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Where to Eat in Southern Marana

Guide

Where to Eat in Southern Marana

by Tucson FoodieJul 14, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20269 min read
Just north of Tucson, in the foothills of the Torolita Mountains, you'll find Marana -- a small, but rapidly growing town rich with history, surrounded by beautiful views, and populated by a community that loves their local food. This guide addresses that last part, in particular -- the best restuarants in South Marana (and bars and cafes, too).

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35 spots

Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

Asian Spice

7850 North Silverbell RoadMarana

Asian Spice in northwest Tucson brings celebrated Cantonese-style Chinese American cuisine to a casual, modest interior. The dining room sits in a Marana strip mall with only a handful of tables, making the space feel cozy and intimate. Local diners often wait for a seat, and many others prefer takeout or catering for their meals. Furthermore, Asian Spice was named one of the ‘Top 100 Chinese Restaurants’ in the U.S. Patrons rave about honey walnut shrimp with crisp cabbage and creamy, honey-sweet sauce. The menu also features fried rice with butter nuances, and beef ho fun noodles cooked in Cantonese tradition. Classic options like shrimp chop suey and crab rangoon draw regulars and visitors alike.

(Photo Courtesy of Baggin's Gourmet Sandwiches)

Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches

11015 North Oracle RoadOro Valley

A local chain that has been serving fresh and delicious sandwiches since 1984. They use high-quality ingredients like homemade bread, premium meats and cheeses, and fresh produce to make their sandwiches. You can also choose from their salads, soups, desserts, and catering options.

(Photo courtesy of Bisbee Breakfast Club)

Bisbee Breakfast Club on Ina

4131 West Ina RoadMarana

Tucson's favorite retro-style diner for that hearty, homemade breakfast and lunch. They offer a variety of dishes like eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. And don't forget about their daily specials, pies, cakes, and milkshakes!

"Crusher" Mexican-style lager at Button Brew House (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Button Brew House

6800 North Camino MartinMarana

Button Brew House, founded in 2017 by Erika and Todd Button, operates as a northwest Tucson microbrewery with a strong emphasis on community, live events, and locally sourced ingredients. The taproom carries a relaxed, welcoming feel, with an indoor bar area flowing into a spacious outdoor courtyard called the Backyard, where live music and vendor events regularly take place. Popular house brews include the Button IPA, Tucson Traveler, and Chiltepín Red, all of which have earned medals at the Roadrunner Brew Fest. Snacks include Robbs Family Farm Pistachios, Uncle Bob’s Popcorn, and Von Hanson’s Pretzels.

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Caps & Corks (Photo by Colleen Miller)

Caps & Corks

3830 West River RoadMarana

Caps & Corks features a clean, industrial aesthetic with exposed ductwork, metal accents, and concrete floors. Garage-style doors roll up to connect the interior with a spacious patio.

The drink list includes a rotating lineup of craft beers on tap, along with bottled wines and ciders. Local and regional breweries often headline the tap wall. Check their website for the food truck schedule.

(Photo courtesy of Casa Marana)

Casa Marana

8225 North Courtney Page WayMarana

Casa Marana blends a neighborhood-bar vibe with wood-fired pizza and a wide selection of drinks in northwest Marana. The atmosphere feels lively but welcoming, with a bar area, indoor seating, and a game-friendly setup that includes shuffleboard, darts, billiards and outdoor seating on the patio. For snacks or lighter meals, pretzel bites with spinach dip and salads draw a following alongside the more indulgent pizza–and–pint combos.

Arcade at Catalina Brewing (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Catalina Brewing Company

6918 North Camino MartinMarana

Catalina Brewing Company highlights Southwestern flavors through beer inspired by the Sonoran Desert. The taproom sits in Marana and features concrete floors, bike decor and a relaxed industrial look. Large garage doors open to a shaded patio that gives the space a casual, community-focused feel. The taproom also features an adjacent room with pinball machines. Standout brews include the Mesquite Agave Ale, Buena Vida Blonde, 24 Hour IPA. Guests often pair their pints with rotating food trucks.

