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Guide to Food Along Tucson's Chuck Huckleberry Loop (Foodie 15)

Guide to Food Along Tucson's Chuck Huckleberry Loop (Foodie 15)

by Shane ReiserNov 16, 2023Updated Jul 14, 20266 min read
Hop on your bike, take a stroll, and dive into the adventure of The Loop — officially known as The Chuck Huckelberry Loop. This winding wonder weaves through the scenic routes of Tucson, the outskirts of Marana, the mountainous views of Oro Valley, and more. As a matter of fact, USA Today once recognized The Loop as the top bike path in America. The Loop has multiple paths and if you’re taking on one of the larger routes you may need a pitstop for a cold one. Here’s a list of 15 of our favorite spots to get some food along The Loop, which aren’t too far off of the path. Additionally, we’ve included the Oro Valley/CDO/Marana Extensions as well. And we made sure there is at least one carb-heavy dish on the menu. Other Chuck Huckelberry Loop Guides: 
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14 spots

Chalupas at El Antojo Poblano (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Antojo Poblano

1108 West Saint Marys RoadDowntown

El Antojo Poblano features a vibrant dining room with yellow walls, festive papel picado banners, and hand-painted pottery. Colorful tablecloths and warm lighting create a cheerful and inviting space for families and friends. The restaurant is best known for its authentic Pueblan flavors and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates Mexican culture. While Tucson prides itself as a Sonoran town, El Antojo Poblano brings flavors from the Mexican state of Puebla. Rarer options include the spicy pollo en chiltepín and beefy suadero. Other popular menu items include the Cemita, Chalupas Poblanas, and Pollo en Mole.

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.”

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile

353 South Meyer AvenueDowntown

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile, which is located on the same property as The Coronet,  it’s a smaller counter-service cafe where visitors can grab a bite, sip on coffee from Caffe Luce, wake up with a cup of tea, or drink a beer. Plus, there’s free WiFi to make it easier for those working remotely. Meyer Avenue Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily and the Mercantile shop is open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday – Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday – Monday. When it comes to the mercantile portion of the cafe, they’ll be selling things like bodega water glasses, coffee, beer, wine, and other tabletop items. Also, there will be jarred and canned offerings for sale that come from all three restaurants.

Noble Hops (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Noble Hops

1335 West Lambert LaneOro Valley

Noble Hops offers a contemporary gastropub experience. The interior features a 30-foot-long indoor/outdoor mesquite bar, slate accents, and comfortable lounge seating, creating a cozy environment. The expansive patio, equipped with water misters, a large gas fire pit, and built-in heaters, provides year-round comfort and stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, including the Bacon Jam Burger, featuring Angus beef, smoked cheddar, bacon jam, and chili aioli, and the Crispy Cauliflower. Noble Hops also offers an extensive selection of rotating taps and bottled bottled beers.

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Pinnacle Peak (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Pinnacle Peak

6541 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse immerses diners in a lively Old West atmosphere, complete with rustic wooden beams, cowboy memorabilia, and a ceiling adorned with thousands of neckties—a nod to the restaurant's "No Ties Allowed" policy. Located in Trail Dust Town, the restaurant's interior features cowboy paintings, antlers, and other Western-themed décor, creating a frontier-town feel. The casual, family-friendly setting is enhanced by servers dressed in period attire, adding to the immersive experience. The steakhouse takes pride in its Cowboy Steaks, cut from the short loin and cooked over mesquite wood.

Rancho Rustico

10275 East Old Vail RoadSouth Side

Rancho Rustico specializes in molcajete – a traditional Mexican dish in which sizzling hot meat and vegetables are served inside a stone bowl. The menu also offers Tucson classics like chimichangas and plenty of seafood.

(Photo courtesy of Reforma)

Reforma Modern Mexican

4340 North Campbell AvenueFoothills

Reforma Modern Mexican, located in St. Philip’s Plaza, offers a vibrant and contemporary dining atmosphere. The interior features urban design with rustic accents, complemented by an extensive bar showcasing one of Arizona’s largest selection of mezcal and tequila.

