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Photo courtesy of Monster Jam

Foodie 15: Where to Eat During the Tucson Monster Jam

Updated March 19, 2024

Get ready to rev your engines and feel the adrenaline rush when Monster Jam makes its way back to Tucson from Friday, March 22, through Sunday, March 24 at the Tucson Convention Center. Picture massive trucks roaring to life, defying gravity with jaw-dropping stunts and thrilling maneuvers. It’s not just a show; it’s an experience where the cheers are thunderous and the sense of competition from drivers and event-goers alike is palpable.

And if you live your life like a hot shoe and are planning a night out around the Monster Jam madness, this guide has you covered with 15 options that are all within one mile of the Convention Center. Take the whole family and brace yourselves for a memorable time.

B8 and B4 burgers, coleslaw, fresh herb sweet potato fries, veggies, and regular fries at Beaut Burger (Photo by Jackie Tran)
B8 and B4 burgers, coleslaw, fresh herb sweet potato fries, veggies, and regular fries at Beaut Burger (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Beaut Burger

Beaut Burger, located in the MSA Annex, offers an outdoor dining experience with its repurposed shipping container setting. The minimalist design, complemented by desert-inspired aesthetics, creates a relaxed and modern atmosphere. Known for its plant-based menu, Beaut Burger shines with its namesake burgers and crisp fries with fresh herbs.​

Popular menu items include the B9 burger, featuring roasted eggplant, house-made mozzarella, and pumpkin seed pesto, and the B4 burger, topped with Swiss cheese, griddled mushrooms, and onions. Sides like the beer-battered cauliflower bites and sweet potato fries are also highly recommended by patrons.

(Photo courtesy of The Coronet)

The Coronet

The Coronet, nestled in the historic Barrio Viejo, offers a romantic and refined dining experience. The interior features warm wood accents, vintage lighting. The booth rooms offer a cozier ambience. A charming outdoor patio, adorned with flowers, provides a serene setting for al fresco dining. This ambiance reflects the restaurant’s blend of classic sensibility and international cuisine.

The menu changes often, showcasing seasonally inspired dishes crafted from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The a.m. features a cafe, while the evenings feature Nightjar, an intimate cocktail bar.

A photo of the interior of the Tucson mezcal bar known as El Crisol
El Crisol (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

Crisol Bar

Embark on a mezcal-infused adventure at Crisol Bar, where craft cocktails become a celebration of tradition and innovation. This Tucson gem beckons with a curated selection of libations and menu of small plates, all crafted to deliver a memorable experience rooted in the vibrant spirit of the region’s flavors and ingredients.

Carne Seca Burrito at El Charro Cafe (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

El Charro Café Downtown

El Charro Café, located in downtown Tucson, offers a vibrant and historic atmosphere with its colorful walls, traditional Mexican decor, and charming courtyard. Established in 1922, it is recognized as the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. The interior features sombreros hanging from the ceiling, rustic wooden furnishings, and a warm, inviting ambiance that reflects its rich heritage.

The signature carne seca is marinated beef dried in the Sonoran sun on the roof, shredded for filling dishes such as the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that El Charro claims to have accidentally invented

a picture of food on a plate
(Photo courtesy of El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria)

El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria

El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria offers contemporary Southwest cuisine highlighting fresh, healthy, creative and local ingredients playing off the traditional flavors of Mexico. Bespoke cocktails, interesting wines and hand-crafted local brews available from El Mez Bar.

Carne Seca Combo Plate at El Minuto Cafe (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

El Minuto Cafe

El Minuto Café, located just south of the Tucson Convention Center, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its pink adobe exterior and colorful murals. Inside, the restaurant features traditional Mexican decor, including vibrant artwork and rustic furnishings, creating a cozy dining environment. Established in 1939, El Minuto has been a family-owned establishment for four generations, maintaining its commitment to authentic Sonoran-style cuisine.

