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5 Fabulous Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 4

5 Fabulous Cheap Eats Under $8 in Tucson, Volume 4

Jul 17, 20192 min read

Do textbooks or summer vacation have your budget hurting?

Here are five fabulous picks for cheap eats for $8 or less. Prices are subject to change.

Nur Market & Restaurant

3565 E. Speedway Blvd. Ste. 171

Hidden in plain sight on Speedway, Nur Market also has a restaurant hidden in the back.

While the signature Lamb Shank ($15.99) and Goat or Lamb Roast ($15.99) are twice the price limit for the article, the Sambusas ($1.50) are less than a fifth of the way there. The triangular deep-fried pockets are filled with ground meat (lamb or beef?) and a piquant sauce packed with spices. The spicy tomato sauce on the side is worth slurping directly from the container.

The sambusas are sizable for the price too, so just two are enough to satisfy the average appetite.

For more information, visit nurmarketaz.com.

Greek House

1710 E. Speedway Blvd.
Feta Fries at Greek House (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Feta Fries at Greek House (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The addictive Feta Fries ($7.25) feature an addictive combination of tart-sweet lemon sauce, salty feta crumbles, and aromatic oregano. While deceivingly simple, the lemon-feta combo will strike a nerve and create a monthly craving that nothing else will satisfy.

For more information, visit azgreekhouse.com.

Bombolé Eatery

100 N. Stone Ave.
Empanadas, a pasty, and a latte from Ike's Coffee at Bombolé Eatery (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Empanadas, a pasty, and a latte from Ike’s Coffee at Bombolé Eatery (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Only the Bombo Combo ($8.35) breaks the $8 limit for this article; every other menu item costs less.

Hearty empanadas are only $3.85 and come in four varieties: Aloo Matar Samosa, Matar Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Pork Curry. Breakfast varieties are also available, along with pasties ($3.85), gluten-free dossas ($3.85), and rice plates with daal and cabbage salad ($6.75).

What’s more impressive, they keep these low prices in a downtown location with a chic interior. Props to you, Bombolé.

For more information, visit eatbombole.com.

Barista del Barrio

1002 N. Grande Ave.
Breakfast Bowl with bacon from Barista del Barrio (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Breakfast Bowl with bacon from Barista del Barrio (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Instead of a single massive burro, Barista Del Barrio gives two smaller Breakfast Burritos in each order for $4.75. The burritos include potato, eggs, cheese, beans and your choice of bacon, chorizo, or sausage. It also comes with a side of potent, oregano-fragrant spicy salsa.

To go tortilla-less, get the Breakfast Bowls ($4.75) or the Vegan Tamale ($5.25).

Keep up with Barista Del Barrio on Facebook.

Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 S. 12th Ave.
Picoso Torta at Rollies Mexican Patio (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Picoso Torta at Rollies Mexican Patio (Credit: Jackie Tran)

You won’t go hungry with the generous portions at Rollies. The Picoso ($7.95) is a Sonoran chili fried chicken torta with habanero coleslaw and pickled onion served with fries (tots pictured above).

Keep up with Rollies Mexican Patio on Facebook. 

To see additional affordable eating options, read:

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed 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 Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.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