Tucson, Arizona is a vibrant city with a range of diverse and delicious restaurants to choose from. From traditional Mexican cuisine to vegan-friendly options and everything in between, Tucson has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner or a casual lunch, there’s a restaurant in Tucson for you. So whether you’re a local or you recently moved into an apartment in Tucson, Redfin has a list of 10 must-try Tucson restaurants to check out. Let’s jump in.
1. El Charro Café:
El Charro Café is a historic Mexican restaurant located in Tucson. It was founded in 1922 by Monica Flin, who is credited with inventing the chimichanga. El Charro Café is still owned and operated by the Flin family and is known for its traditional Sonoran-style Mexican food, including enchiladas, tacos, and tamales. The restaurant has received numerous awards and has been featured in national media outlets. It is also recognized as the oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation in the United States.
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2. BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs:
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BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs specializes in serving Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, including carne asada, hot dogs, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The restaurant is known for its tasty and affordable food, and is especially popular with locals and students from the nearby University of Arizona. The restaurant was also featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
3. Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails was founded in 2010 by renowned chef Janos Wilder, who is credited with helping to put Tucson’s culinary scene on the map. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and global flavors.
The menu features a range of dishes, including small plates, entrees, and desserts, and changes seasonally to take advantage of local ingredients. Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails also offers an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine list.
4. Maynards Market & Kitchen
Maynards Market & Kitchen is a restaurant and marketplace housed in a historic train depot that dates back to 1919. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine that emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with a focus on seasonal produce and artisanal products. The menu features a range of dishes, including small plates, entrees, and desserts, and changes frequently to reflect the best available ingredients. Maynards Market & Kitchen also features a full bar with an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
5. El Guero Canelo
El Guero Canelo is a popular Mexican restaurant chain located in Tucson. It was founded in 1993 by Daniel Contreras, who immigrated to the United States from Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico. The restaurant specializes in serving Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, including hot dogs, carne asada, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Its signature dish is the “Sonoran hot dog,” which features a hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. El Guero Canelo has won numerous awards and has been featured on various food shows and in national media outlets. The restaurant has three locations in Tucson and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
6. Prep and Pastry
Prep and Pastry specializes in serving contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its creative takes on classic dishes, such as its “pastry board” featuring a selection of house-made pastries and breads, as well as its inventive breakfast and brunch offerings. Prep and Pastry also offers an extensive selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best brunch spots in the country by Food & Wine magazine. Prep and Pastry has two locations in Tucson and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to the city.
7. Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink
This popular Tucson spot specializes in serving artisanal pizzas made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a selection of small plates, salads, and sandwiches. In addition to its main dining area, Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink also offers a patio, a private dining room, and a speakeasy-style bar called “Reilly’s Basement.” It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to Tucson.
8. Mi Nidito
Mi Nidito is known for serving authentic Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s name, which means “my little nest” in Spanish, reflects the warm and inviting atmosphere of the establishment. Mi Nidito’s menu features a range of classic Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tamales, as well as house specialties like the carne seca (dried beef) and chile rellenos. The restaurant is especially popular for its margaritas and its festive decor.
Mi Nidito has been visited by numerous celebrities and politicians over the years, including former President Bill Clinton, who reportedly enjoyed the carne seca.
9. Guadalajara Original Grill
With two locations in Tucson, Guadalajara Original Grill is known for serving traditional Mexican cuisine with a focus on the flavors and ingredients of the Jalisco region of Mexico. The restaurant’s menu features a range of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, with a particular emphasis on seafood and grilled meats. Popular dishes include the molcajete, a sizzling stone bowl filled with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, and cactus, and the tequila lime shrimp. Guadalajara Original Grill also offers an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, as well as craft cocktails and Mexican beers.
10. Five Points Market & Restaurant
Five Points Market & Restaurant is a popular neighborhood cafe and restaurant in Tucson. The menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries, as well as coffee and other beverages. Five Points Market & Restaurant is especially well-known for its “Benny” dishes, which are variations on eggs Benedict. The restaurant also offers catering services and features a small market area where customers can purchase local and artisanal products.
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