Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2024

Crispy Rice Trio at OBON Sushi Bar Ramen (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2024

Mar 2, 20245 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during the shortest month of the year! Also, 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

Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Blvd.

The crudo dish from Tito & Pep turns any day around for me. Actually, every/any dish at Tito & Pep does that for me.

a person sitting at a table with a plate of food
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd.

I started my meal at Kingfisher with a poke stack and it set the tone for the rest of my dinner. I paired it with a delightful gin martini, followed by a lobster roll. I had a $40 voucher because I’m an Foodie Club member so this meal was basically free.

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E. Congress St., #120.

The crispy fried rice dishes at OBON were beyond reproach. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft center, and the various toppings i.e. spicy tuna and scallops, will ensure that I come back again.


P.S. I also saved $15 by being an Foodie Club member.

a plate of food on a table
Crispy Rice Trio Sampler at OBON Sushi Bar Ramen (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
La Botana
3200 N. 1st Ave.

The taco platter at La Botana is the BEST bang for your buck: 12 tacos + all the fixins.

a bowl of food on a table
Taco Platter at La Botana (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Penelope Pizza and Cartel Roasting Co.
210 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 3

Bread and Friends from Penelope Pizza was greatly enjoyed with a matcha latte from Cartel. The Sgt. Pepper pizza has a fluffy yet thin crust, mild green chiles, and the hot honey was an added treat.

Bison Witches
326 N. 4th Ave.

This yummy pile of nachos from Bison Witches really hit the spot. Their queso sauce is so good and they add extra on the side to ensure each chip has plenty of cheese. Remember the portion is huge — bring a friend!

a close up of food
Nachos at Bison Witches (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Doug Marcoux

Playground Bar and Lounge
278 E. Congress St.

The Sonoran Sushi Dog at Playground. It’s full of tuna and spicy lump crab in a deep-fried sushi rice “bun.”

Sonoran Sushi Dog at Playground Bar and Lounge (Photo by Doug Marcoux)

Edie Jarolim

Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Call me morbid. I often contemplate what I would eat for a last meal and the Figgy Stardust pizza with a steak salad at Zio Peppe is among my rotating favorites. As you can see, I couldn’t wait to grab a slice before I remembered to take a picture. In my defense, it is ideal to eat the pie in the height of its warm cheesy glory, with the pomegranate drizzle still a bit drizzly (see the red glob on the plate). Also, it should be noted that the steak salad pictured is only half a portion. Both pizza and salad are best shared with friends but if it were truly a last meal, you bet I’d eat it all.

Hannah Hernandez

Pure Poke and Prep
7315 N. Oracle Rd., #105

I love customizing sweet and spicy vegan bowls at Pure Poke and Prep.

a close up of a bowl of food
Sweet & Spicy Vegan Bowl and Pure Poke and Prep (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Oralia Coffee & Kitchen
501 N. 6th Ave., Suite 101

The Machaca Nachos at Oralia.

a plate of food on a table
The Machaca Nachos at Oralia (Photo by Matthew Sterner)
El Chinito Gordo
2920 N. Oracle Rd.

The crispy taco plate at El Chinito Gordo.

a close up of a plate of food on a table
Crispy Chicken Taco Plate at El Chinito Gordo (Photo by Matthew Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E. Skyline Dr.

After 40 plus Valentine’s Days together, it’s not about the day as much as it is the company. A belated but romantic lunch the following Friday at Tavolino’s started with their wonderful bread and olive oil (not pictured) followed by the fried calamari, a plate of Tagliatelle a Pollo Marsala, and the grilled seafood salad accompanied by a pinot grigio from the Dolomites. We had the Bonet with gelato and espresso for dessert (also not pictured).

Sam Jump

Time Market
444 E. University Blvd.

Who needs chili when you’ve got Time Market’s lentil soup on the menu? “Not I,” said Sam Jump. Served with a crusty hunk of baguette on the side, it was the perfect warm-me-up on a cool, cloudy Tucson afternoon.

a bowl of soup and a sandwich on a plate
Lentil Soup at Time Market (Photo by Sam Jump)

Shane Reiser

La Chingada Cocina Mexicana
110 E. Pennington St.

Trio de Enchiladas at La Chingada.

a plate of food on a table
Trio de Enchiladas at La Chingada Concina Mexicana (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Elliott’s on Congress
135 E. Congress St.

Banana Tots at Elliott’s: Captain Crunch breaded banana bites deep-fried golden and served with vanilla ice cream then drizzled with Nutella.

Banana Tots at Elliott’s on Congress (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Restaurante Mex-Sal
1201-1229 W. St. Marys Rd.

Quesebirria from Mex-Sal.

Quesebirria at Restaurante Mex-Sal (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
7315 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 141

The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers.

a close up of a sandwich and fries on a plate
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers (Photo by Shane Reiser)
El Cisne Restaurant
4717 E. Sunrise Dr.

The spinach enchiladas at El Cisne (not pictured).

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