The intimate restaurant at Lodge on the Desert is framed with floor-to-ceiling windows and overlooks a spacious secluded Saltillo-tiled outdoor private patio featuring a four-sided fireplace for optimal year ‘round al fresco dining. It reflects, as does the bar, a genuine, richly authentic Southern Arizona historic charm and ambience including rough-hewn artist-design hand-painted wood beams and Mexican tin chandeliers. This is the ideal venue to showcase Lodge on the Desert’s ‘new American’ upscale and contemporary cuisine, blending flavors from America’s melting pot with cooking techniques both traditional and unconventional. Executive Chef Ryan Clark's focus includes incorporating fresh ingredients from local growers and organic producers. Trained in classic french cooking from the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, New York, Clark's food is well balanced and flavorful.
"We went here for Mother's Day. The food was delicious - however, all 3 desserts we ordered were sold out which saved us some calories but was a disappointment. I read in the paper the next day that they have filed for Chapter 11 so maybe that was the issue. We especially appreciated the quiet atmosphere in contrast to so many restaurants. Tucson needs to support this place!!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went for Mothers Day and really enjoyed ourselves. There were entree specials as well as their regular menus. The chef, Ryan Clark is so talented and his creations are amazing."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"We enjoyed the unique menu, which provided a welcome from standard restaurant fare. The food was fresh and well prepared.
We initially wanted the mussels, but were told the chef didn't like the mussels that were delivered that day so he didn't want them served. That shows high concern for the customer, and we appreciated his making that decision.
Great wine list and deserts too. We will be back often."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The food at Lodge on the Desert is the best in Tucson. Chef Ryan Clark is miles ahead of everyone else!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We reserved and outside table to enjoy happy hour with appetizers and drinks. While the oysters were very good, the spinach salad needed to be served with a magnifying glass to see the bits of cheese, pecans, and apple. From the description, it sounded like a substantial salad. The main problem occurred when we asked for our check. My house martini was priced at $7 rather than $4 as told upon ordering and the salad was at $8, without the $4 happy hour discount. While the waiter agreed to rectify the drink price, the salad was then reduced to $6 rather than $4. We were outraged when we were told no points would be given on our Tucson Original Card, since we had a split bill. Our two friends at the table were on a totally separate check!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2007
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"Executive Chef Ryan Clark continues to be a breath of fresh air to Tucson's culinary scene. In a city studded with talented chefs, Ryan constantly pushes the envelope to introduce new tastes and different textures in his food. From his pureed soups to his focus on locally grown meat and produce, the Lodge is a fantastic place to dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We took out of town guests to show them a star of Tucson and they were duly impressed. we ordered the pasta with shrimp, the chicken , lamb shank and steak. All were excellent except the NY strip steak, which was tough and and full of gristle. WE thoroughly enjoy the restaurant and will return, maybe no order the steak."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Fine dining at moderate prices in beautiful, quiet surroundings! Service impeccable; menu has something for everyone; the chef had a coconut curry fish chowder as the soup of the day which was sublime...depth and intricate flavors. You can actually hear your companion speak. Heaven if you hate noisy restaurants."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"Our meal was excellent and the service fine. However, the wine list was very limited. No chablis, no white burgundies, no pinot noir, both reds and whites, very limited. Menu sophisticated and interesting. Entree selection was small but this is not a bad thing. It shows us a very involved chef. Restaurnat is small, which is also in its favor."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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"Loved the ambiance..especially on the patio on such a lovely evening. Sorry to say, that everyone's food was just okay. Wonder what were the specials we missed by coming at 7:30pm on Saturday night??"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
