In May 2023, construction crews got to work on the new Orange Grove Road interchange project on I-10. Once it’s completed, drivers will be zippin’ through that area which is being rebuilt and widened for more traffic. This is a great idea — more drivers equal more traffic to local restaurants — but in the meantime, a lot of businesses are already seeing a decline in visitors.
“Many of our regular customers have stated it’s been a hassle to come to our taproom,” said Erika Button of Button Brew House.
The closure will remain in place until late 2024 and ADOT suggests drivers use Ruthrauff Road and Ina Road as alternate routes. Here is a list of Tucson eateries and beverage spots affected by the Orange Grove Exit closure. They could really use your support!
If you’re on the hunt for all-day breakfast in Tucson, look no further. Baja Cafe’s got everything from “Eggs & Snickerdoodle Combo” to “Georgia Peach French Toast” that are just too good to miss​​. They’re also killing it with their unique pancakes and Benedicts like the “Wolverine 2.0”
This is your spot for hearty grub served with a side of history. Their Copper Queen Skillet is a must-try, and don’t you dare leave without sampling a slice of their house-made cheesecake. Plus, everything’s better with a BBC Bloody Mary in your hand.
Off the beaten path, this family-run Tucson brewery is where quality meets coziness. Their Volstead Pilsner is a hit, and weekends are a blast with live music and food trucks. It’s the perfect chill hangout spot.
Boasting a vast 2,000-square-foot indoor space, Caps & Corks offers a plethora of beers and wines on tap, along with a cooler filled with unique beers for the adventurous palate. This vibrant spot, located on the northwest side of town, also features patio seating and is known for hosting lively events, including pop-up beer gardens with local and regional breweries, and food trucks offering a variety of tasty bites throughout the day.
Tucked away in Tucson, Catalina Brewing is all about local vibes. They make some rad beers like Mesquite Agave and a prickly pear delight, La Rosa de Catalina. Plus, they’re big on the mountain biking scene. A must-visit if you’re into brews and bikes
Copper Creek ain’t your regular cookie joint. Their vanilla logo cookies are a hit, and their cinnamon rolls are so good they sell out fast. Also, don’t miss their BBQ catering – those pulled pork and chicken sliders are killer​!
Crema Coffee is the new cool caffeine kid on the block. They’ve got a rotating menu of coffees, a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and a bunch of fun events. And for the early birds, they’re open from 5 a.m. Perfect place for your morning joe and some community vibes.
This is the spot for a solid Tucson breakfast or lunch that won’t break the bank. Their omelettes and pancakes are massive and mouth-watering, with the Sonoran scramble and the Alamo omelet getting some serious love. Don’t miss out on the Shannon potato pancake and the turkey melt omelette — delicious!
Known as Tucson’s hometown butcher, Davison Meats offers the best meat in town. They’ve got everything from fresh hand-cut steaks to homemade sausages and brats. With over 30 years in the cattle biz, these folks know their meats
Braving the highway construction for Donut Wheel is totally worth it. Their donuts are a hit, and they’re not called the best in the South West for nothing. Besides the sweets, their breakfast sandwiches and ham and cheese croissants are epic. And their drinks – coffee, bubble tea, milk tea – are on point. They sell out fast, so get there early!
This ain’t your typical restaurant! Dream Dinners gives you pre-prepped meals to cook at home. They handle all the messy prep work so you can focus on enjoying a great meal. Their menu changes every month, but things like Herb Crusted Steaks and Italian Chicken Penne Arrabbiata are some of our faves!
Eegee’s is all about those icy fruit drinks and simple, tasty fast food. Sure, the new owners shook things up a bit, but the classic eegee’s drinks are as good as ever. And don’t miss out on their Pastrami grinder – it’s the bomb.
If you’re craving some real-deal Mexican food, El Molinito’s your spot. They’ve got everything from Tostadas De Harina and Quesadillas to kick-start your meal, to big hitters like the Molinito Asada Special. Their combo plates are a must-try, and they’ve got a killer selection of tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas to boot​!
This is where you go when you’re craving a killer cheesesteak in Tucson. They use top-notch Angus beef and let you pick your cheese – American, provolone, or whiz. They’ve got a South Philly version with broccoli rabe and even a pizza-inspired one with marinara sauce. Good stuff!
They’ve got a ton of classic Chinese dishes. Their Crab Puffs are to die for, and you can’t miss out on their special Fried Rice, Lo Mein, and the loaded Happy Family dish. So much yum!
This is your go-to spot for some tasty, fresh, and healthy grub. Run by a friendly family, they whip up some killer pitas, salads, and poke bowls. Don’t miss their citrus-infused sauces – they’re a game-changer, trust me! And they’ve got options for all diets, making it perfect for everyone.
If you’re into Mexican and Spanish food, this place is a must-visit. They serve up all your favorites from cheesy Queso A La Parrilla to hearty Bistek Con Enchiladas Suizas. They even have some delicious veggie fajitas for our plant-based friends. It’s a full-on flavor fiesta that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner​.
A charming traditional Chinese restaurant with some truly tasty dishes. From their flavorful Mongolian Beef to the classic Sweet and Sour Pork, there’s something for everyone. The portions are big, so bring your appetite – and maybe some Tupperware for the leftovers!
Picture this: it’s a hot day in July of 1953, and Tucson just got its first taste of fast food thanks to a former school teacher named Derald Fulton. Enter Lucky Wishbone, a place that’s been frying up some of the best chicken and shrimp in town for over half a century. And don’t even get me started on their steak fingers and chicken gizzards – pure fried gold, my friend​.
Imagine a little slice of Chicago right here in Tucson. That’s Luke’s Italian Beef for you, a family joint that’s been serving up awesome grub for 50 years. They’re all about that authentic Vienna Beef for their famous Chicago Dog, and their Italian Beef is a family secret straight from 1963. Can’t miss their cheesesteak, gyro, and Italian sub. Oh, and the fries? Golden, crispy, and just begging for a smothering of chili and cheese.
This beloved spot is hailed as one of the best seafood restaurants in Tucson. With walls adorned with fish and quick, efficient service, the atmosphere is inviting for both adults and children. The shrimp culichi and whole fried fish with garlic sauce on top are both highly recommended!
This laid-back spot is perfect for families. They’ve got good deals on daily specials and a kids’ menu that even comes with dessert. Love karaoke? They’ve got it. Need some quiet? Hit the patio​.
Panda House is a stir-fry haven where you can customize your dish with all sorts of fresh goodies. Their Wok-Seared Chicken Dumplings and House Special Chow Mein are the bomb. And don’t get me started on their Orange Chicken and Pad Thai. If you want to mix it up, try the Fire Cracker Steak and Shrimp — it’s bomb!
For a taste of traditional Sonoran-style tacos, Tacos Apson has been the go-to place for over 20 years. Named after a Mexican rock-and-roll band, this joint has a cool backstory too. Their Carne Asada Tacos and Pastor Burrito are crowd favorites. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for more​
The Pasta Shop is a local counter-service restaurant that was 10 years in the planning. They serve creative and classic Italian favorites, with a build-your-own pasta bowl option that includes house-made sauces. Plus they source all their ingredients locally!
