Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

Curious what articles got the most clicks in 2025? Here they are, ranked.

10. Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times

It’s not every day that The New York Times talks about Tucson, and when they do, you know we’re going to zoom in on the part where they mention the food.

Read the article Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times.

9. Tucson Chef is a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist

Jose Contreras, the owner and chef of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, is the only Tucson semifinalist in 2025 — nominated for Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK).

Read the article Tucson Chef is a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist.

8. Charro Vida to Close After Five Years in Business

Charro Vida, the plant-forward Tucson restaurant known for blending Sonoran and Mediterranean cuisines, will officially close on Sunday, May 25. The team at Flores Concepts made the decision after over five years of operation.

Read the article Charro Vida to Close After Five Years in Business.

7. Anchor Bar Opens First Tucson Location Oct. 29

Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo wing, officially opened its first Tucson location at 7080 E. 22nd St., Suite 104 in October. The restaurant occupies the former Brushfire BBQ Co. space and features a colorful mural by local artist Mauriel Morejon.

Read the article Anchor Bar Opens First Tucson Location Oct. 29.

6. Cinco Cantina Closes After Recent “Bar Rescue” Makeover

Over on the northwest side of town, High 5 Grille got polished up a bit in November 2023 and became Cinco Cantina for the remainder of the year at 3682 W. Orange Grove Rd.

Read the article Cinco Cantina Closes After Recent “Bar Rescue” Makeover.

5. Flora’s Market Run Has Permanently Closed

After a little less than four years, Flora’s Market Run permanently closed its doors at 2513 E. Sixth St. on Monday, January 6.

Read the article Flora’s Market Run Has Permanently Closed.

4. Your Visual Guide to Traditional Mexican Pastries at La Estrella Bakery

This article actually came out nine years ago, but people are still curious about pan dulce! This was written by our intern at the time, Gloria Knott. She now does her own thing at Tucson Love Letter, so check that out!

Read the article Your Visual Guide to Traditional Mexican Pastries at La Estrella Bakery.

3. Inside the Fight to Keep Tucson Restaurants Alive in 2025

CJ Hamm, whose fast-casual Hammbone’s A Meat & Three Joint shut its doors earlier this year, said, “In the heyday of the ‘90s, restaurants were making a 10% profit margin. Now, if you get .05%, you’re celebrating.”

Read the article Inside the Fight to Keep Tucson Restaurants Alive in 2025.

2. Two Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List

Savaya Coffee Market and Presta Coffee Roasters have landed spots on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops — an international ranking that highlights top-notch cafés from across the globe.

Read the article Two Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List.

1. Tucson Restaurant Named the ‘Best Cult-Favorite’ in Arizona

LoveFood, an online publication based in the United Kingdom, often makes lists to help spread the word about top-notch dishes, businesses, and culinary cities. For instance, Tucson was named the “Best Foodie City” in the state last year.

Read the article Tucson Restaurant Named the ‘Best Cult-Favorite’ in Arizona.

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For the most popular guides, read our article Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Guides of 2025.