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Foodie 15: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds

Guide

Foodie 15: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds

by Analeise FisherFeb 14, 2024Updated Aug 4, 20264 min read
Tucson’s 100th annual rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, is returning Saturday, February 15 - Sunday, February 23, featuring all your favorite events from bull riding and barrel racing to roping, steer wrestling, and more! If you’re planning to make an evening out of the rodeo festivities and are wondering where you should eat, don’t worry, we have you covered. Here is our list of 15 places to grab some grub near the rodeo grounds at 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
 
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14 spots

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs

5118 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dog’s claim to fame is their traditional carne asada, cooked to perfection over a mesquite fire. Stop by and enjoy their selection of comfort foods including hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, and tacos, perfect for after rodeo festivities!

Carnitas La Yoca

3530 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

If you’re in the mood for some authentic Mexican street food, this food truck has everything your heart desires. The menu is simple but delicious, featuring tacos, carnitas, quesadillas, and birria plates. For something special, why not try their pork stomach or pork skin tacos?

Delicias Mexican Grill

4581 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

Delicias Mexican Grill serves up simply delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, their incredible family recipes make it a popular south side destination for locals and visitors alike.

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El Güero Canelo Restaurant

2480 North Oracle RoadMidtown

If you’re craving a Sonoran hot dog, you have to try El Guero Canelo. On their menu, you’ll find hot dogs, tacos, burros, quesadillas, and much more. Try it for yourself! You’ll find that El Guero Canelo is the James Beard Foundation 2018 “America’s Classics” award winner for good reason.

El Merendero

5443 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

Do you want something that’s a true classic here in Tucson? El Merendero has been cooking up Mexican and Southwestern grub in Tucson since ’86 and there’s no signs of slowing down. Try their Mexican breakfast dishes or make a meal of their seafood platters. The Ceviche Tostadas are a hit and the churros are a nice finishing touch.

Little Mexico Restaurant

698 West Irvington RoadSouth Side

This amazing family-owned restaurant is home to some of Tucson's favorite authentic Mexican cuisine. Their menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options from breakfast burritos and enchiladas to tacos, burgers, and so much more. Make sure to try their housemade red chile and green corn tamales!

Percheron Mexican Grill

444 West Ajo WaySouth Side

Do you love bacon? This original Sonoran-style grill specializes in burritos and hot dogs., but if you’re after something truly unique, try their signature Bacon-Wrapped Percheron Burro. The bacon is expertly prepared — delicate and crisp with each bite. If you’re intimidated, don’t worry, they’re big enough to share with a friend. But who says you’ll want to?

Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

Rollies Mexican Patio specializes in Mexican cuisine with a modern feel. Their menu features new takes on classic dishes. Don’t miss out on their Birria Ramen, or their Flats — flat enchiladas made with a gordita-like masa base. If you’re after a sweet treat, their Ice Cream Concha will have you returning weekly.

Sushi Lounge

4802 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

Right by the rodeo grounds, you’ll find what might just be the best dim sum around. Don’t be fooled by the name, while there is stellar sushi to be found, the dim sum is the real star of the show here! Can’t decide what to order? Go for their BBQ Pork Buns, Har Gow, Red Dragon Roll, Tootsie Roll, or Orange Chicken.

Taqueria La Esquina

4876 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

Originally getting its start as a food truck, Taqueria la Esquina understands what it means to cook exquisite Mexican food. Their menu features something for nearly anyone to enjoy. Their Sonoran Dog is a genuine crowd-pleaser and don't forget about their tacos. The Achiote Pollo and the Surf and Turf are true standouts.

The Silver Saddle Steakhouse

310 East Benson HighwaySouth Side

Saddle up and bring your appetite! Silver Saddle Steakhouse offers everything from mesquite-grilled chicken, lobster tail, and crab legs, to some of the best Angus beef prime rib in Tucson. Their incredible sauces are all made in-house, too, and pair perfectly with all of their signature dishes.
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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona