Where will you go for your first post-quarantine meal?


May 1, 2020
By Chad Lehrman
By Chad Lehrman

While many favorite dishes are still available via takeout, some aren't. And some are just better enjoyed at the restaurant.

When the state of Arizona lifts the COVID-19 lockdown that took effect in mid-March and Tucsonans feel safe gathering in public places again, we can’t wait to dine out at our favorite restaurants.

I personally look forward to sitting on the patio at Time Market and chowing down on the Roasted Chicken & Tamal sandwich, my favorite sandwich in town. Also very high on my list will be a Zacatecas burrito at Taqueria El Pueblito (pictured above).

In the meantime, we asked some of our Tucson friends to share with us:

“What restaurant, dish, or meal are you most looking forward to when the quarantine ends?”

Liz Pocock

Startup Tucson CEO

“My husband and I can’t wait to go back to Ten55 Brewing Company! We’re members of the Mug Club and go almost weekly — we miss Chris and his team sharing hand-picked new brews with us and their Fried Chicken Sandwich is our favorite in town!”

Kickin' Chicken Sando at Ten55 Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Kickin’ Chicken Sando at Ten55 Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)

David Slutes

Entertainment Director, Hotel Congress

“I was literally just craving the Plato Surprise Plate, with two or three refills of chips and salsa, and one of the great herbaceous drinks (Jamaica-mint or whatever they concoct on any given day) from the Little Poca Cosa, or The Little One (Whatever she is calling it now).”

Plato Surprise Plate at The Little One (Credit: Wren Awry)
Plato Surprise Plate at The Little One (Credit: Wren Awry)

Pauly Casillas

Comedian

“I really can’t wait for Rocco’s to open. Wing Wednesday was a way of life. I also have been suffering from deep dish pie withdrawals. No one else’s pizza comes close.”

Deep Dish Slice at Rocco's Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco’s Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Kerry Stratford

President – Caliber Group, a Brand Marketing, Digital & Public Relations Firm

“Although we have been getting takeout consistently from many of our favorite local restaurants – there are a few we miss:

We normally walk to B Line for their yummy carne asada burritos – it makes us sad when we walk by and see the metal gates all closed up.

We are also regulars, sitting at the bar at Pastiche on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. We miss our baby greens salad, baked mac n cheese and cajun shrimp pasta.”

Baked Mac & Cheese at Pastiche (Credit: Shana Gegantoca)
Baked Mac & Cheese at Pastiche (Credit: Shana Gegantoca)

Ken Carr

Midday show host, The Drive Tucson 101.7 FM AM 830

Wild Garlic Grill. They make really delicious burgers there.”

Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Filet mignon special at Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Frank Brinsley

The World Famous Frank Show, 96.1 KLPX

“Oh that one’s easy Chad, it’s a once a week regular lunch after the show. In fact I just sent [co-host] Kristine and [show producer] Brad a pic from my archive yesterday with a tear emoji cuz I miss it so hard. It’s Baja Tacos cart on Prince. It’s cash only, and my all time favorite lunch.”

Fish tacos and gobanador taco at Baja Tacos (Credit: Frank Brinsley)

“Those three tacos on the left is their regular fish taco, the single taco on the right is a gobanador taco- a shrimp and cheese thing. All amazing.

The second spot I hit up at least twice a month is Tacos Apson, but everyone talks about Apson.

I was having chats off air with our home broadcast team saying when the stay at home order lifts I’m going to Baja and sitting down to eat, I don’t care. I will continue to stay at home and social distance, with exception of those fish tacos omg. I want to try all the tacos. Before I die my awful lonely covid death.”

Nikki Thompson

Owner, Nook Restaurant

“We can’t wait for our restaurant and all restaurants to be open! Our first order of business will be to get back to El Sur one of our absolute favorites! Chips and salsa and a chicken burrito enchilada style will be my first meal in a restaurant after this quarantine ends!”

Matt and Nikki Thompson at Nook
Matt and Nikki Thompson at Nook (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Isabella Joffroy

Senior Community Director, Yelp Tucson

“I love so many restaurants in Tucson it’s hard to pick just one! But the meal I am looking forward to the most is sushi at Yamato and sharing sake with Chef Noboru. I have been eating there for nearly ten years with my husband and parents. We always sit at the bar for a few hours, Noboru knows our order and our favorite sake! He often surprises us with off menu items. I can’t wait to go in as a family and enjoy the best sushi in town.”

Owner-chef Noboru Nakajima at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Owner-chef Noboru Nakajima at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Alexandria Biddle

Community Manager at La Suprema Works & Events

“I work in Barrio Viejo and I love walking to Fonda La Hermanita. Their molletes are amazing! And so are their Mexican chocolate brownies — I cannot wait to go back when it’s safe.”

Photo courtesy of Fonda la Hermanita
Photo courtesy of Fonda la Hermanita

Dan Gibson

Senior Director of Communications, Visit Tucson

“I feel pretty lucky that a lot of the places I still love are open in one form or another – we’ve eaten exceptionally locally and pretty damn well over these weeks – but I suppose what I’m looking forward to most is actually sitting down somewhere. The Little One is something I haven’t been able to have and going there would feel like a return to normalcy, plus, it’s a place that will always feel like Tucson to me.”

Huevos Entamalados and Huevos Poblanos at the Little One (Credit: Claire Kaufman)
Huevos Entamalados and Huevos Poblanos at the Little One (Credit: Claire Kaufman)

Leave us a comment below and let us know what dish or restaurant YOU are most looking forward to.

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