Old Tubac Inn serves Southwest Saloon Cuisine

Green Valley News & Sun
Friday,April 16, 2006
by Kristine White

An ever-increasing array of options awaits diners in Tubac, but an old standard for a hearty meal is the Old Tubac Inn. You won't leave hungry. Owner Jim Lagattuta orchestrates a dining opportunity that reflects Southwest culture and cuisine.

"I myself have coined the phrase 'Sonoran Saloon Cuisine,'" Lagattuta said during a recent interview in the restaurant during a surprisingly busy rush. Surprising, because it was 3 p.m. and the outdoor and indoor dining areas were full -- on a Wednesday.

Its location, dead-ahead of the main entrance of Tubac, makes it an easy target for tourists, but there were also a few locals mixed in. Most of them were getting take-out to hurry back to their shops with a late lunch.

Any smart tourist knows to follow the locals to discover the best of what a place has to offer.

The building that houses the Old Tubac Inn Restaurant and Saloon was built in 1958, and although a number of owners have passed through, it has always functioned as a bar/restaurant.

Lagattuta said that when he bought the place, the kitchen had to be completely revamped and extensive remodeling has been ongoing during his five years of ownership. In his words, a lot of "destruction and reconstruction."

"I wanted the restaurant to have the same feel as my house in Phoenix. People really like the fireplace room, adding the patio outside was a really smart move for us. It changes the entrance completely," he said . "Also, we support local artists, such as painter Fred Tuch, by displaying their artwork year-round."

I think we're different from everyone else. We're the oldest. We have a menu that's different from any other. We've got dripping-off-the bone ribs, great steaks, barbecue sandwiches and our mesquite wood smoker is unique," Lagattuta added.

In addition to the "meat and potatoes" type of entrees offered, a few of the lighter side items include chicken Caesar salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and quesadillas.

Rio Rico resident Rod Robertson said, "I come in twice a week, because I think they have good food and good drinks. The barbecue sandwich is enough for two meals, and their chili stew recipe is 80 years old.

"Jim always comes over and says hello, and the waiters and waitresses are all nice."

Tucsonan Lesley Langille had lunch on the patio with her parents visiting from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Langille said, "We loved it. It was a great taste of the Southwest."

"I think they have the best hamburger in town, it's got the feeling of a small town pub, but with a menu you wouldn't expect." Tubac resident Lane Caton said.

The Old Tubac Inn is open days a week for lunch and dinner. They have a full-liquor license and five beers on tap, from Guinness to Mexican import Dos Equis.

You'll find the Old Tubac Inn at 7 Tubac Plaza, between Tubac and Plaza roads, on the west side of the village.

Reservations are suggested for large parties, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

(Kristine White is a free-lance writer who lives in Tubac.)