The term Roadhouse has been commercialized & clichéd by corporate chains to the point where we really don’t remember what a Roadhouse originally was. Traditionally it was a simple oasis of comfort on a long rugged road or trail, usually in a small town or crossroads. It was a rough-around-the-edges joint that served all of your needs; a cold beer, a juicy steak, some cut-loose entertainment, and usually a place to sack out for the night. It was creatively and resourcefully cobbled together with whatever was at hand, and had charm and character that only comes with years of caring.
I have always been intrigued with cafes and roadhouses, and Arizona still has a few survivors that fit this mold; the Museum Club in Flagstaff, the Palace Saloon in Prescott, Greasewood Flats in Scottsdale, Rock Springs in Black Canyon City, the Hub Café in Cordes Junction (listed here because it was one of my fave’s, but sadly gone), Tortilla Flats in – well, Tortilla Flats. All of them are throwbacks, dinosaurs of the restaurant business, but I guarantee you’ll get a better meal, and have more fun, for a lot less cash than in any Chilis, Outback, or Bahama Breeze (oops – they’re closed).
Anyhow – Iguana Mack’s is my humble homage to those sweet memories, to the rugged roots of Arizona Hospitality. We don’t have the beds for rent, but we’ve begged, borrowed, and yes stolen elements and flavors from all of those great establishments, and some that aren’t here any more. In the end I hope you enjoy Iguana Mack’s as much as we did creating it.
“Mack” Lopercio & Company
