New year, new food experiences
Everyone that contributes to Tucson Foodie, whether they’re a writer, photographer, videographer, etc., is asked a common question: “Where should I eat in Tucson?”
Al Pastor Tacos at La Chaiteria (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Now, all of us have eaten at many restaurants throughout the city but it’s impossible for everyone to visit all of ’em. So, this year, the team is excited to visit places they haven’t had a chance to stop by yet — our own personal bucket lists for 2023.
Addie Ibarra
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah’s Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
- Chef Alisah’s Restaurant
- barbata
- Blue Front (opening very soon)
- By The Bucket
- La Chaiteria
- Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos Y Mas
- Indian Twist
- Salsa Verde
- The Union Jack
- The Persian Room (I’ve already been here but I can’t stop thinking about it)
- Tita! Tita!
- Tooley’s Cafe
Chrissy Mance
Happy hour at Good Oak Bar (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
- Good Oak Bar
- barbata
- Snake & Barrel (yes, they’re all bars)
Da’Lice Shepard
Filet mignon special at Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- Wild Garlic Grill (I used to go to the old location on First Avenue, but I am drooling to get into the north location this year)
- Two Hands Corn Dogs (I’ve been waiting for the hype to come down, but I’m ready now)
- Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar (I’ve waited my whole life for something good to happen and sustain in this space)
- eHotPot (COVID tried to stop this place from rising to the top, but here they are)
- The Coronet Market Cafe (I’ve been to Coronet many times, but never during the day and after drooling over cafe photos all year, I refuse to let any more time come between me and this perfectly crafted breakfast menu)
Hannah Hernandez
Chef Tyler Fenton in the Kitchen at BATA (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
- BATA
- Queen Sheba Restaurant and Market
- Bun Dock
- India Oven
- Agustin Kitchen
- Penca
- Fatman Kitchen
- Seven Cups
- The Neighborhood DWT
- Yamato Japanese Restaurant
- Anita Street Market
- Sher-e-Punjab
Jessie Mance
Cacio e pepe at CERES (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- Ceres
- Noodleholics
- Zio Peppe
- Tacos Apson
- El Taco Rustico
- Taqueria Pico De Gallo (when they reopen/more info)
- Fatman kitchen
- Karunas (haven’t been since reopen)
Mark Whittaker
Chicken Mole at El Torero (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- I’ve been super lucky to try a lot of amazing food from new and well-established eateries, but one that I absolutely have on my list is El Torero. So many friends, including a few of my Tucson Foodie teammates, have instructed me to do so. Everything there looks amazing and I plan on setting aside an afternoon to take it all in. In my belly!
- Otherwise, I just want to ride the 2023 food wave and see where it takes me. That and to get back to Snake & Barrel and sip Whiskey Del Bac in the dark underground.
Matt Sterner
CowPig Burger (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
- CowPig food truck
- Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
- FireTruck Pizza Company
- Chef Maria Mazon’s new menu at Borderlands Brewing Company (2500 E. Sixth St.)
- By the Bucket (and I want to attempt to eat it in my car while driving)
- The Hoppy Vine
- Blue Front (opening soon)
- Muncheez food truck
- Ten55 Brewing Company (wherever the new location ends up)
- Puro Ice
- The Blacktop Grill (new spot at Dillinger Brewing Company)
- Tran’s Fats food truck
- Kingston Kitchen (formerly CeeDee)
- Shirt Shop (coming soon next to the new Wooden Tooth Records location downtown)
- Divine Bovine
Rita Connelly
Dandan Noodles at Noodleholics (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- Noodleholics
- Go Dim Sum
- El Taco Rustico
- Taqueria Pico De Gallo (when they reopen/more info)
Sam Jump
Roasted Carrots at Tito & Pep (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- Tito & Pep
- Janet & Ray’s
- Ensenada Street Food
- Urban Fresh
- Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
- Vivace
- Truland Burgers & Greens
- Charred Pie
- Blue Finch Bakery
- Five Points’ new dinner vibe
- Contigo Latin Kitchen
- Go Dim Sum
Sariya Jarasviroj
Smoked salmon nigiri sushi at Sushi on Oracle (Credit: Jackie Tran)
- Sushi on Oracle
- Zio Peppe
- Blue Finch Bakery
- The Dutch – DAM Good Food
- Hee Mee (I’ve never dined in)
- Rozet Nursey (morning cafe)
- Dao’s Tai-Pan
- Lemongrass
- Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
- FatBoy Sandos
Shane Reiser
Dinner at 5 Points (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
- 5 Points Market & Restaurant (I want to experience the new dinner menu)
- Agustin Kitchen (I want to try the menu under the new Executive Chef David Solorzano)
- Alejandro Serious Mexican, Mariscos, & Fusion Food
- Bai Thong
- Blue Willow
- Dante’s Fire
- Feast
- Frank’s & Francisco’s Denoche Restaurant
- India Oven
- Jonathan’s Cork
- Kingfisher
- North Italia
- Sushi On Oracle
- The Dutch – DAM Good Food
- Transit Tea
- Union Public House
- Vivace Restaurant
- Wild Garlic Grill
