Bear Wallow Cafe

​Alpine, Arizona in 2014
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Don and I were on the road headed towards Winslow, when we made a stop for lunch at this fine place.  

 

We were still chuckling a bit as we entered, because we had just noticed a truck flying by on Highway 180, with a gas hose flapping from the side of the truck.

Wood Covered Cafe
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​We passed the fine sign with the bear weathervane, then climbed onto the porch, noticing an awful lot of banners with "POW- MIA" and "Don't Tread on Me" thoughts.

 The inside reminders, "No Bikes on the Porch" and "No Cell Phones" didn't seem too welcoming, but we got a nice greeting from staff.

​Screen Door and Knotty Pine!

​I love a screened door, propped open with a half a brick, especially when there are moose and bear images involved.  

And I do love knotty pine!  The pine walls were covered in photos!  Good for browsing.   

​Cluttered and Cozy!
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Stools, booths, lights hanging from antlers, brown & tan tile below and shiny wood above!  

What a welcoming sight, just inside that door!

​Where to Sit?
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We chose the back "sunroom"  with booths along a windowed wall.  The tables provided cozy seating and a view.

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I was also hopeful about a good people encounter, since the man in overalls looked like he might know the local gossip.
 
View and Gossip
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​First we enjoyed the view below, of some hunter's cabins and some trees that hadn't realized it was spring, yet.  Then we had a chance to meet Rick, who sat behind Don. "Looks like you two are a long way from home."  You have to love that line.

When he heard we were headed for Winslow said, "Oh, I'm sorry."  We had to fill him in about the Harvey House Hotel we were excited about.  He came around. 

Rick told us he'd been coming to Bear Wallow since he was about 5 years old.  He knew the area well and gave us some suggestions for scenic roads and historic towns. Our chatty waitress got in on the conversation.  She and Rick had already heard about the truck that ran away with the gas hose!
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Food and History
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​Rick had recommended the Half and Half Chili. It was a great mix of regular and green chili...with lots of onion!

Don had a burger which was pretty basic.  We read the menu, hoping for some history of the cafe, but learned more about Alpine's history.  No wonder I was feeling woozy.  Alpine is at 8,050 feet! 

Taller Than Don
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​I made Don do a quick pose with the chainsaw bear near the porch.  

 
 

The words "Bear Wallow Cafe" were barely visible on the fish, held by the paws. Sweet old bear at a funny old place.

We always like to catch the unusual places, before it's too late and they're suddenly gone.  I have a feeling Bear Wallow isn't going anywhere soon.
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