In planning for our weekly dine-out adventure on a Friday in late July 2021, Neighbor Roy told me he wanted meatloaf. So I Googled “meatloaf tucson” and up popped Grumpy’s Grill, Burgers, Baskets and Beer, on Ina. I called for reservations but was told by the lady who answered that she was new and didn’t know the restaurant’s policy. She asked me to hold while she asked someone. When she came back on the phone, she said, “No, we don’t take reservations, sorry.”

So Neighbor Roy and I went anyway and arrived at 12:30 PM. The place was small and crowded, but we were seated quickly. Our server brought our water and took our drink orders. Roy ordered hot tea. I ordered a margarita. When she brought our drinks, I asked her how Grumpy’s got its name. She said, “I don’t know. He must have been grumpy when he opened the place.” There was a sign on the wall, however, that read, “If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.”

With that definitive statement, we ordered our lunches. Roy ordered the Meatloaf Dinner with Mashed Potatoes, Veggies and Garlic Bread ($10.99). I ordered Grumpy’s Western Burger: BBQ sauce, Bacon, Grilled Onions and Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese ($10.69). Our orders came up fairly quickly. Good thing, too. We were both hungry. My burger was excellent, although the onion rings I ordered with it were less than interesting. My margarita was also very good. I let Roy describe his experience, which was somewhat different than mine.

“This week and at my suggestion, we visited Grumpy’s restaurant on w. Ina Road. It is located in a strip mall among several other restaurants. As it was noon the restaurant was somewhat crowded, There are two large flat-screen TV’s. The waitress was prompt with water and menus provided. I ordered my longed-for meatloaf with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies, no bread please. I also requested hot tea. What Grumpy’s does well is comfort food. My lunch was excellent. The one problem I had was flies–nothing is more disgusting than to watch 3 flies running around the rim of my teacup. I might want to go back in the winter months, but do not advise it in summer. Again, what Grumpy’s does well is provide comfort food in a working-class restaurant. It probably has a good happy hour–but please call an exterminating service ASAP. Can only give this restaurant 3 saguaros.”

Roy’s flies seemed happy with sitting on his hot tea mug and didn’t bother my margarita. So I didn’t have the same problem and truly enjoyed my meal. So I give Grumpy’s three and a half saguaros. Also, my cell phone broke so I can’t provide any photos of our meal but there are plenty on their website, which may also explain the Grumpy theme.

Grumpy’s Grill is a local diner, located in a strip mall in a semi-residential area, Heritage Plaza, just west of Shannon. It was established in 2014. It was voted 2nd place burger in Best of the Northwest, a Marana publication, in 2021.

Grumpy’s Grill
2960 W. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 297-5452
Hours:
Monday thru Saturday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM