Claim Jumper Restaurant - Tucson
I first heard about this chain several years ago and the concept intrigued me. Steaks, fresh fish, rotisserie chicken, baby back pork ribs, fresh baked pot pies, specialty salads, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and more, served in attractive surroundings and using only the finest ingredients available.
When we heard that there was a Claim Jumper restaurant in Tucson on Broadway, near the El Con Mall, we couldn’t wait to go. We arrived yesterday at 4:30 PM.
Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant was tastefully done in wood and stone. We were immediately taken to our booth which was spacious and comfortable. The menu was huge, and required extra time to peruse. You can check out their menu, sans prices, online.
We had heard that the portions were hearty so my lady ordered from the lunch menu which we read was available until 5 PM. Not noted on the extensive menu that we were able to find is this FAQ on their website: “Senior guests are more than welcome to order items from of our Junior Menu and from our Lunch Features section any time of day.”
A half sandwich and a cup of soup from the lunch menu was $9.95; add a soft drink for another $2.50. I ordered the Country Fried Steak from the dinner menu, $15.95. Our total bill with tax and tip was $40.00. This place is not inexpensive.
The food started arriving. The chicken tortilla soup was served first and was tasty and nicely seasoned. The half club sandwich was well presented, but dry and blah. The side order of fresh fruit was starting to get a brown tinge on the edges, and wasn’t eaten.
The Country Fried Steak was a sight to behold. Two thin pieces of meat, each about 10 inches in length and 5 inches in width, a mountain of potatoes, all smothered in white gravy, and a huge biscuit about 4 inches in height. There was no way that two people could consume this much. It would have easily fed four seniors. It was gross!
I really wanted it to taste at least as good as it looked. Disappointment set in. Was this processed beef? Did they season it at all? Maybe we ordered wrong. Maybe we came at the wrong time. Maybe the kitchen was having a bad day. Maybe we should have split an order. Maybe…
Maybe we won’t be back!
October 4th, 2005 at 8:04 am
I went there for the first time a few weeks ago as well. Got the salad bar, which was great. The other food looked delicious as well. If they dropped their prices a couple of dollars or so, I’d consider eating there more often but I don’t know that I’d justify going there again anytime soon considering it cost me $15 with just water to eat a meal.
October 4th, 2005 at 1:57 pm
I hear you, Micah. I don’t mind paying a higher than ordinary price for a meal, but when I do, I expect quality fare.
The concept of huge portions reminded me of Bucas, where I once ate in St. Paul, MN. Everyone raved about the portion size. Not me. Give me quality, not quantity!
Maybe we will go back and try the salad bar. Maybe not.
October 4th, 2005 at 5:47 pm
Doesn’t sound like a place I want to go. When you try a new place you can always hope But the old stand byes like STROUDS in KC can never be beaten!!!!
Jack
October 6th, 2005 at 3:05 pm
I have come to the conclusion that restaurant quality is inversely proportional to the length of the menu. Huge menus tell me one thing……overything is frozen waiting for someone to order it.
My most satisfying experiences are at places that list just a few items on a blackboard. Then you know they are prepared just for that day.
October 6th, 2005 at 3:42 pm
Micah, remember you’re in California where the chain started. Might explain the difference. I have had others email me with positive comments, so I might give it another try. If so, one of us will get the salad bar which you enjoyed.
SageFlint, I totally agree. I was seated in a booth where I could see the kitchen, and even though it was very large, there were only a few line cooks, who had the awesome responsibility of trying to prepare any one of the numerous items on the menu. That should have been my first warning.
Pastor Klein, I miss the quality of food in KC. In the old days, the Savoy Grill downtown, and Stephenson’s Apple Orchard were two of my favorites!
October 7th, 2005 at 12:24 am
Skip going to the restaurant–just go to Safeway and get their frozen multilayer chocolate cake.
As to missing food, I’m afraid that’s one reason I’m not ready to settle in Green Valley 12 months of the year just yet. Leaving San Francisco day after tomorrow for GV and I’ve already planned a few things I’ve got to eat tomorrow because I won’t be getting them for 6 months: mostly potstickers (Chinese pan-fried dumplings–love ‘em) and Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches (roasted pork, marinated vegies, sliced jalapenos, hoisin sauce on a French roll).