The Roadhouse — Restaurant in Cave Creek

This weekend I dined, along with a friend at the trendy biker-bar, called The Road House, in Cave Creek, Arizona.Additionally there is a clothing outlet of sorts to which I was introduced to when the salesman attempted to run me down with his motorcycle as I entered. Yes, he drove his bike into the building. Apparently pedestrians do not have the right-of-way in The Road House, which is designed to provide a cosmetic appeal as what might be described as “fast-casual space ", like a Club House. The interior ceiling was festooned with motorcycles however, the decor failed to distract me from the general state of uncleanliness. Tables were un-bused, still displaying the remnants of previous customers, plastic cups and cutlery with the floor displaying a dusting of discarded napkins. We were originally going to sit in the front and watch the traffic in town but the music was so booming so we retreated to the interior. No wait staff approached us so we inquired of the bartender who took our drink order of two sodas and the returned with menus which she failed to produce on her first trip. She advised us that “we” had to “order”. I can’t recall the last time I ate at a “self-service” restaurant. When we approached the bar we were ignored by the two bartenders who were busy talking to each other and were advised by a helpful patron to go into the back to place our order. My friend ordered the “The Roadhouse Burger”, advertised as having “100% black Angus beef” at $11.00 and then added Cheese for another $1.50. I took my chances with the “1/4 lb Loaded Hot Dog” at $10.00, then allowed the Caller to up sell me into topping it off with Chili, Cheese & Onions for $3.00. I added a $3.00 tip to the Karma Jar in hope of improved service. It didn’t work. My food consisted of a toasted bun, a flaccid hot dog over which the cook had applied a glop of chili, a few onions and some gelatinous cheese. My friend’s burger was a puny meat wafer and our fries were overcooked and the consistency of toothpicks. We rounded out our food groups with copious helpings of ketchup. We decided to bus our own table lest the management add a penalty to our bill. So, our venue topped out at $26.00 for sub-par food and $6.00 for two watery drinks, and both bills had to be paid separately. Realistically, no one should expect anything remotely resembling epicurean and cultured in a place called The Road House but like so many other establishments, a lack of customer service and high prices for low quality food does not reflect a management team that is not engaged with its...

My wife and I traveled to this area as part of my 55th Birthday "road trip". We had never been to Cave Creek, AZ before, so it was wonderful (for me) to ser that the owner was "representing" Chicago (my hometown), by displaying Chicago Bears signage. My wife and I parked in the handicapped parking in the back, and when we came in, we mistakenly started going in the wrong door..into the tattoo parlor...a real thing at this place!!

They kindly redirected us to the restaurant, where we were able to order or food at a walk up counter. We orders two orders of wings (BBQ & Teriyaki). The told us that they would call our name when the food was ready, so we went into the gift shop. A very helpful lady greated us, and offered to take our picture by one of the "Hogs" they had there. I was really impressed with this kindness.

We got our food following our shopping adventure, and found some shaded searing out on the patio. We struck up a nice conversation with another couple, for whom it was also their first visit to the area. We enjoyed our meal, and also the live music that was playing from inside the bar/restaurant.

If there was any negative, it would have been that I paid $2.50 for a 12oz soda...plus an additional $1 TIP...but I guess that is part of the adventure, and not a daily...

I've been on many motorcycle trips and been to my fair share of biker restaurant destinations. This place was a little different. Sat up at the bar on a weekday, as you would expect it was not real busy. It was either pay for my beer immediately or I have to leave a credit card if I want to run a tab. Then, regardless of where you sit, you have to go to a window to order your food. Second credit card required. Fortunately I have one since I don't carry a ton of cash. The Teriyaki hamburger came to $13 and even though I'm ordering at a window and serving myself there is a spot on the receipt for a tip and I feel guilted into leaving the guy five bucks so now my hamburger and fries is $18. Then they call my name on the PA and I have to go back and get it and bring it back to the bar. The burger is okay and the fries are pretty good. The draft beer is actually not very cold which seems odd. Bartender ladies were not unfriendly but maybe a little bored since it wasn't busy? In any event I would call the experience just okay, it was not awful but it was nothing to rave about either and I will try out other establishments in Cave Creek before I would hit this place for a repeat...