Operated by husband-and-wife team Tony and Roushan Christofellis, who are also the founders of the Salad and Go drive-thru concept that was recently sold, Angie’s Lobster began in the Phoenix area in 2022.

Angie’s Lobster serves only wild-caught Maine lobster — no langoustine (Norwegian lobster) or warm-water lobster. They also offer other wild-caught seafood: North Atlantic Snow Crab, New England Fried Clam, Mexican colossal shrimp, and a North Atlantic Cod Fried Sandwich.

Over at Angie’s Prime Grill, the menu features grilled-to-order prime meats — USDA Prime top sirloin steak, antibiotic, and hormone-free chicken, and wild-caught Mexican colossal shrimp. It’s all available at affordable prices, and Angie’s USDA Prime steak is butchered on-site.

Aside from enjoying a cold one inside the bar, they have a liquor license that allows them to sell some of their spirits to-go. Also, there’s a tequila flight for $10 — it’s a screamin’ deal. There’s lots to do at the Arnette Creek Watering Hole, too. They have a nice selection of indoor games: pool, cornhole, darts, and other board games. “Every corner of Arnette Creek Watering Hole carries a piece of our family’s history,” the family behind the new bar shared. “From the wood at the ranch turned into bar chairs, to the memories we’ve already built here, this place is more than just a bar — it’s our home.”

Hailing from Sonoma County, the Toraño Family has been making wines from renowned vineyards throughout the county’s AVAs since 2014. Last year the family relocated to Arizona, and are pumped to open their flagship tasting room in central Tucson.

Alongside their lineup of single vineyard wines — Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah — A. Toraño Wines’ tasting room features other small production family-owned wines that aren’t always available in Arizona.

You really can’t go wrong with a banh mi sandwich and the ones that emerge from Banhdicted are always smile-inducing. It has to be because Vongtheung exudes that manner of jubilance. If you’re happy while you’re cooking, people can always taste it. Banhdicted is also known for its array of soothing smoothies, raw juices, and tasty teas.

Local family owned Italian restaurant, with a casual, family friendly, atmosphere. All food is fresh, prepped daily and made to order with high end ingredients.

Black Iris Cafe brings a classic diner experience to this historic district. Known for its comfort food with a twist, the cafe offers hearty dishes like biscuits and gravy and corn ribs, making it a favorite for those seeking familiar yet indulgent meals.

With pool tables, arcade machines, plenty of seating, and an upstairs view of the city, the team has had a good time in the Foothills. This is the brewery’s third location with the others found at 2500 E. Sixth St. and 119 E. Toole Ave.

After 27 years as a staple in the local craft beer community, Steve Tracy, owner of Thunder Canyon Brewery, passed the torch to his longtime friends and employees, James Owens (former General Manager of Thunder Canyon) and Michael Nixon (former Head Brewer).

The Broadway, which is smack dab next to Rocco’s Little Chicago, is the Caps & Corks family’s second foray into the Tucson bar scene. The new space has a mid-century vibe in line with the historic plaza. The footprint of The Broadway Beer & Wine Bar measures about 2500 square feet and fresh air lovers can hang out on the atrium-style covered patio.

Brucha describes itself as a high-end cafe/boba tea concept that serves batch-brewed tea and tea-pressos — they’re using espresso machines fine-tuned to brew tea at precise temperatures and pressures. They’re offering more than just tea, too, at Brucha! Aside from tea, you’ll find different coffee drinks, waffle bites, and multiple flavors of gelato — tea gelato, fruit gelato, etc.

BZ’s Bistro, formerly named BZ’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, was most recently located at 7856 E. Wrightstown Rd., but this year, they opened a brand-new location in midtown at 3225 N. Swan Rd. #105A. Co-owner Chef Brian “BZ” Sorell is still in the kitchen, dishin’ out his beloved pizzas like the BZ Special (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and roasted peppers) and the Hammer — often referred to as the pizza that’s a combination of nearly everything on the menu. The Hammer is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, capicola, onions, and roasted peppers, and then it’s all nailed down with some pesto sauce on top.

Cabali is Tucson’s newest tiki bar located next door to The Landing at 8195 N. Oracle Rd. — there’s a “secret door” inside the restaurant that leads to the tiki bar. Douglas “Fini” Finical, co-owner of The Landing and Fini’s Landing, has been collecting tiki mugs for years and they’ll have more than 1,000 of them on display inside the new bar.

On Sunday, December 29, Owners Itzel and Jon popped up for the first time inside the brewery at 831 E. 17th. St., dishin’ out specialty coffees and pastries.

