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Pine is the kind of Rim Country town you could miss if you blinked on State Route 87. Plenty of Arizonans do not blink, though.
They plan whole weekends around one roadside stop with a capitalized name, a forested patio, and elk that sometimes lounge in the grass nearby. Families come up from the Valley to escape the heat, trail crews roll in after a long day outdoors, and some couples make the trip every single week.
The real question is whether there is actually pie involved, and the honest answer is a little more interesting than a yes. Keep reading to learn where this place sits, why the patio matters so much, which days it stays closed, and what sweet surprise waits at the end of the meal.
A Mountain Stop on Route 87
Every road trip needs a reason to pull over, and in Pine the reason has a name written in capital letters.
THAT Brewery & Pub sits at 3270 AZ-87, Pine, AZ 85544, right along the main highway that climbs from the Valley toward the Mogollon Rim. It is a family-friendly brewpub and gastropub, which means a full kitchen, indoor tables, and a big outdoor area all share one address.
Pine itself is tiny. The town is a quick drive past Payson, and many people treat the two as one Rim Country getaway.
That location is a big part of the appeal. The pub is easy to reach without detours, so it works as a lunch break on the way up or a dinner stop on the way home.
Inside, the setup is casual and relaxed. Nobody needs to dress up, and the crowd mixes longtime locals with weekend cabin folks and families passing through.
The menu leans toward hearty pub fare, and the house makes several of its own drinks on site, including kombucha.
So yes, the place is easy to find. The harder part is leaving once you have settled in on that patio, which is exactly where this story heads next.
Twenty-Two Years of a Fall Tradition
Some small-town businesses come and go before anyone learns their name. This one has staying power.
The pub has hosted its own Oktoberfest celebration for more than two decades, with the 22nd annual event already in the books. The party lands on the last Saturday of September, which happens to be a lovely time to head up into the pines.
During those festivities, the kitchen rolls out a special seasonal menu with German-style dishes. People who catch the event often call it a reason to return to Pine again and again.
A tradition that has lasted 22 years says something about a place. It suggests a loyal community, a team that enjoys planning big days, and a pub that has become part of the local calendar.
That loyalty shows up in everyday visits too. Some couples drop in once a week, while others return after years away and pick up right where they left off.
One family came back after three years simply because they kept thinking about it. That is the kind of memory a roadside spot hopes to leave.
Mark late September if you want the full party version of THAT. Any other month, the regular routine has plenty to offer, starting with the trees outside.
Pines, Trails and Rim Country Air
Phoenix may be cooking at 110 degrees, but Pine plays by different rules.
The town sits in the high country of central Arizona, surrounded by forest. That elevation makes it a favorite summer escape for Valley residents who need a break from the heat.
The pub sits right off the Arizona Trail, the long-distance route that crosses the entire state. Hikers, bikers and day-trippers often wander in after a stretch of trail time.
Off-road fans also come through. The Payson area is full of outdoor trails, and the pub has become a natural place to take a load off once the dust settles.
Servers here have a habit of sharing local hiking and activity ideas. Ask for a recommendation, and you may leave with a plan for the next morning.
Rainy summer afternoons are part of the setting too. Monsoon storms roll through the high country, and the covered patio lets guests keep eating while the weather does its thing.
For Arizona locals, this is the backyard secret. You do not need a plane ticket to swap the desert for a forest lunch, only a tank of gas and a free afternoon.
The Patio Everyone Talks About
Ask around about this pub, and the patio comes up again and again. Outdoor seating is easily the most talked-about feature of the whole place.
The space is large and wraps the property with plenty of tables. Part of it sits under a roof, so shade and rain cover are built right in.
Heaters make a big difference in the cooler months. One group of 14 sat outside on a 45-degree day and stayed comfortable thanks to the covered, heated section and a steady supply of fresh coffee.
There is also a fire pit, which turns an ordinary evening into a gathering spot. It gives families and friends a reason to linger after the plates are cleared.
