Rustler's Rooste

Rustler's Rooste calls itself Arizona's legendary cowboy steakhouse, and its address makes the pitch: it sits on a butte in the foothills of South Mountain at 8383 S 48th Street in Phoenix, with a view across the whole Valley of the Sun. The restaurant opened on this site in 1971. According to local legend the butte was once a hideout for cattle rustlers.

A building that burned and came back

The original structure was destroyed in an electrical fire on April 27, 1985, and the restaurant was rebuilt on the site. It is a two-story cowboy steakhouse with a general store, a spacious patio and live country music every night, and it remains a family-owned business.

What to order

The kitchen turns out choice-cut steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood. The best-known appetizer is deep-fried rattlesnake served with "CactiFries," which are fried cactus, and first-time visitors usually order it as a conversation piece. Locals like to say it tastes like chicken.

The slide

The metal slide that runs from the upper floor to the lower floor is the other thing people remember. It was installed so servers could move food faster, and the staff no longer uses it, but guests do, and adults use it more than children do.

Good for groups

With its Western decor, live band and view, the restaurant is a favorite for birthdays, reunions and visiting guests.

Common Questions

What are the hours?
Dinner only: typically 5 PM to 10 PM Monday to Friday and 4:30 PM to 10 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Call 602-431-6474 to confirm.

Is there live music?
Yes, a live band plays each night.

What is the famous appetizer?
Deep-fried rattlesnake with CactiFries.

What is the slide?
A metal slide from the upper to the lower floor, originally for serving staff and now enjoyed by guests.

When did it open?
1971, and it was rebuilt after a fire in 1985.