The menu features both hot and cold espresso-based drinks like the Miel Canela, which is made with local honey, Saigon cinnamon, espresso, and your milk of choice. However, ceremonial-grade matcha is on hand as well — they’ve made Matzatli in the past (pineapple in Nahuatl in the form of Tepache, with piloncillo and matcha).

“It’s like a traditional taqueria out of Hermosillo,” said Daniel Thomas of Blueprint Restaurant Concepts. “We’re not going to be doing lengua or anything like that — we’re keeping it very simplistic. We’re using prime beef for our carne asada tacos and the al pastor is straight off the trompo.”

The restaurant is one of the newest local spots to open on Campbell Avenue — 2502 N. Campbell Ave. — and every Tuesday they’re serving any two tacos of your choice paired with any caguama for $18.

Casa Madre is located just east of The Baffert inside the historic building at 119 E.18th St. The interior of the building has been undergoing some major renovations with the addition of a Himalayan rock salt wall. Not only does the Himalayan rock salt wall look beautiful aesthetically but it also brings a soothing, relaxing atmosphere to the dining room — it’s a Tucson first!

This is a brand-new concept by the Mieja family. Luis Mejia Sr., Isela Mejia, Luis Mejia Jr., and Leonardo Mejia also operate El Sur Restaurant on 22nd Street and the Ocean View Hotel and Restaurant, which opened about a year ago in Roatan, Honduras.

The dinner menu includes the likes of Mole Poblano, carnitas, molcajete, flautas, Camarones Culichi, Ceviche Tostada, Mexican Street Corn on a Stick, and Tacos de Calabaza — (vegan) three roasted butternut squash tacos.

The new location, which is under new ownership, is open daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. They’re located next to the Albertsons grocery store and just a few strides away from Mosaic Cafe Dos. There’s plenty of candy to choose from on the shelves if you’re looking for a sugar rush, but the menu also has coffee drinks, tea, Italian sodas, toasted bagels, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and something that’ll perk just about anyone up: the Churro Cheesecake. This treat comes with caramel drizzled on top, too.

The Coop specializes in a variety of fried chicken options, from wings and tenders to full chickens, all prepared with recipes handed down from the family’s grandmother. The restaurant emphasizes a family-run, local business vibe!

Alex Bohon and his father Otto Ramon Bohon — the family/duo behind the beloved south side restaurant, Taqueria La Esquina — debuted the brand-new concept on Broadway Boulevard near Craycroft Road in June of 2024. For those familiar with the dining room, the entire space is at least twice the size of Taqueria La Esquina (4876 S. Sixth Ave.). Copal inherits the large dining area, which will serve some of the staples found at La Esquina like tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and inventive margaritas.

Decked with brightly-colored walls, floral decorations, incredible views on the patio, and an overall warm environment, the family-run restaurant will be open daily.

The menu highlights include a unique take on the Monte Cristo sandwich with five flavor variations.

“Our specialty is the Monte Cristo,” Calye added. “It’s something the whole family enjoys and my favorite is the Berry Delight (fresh fruit and strawberry cream cheese topped with whipped cream).”

The corn tortillas are soft but not crumbly — strong enough to withstand the carne asada, birria, or anything else you fill them with and the juices they’re dipped into. Then there are the flour tortillas at El Taco Rustico, which are held over a flame for a brief moment before being served, creating an end product with a crispy texture.

In 2022, Fatboy Sandos made its food truck debut, often setting up shop in front of a former Office Max building on Broadway Boulevard. Raphael De La Cuesta, a now-Tucson native after moving here from Los Angeles, was inspired to bring Japanese “sandos” to the Southwest after watching videos on YouTube.

Dirty sodas are a combination of classic sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer with cream, fruit, and flavored syrups. There’s actually a lot of drink combinations on the menu! First, you choose a soda as the base (Coke, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Sprite, or Root Beer), and then you can “dirty” it up with flavored syrups and cream (the cream is optional).

Located inside The Baffert in Five Points, Forbes is a whole animal butchery specializing in custom processing and they sell a wide variety of fresh and frozen meat and seafood. Plus, they have a stellar dine-in food menu for meat lovers!

“The thought behind the concept derives from my trips to the South and my experiences with meat-and-three’s, coupled with the current financial and restaurant climate,” Hamm added. “Here in Tucson, we have very few options for affordable family-style meals.”

Order an entree and pick three sides. Or, if you’re not as hungry, they offer an entree-and-two-sides option and an entree-and-one-side option. Every meal comes with a choice of bread (cornbread, Pullman slice, biscuit, or dinner roll). Fountain soft drinks, iced tea, Texas sweet tea, and their own Kool-Aid blended drink are available to wet your whistle.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a shop that’s been in business since 1945, opened its very first Tucson location on Oracle Road near Ina Road.

