The Prohibition era might be long gone, but remnants of it still remain. One of them is Charlie Clark’s, a circa-1938 steakhouse nestled way up in the White Mountains. Located on the grounds of a former speakeasy, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Arizona, and the Western-themed atmosphere is almost as delightful as the food. It’s nestled in Pinetop/Lakeside, one of the coolest small towns in the nation.
At over 7,000 feet above sea level, Charlie Clark’s is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Arizona’s White Mountains - and allegedly the 5th-oldest steakhouse in the state overall.
TripAdvisor/Retired2Travel2010 You’ll find the eatery in the beautiful town of Pinetop-Lakeside, located in northeastern Arizona.
Upon entrance, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into an old Western.
TripAdvisor/Management Taxidermy covers the walls, and the all-wooden furniture imparts an undeniable country charm.
The history of Charlie Clark’s is, perhaps, even more colorful than its ambiance.
TripAdvisor/Management During the Prohibition era, the site the restaurant is now located on was home to a speakeasy. Even after the property was sold to Charlie Clark, patrons were tasked with preparing their own drinks while he prepared their meals! Thankfully, that isn’t the case any longer - you can sit back, play some pool, and watch the game while an expert bartender makes your beverage of choice.
As for the menu, it’s as wide and varied as your appetite.
Google/Lisa C There are several different cuts of steak to choose from, plus other entrees like prime rib, chicken-fried steak, pasta dishes, and mouthwatering sides like loaded baked potatoes and French onion soup.
If a big, juicy burger is calling your name, look no further.
TripAdvisor/Management Two different kinds grace the menu: the original Charlie’s Burger and the Kobe Beef Burger. Both feature the same toppings - lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle (plus optional cheese, green chili, grilled onions, or sautéed mushrooms for $1 each) - however, the Kobe burger uses beef produced without growth hormones.
Seafood lovers will find plenty of delectable options, as well.
Google/Lisa C From steamed Alaskan king crab legs served with drawn butter to coconut shrimp, there’s something to please every palate. Each table receives a complimentary loaf of freshly baked bread, as well, and you can cut your slices as thin or thick as your heart desires.
Address: 1701 East White Mountain Boulevard, Pinetop, AZ 85935.
Google Maps Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday, and Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Visit the restaurant’s website or Facebook page for more information.
TripAdvisor/Retired2Travel2010
You’ll find the eatery in the beautiful town of Pinetop-Lakeside, located in northeastern Arizona.
TripAdvisor/Management
Taxidermy covers the walls, and the all-wooden furniture imparts an undeniable country charm.
During the Prohibition era, the site the restaurant is now located on was home to a speakeasy. Even after the property was sold to Charlie Clark, patrons were tasked with preparing their own drinks while he prepared their meals! Thankfully, that isn’t the case any longer - you can sit back, play some pool, and watch the game while an expert bartender makes your beverage of choice.
Google/Lisa C
There are several different cuts of steak to choose from, plus other entrees like prime rib, chicken-fried steak, pasta dishes, and mouthwatering sides like loaded baked potatoes and French onion soup.
Two different kinds grace the menu: the original Charlie’s Burger and the Kobe Beef Burger. Both feature the same toppings - lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle (plus optional cheese, green chili, grilled onions, or sautéed mushrooms for $1 each) - however, the Kobe burger uses beef produced without growth hormones.
From steamed Alaskan king crab legs served with drawn butter to coconut shrimp, there’s something to please every palate. Each table receives a complimentary loaf of freshly baked bread, as well, and you can cut your slices as thin or thick as your heart desires.
