Monthly Archive for May, 2010

If you are a die hard fan of the Food Network then this post may make you a little jealous. Our dear friends Falon and Seth gave us the inside scoop that the Food Network would be in Arizona filming at Greasewood Flat. So, we took this as the perfect opportunity to not only try out Greasewood Flat’s famous Bacon Green Chili Cheeseburger but take part in an actual filming. Being an adventurous couple on a mission for good eats we seized the day, hopped in our car and headed up to Greasewood Flat. We could not contain our excitement and was eager to see what Food Network star and show was going to be making a special appearance. We have been told that Greasewood Flat has been a favorite local bar dive amongst the natives for years and we wanted to see what all the fuss was about. But leave it to us to let our taste buds and our eyes to do the judging. So, hold on tight to your saddlebags we are taking you on a tasty ride!

Driving up Greasewood Flats dusty dirt road pass the donkey corral we new we were in for a treat complete. Don’t worry their is ample parking. When we arrived we felt like we were walking through the doors of a Old Western Saloon and got glimpse of what Arizona was like before the sprawl. We could picture happy and satisfied cowboys riding off into the Arizona sunset after having a casual meal and a cold brew (Yee Haw!). We rubbed shoulders with an eclectic blend of diners from cowboys, cowgals, the cosmopolitan type, locals, out-of-towners and macho bikers armed with ice cold beer all eagerly waiting. Housed in a 120+ year old stage bunkhouse (circa 1883) with rickety wood floors and low ceiling plastered with dollar bills autographed by happy patrons. Greasewood Flat is a friendly, relaxing, airy and casual t-shirt and jeans dining joint and cowboy bar located off the beaten path. Loaded with lots of western charm, a cowboy-ish atmosphere, foot tapping country music, rustic decor and outdoor dining for fresh air this will surely get you in the western spirit.

What we love about dining at Greasewood Flat is that it is the complete opposite of Scottsdale posh, complete with good food and a good time. You truly go back in time – old wagon wheels, broke down wagons, livestock, farming tools and ironworks are on display as if you are on the set for a Western movie (minus the gun slinging outlaws!).  While we waited for our meal we strolled around the property, which was the original stagecoach stop at Reata Pass between Fort McDowell and Phoenix. They even have a horseshoe pit to pass the time. At night you can kick back underneath the stars and enjoy live music, warm bonfires and square dancing on the dance floor. If you are lucky you can witness stunning sunset views over the Pinnacle Peak mountaintops to the west. It was the perfect backdrop for a wonderful dining experience and provided the Food Network film crew with some inspiration.

Hot dogs, warm bowl of chili and burgers is how the west was won or at least that is our stomachs talking. Greasewood Flats menu will make you hunger for home on the range and satisfy your big beefy cow-boy appetite (only cowboy size portions here!). With burgers and beer being a mainstay on the menu, it has been serving up juicy grilled to order burgers for 30 years. Being veteran grill masters they must know their way around the grill. But the question remained…would it live up to its name? Well, we would have to taste and see. Upon arriving we decided to get in line to place our order at their counter. We attempted to use our investigating skills to find out what Food Network Show was coming, but not even the servers had any clue. It appeared that the reveal would be hush hush until the filming crew arrived.

While we salivated over the menu we were told by some of the Greasewood Flat regulars to order their signature 1/2 lb Green Chili Cheeseburger or their famous 1/2lb Bacon Green Chili Cheeseburger. Seeing that we were starving we decided to order them both to share. How could we resist a burger piled high with crispy bacon and layered with Green Chili’s! Their burger is made with 90% fresh lean ground beef and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and potato chips. They do sell beer and alcoholic beverages at their cash only bar, but only take card for buying food.

After we placed our order we head back outside to stake our claim at one their shaded picnic tables under a rolling canopy of mesquite trees right next to a roaring toasty fire barrel (since it does get chili in Arizona). We decided to play a game of Guess What Food Network Star is coming to dinner. We envisioned Guy Fieri from Drivers, Dine In and Dives driving up in his ’67 Camaro or Bobby Flay vs. Greasewood Flat in a Chili Burger Saloon-style Throwdown. We waited on the edge of out benches in anticipation for our order and for the Food Network. Just as our friends arrived our order number was called over the loudspeaker.  With ticket in hand ( as the sign states “”No ticket, no food”) we made our way over to the pick up window as the Food Network camera crew arrived on the scene. Everyone turned around and began to stare and whisper wondering what Food Network host and chef would trail behind.

Just as we were prepared to bite into our juicy mouthwatering burgers the Food Network crew came up to our table and asked if they could film us chowing down. So, as to not disappoint one of our favorite t.v. networks and the potential hungry viewers we happily obliged. Adam & I and our friend Falon were filmed biting into our delish burgers and giving a thumbs up for good eats. Why not live a little! For the sake of Food Network and making our 15 minutes of fame fun and memorable Falon and I let our hair down a bit and took a gigantic bite into our shared cheeseburger at the same time. Adam even got filmed inside placing a burger order at the counter. Being an honorary foodie sleuth he got the inside scoop from the crew that the filming was for a Alton Brown’s new Food Network show “America’s Best”. Unfortunately Alton Brown (host/chef of Good Eats & Feasting on Asphalt) was unable to grace us with his witty, quirky and humorous presence , but the experience was still worth the drive. This show is definitely worth tuning in for when it premieres and airs on the Food Network. Can’t wait!

So put on your leather chaps, biker gear, cowboy boots and hat (not required, but fun!) for a wild western extravaganza. But most importantly come with hungry bellies ready to dine at Greasewood Flat and enjoy some fresh air, mountain views and feasting under the stars. Take a look around and see what to expect when you visit Greasewood Flat. We are going to wait to give this a spork rating until we visit again, but all in all the food was great and the atmosphere was fun!

The menu
Average Price Range: $7-$8

(bring cash for alcohol)

Greasewood Flats

27355 N Alma School Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85262-8303
(480) 585-9430