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With 59 bars and restaurants that opened in 2018, Tucson has averaged more than one bar or restaurant opening per week. Here’s the list.
The newest Korean barbecue in Tucson features a modern interior and a menu highlighting prime cuts of meat.
For more information, visit 7ounce.com.
Although Alloro is hidden away in a Hilton hotel, don’t dismiss it. Tableside fettuccine alfredo is the restaurant’s main claim to fame, tossed in a giant wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The rest of the menu is top-notch as well.
Keep up with Alloro D.O.C. Italian Trattoria and Chophouse on Facebook. For more information, call (520) 721-5666 or visit hilton.com.
While technically a food hall, American Eat Co. houses several new restaurants, a bar, a butcher shop, and a cafe; all of which are independently owned. With so many options, it’s an easy choice for a group gathering.
For more information, call (520) 867-8700 or visit americaneatco.com.
This University Boulevard newcomer features Mexican snacks with high-quality ingredients. Each bite of pineapple and mango is ripe and sweet. Their chips and salsa also rock.
For more information, visit americanomexicano.com.
Arizona Wine Collective features an exceptionally well-curated selection of Arizona wines. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new in the world of wine, you can trust the knowledgeable team to guide you in the right direction.
For more information, visit azwinecollective.com.
While Asian Sofrito features an eclectic blend of Chinese and Puerto Rican dishes, what keeps us coming back is the fried chicken. It juicy, crispy, and tastes like it’s marinated with garlic and oregano. Delightful.
Keep up with Asian Sofrito on Facebook.
From the slow-fermented English muffin-style bun to the crispy fries with lemon zest and herbs, Beaut Burger elevates classic American staples with simple artisanal elegance. But they’re not too fancy for $2 Miller High Life.
For more information, visit beautburger.com.
Sedona-based acai bowl restaurant Berry Divine opened its third location in Tucson.
For more information, visit berrydivineacai.com.
Steamed hamburgers aren’t just a meme. They’re a specialty from Connecticut. Besties brings the juicy delicacy to Tucson along with a variety of battered, fried seafood.
For more information, call (520) 623-7976 or keep up with Besties Fish & Burger on Facebook.
The newest restaurant addition to Fourth Avenue, the Blind Tiger features a combination of gourmet bar food and elegant entrées such as the Smoked + Stuffed Pork Chop.
For more information, visit blindtigeraz.com.
https://www.facebook.com/buffalospottucson/photos/a.588035334896522/731236463909741/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDQuM9LueQe1rfhNzgCqRy0VV4PUBkdJzQmj_2FiyOl_slyZp-dg8790BVtaGKz4171rSWtKFcKJnf8krM91z0hmOiW3pMtF3_4o5wE5vsqz8P-ma2ZItEmtfYM9DRU8SsJxUj7_0oHJgncF_KgplrA3SX-2FsLH934TALc08yTK4dJIeLwkfjxFkzvvPwG6fuftx5lG3dzC_W7hX0tuqYbbXOkbzRqJm8b7FmAU3rG4WJnqdyTGSdaPsTtkKQCWFxkBp2Wb9eH9RNOAACnM_KR_HRSnoe6C-DgIZ2Ku8oLIjRcsSs8yiXMb60Rh_79ZhSv9IvML13zC8Abid6A0wI&__tn__=-R
The Buffalo Spot, a chain specializing in boneless wings, fries, and ribs, opened its first Tucson location.
For more information, visit thebuffalospot.com.
Bombolé sells tasty, filling savory empanadas in an affordable, portable form. It’s one of our top picks for a downtown lunch on the go.
For more information, visit eatbombole.com.
While Cans opened this year, they’re also closing December 31.
Keep up with Cans Venue & Lounge on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/capsandcorksaz/photos/a.194795097959772/329773067795307/?type=3&theater
The grand opening at Caps & Corks had what could be considered the best tap list in Tucson history. And their staff is so gosh darn sweet.
For more information, visit capsandcorksaz.com.
Casa Marana, another excellent beer and wine spot, regularly maintains a busy events schedule filled with beer events, trivia nights, and more.
For more information, call (520) 505-4870 or visit casamarana.com.
Although the Chocolate Iguana closed at its original location, it ended up reopening in a new space just down the street.
Keep up with the Chocolate Iguana on 4th on Facebook.
Caravan Grill opened next door to sister establishment Caravan Market. The Shish Tawook is one of the best chicken dishes in Tucson.
Keep up with Caravan Grill on Facebook.
While the appeal is in the arcade, Cobra also features a variety of craft beers and house cocktails.
Keep up with Cobra Arcade Bar Tucson on Facebook.
From the folks who run Serial Grillers, Craft omits the kitchen and focuses on craft beer. The SNES Mini and NES Mini setups let you play classic Nintendo games while enjoying your brew.
For more information, visit craftdrinkery.com.
https://www.facebook.com/DISTRICTTAVERNeatz/photos/a.727087937345478/1846061438781450/?type=3&theater
The former downtown dive bar resurrected on Stone Avenue with a kitchen offering breakfast foods, baked goods, tots, and more.
Keep up with District Tavern eatz on Facebook.
The wildly popular coffee chain opened its first Tucson location. The grand opening even required its own traffic regulation.
Keep up with Dutch Bros Arizona on Facebook.
The ramen truck expanded with a brick-and-mortar location. Their from-scratch approach, including noodles made with local Sonoran wheat, earned them a loyal following.
Keep up with Fat Noodle on Facebook.
One Bar Rescue visit later, RJ’s Replays became the Frozen Cactus.