The chain got its start in Youngstown, Ohio, and now has more than 140 locations in 14 states. Over the years, Handel’s has reeled in some awards and nods from publications like National Geographic, which named them the best “Ice Cream on the Planet.” Also, Newsweek included Handel’s in its ‘Best of the Best 2024″ list, naming them one of the best brands in the U.S.

The cafe is a farm-to-table concept that serves an original menu consisting of burritos, omelets, pastries, sandwiches, plenty of pressed juice to keep you hydrated here in the desert, and coffee from Decibel Coffee Works. The baristas are making classics like Cafe Lattes, Cafe Mochas, Espressos, Americanos, and a simple drip coffee for those who like it straight-up.

Debuting in September, Kabul Corner stands as the sole Afghan restaurant in the city. The menu showcases beloved Afghan fare, featuring classics like Qabuli Palaw and succulent chicken kabobs.

Each of the tables inside Kotu’s dining room comes equipped with a small grill in the center. The team brings out your desired meats and proteins (raw) and you grill away, ordering as much as your stomach can handle.

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bacon-wrapped jalapeños — whatever you desire, the staff is ready to take your order. While you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy La Botana’s signature bean dip with chips. And you won’t be locked into one kind of salsa either — the salsa bar features a variety of heat and flavors.

One of Tucson’s newest bar — in Tucson’s Historic Iron Horse Neighborhood — serves fortified wines, wine cocktails, beers, bites, and more. Perfect for solo sips or catching up with friends.

The new restaurant opened its doors in early December and is currently open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. With authentic Mexican cuisine, a full bar with craft cocktails and brews, and even the occasional live music or DJ, La Frida is a must-visit spot.

Tucson’s latest dim sum destination is Lucky Panda, a venture by Danyan “Dawn” Lew, the beloved owner of Guilin Chinese Restaurant in midtown. Dawn’s dream of bringing authentic dim sum to Tucson has come true with Lucky Panda. The restaurant features a convenient walk-up counter and offers a delightful Cantonese-inspired dim sum experience. From tender chicken feet to mouthwatering BBQ pork buns and shu mai, Lucky Panda’s menu boasts a variety of traditional dim sum dishes alongside popular Americanized Chinese items, making it a must-visit culinary gem in the city.

Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago dogs, and crinkle-cut French fries that’ll have you coming back again and again! Lucky’s opened inside the former Luke’s Italian Beef in 2023. The menu is full of Chicago classics but if you’re having trouble deciding on what to order first, the easiest choice is the crinkle-cut fries! They pair well with everything on the menu.

Owner Leo Garcia, who’s a big fan of Neapolitan-style pies, got his start in the pizza business while working at Fiamme Pizza. Eventually, he opened his own business, the Family Joint Pizza food truck in Green Valley, which also became popular in Tucson. Then, in early 2024, he debuted the Lumbre Pizza A La Leña — a food truck that can stay put here in Tucson while the other fed folks in Green Valley.

The menu includes breakfast staples like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, a Classic Egg Sandwich, and then the Classic Breakfast plate that includes two eggs, your choice of two strips of bacon or sausage links, and then served with potatoes and your choice of toast (move over, Denny’s, there’s a new Grand Slam in town — minus the pancakes).

Mantis has reopened too far away from the original location — right across the street, actually, at 8295 N. Cortaro Rd. #125. This suite formerly housed Nico’s Tacos. The prior location closed because the neighboring dental office had plans to knock down the dividing wall to expand.

Although Miss Saigon on Campbell is the most popular, the downtown location is open late and convenient for post-drinking slurping.

Inside the former National Shirt Shop building, this new fast-casual breakfast/lunch cafe/bar is serving burritos, avocado toast, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and more.

The menu features small plates like BBQ Pork and Veggie Egg Rolls, rice plates featuring crispy pork, beef shank, and more, iced matches, milk teas, and noodle soups, of course. A popular soup is the Sichuan Spicy Beef with wheat noodles, spicy beef broth, peppercorn oil, beef shank, bok choy, green onions, and cilantro — the perfect meal when it’s a bit chilly outside.

From traditional options like Margherita to more adventurous choices like the Bubba Pizza featuring a garlic oil base, mozzarella, lemon ricotta, artichoke hearts, and arugula, Penelope’s menu caters to a variety of tastes. They also offer a sweet selection of housemade sodas and lemonade.

