Mexican Food
First, and most importantly, Tucson has incredible Mexican food. To travel to South Tucson is to almost step across the border in terms of culture and great cuisine. Any trip to Tucson should include the memorable Tacos Apson near the intersection of Interstate Highways 10 and 90. I recommend their specialty, the Papas Caliente. This consists of an oversize baked potato topped with freshly cut steak, bacon, fried mushrooms and fried onions, cheese, and topped with sour cream. Just add some pico de gallo from the salsa bar and its good to go. For those who think that sounds a bit much, the Taco Apson and the Burrito Apson include all the delicious steak, mushrooms, and onions served in a tortilla instead of on a potato.
On the northern side of town, in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, is Blanco Tacos + Tequila. This restaurant is not traditional Mexican, and makes no claim to be. The atmosphere is trendier and the clientele is young and hip. Regardless, the food is excellent, particularly the fish tacos and freshly made guacamole. There is also a selection of 30 premium tequilas and a spectacular view of the city of Tucson from the patio seating.
In downtown Tucson lies the unique dining experience of Cafe Poca Cosa. Chef Suzana Davila takes her craft seriously, each day brings a new menu of gourmet tamales, mole, and carne asada created with the freshest ingredients. Cafe Poca Cosa is truly an experience, albeit an expensive one. Dinner costs $20 to $35 a plate, as of December 2009, and a pitcher of margaritas-this was learned the hard way- runs $40. That being said, the food is incredible and the experience alone is worth the price.
Other local hole-in-the-wall restaurants with inexpensive, great authentic Mexican food include Tania's Flour Tortillas and Maico Mexican Food.
Tacos Apson
3501 S. 12th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85713-5914
(520) 670-1248
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85718-3096
(520) 232-1007
foxrestaurantconcepts.com/blanco
Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E. Pennington Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 622-6400
cafepocacosatucson.com
Tania's Flour Tortillas
614 N. Grande Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85745-2410
(520) 622-0685
Maico Mexican Food
835 E. 22nd St.
Tucson, AZ 85713-1706
(520) 294-2836
4th Avenue
In central-west Tucson, near the University of Arizona campus, lies 4th Avenue. 4th Avenue is Tucson's culture and nightlife center. While relaxing-and maybe having a beer or two-hit dinner at one of these restaurants.
A good place to have lunch, or a quick dinner before hitting the town, is local sandwich shop Bison Witches. A good bet is to order the relatively inexpensive sandwich and breadbowl of soup meal. The soups are particularly good and, along with the sandwich and chips, is plenty of good food to satisfy any appetite.
A few blocks north, located in the heart of 4th Avenue, is the Brooklyn Pizza Company. Brooklyn Pizza serves deliciously greasy slices of pizza and cheap bottles of beer in a laid-back atmosphere. The pizza is inexpensive and the service friendly. It's a great place to kick it after a long day and just relax. Across the street from Brooklyn is the good, but considerably more inconsistent, Magpies Gourmet Pizza.
Also on 4th is Caruso's Restaurant, a Tucson landmark since 1939. Caruso's is 4th Avenue's upscale eatery in atmosphere and quality-but not price-serving hearty Italian pastas and pizza. The building has a wonderful ambiance, with fountains, statues, greenery, and soft lighting. An ideal place for a romantic evening or just to enjoy good food with good family and friends.
Other great spots to hit on Fourth Avenue include Delectables Restaurant and Catering, Lindy's Diner, and Maya Quetzal.
Bisonwitches Bar & Deli
326 North 4th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85705-8441
(520) 740-1541
bisonwitches.com
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8450
(520) 622-6868
brooklynpizzacompany.com
Caruso's Restaurant
434 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8443
(520) 624-5765
carusositalian.com
Delectables Restaurant and Catering
533 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8479
(520) 884-9289
delectables.com
Lindy's Diner
431 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8444
(520) 207-2384
Maya Quetzal
429 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705-8474
(520) 622-8207
Other Great Places in Tucson
Finally, here are a few more restaurants not to be missed.
1702 Pizza and Beer is located in the heart of the University of Arizona campus. Its claim to fame is having one of the most extensive selections of micro brews on tap in Tucson-generally between 40 and 50-but it also serve very good pizza, salads, and appetizers in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. One salad (try the Greek) is easily enough to feed two people, and one of their epic-sized pizzas is plenty of food for four without breaking the bank. There is also a wide selection of board games to play and the staff is always friendly as well as knowledgeable about all things beer.
Less than a mile east of 1702 is the Bangkok Cafe, which boasts Tucson's best Thai food. The food is fresh, the service is prompt, and price is moderate. Also, it's conveniently located in the center of Tucson. If you crave Thai food on a budget, Karuna's Thai Plate has great Thai food (the green curry is tasty, with just the right amount of spice) in a cozy cafe-style atmosphere for a few bucks less than the fancier places.
And for those not currently dieting, try local favorite Frankie's South Philly Cheesesteaks. Frankie's makes steak sandwhiches the way they're made in Philadelphia, heaping Angus beef atop fresh bread and slathering it with peppers, onions, and cheese from a can. It's simple, it's filling, and it's certainly delicious. The best cheesesteaks outside of Pennsylvania.
It takes a while living in Tucson to see past the dusty veneer and find the pockets of really great food, culture, and nightlife. But once past that point, Tucson becomes much more than meets the eye and is certainly a place worth getting to know better, particularly its local restaurants.
1702 Pizza & Beer
1702 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85719-4515
(520) 325-1702
1702az.com
The Bangkok Cafe
2511 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716-3816
(520) 323-6555
bangkokcafe.net
Karuna's Thai Plate
1917 E. Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85719-3408
(520) 325-4129
Frankie's South Philly Cheesesteaks
2574 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 795-2665
frankiescheesesteaks.com
