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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2024

Sep 3, 20245 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Addie Ibarra

Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Caesar salad and pasta from Zio Peppe.

Caesar salad and pasta from Zio Peppe (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Forbes Meat Co.
747 S. Sixth Ave.

The shrimp dish at Forbes was DAMN good!

Forbes Meat Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Penelope Pizza
800 N. Kolb Rd.

The 10-layer lemon ricotta lasagna at Penelope Pizza is a stairway to heaven. And the cocktails are hand-crafted deliciousness. And I’m not just saying that because my husband, Stephen Kozlowski, is one of the bartenders — wink wink.

Stephen Kozlowski (master mixologist/Addie’s husband) (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Cafe Francais
7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. #113

Cafe Francais has been offering weekly specials like this Sonoran Hot Dog. I limit myself to one hot dog a year and I was ecstatic to break my weenie fast for this one.

Sonoran Hot Dog at Cafe Francais (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Maynards
400 N. Toole Ave.

I took a train, a plane, and a car to make sure I made it to the Maynard’s Tomato Dinner!

Basqueria
350 E. Congress St. #150

The pan con tomate at Basqueria took me back to my vacation in Spain. The paste was perfectly seasoned and the bread was delightfully toasted. It paired extremely well with the sangria

Basqueria (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chris Koch

Buffalo Bell
3756 S. Sixth Ave.

Buffalo Bell is a classic spot synonymous with Tucson wings. This south side favorite has been around for decades. There are no frills to this hole in the wall, producing your standard fried chicken wings with the usual sauces and rubs. I opted for their medium buffalo wings, and it’s Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce — any wing-lover knows this sauce. Swing through the drive-thru or enjoy the ambiance in the eclectic indoor dining room. 

Buffalo Bell (Photo by Chris Koch)
Tandem American Eatery
8864 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 

They only do wings on Wednesday. I got half of their buffalo, and the other half garlic parmesan wings, both sauces are homemade and extremely flavorful and delicious. Shaved parmesan and not the shake is a classy touch. The meat itself is tender and juicy and worthy of a return visit on future Wednesdays.

Wings at Tandem American Eatery (Photo by Chris Koch)
Wing Factory 
4955 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. 

I was very impressed picking up wings from this small but big flavor spot. When I walked in, I immediately noticed how clean the place was, and I loved that they had a window looking into the kitchen where I could see the owner finishing up my to-go order. Full transparency shows me the pride they take in their food. These wings were hard to put down. I could easily see myself eating 20-plus wings, and on Wednesdays, you can get them for just 99 cents each. Even my friends told me their flavors were some of the best they have ever had.

(Check out Chris Koch/Tucson Wing Expert’s new guide featuring his favorite wings in Tucson).

Hannah Hernandez

El Torero
231 E. 26th St.

Shroom and potato tacos at El Torero.

Shroom & potato tacos at El Torero (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Vegan blueberry coconut pecan crumb muffin at Rosebud Bakery.

Vegan blueberry coconut pecan crumb muffin at Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Coronet
198 W. Cushing St.

Tofu mosaic and crispy rice at Coronet. I wish I could eat this every day.

Tofu mosaic and crispy rice at Coronet (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Ren Coffeehouse
4300 N. Campbell Ave. #24

Ren Coffeehouse makes ridiculously good vegan cinnamon rolls.

Ren Coffeehouse (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Transplant Pizza
4603 E. Speedway Blvd.

The Elote Pizza from Transplant Pizza — best enjoyed next door at Craft, A Modern Drinkery.

Elote Pizza at Transplant Pizza (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Millie’s Pancake Haus
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

The Meat Lovers Omelet at Millie’s Pancake Haus! It’s a neat, rootin’-tootin’ little spot at Trail Dust Town. I took a four-hour nap after I ate this.

Millie’s Pancake Haus (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Pies the Limit
Pop-Up/Multiple Locations

Oreo cheesecake from Pies the Limit! They were set up inside Arizona Beer House the other day but can be found in different areas of Tucson.