If you’ve eaten at Percheron in the past — the food truck has been around for more than 10 years now — then you’re familiar with the epic bacon-wrapped burrito on the menu. It’s by far one of our favorite burritos in town. The bacon is expertly prepared in a manner that keeps it delicate and crisp with each bite rather than one chewy piece that makes the whole thing fall apart.

Raspaderia El Sahuaro is much more than raspados. Corn Cocktails (corn, mayo, white cheese, butter, and lime), milkshakes, sundaes, and a full-on Tostitos menu (chips layered with goodies). The shop even offers sandwiches and wraps! All are $12 each or less including a classic BLT, a Club, Tuna Sandwich, and a Torta with ham, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeño on the sandwich menu. There are three chicken-themed wraps (which are subject to change at any time) — Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Chicken Chipotle Wrap, and Caesar Chicken Wrap.

RealGood’s menu has breakfast classics reimagined with “fresh, clean, high-quality ingredients” while using “innovative techniques to create a truly unique and delicious experience.” The team behind RealGood Brunch Co. is the same family behind The Neighborhood, La Chingada Cocina, and CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar.

Roadrunner Coffee Co. is a hidden gem in Tucson, Arizona, known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s a perfect spot to get some work done, with ample seating and reliable wifi. Their coffee is locally roasted and the menu is full of delicious options, but the standout is their signature Roadrunner Mocha, a delightful blend of chocolate and espresso that will keep you energized for hours.

After more than 25 years in the same location, Anthony “Rocco” DiGrazia and the team relocated just a few hundred feet away on Broadway Boulevard. Same menu, same prices, same great food, and shiny, new dining room!

Otero has a nifty amount of goodness spread across his menu, from his own take on the classic dishes to the modernized dishes, he’s really hit the nail on the head — making you wish you had more than one stomach to engulf. Birria ramen, rolled tacos (of course), Nana’s Tacos, Birria Cheesecrip Burger, and other local favorites! Which will you eat first?

In the historic 5 Points neighborhood, Rosebud Bakery has quickly become a popular destination for its artisanal baked goods and belly-warming coffee on Sixth Ave. The menu at Rosebud Bakery comes complete with handmade treats, sourdough bread, and pastries — all crafted with locally sourced ingredients and heritage grains. There are also dairy-free and vegan options available.

Samurai Sombrero is where sushi gets a cool Southwestern twist. One crowd favorite is the Samurai Roll, packed with goodies like tempura shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, spicy crab, eel, and even mango hot sauce. And if you’re into plant-based foods, they’ve got you covered with a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

“This is a space for the community and has been for a long time,” said Shane Barela, co-owner of The Scented Leaf. “We want to continue to bring people together around delicious tea, food, and great music like we’re known for, not to mention stellar service because these are the little things that matter.”

In 2016, Buizer opened Senae Thai Bistro in downtown Tucson and decided to close the restaurant in July 2021. Last year, she began popping up with one-night-only experiences at other local businesses like MotoSorona Brewing and Saffron Indian Bistro, where she hosted a special R&D Dinner.

Now, you can find them permanently at Crooked Tooth Brewing!

Slow Body Beer’s taproom and brewery, which is right around the corner from Barrio Brewing and Iron John’s Brewing, a short walk away from MotoSonora Brewing, and right next to the former 17th Street Market, is beautiful — lots of greenery, vintage seating areas, VHS tapes, and more! Their flagship ale is the Kind Beer (5% ABV) and other brews in the lineup include the Thank You — a pale ale brewed with Nelson and Cirta (5.4% ABV) — and the Body Double (an American porter at 6% ABV).

Founders Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient are excited about opening a new community hub. They’re also the brains behind Cactus Wren Kids — an online store for parents that offers clothing for kids. The new 1,000-square-foot space near the corner of Tucson Boulevard and Elm Street serves coffee, tea, and locally baked pastries. They’re actually roasting their own coffee, too! When it comes to their tea selection, the hot options include Cream Earl Grey, Orange Spice, Masala Chai, Japanese Sencha Green, and Japanese Matcha.

Sonora Moonshine is a new concept from the mind of Es Teran and the talented team at Borderlands Brewing Company. While working on opening their second taproom — Borderlands Brewing at Sam Hughes — he was introduced to the available space at 124 E. Broadway Blvd. This is the building across the street from Pueblo Vida Brewing Company.

Plus, there’s a “swanky speakeasy-style bar” in the basement. We moseyed on down there and caught a glimpse of the space — it’s going to be a wonderfully fun addition to downtown’s basement bar lineup. The underground bar isn’t open just but Teran plans to welcome folks down there in less than a month from now.

