One recent Sunday afternoon my husband and I decided to go check out this new-ish restaurant, located off of Olive just before you enter the White Tank Recreation Area. We were not sure what to expect and boy were we in for a treat!
When we arrived the parking lot was very full and we could hear a band playing music. Good signs already and we've barely gotten out of the car, right?!? We headed over to the building and discovered that it's the gift shop and kitchen, not the seating area!
Seating, we discovered, is out in the open around and behind the building. Many of the tables and bar height counters are shaded but not all of them. The Corral was full of customers of all ages, some eating, a few dancing, others ordering drinks from the bar that's run out of a trailer.
The food's casual and reasonably priced. Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Salads and Quesadillas and such. If you go with the kids, instead of as a date night, they have kid friendly menu options. From their bar they've got beer, cocktails, mocktails, margaritas and more.
The real charm of the place is the atmosphere! There are string lights all around for ambiance in the evening and night. Time your visit to appreciate a beautiful sun setting behind the White Tanks, or come a bit later to have city lights of Metro Phoenix twinkling in the distance. It's out in the open so you get the true "Arizona" experience in a scenic setting. Saguaros, Mesquites and Palo Verde trees watch over the site from not too far away as birds flit around. Most people were dressed casually, many with cowboy boots (nice heels would not fair well in the sand!).
There's a little dancing stage which is probably jam packed in the evening but we were there at an odd 3:30 pm on Sunday time. And there's a game area with a few different activities to keep the evening playful or competitive! depending on what you are up for.
They are only open with limited hours on Thursdays - Sundays and after 10 pm only adults 18 and older are allowed. Sundays they serve breakfast in the morning. Follow them on Facebook and you can see which bands are playing.
I, personally, love the outdoor causal vibe more than fine dining so I can't wait to go back. Hope to run into you there!
The Corral at White Tank Ranch, 20300 W. Olive Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355 https://whitetankcorral.com/
