Cave Creek and the Buffalo Chip Saloon are a bit of Wild West in Arizona. On the Wednesday night in March that we arrived the place was surrounded with pickup trucks, jeeps, and real and wanna-be cowboys. There was a long, very slowly moving line waiting at the outside buffet. You choose your meat (they give you a pound of it!) and some sides. And of course there is cold beer. We chose to go inside and grab something. It was busy, but far quicker than the patio buffet, although it was confusing to even find our way to the restaurant. The place is kind of a maze.
Once inside, we ordered beers - very cold! That was nice. Fast service. Sat at the bar. Ordered the homemade fried chicken and a burger. Both were good, but the chicken was better. Definitely homemade. However, if you're looking for a neat, organized, well appointed atmosphere you won't find it at the chips. It more resembles a cowboy mess hall and its a bit messy, loud, and crazy. But it was packed - and that says something.
After dinner we headed back outside for the Wednesday night entertainment of amateur bull riding...and we're not talking mechanical bulls...these are the real bucking, snorting, and kicking big boys. The bleacher seating around the arena was packed, there were bonfires roaring, and the crowd was wound up and having a great time. This is a highlight of the Chip.
Would we go back? Maybe not. But we're glad we went once. It was a fun experience. If your near Cave Creek, you should do the same.