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Eater Heatmap Lists Hottest New Restaurants in Tucson (With A Little Inside Help)

Eater Heatmap Lists Hottest New Restaurants in Tucson (With A Little Inside Help)

Dec 3, 20151 min read

2015 has been a busy year for the Tucson food scene, with dozens of restaurant openings, a number of unfortunate closings, and a growing craft beer and cocktail scene.

For those who are not immersed in the culinary happenings (and even for those of us who are), it can be tough to keep up.

Our own Adam Lehrman recently contributed to Eater the most recent guide to The Hottest New Restaurants in Tucson for 2015.

Not surprisingly, the Eater Heatmap centers around downtown, where the revitalization has brought in new favorites like Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar, HighWire Lounge, Nook, OBON Sushi & Ramen, The Independent Distillery, and the relaunch of Good Oak Bar.

Of course, one cannot forget the introduction of downtown’s first grocery store in decades: Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market.

However, exciting new eateries have not been limited to Fourth Avenue and Congress. Central Tucson gained Za’atar’s unrivaled Middle Eastern cuisine, while the foothills have embraced Reforma Cocina y Cantina and Commoner & Co. with open arms.

To see the map, plan your next outing, and hear about all of Adam’s picks in detail, visit Eater.com.

Article written by:

Theresa Delaney

Theresa Delaney

More about Theresa
Theresa is a copywriter, food explorer and pursuer of all things creative. Find her at theresadelaney.com.

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New menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥

Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit:

Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo
Tinned sardines
Manchego and quince
Niçoise salad
Lobster bisque
Garlic mushrooms
Fried zucchini
Spanish chicken and mushrooms
SalmĂłn coca
Salumi bocadillo
Cold tapas trio
Chocolate crepes
Pastries

To drink:
Marianito
Carajillo
Sangria 

Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNew menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥 Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit: Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo Tinned sardines Manchego and quince Niçoise salad Lobster bisque Garlic mushrooms Fried zucchini Spanish chicken and mushrooms Salmón coca Salumi bocadillo Cold tapas trio Chocolate crepes Pastries To drink: Marianito Carajillo Sangria Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close. Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
@Bravaatborderlands opens Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2500 E. Sixth St. in Tucson’s Sam Hughes neighborhood! 

The new restaurant centers on handmade nixtamal masa, regional Mexican and Paraguayan-influenced cooking, Borderlands Brewing beer, and a cocktail program by Tucson native Arnoldo Celaya. The menu features tacos, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, alambre, enfrijoladas, burgers, and more. Tacos range from $5-$6, while the Antojitos de Masa section highlights the kitchen’s handmade corn masa program.

The grand opening runs 6-9pm Saturday and requires an RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 17, through the restaurant’s website or Instagram DM.🎉

📍 2500 E. Sixth St.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

Photo courtesy of @bravaatborderlands 
#tucson #tucsonnews@Bravaatborderlands opens Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2500 E. Sixth St. in Tucson’s Sam Hughes neighborhood! The new restaurant centers on handmade nixtamal masa, regional Mexican and Paraguayan-influenced cooking, Borderlands Brewing beer, and a cocktail program by Tucson native Arnoldo Celaya. The menu features tacos, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, alambre, enfrijoladas, burgers, and more. Tacos range from $5-$6, while the Antojitos de Masa section highlights the kitchen’s handmade corn masa program. The grand opening runs 6-9pm Saturday and requires an RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 17, through the restaurant’s website or Instagram DM.🎉 📍 2500 E. Sixth St. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @bravaatborderlands #tucson #tucsonnews
@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞

The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m.

The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.đź’ť

Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio.

Swipe for the menu! 

#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞 The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m. The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.💝 Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu! #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents
Cafe Francais, the French bakery known for its scratch-made croissants and kouign-amann, is closing for good. Owners Noelle and Daniel Martinez announced the closure on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, ending a seven-year run that began on Tucson’s east side.

“Thank you, Tucson, for one hell of a crazy, amazing, and sometimes terrible 7-year ride. We’ve truly loved it all, the good, the bad, and the difficult.” 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comCafe Francais, the French bakery known for its scratch-made croissants and kouign-amann, is closing for good. Owners Noelle and Daniel Martinez announced the closure on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, ending a seven-year run that began on Tucson’s east side. “Thank you, Tucson, for one hell of a crazy, amazing, and sometimes terrible 7-year ride. We’ve truly loved it all, the good, the bad, and the difficult.” Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com