Summer is when the patio truly shines. Warm months up here are mild compared to the Valley, so eating outside feels like the obvious choice.
Indoor seating exists for anyone who prefers walls and a ceiling. Still, most people grab a table outside if one is open.
Here is a friendly tip. On busy weekends, outdoor tables fill quickly, so arriving early in the day gives you the best shot at your favorite corner, and maybe a view of a surprise guest.
Elk Sightings With Your Lunch
Most restaurants worry about who might be watching from the parking lot. Here, the answer might be an elk.
Elk sightings come up often enough that they have become part of the pub’s reputation. These large animals roam the Rim Country, and sometimes they wander right up near the property.
One Saturday lunch crowd watched an elk settle into the grass nearby. It simply rested there, keeping an eye on the patio while people finished their meals.
Of course, nobody can schedule wildlife. Elk show up on their own terms, so treat any sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.
Give them plenty of space if they appear. Elk are wild animals, and the best view is the one from your table, not from a few feet away with a phone in hand.
For families, these moments can become the highlight of the whole trip. Kids who expected a quick lunch may head home talking about antlers instead of menus.
It is a reminder that this pub sits in real forest, not a themed shopping center. The neighbors just happen to weigh several hundred pounds.
Volleyball, Horseshoes and Cornhole
Not every pub comes with a sand volleyball court. This one does, and it changes the whole mood of the place.
The outdoor area also includes a horseshoe pit and cornhole boards. Groups can turn a simple meal into an afternoon of friendly competition.
Inside, there are mini bar games for anyone who would rather stay seated. These small tabletop games give people something to do while waiting on food or chatting with friends.
The games make the pub especially fun for groups. A birthday crew, a family reunion or a gang of trail buddies can split up between the court, the pit and the tables without anyone feeling left out.
Kids tend to appreciate the extra space too. Running around near the volleyball sand beats sitting still in a booth.
None of this is fancy, and that is part of the charm. It feels like a backyard party that just happens to have a full kitchen attached.
Bring a little competitive spirit, and do not be surprised if your quick stop stretches into a full rematch.
So, About That Slice of Pie
Time for some honesty. The headline promises pie, so it is only fair to talk about what actually waits on the dessert side of the menu.
The sweet treat that people mention most here is a strawberry cobbler. It is not a classic wedge of pie, but it scratches the same fruity, homestyle dessert itch.
Desserts at a mountain pub can change, so check the current menu before setting your heart on one specific item. The kitchen works with seasonal specials, and offerings may vary.
What draws people up the highway is bigger than one slice of anything. It is the whole package of a forest patio, games, easygoing staff and a dessert to wrap up the afternoon.
Many Valley families build a full day around the drive. They leave the heat in the morning, grab lunch in Pine, explore nearby trails and finish with something sweet.
That ritual is what turns a small roadside pub into a destination. The dessert is simply the final stamp on the trip.
So call it pie, call it cobbler, or call it a reason to save room. Either way, the ending is the part people remember on the ride home.
A Kitchen That Does Its Own Smoking
Pub food has a reputation for coming out of a freezer bag. The kitchen here takes a different route.
Meats are smoked right on the premises, and several sauces are made in house. That scratch approach is a point of pride for the team.
The menu covers hearty bar fare with a homestyle lean. Sandwiches, wings, burgers, soups and shareable sides all make regular appearances on tables around the patio.
Freshness is a common theme in how people describe their meals. Dishes are called well made, and the food often surprises first-timers who expected basic pub plates.
Seasonal specials keep things interesting too. The fall celebration menu is one example of how the kitchen likes to switch things up.
There are options for kids as well, with simple classics that keep younger eaters happy. That makes it easier for families to plan a stop without worrying about picky appetites.
House-made kombucha is another fun detail for anyone wanting something homemade to sip.
The takeaway is simple. A small town kitchen putting this much care into its plates is part of why the parking lot stays busy.