Keep up with the Frozen Cactus on Facebook.
Although Harbottle is one of Tucson’s youngest breweries, it hit the floor running with a solid array of brews.
For more information, visit harbottlebrewing.com.
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The local coffee roaster opened up a storefront at the Mercado San Agustin Annex. If you’re into spice, try their Café de Olla with piloncillo, cinnamon, clove, star anise, and chocolate.
For more information, visit hermosacoffee.com.
Hidden Grill’s weekly-changing menu is primarily designed for the paleo diet with the occasional exception. Portions are generous, filling, and most importantly, delicious.
For more information, visit thehiddengrill2go.com.
Hoki Poki launched in April to a warmer response than they expected, so they’re already expanding at a rapid pace.
For more information, visit hokipokibowl.com.
Indian Twist brings forth delightful Indian cuisine in a chic environment. Make sure to get the butter chicken.
For information, call (520) 495-5499 or visit indiantwistaz.com.
The late-night cookie chain opened its first Tucson location downtown.
For more information, call (520) 333-5622 or visit insomniacookies.com.
This midtown eatery opened with an all-you-can-eat menu with a wide variety of sushi rolls and ramen.
For more information, visit izumioftucson.com.
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Juice Envy offers a variety of smoothies, acai bowls, and sandwiches.
For more information, visit juiceenvybar.com.
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This hidden diner in the Marana area serves breakfast classics.
For more information, visit justbreakfastonsilverbell.com.
Kiss of Smoke opens up bright and early at 7 a.m., so you can get a barbecue breakfast burrito. They also offer barbecue jackfruit, a tasty vegan option.
For more information, call (520) 270-7917 or visit kissofsmokebbq.com.
The restaurant name is a misnomer; Kogi has no tableside grills, but KBBQ dishes such as bulgogi and kalbi are on the menu.
For more information, call (520) 838-0312.
The michelada and burrito favorite expanded with a location on the East side.
For more information, visit labotanagrill.com.
Legendary local doughnut shop Le Cave’s Bakery & Donuts reopened a bit east of their original location while keeping the original recipes.
For more information, call (520) 624-2561 or visit lecaves.com.
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The iconic Fourth Avenue burger joint expanded east with a location on Tanque Verde Road.
For more information, visit lo4th.com.
While Monsoon Chocolate specializes in chocolate, they make exceptional cafe food with quality ingredients.
For more information, visit monsoonchocolate.com.
The juice, smoothie, and acai chain opened two locations in Tucson.
For more information, visit nekterjuicebar.com.
The Filipino market expanded with a Filipino restaurant in early 2018.
For more information, call (520) 406-3593 or keep up with Nick’s Sari-Sari Store and Filipino Restaurant on Facebook.
Go now. Start with Chaoshou Dumplings. Then eat the Sizzling Garlic Noodles.
For more information, visit noodleholics.com.
The Scottsdale-based Persian restaurant opened a second location in Tucson.
For more information, visit persianroom.com.
This hidden little pizza joint quickly became a staff favorite thanks to its salads. The pizza is good too.
For more information, visit pizza-luna.com.
The new sister restaurant to Union Public House and Reforma specializes in house-made pastas and pizza. The shared patio is also a highlight.
For more information, call (520) 789-7447 or visit prooftucson.com.
If you’re already a fan of Ethiopian cuisine, you’ll feel right at home with Eritrean dishes. The simmered stews and earthly flavors balance with the slightly acidic injera.
For more information, visit queenshebatucson.com.
One of the most anticipated openings of the year, Raijin maintained a line out the door for months after opening.
Keep up with Raijin Ramen on Facebook.
Raptor Canyon offers homestyle dishes made from scratch in a comfy vibe.
Keep up with Raptor Canyon Cafe on Facebook.
Ren serves up wholesome eats conveniently located for bicyclists taking the Rillito path.
For more information, call (520) 638-6290 or keep up with Ren Coffeehouse on Facebook.
Serial Grillers expanded southeast with its third location.
For more information, visit serialgrillersaz.com.
The downtown tasting room sells craft spirits exclusively from Arizona-based distilleries via craft cocktails, flights, and bottles to-go.
Keep up with Series 19 on Facebook.
While barbecue from Smokey Mo is influenced from Kansas City and Texas styles, the restaurant is adapting to local tastes as they learn the preferences.
For more information, call (520) 203-8250 or visit smokeymo.com.
Taqueria El Semental stays up late so you can drunkenly eat their mesquite-grilled carne asada while sitting on bales of hay.
Keep up with Taqueria El Semental on Facebook.
The hidden-in-plain-sight taqueria specializes in Sonoran dogs and beef birria.
Keep up with Taqueria Los Chipilones on Facebook.
Although South Indian and North Indian styles are both on the menu, chef Saumil Patel also brings some Gujarati and Indochinese influences to the table.
For more information, visit tamarindoftucson.com.
Ten55 made the big jump from industrial neighborhood brewery to downtown two-story sausage and beer hall.
For more information, visit 1055brewing.com.
Even though they’ve only been open a couple of months, they quickly became our favorite new restaurant of the year.
For more information, visit titoandpep.com.
Westbound, Tap & Bottle’s outdoor sister bar, sells beer, wine, and cocktails on tap. Spirits are also available.
Keep up with Westbound on Facebook.
Years opened aiming to provide a fun environment for drink and food from throughout Asia.
Keep up with Years Asian Bistro & BBQ on Facebook.
Rather than offering any Americanized Chinese cuisine, Yu Zi Wei specializes in Chongqing whole fish hot pot and Sichuan dishes.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...