This is the space right next to The Kava Bar on Speedway Boulevard between Columbus Boulevard and Swan Road. In the words of local foodie Mark Whittaker, Sushi-Kito’s menu is “as big as a Tolstoy novel.” Expect to find a heap of Mexican sushi, traditional sushi, fish dishes, soups, seafood cocktails, and pasta on the menu. The restaurant also offers a variety of options for the kiddos, burgers and fries, tortas and sandwiches, a few basic desserts, and Mexican soft drinks.

The owners, who have spent several months renovating the location inside the building that’s more than 100 years old, credit their fusion of inspiration to South American cuisine, native ingredients, and even a bit of European and Asian influences. With plenty of tables for groups and comfy seating at the bar, Tabu has transformed into yet another unique downtown destination.

“I grew up in Sonoma County and naturally fell in love with the geometric scenery of wine agriculture,” said Katie Larsen of Tinajas Wine & Beer. “I’ve worked on all sides of the wine industry custom crush pads in San Francisco, sales with Bluxome Street Winery in San Francisco and Stonestreet Estate in Alexander Valley, harvest with family friends in Russian River Valley, distribution through Classico Fine Wines (specializing in small production Italian wines and winemaking methodology) in Tucson and Phoenix, and bar management at REVEL for about five years.”

The brand-new restaurant opened in the former High 5 Grille at 3682 W. Orange Grove Rd. — right next door to the Crying Onion Cafe. Margaritas, shrimp cocktails, enchiladas, and more! The Mexican restaurant is a perfect fit in the area.

Back in 2020, the owner of Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen said that “ramen and chicken is a really good combination,” and that’s proven to be true here in Tucson because the concept is expanding. Four years later, the fast-food ramen and fried chicken opened a second location at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Suite 116, which is in the same plaza as Rosa’s Mexican Food, China Szechwan, and Taqueria El Pueblito.

Taco Tuesday alert! The new restaurant near the corner of Grant Road and Swan Road (right next to Trader Joe’s) is serving both breakfast and lunch. It’s already becoming a local favorite with its menu featuring classic cheese quesadillas, carnitas, and chorizo, which is made in-house.

The menu consists of chicken sandwiches — AKA Cluckin’ Classics — including The Tuxon (crispy chicken, their signature Tuxon sauce, lettuce, and sweet pickled relish), Hot Honey, The Buffalo, and The Wildcat, which is chicken, spicy mayo, bacon, tomato, red onions, Hatch green chili, lettuce, and pepper jack cheese.

Owners Sandy and Lourens du Plessis, both of who are originally from Cape Town in South Africa, have lived in Tucson for at least five years. The duo has been working for a while now to get Unicorn Zebra up and running (zoning, permits, etc.) and the time has finally come. Aside from cocktails, the bar has wine and beer. A handful of the cocktails are gin-focused concoctions due to its presence in South Africa but will not be the only spirit used.

David Matias of Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe has expanded his family’s reach, bringing new flavors to the north side of Tucson. Victoria Cocina Mexicana is his “translation to bringing more of his Oaxacan dishes forefront and featuring ingredients such as mole, nopales, flor de calabaza, and native chiles to his menu. Plus, there’s a full bar at the restaurant, featuring a lineup of mezcal and tequila cocktails like the Ponte la Verde — a tasty avocado margarita.

Owners and chefs Gabby Delgadillo and Jesus Oleta of Samurai Sombrero — the beloved food truck that fuses Mexican and Japanese cuisine in every sushi roll — once again expanded their reach here in Tucson.

The menu is different from Samurai Sombrero, offering dishes like Spicy Tofu, ramen, Asian-inspired classics, beef bowls, and even more vegan options on the horizon. They also have smaller bites like gyozas, crab puffs, takoyaki balls, and spring rolls.

The shop is set up like one of the walk-up spots seen in New York City, serving deck-oven slices and large pies. The menu is split into two sections: ClassiC (CC) and Vegan Version (VV). There are six options to choose from but in reality, it’s 12 because each of them can be made “ClassiC” or vegan. It’s a double whammy pizza-lovin’ experience goin’ down at Whole Slvce Pizza!

With a focus on Sonoran-inspired dishes, XOLO offers everything from breakfast burritos and chilaquiles to al pastor fries, tacos, and flautas, making it a go-to spot from morning to night. The restaurant reflects a fusion of heritage and innovation, celebrating the dynamic flavors of the desert. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or indulging in a late-night bite, XOLO’s menu is crafted with love and local influence.

The corner of Broadway and Treat Avenue is now a culinary powerhouse. As a matter of fact, you’re in for a treat. We have Zemam’s once again, the welcoming of Zerai’s International Bar, and the soon-to-be Zidamo (a coffee shop that’s aiming to be open soon).