SAUGUS — It has been five years since Hilltop Steakhouse closed its saloon doors.
Frank Giuffrida opened the Route 1 institution in 1961, and crows quickly swarmed to the restaurant for its giant steaks and faux western decor, topped by a giant cactus-shaped neon sign visible up and down the highway.
On Oct. 20, 2013, 52 years later, fans of the steakhouse said goodbye.
Still fresh in the minds of Saugonians and Route 1 travelers alike are the long lines of patrons wrapped around the building, kept company by the plastic cows grazing about.
Cowboy boots, bull horns, cow heads, Native American wood carvings, and molds used to recreate the famous cows have long been auctioned off. While the new $100 million Avalon Bay development planned for the property won’t bring back the old west atmosphere, the 68-foot cactus remains.
Restored and ready to display the names of new businesses representing a new era, the cactus stands tall as one of the few remaining Route 1 landmarks. Similarly, down the road, the orange “Saugusaurus” dinosaur awaits its next chapter at the Essex Landing development.
Once completed, Avalon Bay will have residential and commercial space, including a Starbucks and 110 Grill with 200 seats. There will also be electric car charging stations, among other amenities.
It’s a far cry from Sioux City, population 324.