They offer Mexican cuisine built around street tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and burritos, with proteins including carne asada, pork belly, carnitas, and pescado. Brunch runs daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features chilaquiles, eggs Benedict, and a pozole soup. Happy hour runs seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the restaurant generally opens at 11 a.m.

Renee's Tucson

7065 E Tanque Verde RdEastside

Renee's Tucson offers an intimate dining experience with a blend of European bistro charm and urban Tucson flair. The interior features private booths separated by pressed-tin partitions, cream-colored walls, and a vibrant mural by local artist Danny Martin, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant emphasizes a tranquil environment, with indoor seating reserved for guests age 12 and over, while families with children are welcome on the patio. The menu showcases a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, with popular items like the Spinach Dip Calzone, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," and the Everything Pizza, loaded with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, red bell peppers, onions, and mozzarella.

Seis Kitchen

6530 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

Seis Kitchen combines rustic charm with modern touches. Currently, only the Mercado San Agustín location has breakfast and brunch.

While Tucson has an abundance of breakfast burritos around town, Seis is one of the few to also offer breakfast tacos. The restaurant’s menu draws from six culinary regions of Mexico, with standout favorites like the breakfast Chilaquiles: two fried eggs over red chile-soaked tortillas, roasted green chile, pico de gallo, and crema. Crispy Avocado Tacos, with breaded avocado slices and chipotle crema, are another must-try.

(Photo by Brielle Farmer)

St. Mary's Mexican Food

1030 West Saint Marys RoadDowntown

St. Mary's Mexican Food, a Tucson staple since 1978, offers a no-frills, counter-service experience with limited seating. They remain consistently busy with some of the most affordable burros in town and tortillas made in house. They also sell bundles of tamales to-go.

Fish Tacos at Taqueria Pico de Gallo (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Taqueria Pico de Gallo

2618 South 6th AvenueSouth Tucson

Taqueria Pico de Gallo welcomes diners with a bright, decorative tiles with their rooster mascot at the counter. The simple dining area features sturdy tables, black chairs, and white walls adorned with colorful Mexican art near the entrance. The restaurant is renowned for its thick, soft house-made corn tortillas. For tacos filling, go for the fried seafood or braised meats. Make sure to grab a cup of their lush horchata.

Union’s Veggie Burger (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Union Public House

4340 North Campbell AvenueFoothills

Union Public House features exposed brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and a spacious bar area. Located in St. Philip's Plaza, the restaurant also boasts a sizeable patio. Their made-from-scratch American gastropub fare includes a house-ground burger with bacon jam, sandwiches, salads, comfort mains, and a weekend brunch. The bar stocks 30 beers on tap, a massive whiskey selection, and a full cocktail menu. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday through Sunday, closing at 2 a.m. daily.

Pizzas at Zio Peppe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Zio Peppe

6502 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

Zio Peppe on East Tanque Verde Road in Tucson offers a modern, welcoming atmosphere with a blend of rustic and contemporary design elements. The interior features warm wood tones, an open pizza kitchen with a stone hearth oven, and comfortable seating that creates a casual yet refined dining experience. Known for its fusion of Italian-American and Sonoran flavors, Zio Peppe provides a unique Tucson culinary experience.

Signature dishes include the El Rustico Birria Pizza, topped with beef birria, mozzarella, onion, and cilantro, served with a side of consommé for dipping. The Fettuccine Alfredorado combines creamy Alfredo sauce with red chile purée and slow-fried garlic, offering a spicy twist on a classic favorite. For dessert, get the Taconnoli, a cannoli-inspired taco filled with ricotta, mascarpone, pistachios, and orange zest

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Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy.

• Caravan Mideastern Foods
• @wildwestmeatmarket 
• @foodconspiracy 
• G & L Imports
• @gallery.of.food 
• @nicksarisaristore 
• @rancheroscarniceriagrant 
• Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant
• Sandyi Oriental Market 
• @timemarket 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazLocally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy. • Caravan Mideastern Foods • @wildwestmeatmarket • @foodconspiracy • G & L Imports • @gallery.of.food • @nicksarisaristore • @rancheroscarniceriagrant • Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant • Sandyi Oriental Market • @timemarket More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!