On a Friday in late July 2022, Neighbor Roy and I traveled down Grant Road in Tucson to Robert’s Restaurant for lunch. I chose Robert’s because it was highly rated on TripAdvisor. Four and a half stars. We’ll see for ourselves. We arrived at exactly 12 noon and the temperature was 104 degrees. The forecast is for monsoon rains this weekend, but we might get some this PM. I always hold out hope.
Robert’s website says,
Being in business since 1978, we continually strive to adapt to the ever changing food business. One thing that we will NEVER change is the quality of food that we serve. At Robert’s we do not believe in premade/boxed foods. We make all our breads from scratch, grind and tenderize our own meats, and make all of our pie crust from scratch.
Well, that sounded good to us. The parking lot was nearly full, but we found a space not far from the front door and took it. We entered and were told to seat ourselves. OK. There was an empty booth near the counter, so we took that too. The menus were already on the table in a standup holder.
And an extensive menu it was too. Mostly breakfast stuff: eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and fresh-made breads and rolls. But also an assortment of sandwiches and typical diner dishes. Robert’s is not fancy. In fact, it’s remarkably plain. But at the front door, there is a counter with an assortment of pies that looked delicious.
Our waitress, a pleasant middle-aged lady, arrived at our table and took our drink orders. Roy ordered his usual hot tea ($2.99). I ordered Iced Tea (also $2.99). When she quickly brought our drinks, we ordered lunch. Roy ordered Meatloaf: 2 slices of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, and a small bowl of corn and a biscuit.
I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and a small bowl of corn and a biscuit ($11.99). I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
“Today we dined at Robert’s Restaurant on Grant Road. an old and trusted restaurant. As it was lunchtime, the restaurant was crowded. We were greeted and promptly seated. Menus on the table.–a fast review of the menus indicated standards of comfort items. I chose meatloaf ($10. 95). I ordered hot tea (Earl Grey), and relaxed to review this restaurant, which I used to visit for breakfast with a work friend. It has not changed much over the years. Friendly courteous staff, home cooking, and reasonable prices, When my lunch came, it was 2 generous slices of meatloaf, a good portion of mashed potatoes, generously covered with gravy, and a side dish of corn. There was also a bun for each of us. I knew from the large portion, that I would take 1/2 of it home, which I did.
The only surprise was the number of women customers. On previous visits, the clientele was almost entirely male. Working class–times have surely changed. I would give it 3 1/2 saguaros, based on good, plentiful portions, attentive staff, and reasonable prices. What it does, it does it well.”
I concur with Roy’s assessment. Three and a half Saguaros for Robert’s Restaurant. The service was great, tolerably good food, the portions were enormous, and the price was very reasonable. Our total came to only $31.48. We usually blow through $50 or more on these little adventures. But then, Robert’s does not have a full bar, so no Margarita for Jim this time. That saved $7 to $12. But remember that delicious collection of pies I mentioned. I was too full to order a slice, and Ms. Karen would have given me hell if I had.
Editor’s Note: She did anyway. This is NOT low-calorie food. And it appears that there is nothing green on the menu. Definitely Comfort Food. Come hungry. -kr
Robert’s Restaurant
3301 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
Mondays through Saturdays: 7 AM to 2 PM
