Frontier Steak & Spirits — Local services in Safford

On 10/05/2020 my husband and I went to dinner at the Copper Steer Steakhouse in Safford, AZ. The parking lot area looked as though there was a fair amount of people at this location, we skipped a couple empty parking lot restaurants as we weren’t sure where to go as we traveled through the area. Upon entering the restaurant, we did see a couple of tables of guests though no staff in view. After walking further into the restaurant, we saw one employee who said hi as she walked away, we waited a bit longer until someone came to seat us. We requested a booth and were told there were none available (they were empty though not cleaned). We sat at a table near the kitchen and gave our drink order, iced tea (tea was not fresh). We reviewed the brief menu and waited for the waitress to come back and take our order. Our order included steak and shrimp and grilled barbeque chicken. After sitting a good while waiting for the dinner salad the waitress finally came by and asked if we needed anything. We mentioned the salad and she went after it telling us it was freshly made. This location has premade dinner salads and desserts in bowls and on plates wrapped with cellophane in a cooler case in the dining area. The salad we received included wilted/slimy lettuce. We arrived at 5pm which made us wonder how long this lettuce had been sitting already, especially if this was considered fresh. A short while later our dinners were delivered to the table. One plate included their style of green beans, these beans were black and tasted very well cooked. The potatoes, both mashed and baked were cooked/made well. The steak was cooked unevenly, and the chicken was overcooked and tough. The flies in this place are terrible. We literally sat at our table and swatted flies as though we were at an outside BBQ. When mentioned to the waitress we were told that they were aware the flies are bad, and they can’t seem to stop them. The grill is set up nicely and if cleaned regularly and managed correctly could cook up some amazing meats and veggies. We watched several people walking in and out of the kitchen area, many hands on their clothing, hair, hats, etc. though we did not see any hand washing going on between picking up food/utensils and touching themselves or getting drinks. We did not receive any compensation for the food that was not edible or for the lack of quality food. Our total bill came to about $50 for two people. Calling oneself a steakhouse does not mean they know how to do steak. I would not eat at this establishment again nor would I recommend...

My wife and I saw a rerun episode of Restaurant Impossible featuring the restaurant. I had been out in Safford several times before for work, we live in Tucson, and never visited the restaurant because of mixed comments from local hotel workers. After watching the episode we planned a family outing to Wilcox for produce picking then to Safford for lunch at The Copper Steer.

We were seated quickly downstairs near the open pit BBQ. Our server was the only server and apparently cared more about whatever was going on up stairs. A second server came in after we were seated and closed out a check for our server, at a different table, because those guests wanted to pay and leave but were being ignored. Our drinks were brought out quickly, although my iced tea never came, just my water which I waited about 10 minutes to get a refill on it. The menu had a tri-tip steak listed, but when I ordered it I was told they do not have it anymore. It should be removed from the menu if that's the case. All the meals the kids ordered were okay, except for dry grilled cheese, and the kids ate them. The "Prime Rib" that my wife and I ordered was questionable at best. Prime Rib as it is supposed to be prepared is a standing rib roast cooked on the separated bones then cut to serve. What we got was portions of the rib roast that was pre-roasted, probably the day before, and reheated on the grill. My wife's was cold in the center and sent back which was put back on the grill and came back to her medium-well. She could not eat it and fortunately they removed the steak from our ticket. My "Prime Rib" was cooked the same as my wife's, but more than half of it was inedible chewy fat. The brussel sprouts I ordered as a side were obviously frozen and quickly cooked. The center of them had that watery taste you get from frozen veggies.

Our server was very inattentive and preoccupied with the upstairs event. We didn't have to pay for one of the disgusting steaks we ordered, but shouldn't have had to pay for either. Chef Irvine does great work, and the restaurant looked very nice from the remodel. But it's very clear that the owners did not learn enough from Chef Irvine because the food was sub-par at best. The palates of the average restaurant-goer has become much more complex than the times when you could get away with frozen veggies and reheated meats. Fresh is best, ALWAYS. We won't be driving 3hrs to be disappointed again. The owners need to come to Tucson and visit Lil Abner's to see how their restaurant model...

I just had the Best meal I've had in many years! Copper Steer Steakhouse should be called, "Heaven on a Plate"! I ordered what's called the Trio, which consisted of a 7 ounce rib eye, a chicken breast and a huge portion of ribs. Sides were steamed whole green beans with those little tomatoes, a perfectly baked potato, and delicious homemade rolls, which were out of this world! I can't get over how good everything was, and I left with a go box full to the brim. Service was impeccable. The waiter was polite and knowledgeable. He made sure I was happy and had everything I needed. Checked on me regularly, but wasn't intrusive. I felt special even though the restaurant was rather busy. There is an open pit on the side of the main restaurant area where you can watch your food being prepared. You would think it would be smokey, but it isn't at all. The smell of the steaks, ribs and other goodies made my mouth water, though, and I began scarfing my food the second it arrived! Oh, how could I forget my appetizer! Jalepenos stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. Oh my goodness! Absolutely delicious! There are wonderful handicapped parking spaces close to the wheelchair ramp, and the Copper Steer is most definitely wheelchair friendly, from room to move around to the restrooms. They really care about their disabled customers, and it shows in the details. The building is gorgeous! From what I understand, it was hand built from the ground up by the owner and his Dad. The woodwork is art. The decor is true West, from the life-size copper steer just inside the entrance to the artwork hanging on the walls. I was in awe. I hate that I couldn't take photos, but my camera died...Sorry. Besides the restaurant, there is a sports pub upstairs, where you can relax, drink, eat and watch your favorite games. There is also a banquet room, which can be reserved for free! It's also very nice, with plenty of seating. If you prefer, you can eat at one of several tables on the patio while you look at awesome mountain views. I rarely give a place 5 stars, but in this case I wish I could give more! Please do yourself a huge favor and visit the quaint town of Safford, Arizona, and be sure to eat at the Copper Steer Steakhouse. You'll be glad you did! I'll definitely be back, sooner than...