Pies the Limit (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Chai Spice Morning Bun! Some of the best buns in town!

Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Wildflower
7037 N. Oracle Rd.

Had a wonderful anniversary lunch at Wildflower. The lemony fried calamari is one of our regular orders. The salmon was outstanding — perfectly cooked. It sat atop a creamy smashed potato. And those cinnamon donuts…..ahhh!

Wildflower (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Teresa’s Mosaic Café
2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr.

The new hibiscus margarita at Teresa’s Mosaic Café.

The new hibiscus margarita at Teresa’s Mosaic Café (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Cheba Hut
446 N. Campbell Ave. #2

The fruity pebble rice crispy treat bar at Cheba Hut.

Fruity Pebbles Snack at Cheba Hut (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Coconut Crumb Mixed Berry Muffin at Rosebud Bakery.

Coconut Crumb Mixed Berry Muffin at Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Tuk Tuk Thai
Multiple Locations

Pumpkin curry at Tuk Tuk Thai.

Pumpkin curry at Tuk Tuk Thai (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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Join the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon.❤️ 

Tickets in bio.
MENU👇🌲

AMUSE:
Forest Floor
Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs

FIRST COURSE: 
Desert Oasis
Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint

SECOND COURSE: 
Campfire Embers
Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla

THIRD COURSE: 
Juniper Ridge
Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños

PALATE CLEANSER:
Aspen Breeze
House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint

FOURTH COURSE: 
Granite Peak
Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot

DESSERT: 
Summer on Mount Lemmon
Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile

#tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

Upload your receipts: summer.tucsonfoodie.com
ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts Upload your receipts: summer.tucsonfoodie.com ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge.

How to enter:
• Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie
• Like this post
• Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!)

Winners will be randomly selected on August 3.

Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets!

21+ event.

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉 Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. How to enter: • Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie • Like this post • Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!) Winners will be randomly selected on August 3. Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets! 21+ event. #tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene.

When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu.

In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene.

From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends.

📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd.
📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd.

Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com.

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene. When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu. In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene. From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends. 📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd. 📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd. Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonlocal #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: 

@5pointstucson 
@ajocafetucson 
@bajacafetucson 
@barista_del_barrio 
@bluewillow.tucson 
@bobos_az 
@theofficialbreadandbutter 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@cafealacarttucson 
@cafepassetucson 
@cappysbreakfastcafe 
@hotelcongress 
@delcielotamal 
Frank’s Restaurant 
@ghinisfrenchcaffe 
@gourmetgirlsglutenfree 
Gus Balon’s Restaurant 
@knellersdelicatessen 
@lachaiteria 
@lebuzzcaffe 
@lebuzzcaffeplaza 
@localetucson 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@nookdowntown 
@prepandpastry 
@raptorcanyoncafe 
@rencoffeehouse 
@sunny_daze_cafe 
@teaspoontucson 
@coronetrestaurants 
@thehungryfoxrestaurant 
@themonicatucson 
@tohonochulgardenbistro 
@tumerico 
@urbanfreshaz 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @5pointstucson @ajocafetucson @bajacafetucson @barista_del_barrio @bluewillow.tucson @bobos_az @theofficialbreadandbutter @buendia.breakfast.lunch @cafealacarttucson @cafepassetucson @cappysbreakfastcafe @hotelcongress @delcielotamal Frank’s Restaurant @ghinisfrenchcaffe @gourmetgirlsglutenfree Gus Balon’s Restaurant @knellersdelicatessen @lachaiteria @lebuzzcaffe @lebuzzcaffeplaza @localetucson @lovinspoonfulstucson @nookdowntown @prepandpastry @raptorcanyoncafe @rencoffeehouse @sunny_daze_cafe @teaspoontucson @coronetrestaurants @thehungryfoxrestaurant @themonicatucson @tohonochulgardenbistro @tumerico @urbanfreshaz #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!