Espresso Latte at Crema Coffee (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Crema Coffee

3725 West Ina RoadMarana

Crema Coffee operates as a specialty cafe on West Ina Road, focused on craft espresso drinks and a relaxed environment. The interior features exposed brick, minimalist wood furnishings, and art-wall displays from local creators. A small outdoor patio adds casual seating and light for solo work or meet-ups.

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos (Photo courtesy of Discover Marana)

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos

4505 West Ina RoadMarana

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos combines a neighborhood carnicería with a casual taqueria counter.

To make the most of a visit, order the arrachera platter and chile relleno, then swing by the grocery side to grab some fresh salsas.

El Molinito

3675 West Ina RoadMarana

A Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and flavorful dishes like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, and more, and that has a full and delightful salsa bar to accompany it all. Thirsty? Their wide selection of beers, wines, and tasty margs are sure to satisfy!

(Photo Courtesy of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks)

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks

3780 West Ina RoadMarana

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks delivers a classic East Coast sandwich experience in a casual Tucson setting. The interior features simple counter service, bright signs and a no frills layout that keeps the focus on the food. This includes sourcing Amoroso rolls. Regulars opt for the traditional cheesesteak with thin sliced rib-eye and melted provolone.

(Photo Courtesy of German Food Station)

German Food Station

6780 North Sandario RoadWestside

Can't find anywhere to get your German sausage fix? We've got you covered. This food truck offers traditional German cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and dang good pretzels. Pair any of those with one or three of their homemade sauce and you got yourself one heck of a hearty meal, right there.

Burgers, wraps, and beer at Growler's (Photo Courtesy of Growler's Taphouse)

Growler's Taphouse

8275 North Silverbell RoadMarana

Growler’s Taphouse brings a lively craft beer atmosphere to Marana with a spacious, pub style setting. The interior features warm wood, exposed brick and large TVs that create an easygoing gathering place. Patio seating adds a relaxed outdoor option that stays busy during cooler evenings. Wings remain their most popular option, but also grab their burgers and pretzels.

(Photo courtesy of Home Plate Marana)

Home Plate Marana

8579 North Silverbell RoadMarana

Home Plate Marana offers a family friendly sports bar atmosphere with bright colors and plenty of baseball themed décor. The dining room features large TVs, shuffleboard, pool tables, video games, a patio, and batting cages. Burgers and wings are the go-to items here.

(Photo Courtesy of Jade Garden)

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant

3720 West Ina RoadMarana

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant offers a classic Chinese American dining experience in a warm, neighborhood setting Sesame chicken, fried rice, and lo mein serve as the most popular dishes.

Jimmy's Pita & Poke on River & Orange Grove (Photo courtesy of Jimmy's Pita & Poke)

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

Family-owned since 2017 and billed as Tucson's only pita and poke shop, Jimmy's turns out pitas, salads, and poke bowls made fresh daily without preservatives. The homemade citrus-infused sauces are the calling card, and customizable bowls make it easy to fit almost any diet.

Sonoran Hot Dogs with Chorizo from La Carreta Del Rorro (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Carreta Del Rorro

5505 West Cortaro Farms RoadMarana

La Carreta del Rorro features a bright green canopy adorned with vintage license plates. Picnic tables and folding chairs fill the space with a salsa bar and drink refrigerators along the wall.

They spread the mayo over the tomatoes rather drizzling it over, leading to more even distribution. To further break outside the norm, pay a little extra to add some crumbly, salty chorizo on top.

Combo Plate La Olla Mexican Cafe (Photo by J. Martin Harris Photography)

La Olla Mexican Cafe

8553 North Silverbell RoadMarana

Their Empanadas are so good. Listen to this description: “…stuffed with cilantro-basil pesto, shrimp, sweet corn, green chili, and manchego cheese, atop chipotle cream sauce, garnished with cabbage slaw, corn salsa, and Anaheim crema.”

Porterhouse Steak (Photo courtesy of Lil Abners Steakhouse)

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse

8501 North Silverbell RoadMarana

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse has graced the northwest side of Tucson with a southwestern-style picnic table experience since 1947. They offer a small menu specializing in steaks, ribs, chicken, and salmon mesquite-grilled over their open fire grill outside.

