LOCAL EATS: OLD PUEBLO CAFÉ & PUB

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MEMORIES…

If you’ve ever had a meal that instantly transports you back to a moment in time, you’ll understand why Old Pueblo holds a special place in my heart. This was the very first restaurant we ate at in Arizona, shortly before we officially became locals.

I still remember that whirlwind weekend: our one and only “let’s-check-out-this-new-state” scouting trip. We were staying at The Wigwam across the street, exhausted after a long day of exploring… and getting lost more than once! It’s dark out here at night and us former city slickers had a heck of time getting around and Google Maps didn’t stand a chance against all the road closures.

Finally back at our hotel, crabby and hungry late that Saturday night, I dialed up a to-go order and began my adventure on foot. My son and I traipsed through the magical garden paths at the Wigwam, exited through a “secret” side gate, and burst into Old Pueblo desperate for my dang tacos. The place was bustling, I still remember it vividly (which means something because, well, I’m in midlife and can barely remember my own name sometimes).

FAST FORWARD

A few short weeks later (four, to be exact), we were officially dazed-and-confused new residents of the great state of Arizona. And, Old Pueblo became, for a long time, my “old stand-in” and the closest thing to the flavors and comfort I left behind.

I’ve written before about how difficult that transition was, how we were forced to flee Orange County fast and under duress, seeking medical freedom, in-person school for our boys and a more relaxed way of life for all of us. And I’ve also shared that the only thing I truly miss about California, besides my family, is the Mexican food.

The first time I went back to Orange County, I actually shed a tear when I took a bite of my taco from Baja Fish Tacos. I still miss it (and especially their baja sauce) so much. Back in 2021, there was nowhere else here (besides Old Pueblo) that I could find a grilled fish taco. (Still hard to come by, but I recently learned you can also get them at The Cantina at Presidio in Estrella Mountain Ranch.)

ON A SCHOOL NIGHT

This week, I was having a heck of a time deciding what restaurant to feature. I’m deep in my patio tour era, so my focus now, especially because of this gorgeous weather, is finding places where I can dine al fresco.

I knew Old Pueblo has a great patio, it’s where I always sit. Imagine my surprise when Mr. Buzz suggested we go together. On a whim. On a school night! Extremely uncharacteristic behavior for us both. But when Mr. Buzz wants to go, I don’t ask questions… I just grab the keys.

I had envisioned us munching on chips and salsa out on the patio, under the moonlight, but when we arrived it was a bit nippy outside (man, it gets cold in the desert once the sun goes down). Plus, the laughter spilling out of the cantina sounded way more fun than shivering through dinner. So, inside we went, straight to the bar for a little more warmth and a lot more action.

CHIPS + SALSA

For starters… My favorite! Free chips & salsa! I love the red (“hot,” but I don’t think so).

ON THE MENU

Because the only menu I could find online is old and needs to be updated (our server said she’d relay that to the owner. Thanks, Maryanne), I wanted to share it with you here. Hopefully, you can zoom in to read it.

**Note, their website may have the correct version but since it’s not “secure,” I didn’t click on it and instead did my initial research on other websites, like Yelp, etc.

⭐️ They serve breakfast and check out those drink specials! “Make it a margarita for $1 more!”

COMIN’ IN HOT

The thing that makes eating here extra special is that the food is served on authentic Mexican dinnerware and the plates come out HOT. Which means, your food is served hot and stays warm. I’m telling you, this seemingly “little detail” makes all the difference and it’s a rarity to find food served this way anymore. Back in California, our favorite sit- down restaurants (like Don José’s), always served food this way.

MUY RÁPIDO!

Granted, we arrived later in the evening (8:15-ish), and apparently just missed the rush (whew!), but we were shocked when our food arrived less than 10 minutes after we ordered. I actually wished I would have timed it because it felt like we snapped our fingers and our food just magically appeared.

We were accidentally given the lunch menus so we ordered of that. Mr. Buzz order “Large Street Tacos” with all rice (no beans). These were nice, big tacos! It looks like the tortillas are fresh and homemade and the only issue Mr. Buzz had was they were falling apart and soggy, making them difficult to eat as “tacos.” He suggests they be served double-wrapped to solve that and next time we’ll order them that way.

Because of my gluten sensitivities, I’m usually pretty limited on what I can order anywhere. It’s also rare that I see shredded beef enchiladas on the menu so, luckily, I was able to order the Sonoran Enchiladas with corn tortillas (instead of flour). It was SUPERB! Easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had, perfectly balanced in flavors and accompaniments and not the globular cheese bomb enchiladas often turn into.

**Note, the server indicated that there is flour in both the red and greed enchilada sauce. Not enough to where it affects me, but if you’re Celiac, take note.

RECEIPT REPORT

ARIZONA’S MOST-FAMOUS VETERAN

🇺🇲 We visited on Veteran’s Day and as we were leaving, Mr. Buzz pointed out that I must take a picture and share the wall dedicated to Pat Tillman, Arizona’s most-famous veteran. It was just such a fitting ending to a perfect night.

FIND THEM

📍 Old Pueblo Café & Pub
102 N. Old Litchfield Road
Litchfield Park, AZ

The Socials:

• Old Pueblo on Facebook

• Old Pueblo on Instagram

📲 They also have a website, but since it’s not “secure,” I didn’t visit which is also why I’m not sharing here.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK…

As always, if you go, please let them know The Buckeye Buzz sent ya!

Have you already been? What’s your favorite thing to eat at Old Pueblo?

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Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.

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