The Horny Toad is the oldest original restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. It was established in 1976 as a cowboy roadhouse and has built a loyal following among locals and visitors because of its homestyle food and family-friendly atmosphere.
The Horny Toad was established in 1976 as a cowboy roadhouse.
It's also a favorite of the rich and famous. Celebrities who have been guests include Paul Harvey, Emmitt Smith, Michael Jordan, George Benson, Charles Barkley, Hugh Downs and Dick Van Dyke.
The interior is decorated with beautiful wood, stained glass and historical memorabilia
The Horny Toad is known for its quirky exterior and beautiful interior. Two dining rooms and a bar are decorated with beautiful wood, stained glass and historical memorabilia. Dog lovers can enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks along with their furry companions on the patio.
Half slab of pork ribs with The Horny Toad's "secret
Fried Chicken "made from scratch, plucked and fresh, never frozen" is one of the specialties that made The Horny Toad famous. Other favorites include Fried Cod, Chicken and Pork Ribs made with "secret" barbeque sauce and Mesquite Grilled Steaks.
Strawberry Shortcake that was awarded Best Dessert by New Times Magazine (credit: Horny Toad)
As for dessert, few people leave without trying Homemade Apple or Peach Cobbler served warm with Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream, or Strawberry Shortcake, which
New Times Magazine awarded Best Dessert. Rumor is that a large order is enough for two or three people.
If you're a
Minnesota Vikings fan, the Horny Toad is the place to be on Sundays during football season. Fans can cheer on their team watching two big screens and 11 televisions, and there are food and drink specials during games.
The Horny Toad also offers an all-day happy hour for beer Monday through Friday, half-priced bottles of wine each Wednesday and $15 buckets of domestic beers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It's Christmas year-round in the Horny Toad gift shop.
It's Christmas year-round in the gift shop, where customers can stock up on cactus ornaments and Southwest nutcrackers. They can also pick up souvenirs such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, and bottles of the restaurant's award-winning hot and barbecue sauces.
People often ask how The Horny Toad got its name. As the story goes, an old prospector was working northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, which was a small town at that time. As he rested by the campfire, he heard the noise of the frogs' mating calls coming from the other side of the pond. After easing his boots off his tired feet, he saw how many calluses he had and said to himself, "I sure am getting horny toed."
The Horny Toad is open from 11 am to 8 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday and is closed on Wednesday.