Happy Hour and Tuesday Specials
Timing can stretch a budget a long way at this pub.
Happy hour specials are a favorite with regulars, who call them great value. Combine them with the friendly staff, and a quick visit can easily become a relaxed afternoon.
Tuesdays bring a weekly special that has turned into a local favorite. Many people plan their week around it, so expect a lively crowd.
Since the pub is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Tuesday also works as the last chance for a midweek visit. Keep that in mind when mapping out a cabin trip.
Value shows up in other ways too. A sampler of six house-brewed pours runs about $10, which is a budget-friendly way to try a little bit of everything for those of legal age.
Specials can change, so a quick look at the website or a call ahead is smart before you go.
Small towns reward people who know the routine. Learn the pub’s weekly rhythm, and you will feel like a regular by your second trip.
Pups Get a Seat Too
Road trips are better with the dog in the back seat, and this pub agrees.
The large patio is dog friendly, so four-legged travelers can join the meal instead of waiting in the car. The staff clearly enjoys having pups around.
That policy makes the pub popular with Arizona families who bring their dogs up north for cooler weather. Hikers coming off the trail with a canine partner are also a common sight.
Keep a few basics in mind. Bring a leash, keep your dog close to your table, and remember that elk sometimes wander by.
A curious pup and a resting elk are not the best mix, so a short leash is a smart move.
Water and shade matter too, especially on summer afternoons. The covered section of the patio can help keep everyone comfortable.
A dog-friendly patio in the pines is a simple thing. Still, for pet owners, it turns a maybe into a definite yes.
Big Groups and Busy Weekends
Holiday weekends in Pine get busy, and this pub feels it.
One group of 23 people arrived on Memorial Day weekend and was seated for dinner during a hectic stretch. The staff handled the whole crew, and the meal went off without complaints.
Big parties are clearly welcome, but there are a few house rules worth knowing. Larger groups are asked to be fully present before being seated, and signs on site explain the policy.
On packed Saturdays, the team sometimes places a short pause on seating. That gives the kitchen and servers time to catch up, even if a few tables look empty.
Patience pays off during those rushes. Service can slow when the dining area is short on staff, so plan a relaxed timeline rather than a tight one.
Many servers earn praise by name for going above and beyond, from quick coffee refills to local hiking tips.
The best strategy is simple. Show up together, arrive early, and treat the wait as extra time to enjoy the forest.
When the Doors Open and Close
Nothing ruins a mountain drive faster than arriving at a locked door. Here is how to avoid that.
The pub opens at 11 a.m. on most days. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday is a little shorter, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday are the big ones to remember. The pub is closed both days, which catches some midweek travelers off guard.
Hours can shift around holidays or special events, so checking thatbrewery.com before you leave the Valley is a good habit.
Getting there is easy. Head up State Route 87 past Payson, and the pub sits right along the highway in Pine.
Lunch is a smart window for the drive. Leave the Phoenix area in the morning, arrive around opening, and you will likely beat the dinner rush.
The early closing time means evening plans should start sooner too. Think of this as a daytime and early supper spot rather than a late-night hangout.
Worth the Climb Up the Highway
Arizona has no shortage of places to eat. Few of them come with elk, a volleyball court and a forest backdrop.
THAT Brewery & Pub has earned a strong 4.5-star standing with more than 750 people sharing their thoughts. That is a lot of love for a pub in a town this small.
The appeal is not one single thing. It is the covered patio, the house-smoked kitchen, the games, the pup-friendly policy and a fall tradition now 22 years strong.
Not every visit is perfect. Busy weekends can mean waits and slower service, and the midweek closures require some planning.
Still, the people who love this place really love it. Some return weekly, and others drive up from the Valley whenever summer gets unbearable.
For Arizona locals, it is a reminder that a great getaway can sit just a couple of hours up the road.
So save room for that sweet finish, check the hours, and point the car toward Pine. The pines, the patio and maybe an elk will be waiting.
