We can thank the 1980s for MTV, Pac-Man, big hair, and a deep fear of saturated fats. By 1990, McDonald’s ditched beef tallow in favor of 100% vegetable oil, and much of the restaurant world followed during the low-fat craze.
Decades later, the pendulum is swinging back toward beef tallow, the rich, rendered fat from cattle. Whether driven by flavor, philosophy, or a little of both, these Phoenix restaurants have embraced this culinary trend, and we’re not mad about it. Taste the difference yourself at these eight restaurants.
Chips and Steak at Pa’la
Pa’la has always cooked in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), but began using beef tallow when the downtown Phoenix market opened in 2021. Now, the chefs use it to fry the sweet potato chips and to brush across the excellent steaks.
Sourced from K4 Copper State Ranch in Payson, the tallow adds a distinct flavor. At first, chef Jason Alford said only health-conscious diners appreciated it, but now even casual guests are curious. City Scape Block 23 Garage, 101 E.Washington St., Phoenix; Collier Center Parking Garage, 201 E. Washington St., Phoenix, palakitchen.com
Beef Tallow Wings and Chips at Sexy Burger
Marco Martinez takes pride in using only the finest ingredients at his restaurant, and keeps his kitchen 100% seed-oil free. Today, fries, wings, and house chips for nachos are all cooked in beef tallow, which, he added, creates a richer, cleaner flavor and gives the food a crispier texture while remaining less greasy. Multiple locations, sexyburgeraz.com
Morning Bites Cooked in Beef Tallow at OEB Breakfast Co.
This popular breakfast spot in Scottsdale uses beef tallow in the deep fryer, and ghee on the flat-top, giving each dish a distinct and delicious flavor. The restaurant’s farm-to-table approach, sourcing local produce and meat, draws a dedicated customer base. Many guests seek out OEB Breakfast Co. specifically because of the seed oil-free approach. 17757 N. Scottsdale Rd. #103, Scottsdale, us.eatoeb.com
The Best Fries at Amelia’s by EATS
Returning to traditional fats like beef tallow is “part of a larger movement toward simpler, more honest cooking,” said chef and owner Stacey Weber. “We’re proud to be part of that.”
A community gathering space focused on sourcing the freshest, local ingredients, Amelia’s serves an array of comforting brunch fare. The kitchen is seed oil free too. Instead, Weber uses beef tallow in the fryer to elevate the flavor and quality. Taste the difference in the Frites Street fries, which have the perfect golden crisp on the outside, while staying tender inside. 8240 Hayden Rd. Unit B 106, Scottsdale, ameliasaz.com
Foley Ranch Boots & BBQ
Like many other restaurants on the list, this Phoenix hot spot uses beef tallow to cook anything fried on the menu. For example, house-smoked wings, hand-cut chicken tenders, fries, and potato chips.
The rich, savory taste of tallow sings in an order of fries and chips. You also don’t want to miss the cornbread hush puppies, which come with a honey drizzle and whipped honey butter. Even better, after indulging, get moving with live country music and line-dancing lessons. 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Unit 93, Phoenix, foleyranch.com
Beef Tallow Fries at CHoP in Chandler
CHoP in Chandler fries both classic and sweet potato fries in beef tallow, along with certain vegetables such as baby heirloom carrots and Brussels sprouts. Chef Christopher D. George said cooking in tallow, rather than processed oils, gives dishes a deeper sear, richer caramelization, and a flavor that complements the ingredients.
“We hear it all the time, the food just tastes better, richer, more like a proper steakhouse,” said George, who likens this sentiment to beef tallow. “That’s exactly what we’re after.” 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, chopchandler.com
Aftermath Makes Beef Tallow Churros
Everything fried on the menu here gets cooked in beef tallow, from fries to tater tots to wings, and even the churros. After briefly switching to seed oils due to rising costs, the guest outcry convinced the team to switch back.
“I’m not sure if it makes them crispier on a scientific level, but guests absolutely rave about our fries and tots,” said Aftermath’s general manager Adam Marlow. “So whatever [the beef tallow is] doing, it seems to be working.” 1534 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, aftermathphoenix.com
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen Does It All
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen is a French BYOB restaurant focused on helping diners with dietary restrictions enjoy French cuisine. It’s the only paleo- and keto-friendly restaurant in Arizona that’s committed to avoiding seed oils, sugar, grains, dairy, and processed ingredients.
As part of that commitment, the kitchen uses beef tallow for high-heat cooking, enhancing the natural flavor of its meats. Sapiens Paleo Kitchen also cooks in duck fat, as well as coconut, avocado, and olive oil. 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd., Suite 120, Scottsdale, sapienskitchen.com
