For a second year in a row, the Old Pueblo has landed on the “Best Food Cities in the U.S.” list by Travel + Leisure.

There are only 14 cities on this year’s list, showcasing large cities like New York City, New Orleans, and Chicago. Tucson is second on the list for its “Native American and Mexican culinary roots” and for being the “first UNESCO City of Gastronomy.”

“In big cities like New York and San Francisco and unexpected spots like Greenville, South Carolina, and Tucson, Arizona, are hidden gems, lauded hotspots, and everything in between.”

The article shares the following about Tucson:

“The destination continues to wow culinary connoisseurs with its distinct Native American and Mexican offerings dating back thousands of years,” said Lauren Dana Ellman. “The best Tucson restaurants incorporate locally sourced ingredients into their drinks and dishes. With this in mind, prickly pear margaritas are a staple here, as are nopales (edible cacti).”

“Tucson’s vibrant downtown district has 85-plus bars and restaurants, including bata (which offers a largely veggie-focused menu — 90 percent of which is sourced within 400 miles of the restaurant) and taqueria BOCA. Helmed by James Beard finalist Maria Mazon, BOCA is famous for its flavorful tacos and salsa flights.”

Best Food Cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure

1. New York City, New York
2. Tucson, Arizona
3. Portland, Maine
4. Detroit, Michigan
5. Houston, Texas
6. Chicago, Illinois
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
8. San Francisco, California
9. Cleveland, Ohio
10. Louisville, Kentucky
11. Greenville, South Carolina
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
13. Los Angeles, California
14. Honolulu, Hawaii

You can check out the full article at travelandleisure.com.

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