Fredonia’s historic Buckskin Tavern isn’t just about cold drinks and good times anymore—it’s fast becoming one of the area’s top casual dining spots. With a newly finished commercial kitchen and a food menu that rivals many restaurants, Buckskin is serving up hearty pub fare, creative vegan options, and plenty of surprises to pair with your pint.
I recently stopped in to see for myself. I started with the vegan hummus and flatbread, house-made with roasted garlic and served with pita, celery, and carrots. While everything on the plate worked, that warm, crispy flatbread stole the show. The vegan sandwich was another standout—a toasted baguette with a smear of house hummus, fresh cucumber, roasted red bell pepper, and arugula, all drizzled with lemon and garlic oil. The crunch of the bread elevated the whole thing. My friend Eric Sims dove into the meatier side of the menu, starting with a warm pretzel and cheese before moving on to the Buckskin Burger and a pulled pork sandwich topped Carolina-style with tangy slaw. His verdict? Flavorful, filling, and not overly messy. He also tried the chili dog, which comes on a New England–style bun—sweet, peppery, and just enough heat to impress without overpowering.
Buckskin’s “Smoke Showing Chili” deserves its own spotlight. Developed by owner/operator Taylor Sandstrom from his winning firefighter chili cook-off recipe, this all-beef, no-bean Texas-style chili gets its depth from a whopping ten pounds of roasted jalapeños, Anaheims, and poblanos. Topped with cheese, sour cream, and onions, it’s rich, hearty, and just a little addictive.
Taylor and his wife Stephanie officially purchased the Buckskin in May after managing it since March. With 25 years of hospitality experience behind him, Taylor has set his sights on making the Buckskin more than just a bar. Food is only part of the story. With the installation of the new commercial kitchen, food service has sped up noticeably, and the team is focused on improving that even further while continuously refining the menu and offerings. The couple has also reorganized pool tables to regulation specs, added arcade games, and even installed a community bookshelf (including a “banned books” section). They’re also leaning into Buckskin’s colorful history with vintage photos and community fundraisers benefiting the likes of local firefighters and the Kanab Animal Assistance Program.
Entertainment hasn’t been overlooked either. The new outdoor stage and seating area can host hundreds, and they’ve had live outdoor music every Saturday all summer. And although a planned Nazareth concert was postponed a couple months back due to health reasons, it looks like they’ll be back this spring. With a quick-pour outdoor bar to match, the space is primed for big nights under the Arizona sky.
And yes, there’s a drink menu to match the eats. Buckskin offers everything from cocktails like the Buckskin Bloody Mary and Wild Cat Annie Margarita to specialty shots like the Fredonia Firecracker. Mocktails, wine, and a wide selection of premium whiskeys, tequilas, and rums round out the list, making it easy to pair your plate with whatever you’re in the mood for.
The Buckskin Tavern is located at 2321 N Main St., Fredonia, AZ. Open seven days a week. For menus, events, and updates, visit facebook.com/BuckskinTavern or call 928-643-7082.
