Neighbor Roy and I went to the Old Times Kafe one afternoon, mostly because I had a discount Dining Card from the Arizona Daily Star, our local newspaper. Besides, it was close by on the West Side of town. They serve breakfast and lunch and close at 2 PM. On the way, Roy said he had a hankering for meatloaf which he noticed on their online menu.
We had to wait for our table a few minutes while it was being cleared and struck up a conversation with the hostess. They have been in business of 22 years at this location on Prince. Roy said that when he first came to Tucson 40 years ago, this place was a Korean restaurant. It was owned by an American soldier who had married a Korean woman and they lived on one side of the house and served meals on the other.
The menu at the Old Times Kafe is eclectic. It starts with the Early Bird Special 5:30 – 9:30 AM. You have your choice of two eggs with Chicken Fried Steak or Liver & Onions or Pork Chops, served with hash browns or homefries and toast: $7.25. Or try two eggs, a buttermilk pancake or a pan baked biscuit with country gravy. Another early morning special is a Slice of French Toast served with your choice of 2 slices of bacon, or 2 sausage links or 1 sausage patty for $5.75.
Lunch ranges from cold sandwiches: such as BLT, turkey, roast beef, to hot lunches such as Spaghetti w/ Meat sauce ($8.50) served w/garlic toast; Hot Turkey ($8.50) Served w/mashed potatoes and vegetables: Hot Roast Beef ($8.50) Served w/mashed potatoes and vegetables. There are Daily Specials for lunch as well.
Roy, of course ordered the meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes and veggies. He said it was excellent. I had a bite and concurred. I ordered the fish & chips. It came very hot. Also very good. The coleslaw was particularly tasty. We cleaned our plates.
Given the pricing, I’d say Old Times Kafe is a bargain no matter what you order.
We give it four saguaros: Good food, good atmosphere, very good price.
Old Times Kafe
1485 W Prince Rd, Tucson AZ 85705
