Rustic Cave Creek Roadhouse mixes high, low notes
By CRYSTAL PETROCELLI
Get Out

Wait: The rustic, barnlike restaurant was packed at 8 p.m. on a Saturday, but there was a table in a smoke-free section of the front patio we were happy to have.

Service: Our waitress said she was going to get us appetizer plates, but never did. The guy who delivered our entrees had no clue who ordered what. He announced each dish and waited for us to signal to whom the meal belonged. I don’t know about you, but that’s not the manner in which I want a $25 filet mignon presented.

Meal: Our calamari ($8.95) was expensive for the quantity and quality — too many chewy rings. The sausage stuffed mushrooms baked in a pool of alfredolike cheese sauce were a much bigger draw. I could definitely do those again and again. All three of our entrees were served with the same sautéed vegetables, which made the tempting list of large sides ($4.95 each) a tease since we weren’t allowed to swap our veggies for, say, the whipped mashers. The filet mignon was a thick cut splashed with au jus, but the double stuffed pork chop topped it. Filled with spicy sausage and sweet corn-bread stuffing, the giant round of meat was such a savory sight the table next to us whispered about it before finally asking us how it was. Dessert was disappointing. The mud pie’s soft ice cream was melting before we took a bite, and there was no cookie crust.

Scene: With live music most nights of the week, this Route 66-style Roadhouse could turn into a rocking good time and still have a spot in the sprawling space for those who prefer a quieter night.

Bathroom break: A wood-lovers dream.

Tab for three: $114 with tip and tax for calamari ($8.95), sausage stuffed mushrooms ($7.95), filet mignon ($24.95), herb roasted half chicken ($9.95), double stuffed pork chop ($17.95), mashed potatoes ($4.95), mud pie ($5.95), pineapple upside-down cake ($6) and iced tea ($2).

If work weren’t buying: The Roadhouse gave me one more reason to plan a weekend away in Cave Creek.

Major cross streets: Cave Creek and Tom Darlington roads
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. daily
Reservations accepted: Yes
Health report: Not available
Kid friendly: Yes
Web site: www.cavecreekroadhouse.com