This summer, The Stockyards Restaurant, which opened in 1947, and then suffered a devastating fire in 1953, is celebrating the 60 year anniversary of the grand re-opening and the establishment of the 1889 Saloon. On June 26, 1954, the restaurant re-opened with the addition of the massive hand carved cherry stained Honduran mahogany bar. The back bar was recently painstakingly restored to its original grandeur. There is an equally massive custom made cut-glass chandelier designed by Helen Tovrea in the 1950’s, and hand-painted murals that colorfully portray various song lyrics and melodramas of this era, such as “Sweet Adeline” and “The Face on the Barroom Floor.”
The Stockyards retains it Old West charm with the original polished hardwood oak floors, saloon-style heavy wood, etched glass and pressed-tin ceilings. The menu stays true to its heritage as well, as dinner service begins with a traditional relish tray and a bread basket with hot-from-the-oven baking soda biscuits and corn bread muffins with prickly pear honey butter. And unlike most Phoenix steakhouses, all entrees include soup or salad and a choice of potato.
Gary Lasko, the proprietor, has been impressed over the years by the steady stream of stories shared with him by guests who have enjoyed the Stockyards since 1947. The sepia-toned aerial photographs that line the walls evoke countless stories of how folks fondly remember the time when The Stockyards was comprised of more than 200 acres of cattle pens to support more than 40,000 head of cattle, making it the world’s largest feed lot. The restaurant also features and displays an extensive Western Art collection.
“There is such affection for this restaurant in the valley and throughout the state. People are just blown away when they come in, whether it’s their first visit or if they’ve been coming here for decades,” said Lasko, a 45-year veteran of the restaurant industry. Operating The Stockyards for the past ten years is by far the most fun I’ve had in my career!”
For dinner reservations or banquet inquiries: (602) 273-7378. The Stockyards Restaurant is centrally located in Phoenix at 5009 E. Washington Street.
For more information, log onto www.stockyardssteakhouse.com.
