Opened in 1982 by Lex McGraw, as a watering hole for local cowboys, Tucson McGraw’s Cantina has been serving up ice cold beers, and margaritas by the liter ever since.

Recently purchased by localsBrian and Joanna Cummings, McGraw’s has been undergoing recent changes while still trying to maintain its historic character. New addition, Chef manager Justin Stewart has been working closely with the staff to create treats you wouldn’t expectfrom a place where ranch-hands once rode their horses through the bar.

In the kitchen, beef is being butchered daily, burgers are hand pressed, and dressings and sauces are being prepared from scratch. If you ever have a craving for the homemade pies, that your grandmother used to make, Eric McKinley, the in-house baker, has been recreating some old fashioned recipes, such as: buttermilk custard, apple bourbon pecan, and even a lemon chess pie, along with an ever-changing assortment of other treats.

As you walk through the door, you may be greeted by long time employee, Rachelle Lawrence, who will remember your name, and your favorite beer. You can mosey up to the bar, and enjoy local Tucson beers on tap,a wide variety of Mexican and domestic bottles, a specialty margarita, or step out onto the patio andenjoy an amazing view of the Santa Rita Mountains. During the monsoon, watch as the storms roll through, and lightning flashes in the evening sky. Planning a gathering?

The private Rose Room, with the same view as the patio, provides a cozy setting for any occasion: anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, weddings, with full catering services available. McGraw’s has daily lunch and dinner specials and a wide range of menu items; come enjoy our baby back ribs, smoked pulled pork sandwich or a hand cut Ribeye. For more information, visit their website.

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Lucretia Free