History

1880's Stage Stop

During the Arizona Territory days, Reata Pass was on an old stagecoach stop along a dust-filled, rocky trail that wandered often steeply uphill northeast from Phoenix and on to connect Fort McDowell on the Verde River and Prescott. Crossing the McDowell Mountains in those days was no easy task as the climb took its toll on the passengers and horses. Travelers were treated to a hearty meal and cool drink while the horses were being watered, A knee-high foundation of boulders and mortar supported a wooden one-room stage station built in 1882. Portions of the adobe walls and old stone foundation still exist, making Reata Pass the most authentic "cowboy" restaurant in the Valley. The old jailhouse across the road is original and was used elsewhere in the 1880's to hold Indian prisoners.

Scottsdale's Pioneer Blacksmith Family

The Cavalliere family was one of the first to settle in Scottsdale, before the town's incorporation. They still own and run Scottsdale's oldest continuous business, the historic Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop in Old Town, founded in 1909. George "Doc" Cavalliere II purchased Reata Pass in the fifties and proceeded to add on to the western "town" as an event would require. Three generations of graceful Cavalliere ornamental ironwork accent the various inside as well as the patio and cookout areas outside. Rusty western relics collected by the family over the years, such as branding irons and spurs, hang in scores from the rafters and walls here and the family's sister cowboy bar next door, Greasewood Flat.

Movie Location

Reata Pass has been used as a backdrop for several movies over the years. "Cancel My Reservation", "Raising Arizona" and earlier portions of "Bonanza" were shot here. Bob Hope and a young Michael Landon frequented the restaurant during the filmings. At one point movie producers built a church as a backdrop for an early western called "Peace and the Gunfighter". In addition we have hosted many of the rich and famous, such as Tennessee Ernie Ford and Barry Goldwater to name a few. We even built a large chair for one of our regular customers, who weighed around 500 pounds.

1-800-211-3581 - 480-585-7277

27500 N. Alma School Parkway

Scottsdale, AZ

Copyright © 2004 Reata Pass Steakhouse

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