The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, such as the Shredded Beef Chimichangas, Cheese Enchiladas with rich red sauce, and the El Minuto Special combination plate featuring a chicken taco, beef tamale, cheese enchilada, and chile con carne. Guests also enjoy the Cheese Crisp with green chiles and the Carne Seca Chimichanga for their flavorful profiles. Desserts like the flan and sopapillas provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

a close up of a plate of food on a table
Assorted Dishes (Photo courtesy of JoJo's)

JoJo’s Restaurant

JoJo’s Restaurant, located at 76 W. Washington St. in Tucson, offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere in the heart of the Historic Presidio District. The restaurant features a spacious courtyard adorned with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and a tranquil pond, creating an inviting outdoor dining experience. Inside, the Monsoon Room provides a cozy lounge setting with dark green walls and vintage lamps, perfect for intimate gatherings. Live music performances enhance the lively ambiance, making JoJo’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. ​

The menu at JoJo’s showcases a fusion of Southwestern and international flavors, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include JoJo’s Francesinha, a Portuguese-inspired sandwich featuring smoked birria, bacon, Manchego, and a fried egg, all smothered in a rich tomato and beer sauce. Other popular items are the Tallboy Tots, The Bentley “Burger”, and Patatas Bravas. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, such as mushroom chorizo tacos and cauliflower wings.

Assorted dishes at Kukai (Photo by Dana Sullivan)

Kukai

Kukai, also based at the MSA Annex, opened in February of 2019. If you’ve never had onigiri, you’re going to want to try it here. The traditional Japanese dish is essentially a seaweed-wrapped rice ball that comes with assorted fillings like pork belly, salmon, or, for the adventurous eater, umeboshi (that’s pickled plum).

an overhead photo of flatbread pizzas
Photo courtesy of The Monica)

The Monica

Rooted in scratch cooking and cherished family recipes, The Monica aims to bring a diverse range of flavors to your table. With a passionate team of chefs and food enthusiasts backing this Si Charro, a unique dining experience that reflects the rich culinary tapestry of Tucson is what you can expect visit after visit.

The Neighborhood DWTN

Much like the incredibly stylish mullet hairstyle being business in the front and a party in the back, The Neighborhood’s downtown spot is more than one concept. Think of it as a restaurant and bar during the earlier hours of the day and a total party by night.

a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a table
Dining room at Penca (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

Penca

Penca downtown offers a warm, rustic-yet-elegant atmosphere with exposed brick walls and vintage accents. The dining room features industrial-chic elements and large windows that fill the space with natural light during the day. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining on the sidewalk patio.

Their menu features refined elevated Central Mexican cuisine, including the chiles rellenos. The Tuétano highlights roasted bone marrow with epazote chimichurri and flour tortillas. On the taco side, make sure to try the Rajas y Papas (queso, chipotle crema, avocado crema, green onion) or the Guajolote (turkey, red cabbage, and chipotle crema).

a room filled with furniture and a fire place
(Photo courtesy of Perche' No Italian Bistro)

Perche’ No Italian Bistro

Perche’ No is an Italian bistro that seamlessly blends the charm of traditional recipes with the excitement of contemporary creations. The menu is a testament to the chefs’ passion, featuring a mix of timeless favorites and innovative specials that never fail to delight. Among the standout dishes are the Ravioli di Zucca and the Penne al’Alce. The name Perche’ No, which means “Why Not” in Italian, reflects the owners’ journey back into the culinary world, driven by an irresistible opportunity and a longing for the joy that sharing food brings.

 

 

 

a bowl of food on a table
Spinach Dip at The Red Light Lounge (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

The Red Light Lounge at the Downtown Clifton

Walking into The Red Light Lounge at the Downtown Clifton Hotel is similar to entering a cozy room lit only by wicked firelight — where one isn’t too sure if this is a bar or a bistro. You’ll be happy to discover that it is indeed both. It’s angular, it’s dark, it welcomes whispers and singing alike and, best of all, the food is exquisite and the drinks are definitely on your side.

 

an overhead photo of tacos and condiments
(Photo courtesy of Seis Kitchen)

Seis Kitchen – Mercado

Seis Kitchen is a renowned destination in Tucson, Arizona, celebrated for its regionally-inspired Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is well-known for its authentic and delicious birria tacos and its commitment to quality, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being served all day. Seis Kitchen also stands out with its innovative menu items like “The Bomb”, a soft tortilla wrap filled with beef, chicken, bacon, beans, rice, cheddar, tomato, lettuce, and mayo.

(Photo courtesy of Street Taco & Beer Co.)

Street Taco & Beer Co. (Congress)

If you’ve been to any of the other three locations, you can expect the same quick-service menu stacked with build-your-own tacos, burritos, and bowls as well as housemade beverages like horchata and aguas frescas. Taco Tuesday, anyone?

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