There are few places left in Tucson that have the same familial draw as Frank’s Restaurant. With the slogan “Eat and Get Out” written on the staff shirts, you’d think there would be some element of hostility or passive aggressiveness, but it’s very much the opposite. Every server has an affable nature and an unrivaled sense of urgency without being pushy. “Are ya ready or do you need a minute?” Server Andrew asks each new person after they find their seat. You won’t find a host waiting to seat you but rather you’ll get a friendly “sit wherever you want, we’ll come find you.” The food comes out so fast you’d think the cook is a mind reader and knows what is about to be ordered, but every dish is made with calculated speed and precision that comes from years of skilled spatula use.
The history of the restaurant has a pretty deep lore. Initially, the restaurant opened in the early ’70s and was started by a married couple, the eponymous Frank and Elizabeth. While the name “Frank’s” remained, the doors went through a cycle of being closed, reopened, and trading hands for almost a decade. In 1982, Frank’s re-opened with current owner and Tucson native Mark Smith at the helm. He has been a fixture in the space for 40 plus years now. Frank’s was a double restaurant of sorts at one time, however, the night side of the establishment known as Francisco’s De Noche was an unfortunate casualty of COVID. But fret not, some of the more popular entrees from the night shift made their way into the Frank’s menu such as the Chorizo and some of the offerings under the “Mexican Goodies” portion of the menu.
Frank’s has been a Tucson greasy spoon staple for the better part of 40 years, in the best of ways. Located on Pima and Alvernon, it’s about as centrally located as it gets. Although to be fair, as the city has gained a more urban sprawl, the true center of town has shifted a bit east. The history of the restaurant is nailed and taped to the walls as decor, with a smattering of kitschy nicknacks. Complementing the casual ambiance, the food and drink are served in and on humble settings. Rather than bespoke coffee mugs and fancy flatware, the “fresh from the cupboard” completely random coffee mugs make it feel like you’re in your family kitchen. The regulars dot the diner-style bar and as they take a seat, the servers give them a friendly wave.
The unassuming ambiance is matched by the no-frills menu with a couple of stand-out options. The contemporary breakfast staples of omelets, pancakes, and Belgian waffles are on offer with sides of bacon, sausage, eggs; the usual breakfast plate accouterments. Though being in the southwest, it would be some kind of cardinal sin to not offer some pretty stellar Mexican options like the Michoacan-style enchiladas. All the food is prepared on a flat-top griddle behind the diner-style bar in a perpetual state of controlled chaos. Every so often the gas burner gets ahold of an errant food scrap and causes a bit of a pyrotechnic Display.
This diverse, welcoming, and high speed operation is a testament to traditional diner ethos that is an increasing rarity in the modern culinary scene. While the food may be utilitarian and as far from pretentious as it gets (see their other motto, “Elegant Dining Elsewhere”) its charm is undeniable and is filling and fresh. The prices are more than reasonable and are just another brick in the foundation that keeps this pillar of the Tucson food scene solidly in place.
written & photographed by: isaac stockton
frank’s restaurant: 3843 east pima st, tucson, az 85716