From uncovering hidden gems to tackling the art of taco-tasting, these guides are more than just lists — they’re experiences created to elevate your journey here in Tucson’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer of local flavors, think of these guides as your passport to supporting local and eating great food.
Keep scrolling to check out the top 10 guides of 2024.
1. The Best Pizza in Tucson
UPDATED ON OCTOBER 3, 2024
From sourdough perfection at Anello to solar-powered slices at Brooklyn Pizza Company, this guide is your ticket to the tastiest slices in town. Take a tour through the best pizza in Tucson digitally — and then, of course, physically.
2. Best Mexican Restaurants in Southern Tucson
Published March 5, 2024
Many Southside restaurants are family-owned, some have been around for upwards of 20 years, and there’s one that’s been open for over 75. Great Mexican food is made from a place of heart and home and history is hard to beat.
3. Where to Eat & Drink in Downtown Tucson
UPDATED ON AUGUST 27, 2024
Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.
4. Best Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson
UPDATED ON MARCH 6, 2024
The Sonoran hot dog originates from Hermosillo, Mexico, and features a slightly sweet bun, bacon-wrapped wiener, pinto beans, onions, tomato, salsa verde, mustard, and mayonnaise. Some connoisseurs claim a special finesse is required for toasting the bun, while others claim the ratio of ingredients is what makes or breaks a dog. While we can’t say which is the most important, here’s a list of joints that deliver the whole package.
5. The Best Burgers in Tucson
Updated on JULY 10, 2024
In this one-time cowtown, it’s not hard to find well-prepared beef. If you like yours ground up and topped with a dazzling amount of complements — everything from standards like American cheese to such exotics as quesabirria — you’re in the right place. Here are some of our favorite burgers, in all parts of Tucson. Come armed with an appetite; most of the patties are oversized and what’s a burger without fries?
6. Best Chinese Restaurants in Tucson
Published March 4, 2024
While Tucson doesn’t have the Chinese population of many west coast cities, the Chinese population here has a lengthy history spanning back to the 1860s. The University of Arizona has also contributed significantly to the Chinese population. As a result, we actually have a nice selection of restaurants from a few regions of China. Cantonese and Sichuan restaurants are the most prominent here, so hopefully, we’ll see the other regions rise to prominence in the near future as well.
7. Restaurants That Can Hold Your Next Big (or Small) Party
Published DECEMBER 17, 2024
It’s that time of year to get together with your loved ones, friends, and co-workers, and if you’ve got a big group, that can prove to be difficult. We’ve put together this list of private dining rooms and restaurant-adjacent event spaces that are ideal for a family gathering, business function, celebration, team building, and more.
8. The Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson
UPDATED ON MARCH 5, 2024
Breakfast burritos are a hearty way to power you through the day. They’re also great as a hangover cure. Whatever you need a breakfast burrito for, Tucson is there for you. Local tortillas? Housemade chorizo? A variety of salsas? Check, check, and check — and much more.
9. The Best Barbecue in Tucson
Published MARCH 5, 2024
Tucson may not have a distinctive barbecue style like those in several southern, midwest, or Texas cities, but we’ve got plenty of talented transplants and home-grown chefs who give grilling a local spin — not to mention abundant desert-hardy mesquite trees that provide wood for them to practice their techniques. From slow-cooked ribs that fall off the bone to tangy pulled pork sandwiches and everything in between, journey with us as we explore the sizzling best of Tucson’s barbecue joints.
10. Best Vegan Restaurants in Tucson
UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 4, 2024
This guide is your golden ticket to uncovering Tucson’s finest plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking for good food, we’ve curated the top spots to enjoy delectable animal-free dishes. While many of the restaurants we mention also have non-vegan options, we’ve included them here specifically for their outstanding vegan choices. Get ready to delight in the vibrant flavors of Tucson’s vegan offerings!
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