Mexican restaurant Tanias 33 is tucked away on North Grande Avenue, home to a handful of hidden local favorites for meateaters, vegtarians, and vegans.
While the ultra-popular (and still slightly underground) Barista del Barrio is comparatively new in the neighborhood, Tanias and Pat’s Chili Dogs have grown cult followings from their neighborhood longevity.
You’ll find Tucson Mexican classics such as giant burritos and tamales at Tanias, but they’re equally famous for two things: handmade flour tortillas and vegan options.
Tanias 33 Vegan Options
- Calabacitas
- Champiñones Pibil
- Coliflor
- Lentejas
- Nopalitos en Chile Colorado
- Nopalitos Ranchero
- Papas y Chile Verde
- Soy Chorizo
- Soya Verde
You can even make their quesadillas vegan with vegan cheese.
Last Monday, we ordered the vegan quesadilla with Champiñones Pibil, which is grilled mushrooms in a Yucatán-inspired red sauce. The mushrooms were lightly grilled, maintaining a fresh mushroom flavor. The red sauce featured tomato sweetness with a medium-hot spice blend.
The vegan cheese wasn’t stretchy like mozzarella or queso Oaxaca, but it still featured a satisfying gooey factor.
Guacamole and red salsa are included on the side.
Tanias 33 is located at 614 N. Grande Ave. For more information, visit tanias33.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie 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.
