Whether you live in Arizona, or are just visiting, it’s a noble effort to attempt to stick with only locally-owned, non-chain restaurants and coffee shops. But let’s face it: it’s okay to color outside the lines – in moderation. Besides, if you are a native, then those are you fellow Arizonans that are working in those establishments, so let’s think about them as a bonus when we’re thinking outside the box and stepping into a chain restaurant. Because… oftentimes, breaking with tradition is worth it. Take the iconic restaurant below, for example.
The Old Spaghetti Factory launched in 1969 (in another state) with a fun and unique concept that’s been imitated over and over: they put an old trolley car inside their restaurants — and then turned them into dining rooms.
Facebook/The Old Spaghetti Factory - Phoenix
And the rest is history! Today there are only two of these restaurants in all of Arizona (Phoenix and Chandler), and getting to sit in that trolley while you eat is still as big a treat as it ever was.
Google Maps/Nicholas A
We’re featuring photos from the Phoenix location in this article, but both Arizona locations offer a lively and unique atmosphere with, in addition to trolley cars, unique dining options. For instance, the Phoenix location has four famous barber chairs paired with a table that uses a pedestal sink as the base.
TripAdvisor/Violette54
The restaurant also has plenty of room to accommodate large parties, with spacious dining areas spread throughout.
Google Maps/Mary Shearer
And whether or not you dine in the trolley car, the food is always delicious.
Google Maps/The Old Spaghetti Factory
Google Maps/The Old Spaghetti Factory
Appetizers and entrees focus on American-Italian fare, made and served just the way you like it.
Google Maps/The Old Spaghetti Factory
Even if you’re a bit of a restaurant snob, the unique decor, including the trolley car dining room, and the delectable food, earn The Old Spaghetti Factory a rare exception to your ’local only’ rule.
Google Maps/Michael Dimas
When was the last time you visited this timeless eatery in Phoenix? They completely renovated the exterior in 2015 and stripped all the color off the bricks. The Old Spaghetti Factory is looking better than ever!
Google Maps/Zak Cat
The (above) Old Spaghetti Factory is located at 1418 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004. (The Chandler location has a bright red trolley, and is located at 3155 W Chandler Blvd. Ste. 9, Chandler, AZ 85226.) The Phoenix location hours are: lunch – M-F 11:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m., S/S 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; dinner – M-Th 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., F/Sa 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Su 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Chandler hours vary!) More information about the Phoenix location can be found here. You’ll find the hours for the Chandler location at this link.
Facebook/The Old Spaghetti Factory - Phoenix
Google Maps/Nicholas A
TripAdvisor/Violette54
Google Maps/Mary Shearer
Google Maps/The Old Spaghetti Factory
Google Maps/Michael Dimas
Google Maps/Zak Cat
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