Lucky Wishbone

3780 West Ina RoadMarana

Lucky Wishbone on delivers a casual old school comfort food experience built around fried foods including fried chicken, wings, gizzards, chicken liver, steak fingers, and shrimp. Meals come with fries and toast. Their house sauce is a zippy cocktail sauce. They also offer a handful of burgers and sandwiches.

Mariscos Chihuahua

4185 West Ina RoadMarana

Mariscos Chihuahua offers a Mexican seafood-focused menu.

Signature dishes include the Shrimp Culichi, featuring shrimp sautéed in a creamy green chile sauce, and the Camarones Rellenos, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese. The restaurant's ceviche, particularly the shrimp ceviche tostadas, is also a customer favorite. Other popular items are the Caldo de 7 Mares, a hearty seafood soup, and the Tostada Especial, a combination of cooked shrimp, octopus, and calamari served on a crispy tostada.

Nana's Special Tacos (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Nana’s Kitchen

8225 North Courtney Page WayMarana

Nana’s Kitchen features high ceilings, warm adobe-colored walls, and large murals of Spanish ships and Aztec warriors. The dining room buzzes under hanging lights and ceiling fans, while sombreros and serapes decorate the space. A full bar lines one side, showcasing glassware and a wide selection of tequila.

This family-run restaurant focuses on homestyle Mexican cuisine served with warm, attentive hospitality. Regulars love the beef chimichanga,  sopa de tortilla, and ground beef tacos.

The Bone Collector Pizza at Serial Grillers (Photo courtesy of Serial Grillers)

Serial Grillers

7585 South Houghton RoadSouth Side

Serial Grillers immerses diners in a horror film-themed atmosphere and a casual, counter-service layout. The restaurant offers a relaxed setting with ample seating, making it a popular spot for families and groups seeking pizza, burgers, and sandwiches.

The menu features cleverly named dishes inspired by horror films, such as the Bone Collector pizza topped with boneless chicken wings, mozzarella, cheddar, Buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.

(Photo Courtesy of Sky Rider Cafe)

Sky Rider Cafe

11750 West Avra Valley RoadMarana

Sky Rider Cafe sits inside the Ryan Airfield terminal and offers a laid back aviation themed setting. The dining room features large windows that look out over the runway, along with simple tables and vintage flight decor.

Come for the diner comfort classics like chicken fried steak and patty melts.

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine (Photo courtesy of Discover Marana)

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine

5815 N Arizona Pavilions DriveMarana

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine offers a warm, relaxed dining room with deep colors and traditional artwork.

While chicken tikka masala and garlic naan remain their most popular dishes, make sure to check out the South Indian menu for a variety of dosas and sambar.

(Photos courtesy of The Blacktop Grill)

The Blacktop Grill

8300 North Thornydale RoadNorthwest

The Blacktop Grill delivers a playful, street food inspired atmosphere built around hot dogs, tacos and creative comfort dishes. The interior uses bright colors, casual seating and bold graphics that give the space a fun, laid back vibe. Try their bacon popper quesadilla, loaded elote fries, or chile relleno hot dog.

The Station Pub & Grill (Photo by Stephanie W.)

The Station Pub & Grill

8235 North Silverbell RoadMarana

The Station Pub and Grill offers a lively neighborhood hangout with a classic pub style atmosphere. The interior features brick accents, dark wood and plenty of TVs that create a relaxed spot for sports and casual meals. Favorites include the wings, burgers, and fish & chips.
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Weekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞

Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. 

The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options.

There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato.

📍 98 E. Congress St.
🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 
🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm

Weekend reservations are recommended!
More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Video clips by @addiewankenobi 
#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonWeekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞 Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options. There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato. 📍 98 E. Congress St. 🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm Weekend reservations are recommended! More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Video clips by @addiewankenobi #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
JUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉

@hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge.

The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish:

→ Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio
→ Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp
→ Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh
→ Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips

• Wednesday, August 12
• 6 PM
• HUB’s Library Lounge
• $55++ per person

Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻

Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsJUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉 @hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge. The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish: → Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio → Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp → Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh → Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips • Wednesday, August 12 • 6 PM • HUB’s Library Lounge • $55++ per person Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻 Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
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