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"My wife and I stayed at Lodge on the Desert for the first night of Honeymoon and had the pleasure of dining there as well. It was a fantastic way to start our marriage. The good was great, the service was excellent and it is our new favorite restaurant in Tucson. My wife had the Grilled Romaine Hearts, I had the Penne Rigati Passta which were both fantastic. We took a risk trying the Prickly Pear Lemonade on were greatly rewarded. The executive chef here really knows what he's doing. Check it out!!!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Ryan Clark continues to reign among the top chefs of the Tucson food hierarchy. We were impressed recently with his spicy, southwestern-style chef's whim soup and his succulent scallops over risotto main, which was the day's special. The world's best margarita may not be literally true but it cerainly is up there, though a tad expensive at $12. Unfortunatly the service could not hold a candle to the food. The drinks were served long before the bread was brought out, and it took us 45 minutes to get our appetizers. The wait staff was very friendly and seemed interested in making us have a pleasant dining experience, but the execution was slow."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Although its location is a bit strange (think intimate inn located in the middle of a residential neighborhood), once on the property you feel as if you've entered a secluded hideaway. The grounds of the inn are tranquil and the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. I was only there for dinner, but now want to make a reservation to stay with my bride for a romantic getaway. The food was phenomenal. I started with a winter arugula salad that was perfectly dressed and included pickled onions, dates and roasted nuts. For my entree I chose the braised lamb shank with Israeli cous-cous, and preserved lemon yoghurt. The meal was magnificent!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"The food here was amazing! We were pleasantly surprised with the exciting blend of flavors. The environment was stuffy and a little boring. That's OK, it was worth suffering the hotel surroundings for the food!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Went there for my wife's birthday and she was so excited to go and I found the service slow between each entree. Would have like to had my main course around 3 to 5 minutes after my appetizer. Took about 23 minutes to get it and both my wife's and my main course to get there. And arrival of my food it seemed to be over cooked and dry. Overall it was just ok. Hopefully next time if their is one it will be a better experience."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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"I would recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or a date night. The ambience is quiet, cozy, and romantic, probably not the best place to bring children. The prices were very reasonable especially for the quality of the food. The twice cooked steak was amazing and literally melted in your mouth! The menu was small with only a limited number of entrees to chose from. However, all the choices looked appetizing. The service was above average, and overall I would encourage trying Lodge on the Desert out."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"Couldn't get Valentine's Day off from work so celebrated a day early staff was excellent food was amazing, being a cook in a local restaurant myself I would recommend the lodge to all. My family and friends had a great romantic evening give it a try you won't be disappointed thanks again for a great night and a great meal"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Excellent steak; don't think I've ever had one that was "twice-cooked" before. In spite of what that phrase implies, it was tender and not over-done. They slow-cook it (roast?) over night, then put it on the grill to bring up the heat and sear in the juices once you order it. My friend's salmon was also very well done, and I'm a "salmon snob" from living 20+ years in the Northwest! Another note: the potato dish accompanying the steak would've been a worthy appetizer order all on its own. Service was very attentive and helpful, without being overbearing."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food was well-prepared and very tasty. The service was excellent. The lighting was subdued and the decor cozy. We visited on a Wednesday night and found most tables filled, yet the rooms were quiet. The evening was a bit chilly to dine on the inviting patio with its lovely fireplace and fountain, so we will time a return visit with warmer weather."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"Our overall experience was fabulous. The only thing that was disturbing, which the restaurant had no control over Kashi Lemongrass Coconut Chicken Calories: 300 Fat: 8 g Sodium: 680 mg Protein: 18 g Sugar: 6 g Kashi is a healthy frozen meal brand that usually offers meals with a good amount of fiber and protein, Brennan says. This concoction will appeal to lovers of Thai food in particular. Frozen meals should appeal to your taste buds, but they can also make sense for weight loss as long as you choose wisely. To do that, just flip your meal and check the label., was the loud table of two elderly couples next to us. We wrote it off as they had to speak loudly to hear each other!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This is the first time for dinner and it was beyond expectations. I keep forgetting the Chef is an award winner, the food is amazing Excellent service and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. Now one of our favorite places."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Always a stellar evening at Lodge on the Desert!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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