Google Maps
Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday, and Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Have you ever eaten at Charlie Clark’s? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us all about your dining experience in the comments section below, then check out our previous article for another bucket list-worthy restaurant in the White Mountains.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse, 1701 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Northern Arizona: A Wonderful Place To Get Out Of The Desert Heat October 02, 2022 Will Suphan What are the differences between Northern and Southern Arizona? When people think of Arizona, it’s usually the Grand Canyon and the Wild West with desert shootouts and cacti everywhere. However, the Northern part of the state is much different from its Southern counterpart. Northern Arizona is replete with pine forests and great camping with areas like Flagstaff, The Mogollon Rim, and Mormon Lake. The summers are mild and there is snow in the winter. There are even skiing resorts to be found! Southern Arizona is home to all the great Mexican food you can think of, from Sonoran Hot Dogs to tons of taco shops, and many places serve menudo on the weekends. It’s fun to try out the more adventurous foods like lengua tacos. Where are the best lakes for fishing and boating in Northern Arizona? Northern Arizona is where everyone goes to for camping. Along with camping comes fishing and boating, and there are so many wonderful lakes to choose from. Lake Mead is probably the most famous and is one of the largest. Arizonans flock here for boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more. One of the best camping spots for fishing is Kaibab Lake near the town of Williams. It gets a nice dusting of snow in the winter and is a lovely spot any time of year. Sometimes it’s the smaller places that offer the most beauty, and Granite Basin lake is a haven for photographers due to the idyllic views of rounded rock formations and lush trees. What are the best hiking trails in Northern Arizona? Of course, if you’re going camping and fishing, you’re going hiking too. Northern Arizona is home to some amazing day hikes that offer a wonderful respite from the summer heat. Humphrey’s Trail #151 just outside of Flagstaff takes you zig-zagging up a steep and rocky incline, but will bring you near the top of the San Francisco Peaks offering breathtaking views of the forested valley below. For an easier hike, Kachina Trail #150 is kid-friendly and is in a gorgeous aspen forest. If you hike there in the fall, you’ll be treated to some lovely colorful changes.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Northern Arizona: A Wonderful Place To Get Out Of The Desert Heat
October 02, 2022
Will Suphan
What are the differences between Northern and Southern Arizona? When people think of Arizona, it’s usually the Grand Canyon and the Wild West with desert shootouts and cacti everywhere. However, the Northern part of the state is much different from its Southern counterpart. Northern Arizona is replete with pine forests and great camping with areas like Flagstaff, The Mogollon Rim, and Mormon Lake. The summers are mild and there is snow in the winter. There are even skiing resorts to be found! Southern Arizona is home to all the great Mexican food you can think of, from Sonoran Hot Dogs to tons of taco shops, and many places serve menudo on the weekends. It’s fun to try out the more adventurous foods like lengua tacos. Where are the best lakes for fishing and boating in Northern Arizona? Northern Arizona is where everyone goes to for camping. Along with camping comes fishing and boating, and there are so many wonderful lakes to choose from. Lake Mead is probably the most famous and is one of the largest. Arizonans flock here for boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more. One of the best camping spots for fishing is Kaibab Lake near the town of Williams. It gets a nice dusting of snow in the winter and is a lovely spot any time of year. Sometimes it’s the smaller places that offer the most beauty, and Granite Basin lake is a haven for photographers due to the idyllic views of rounded rock formations and lush trees. What are the best hiking trails in Northern Arizona? Of course, if you’re going camping and fishing, you’re going hiking too. Northern Arizona is home to some amazing day hikes that offer a wonderful respite from the summer heat. Humphrey’s Trail #151 just outside of Flagstaff takes you zig-zagging up a steep and rocky incline, but will bring you near the top of the San Francisco Peaks offering breathtaking views of the forested valley below. For an easier hike, Kachina Trail #150 is kid-friendly and is in a gorgeous aspen forest. If you hike there in the fall, you’ll be treated to some lovely colorful changes.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When people think of Arizona, it’s usually the Grand Canyon and the Wild West with desert shootouts and cacti everywhere. However, the Northern part of the state is much different from its Southern counterpart. Northern Arizona is replete with pine forests and great camping with areas like Flagstaff, The Mogollon Rim, and Mormon Lake. The summers are mild and there is snow in the winter. There are even skiing resorts to be found! Southern Arizona is home to all the great Mexican food you can think of, from Sonoran Hot Dogs to tons of taco shops, and many places serve menudo on the weekends. It’s fun to try out the more adventurous foods like lengua tacos.
Where are the best lakes for fishing and boating in Northern Arizona?
Northern Arizona is where everyone goes to for camping. Along with camping comes fishing and boating, and there are so many wonderful lakes to choose from. Lake Mead is probably the most famous and is one of the largest. Arizonans flock here for boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more. One of the best camping spots for fishing is Kaibab Lake near the town of Williams. It gets a nice dusting of snow in the winter and is a lovely spot any time of year. Sometimes it’s the smaller places that offer the most beauty, and Granite Basin lake is a haven for photographers due to the idyllic views of rounded rock formations and lush trees.
What are the best hiking trails in Northern Arizona?
Of course, if you’re going camping and fishing, you’re going hiking too. Northern Arizona is home to some amazing day hikes that offer a wonderful respite from the summer heat. Humphrey’s Trail #151 just outside of Flagstaff takes you zig-zagging up a steep and rocky incline, but will bring you near the top of the San Francisco Peaks offering breathtaking views of the forested valley below. For an easier hike, Kachina Trail #150 is kid-friendly and is in a gorgeous aspen forest. If you hike there in the fall, you’ll be treated to some lovely colorful changes.
