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Local Restaurants To Support During The Orange Grove Closure

Guide

Local Restaurants To Support During The Orange Grove Closure

by Matt SternerJul 13, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20266 min read
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!
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21 spots

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

Button Brew House

6800 North Camino MartinMarana

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.

Caps & Corks (Photo by Colleen Miller)

Caps & Corks

3830 West River RoadMarana

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.

Arcade at Catalina Brewing (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Catalina Brewing Company

6918 North Camino MartinMarana

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

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

Crema Coffee

3725 West Ina RoadMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Crying Onion Cafe)

Crying Onion Cafe

3684 West Orange Grove RoadMarana

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!

(Photo Courtesy of Dream Dinners)

Dream Dinners

3682 West Orange Grove RoadMarana

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

7110 North Thornydale RoadMarana

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.

El Molinito

3675 West Ina RoadMarana

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​!

(Photo Courtesy of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks)

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks

3780 West Ina RoadMarana

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!

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

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Donut Wheel)

K Donut Wheel

2775 South Wilmot RoadSouth Side

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!

La Mesa Tortillas

3923 East Pima StreetMidtown

La Mesa Tortillas is all about family vibes and fresh, homemade tortillas, no additives or preservatives here! Their daily-made flour tortillas and unique varieties like whole wheat and jalapeño are a big hit. Don't miss out on their tamales, with flavors like red chile beef and green corn. For breakfast, grab a Chorizo, Potato & Egg, and for lunch, the Nachos or Chile Combo are the way to go​!

Lucky Wishbone

3780 West Ina RoadMarana

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​.

Mariscos Chihuahua

4185 West Ina RoadMarana

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!

Fuqi Feipian at Panda House (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Panda House Stir-Fry Mongolian Grill

3725 West Ina RoadMarana

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!
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Located at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos.

Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson.

Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel.

In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comLocated at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos. Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson. Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel. In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ 

Tickets in bio.
MENU👇🌲

AMUSE:
Forest Floor
Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs

FIRST COURSE: 
Desert Oasis
Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint

SECOND COURSE: 
Campfire Embers
Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla

THIRD COURSE: 
Juniper Ridge
Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños

PALATE CLEANSER:
Aspen Breeze
House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint

FOURTH COURSE: 
Granite Peak
Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot

DESSERT: 
Summer on Mount Lemmon
Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile

#tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmon
LE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️

Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location.

🍒Tiki Cold Brew
Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam

🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam

🎂Birthday Cake Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam

And the food specials are just as tempting:

• Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries

• Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg

Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger.

2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130

Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodLE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️ Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location. 🍒Tiki Cold Brew Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam 🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam 🎂Birthday Cake Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam And the food specials are just as tempting: • Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries • Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger. 2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130 Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

❤️Restaurant owners: Applications close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 ❤️Restaurant owners: Applications close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona