About three years ago, I introduced you to an Arizona-based restaurant that is home to a dining booth crafted out of a partial 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. I was reminded of that Bel Air when I recently checked out a taco shop with another form of a chopped-up vehicle.
This time, it was an old Volkswagen Bus. The establishment, in case you’re ever in the area, is The Beach House. It first opened in 2007 at 501 E. Camelback Road as “The Two Hippies Beach House,” and the “Two Hippies” part was dropped after 2013.
I’m not a food blogger by any stretch, but when I come across a place that combines food and cars, I feel a responsibility to share it for the greater good. And hey, part of the fun of Barrett-Jackson each year — besides the cars, of course — is going to town on the burgers, turkey legs, and other concessions.
Holding true to its no-frills, simple vibe, The Beach House is essentially a glorified taco stand with outdoor seating via picnic tables and a few Adirondack chairs. Most people choose to take their food to-go, especially when Arizona’s summer temperatures make al fresco dining uncomfortable (or even dangerous).
The décor is understandably themed around the “oceanfront” lifestyle, but there’s a high degree of automotive influence, too. One of the license plates I spotted hanging on the wall had a frame from Courtesy Chevrolet, a dealer just down the street that has one of the most iconic signs in town.
The main attraction for me, of course, was the front end of a Type 2 bus that looked like the real deal. VW Buses have been synonymous with hippie culture for decades, and you might recall the well-kept 1963-model-year example that I spotted on display at a cars and coffee event earlier this summer.
The Bus at The Beach House was wearing an Arizona license plate on the front bumper, but it was unclear when it last saw the road. I peeked inside to see the dashboard, which was relatively intact minus instruments and a steering wheel.
Menu-wise, I went with two fish tacos and a side of nachos, just for kicks. The food was top-tier.
Now if only The Beach House would bring in a complete VW Bus and let me eat inside it. Then the dining experience would be exceptionally groovy.
