Every year, thousands of winter visitors known as “snowbirds,” many of them retirees from the Upper Midwest, flock to the Valley to enjoy our pleasant weather.
And, while here, many are on the lookout for restaurants like those “back home.†Here are five East Valley restaurants known for satisfying a Midwesterner’s appetite on a retiree’s budget:
The Farmhouse: Although this rustic restaurant left its original location — an actual farmhouse — more than a decade ago, it still serves the same giant cinnamon rolls ($3.50) and meatloaf sandwiches ($8, shown at left). Except for an occasional special, nothing on the menu costs more than $8.95. 228 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, 480-926-0676.
Iowa Café: Hawkeye State natives have been enjoying breaded pork tenderloins ($8.99 with sides) and Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwiches ($4.79) at this café, which just relocated about a mile away, for 26 years. Be sure to leave room for a slice of pie ($2.59), available in 18 flavors. 1129 N. Higley Road, Mesa, 480-985-2022.
Trophy’s Steakhouse: Owned by a farm family from South Dakota, this hunting-themed steakhouse features reasonably priced steaks — an 8-ounce flat-iron steak with salad and side is just $14 — as well as wild-game dishes like elk-and-buffalo meatloaf ($15). 7215 S. Power Road, Queen Creek, 480-840-3981.
Hoosier Cafe: You can be pretty sure this Chandler mainstay is the only restaurant in the East Valley where you’ll find Fried Corn Mush with Bacon ($5.99) alongside other hearty breakfast menu items like a pork chop ($7.49 with eggs) and biscuits & gravy ($4.49). 393 W. Warner Road, Chandler, 480-814-7199.
Culver’s: With popular menu offerings like ButterBurgers and cheese curds, it’s no surprise this fast-casual chain was born in Wisconsin and has spread throughout the Midwest. It even offers walleye for a limited time every spring. 1909 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, 480-733-5330; 3155 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-268-7249.
