consistent theme throughout my products, and the designs they came up with were very professional looking. But the best thing about City Signs is its staff. I dealt with the Verley family - who were always ready to spoil my children when I brought them in - and Carrie, who created some beautiful products for me. Every single person at the store is friendly and hardworking. In addition, the employees and owners of the store are involved in charitable organizations and public service in Apache Junction.

The Verley family has been in the sign business for over 22 years. If you need work done for your business (business cards, signs, etc.) or if you want to create a unique personalized gift for family (t-shirts, calendars, etc.), stop in at City Signs and see what they can do for you.

City Signs

1879 West Apache Trail in Apache Junction.

(480) 962-6696

 

Chicago’s #1 Gyros

For my first Shop AJ blog entry I decided to try a restaurant I have heard many people rave about. Chicago’s #1 Gyros is located at 850 S. Ironwood Drive in the shopping center on the southwest corner of Ironwood and Broadway.

The first thing I noticed when I approached Chicago’s #1 Gyros was that it was quite busy. We were in on a weekday between lunch and dinner and the place was bustling. As we stood in line I noticed that the restaurant was quite clean and that it had a nice patio with covered seating. We read the menu while we waited in line and I was very happy to see that there is somewhere in AJ that I can get a Greek salad! And falafel! And baba ghanouj! However, I did not get any of those things. I opted to try the spanakopita and the Greek fries. My husband ordered Chicago’s Best Philly Steak, and my daughter got the basmati rice. We all loved our meals. I only ordered one spanakopita and I wished I had ordered two. It was delicious. It is basically filo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese and deep fried. Yummy.

 spanakopita

My daughter with her basmati rice.

Chicago’s #1 Gyros is pricier than fast food, but less than the Greek restaurant on the other side of Meridian (you know, the big fat one). The spanakopita was $2.49, the Chicago’s Best Philly Steak came with fries and was $7.25, the Greek fries were $1.95, and the basmati rice was $1.95. There is also a large array of desserts, appetizers, and even a hamburger on the menu. There truly is something for everyone.

I would highly recommend that you add Chicago’s #1 Gyros restaurant to your list of places to shop in AJ. Support a local business and enjoy a great lunch or dinner. The food is good, the restaurant is clean, and the service is friendly.

  

Chicago's #1 Gyros

(480) 983-1986

Open Monday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.