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.
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.
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...
