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| - Let me start now by pointing out that I may have a bias. Never known anyone who works there and I am completely unattached to the place in all financial ways (except paying my bill). But as a kid growing up in Phoenix this place is as much a part of me as the Wallace & Ladmo Show (If you don't know, you wouldn't understand). While I came here quite a bit as a kid, there was a long period of teen/early 20's that I never made it down here. I was too busy going to the "cool" spots I suppose. Then I drove by one day and something in the back of my head when - hmmmmmm.
Bill Johnson's Big Apple celebrated it's 50th Anniversary this year. The story of it's creation, and creator is a wild one. I'll save some of the details so you have something to read on the menu while you're there. But the guy was a character. He was a regular celebrity around town, hosted a radio show from the back of the restaurant and sponsored all sorts of local pride events that kept his name in the paper. You will see newspaper clippings and photos of those days in the hallway leading to the bathroom. It was the first real themed restaurant of the day. The waitresses were always in western wear with a hat on their head and a pistol holstered low on their hip. Thankfully that trend still continues. The sawdust on the floor and the wooden Indian at the door tell you that not much has changed around the place either. That said - who would want it to?
The place is big and it is only on rare occasions that you'll need to wait for a table. If you do need to wait, there are a few of those table style video games for the kids (Ha! They are totally for you. Who are we kidding?), or you can spend your time checking out the old pictures, pot belly stove, carvings and other cool cowboy "stuff".
Once you sit at your table you'll notice that there are 2 jars of Bill Johnson's BBQ sauce on the side. Oh yea. This is the good stuff. Everyone has their own thing - I'm a big "original" girl, but I have friends who like the Mesquite. If you fall in love w/ the sauce - you'll find you can buy your own bottle, or t-shirt or other branded stuff up at the register when you take your ticket up to pay.
The menu is simple, unpretentious and not that different than it was back in the day when Bill roamed the place. Don't come looking for "fancy" food. This is just simple stick to your ribs cowboy food. Steaks, ribs, chops, fish, burgers and my favorite - the pulled pork. I grew up on their pulled pork sandwiches. Don't try to compare them to some BBQ place - this is it's own thing. They even have all you can eat ribs. I tried it one of the last times I was there. I got 2 refills. SUCH a pig - but they were SO good! They also have breakfast available starting at some ungodly hour - all your favorites and a few new things as well. And the Hot Apple pie is Mmmmmm...... Prices are all reasonable. Average breakfasts $6-8, Average lunch $6-7, Average dinner $9-12.
My least favorite things about the place are the dinner salads and the cowboy beans. Go with the soup. You can try the beans, but I've just never been a fan. You can check out their full awesome menu at http://www.billjohnsons.com/.
Don't go here looking to be impressed. Come here to feel like family. Don't bring the clients. Bring your family and friends. Let the waitress call you hun and sweetie. Kick up a little saw dust. It will be fun.
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