Mike Myers, co-owner of Rusty Buckle Saloon, says he was in Nashville, Tennessee and came across small dive bars that nevertheless defied their humble surroundings and served up great food and had a fun vibe. 'They were the kind of places you would see on the side of the road,' he says. These unassuming honky tonks, as they are known - a run down bar or club with country music - are more commonly seen in Nashville then in Arizona, and Mike saw an opportunity. Along with co-owner Tom Misitano, the two have been in the restaurant business for about 20 years and own other restaurants in Chandler as well.
Originally, they had wanted to open the first Rusty Buckle Saloon in Queen Creek but a location in Apache Junction became available first. Located in downtown Apache Junction, they have a clear view of the Superstition Mountains in the distance and a few motorcycles parked out front. The atmosphere is relaxed and filled with the hum of chatter, as a steady flow of patrons arrive for lunch. Due to its success, a second location is slated to open in 2026 in Queen Creek. Since Mike calls Queen Creek home, this is the perfect spot for them to grow.
Rusty Buckle Saloon maintains a modern but rustic environment. Mike even suggests a touch of the 'outlaw' feel, however with a beer named after the famed 'Lost Dutchman' of the Superstition Mountains, there is a clear nod to Arizona too.
Their signature dishes include rib eye sliders using seasoned rib eye, a Sonoran burger that combines flavors of sweet and heat, and their chicken wings that come in a choice of BBQ, garlic parmesan, and Nashville Hot. There are custom cocktails and their signature beer - the Lost Dutchman Gold. Another tempting menu item is the Old Fashioned Root Beer float made with authentic sarsaparilla.
Mark Coakley is the chef behind these creative dishes and Mike calls him a 'jack of all trades' and a 'magician'. The array of menu options on offer speaks to Coakley's versatility, and Mike says that the key to their success is 'leading with the food'. Everything is made in house in their scratch kitchen and takes inspiration from Southern comfort style food. Their chicken wings are marinated for 24 hours and their chicken fried steak is hand-breaded and fried.
Last but not least, the bar has its own special concoctions too. Drinks like the Desperado Margarita, or their Saguaro Sunset which is a mix of peach vodka, cranberry, and pineapple juice in a mason jar. Compliment your beverage with any appetizer such as their onion rings and spicy sauce or their fried pickles, and you just can't go wrong.
Rusty Buckle also hosts regular music acts as people enjoy their food. Staying true to the 'honky tonk' concept, the music is country and local acts entertain from the stage. While we were there, Franklin Smith, a singer and songwriter, performed with his guitar.
Their live music schedule runs from Friday to Sunday where you can listen from the bar with a cold beer or take to the dance floor with your partner. The Rusty Buckle Saloon has kept to the premise of a honky tonk with great music and great food, a perfect fit for the town. While Queen Creek can certainly look forward to this new addition, if you just can't wait for them to open their doors in 2026, you can experience what their Apache Junction location has for now. Just remember, you may want to bring your appetite and your dancing shoes.
www.rustybucklesaloon.com
'... Mike says that the key to their success is 'leading with the food'. Everything is made in house in their scratch kitchen and takes inspiration from Southern comfort style food.'
'The Rusty Buckle Saloon has kept to the premise of a honky tonk with great music and great food...'