Whether you’re in the mood for nachos, tacos, or burritos, Amelia’s has you covered on the carne asada front. This is the family’s second Tucson location — the original is on Grant Road near Craycroft Road. 

The brand-new Syrian kitchen near the corner of Country Club and Grant Road recently opened its doors in November inside the former Ajuua Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant at 2310 N. Country Club Rd. has been making great use of the space — a beautiful dining room, spacious patio, and authentic cuisine.

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.

Bashful Bandit Barbecue opened its doors in the former Bashful Bandit dive/biker bar at 3686 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson native and owner, Toby Kyte, has redesigned the patio to holster multiple 1,000-gallon offset smokers overseen by manager and head pitmaster Jesse Aguirre.

Locally owned and operated cafe since 1998, Beyond Bread offers a variety of hand-crafted bread, delicious sandwiches, house-made soups, fresh salads, and decadent pastries. Plus, gettin’ a room at the lodge isn’t required to eat at the cafe so pop your head in there any time they’re open.

Bisbee Breakfast Club has been serving the town of Bisbee since 2005 and then made its Tucson debut in 2011. The breakfast diner has been growing fast ever since — opening a Marana location and even two others in the Phoenix area (Mesa and Chandler). Next up: Ajo Highway near Kinney Road is being graced with its chicken fried steak, omelets, mimosas, and breakfast/brunch fare.

Bourbon Bent is one of University Boulevard’s newest restaurants and cocktail bars offering a menu inspired by Southern classics such as chicken and waffles, cobbler, and even some bourbon-infused dishes.

The head chef at Bourbon Bent is Justin Stewart who formerly worked as head chef at the Wooden Nickel Tavern. Stewart is an experienced chef with a passion for local cuisine, and if you haven’t checked out our interview with Stewart, he enjoys a good steak.

After 27 years as a staple in the local craft beer community, Steve Tracy, owner of Thunder Canyon Brewery, is retiring and passing the torch to his longtime friends and employees, James Owens (former General Manager of Thunder Canyon) and Michael Nixon (former Head Brewer). Combining innovation with a nod to brewing traditions, Brick Box Brewery promises a unique and immersive space for beer enthusiasts looking for a new kind of experience.

Originating as a local hot dog stand back in 1989, BruceDog serves signature hotdogs, nachos, soups and more. Make sure to try their classic Brucedog, loaded with hummus, chilli beans, mustard, veggies and fakin’ bacon.

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.

Mark Kadow of Caffeine Cauldron, Tucson Games and Gadgets, and The Short Rest Tavern, is currently gathering possible coffee roasting prospects for the coffee shop — providing more than one option is what they’re setting their sights on. “We will hopefully be serving up some local coffee from Yellow Brick Coffee as well as Italian Coffee from Lavazza,” said Kadow. “And, of course, Dungeons and Dragons-themed coffee from Geek Grind Coffee.

“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.

Charro Chico is designed to be a “fun, fast, fresh, and timely classic” at 3699 N. Campbell Ave. and is still determining its official grand opening. Company president Ray Flores tells us that the idea for the Charro Chico concept has been bouncing around for a while. After a successful first year of their latest concept The Monica, the Si Charro! team wanted to share a little more of the home cooking recipes inspired by Tia Monica and created by chef Carlotta Flores (Monica’s grandniece and Si Charro! Executive Chef).

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.

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.

CORBETT’S restaurant menu includes elevated sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, and more. Open for lunch and dinner all week, CORBETT’S will also host brunch on the weekend. Highlighting Arizona’s incredible food and beverage producers was one of the kitchen’s goals when crafting the diverse menu. Beef for burgers, prime rib, and more was sourced from Arizona Grass Raised Beef Co. which produces high-quality, grass-fed, and grass-finished beef, while English muffin burger buns were created especially for CORBETT’S by Tucson’s August Rhodes Bakery.

With the rise of pickleball’s popularity, CORBETT’S is excited to house a total of five pickleball courts, three of which are located outside near the beer garden and two located inside the renovated and climate-controlled Corbett Building.

If you’re all about coffee, you’ll be all about Cuppa GoGo. Stop by to try a delicious cup of coffee or one of their other specialty drinks, including Tres Leches flavored French press coffee and a cinnamon toast crunch-inspired coffee and chai tea. All their drinks are flavored with their housemade syrups, created entirely from scratch.

The menu is nice and simple with a single patty, double patty, and vegan patty on the menu which can be paired with either a side of something salty — fries — or something sweet — gelato. The burgers are 100% Angus beef (excluding the vegan “Beyond” meat patty) and come with your choice of American cheese, onions, caramelized onions, arugula, pickles, and daddysauce.

Whether you grew up in Tucson or have only lived here for a few months, you oughta be aware of the abundance of sweet, sour, and spicy candy found all around town. Even better, it’s likely you’re familiar with the local sweet, sour, and spicy candy supplier Dirty T Tamarindo since it’s now available in more than 70 shops in Tucson — gas stations, ice cream shops, local markets, etc. With inspiration from Solís’ traditional family recipes, Dirty T Tamarindo takes pride in its authentic recipes dating back to the 1980s out of Hermosillo, Sonora.

Tucson’s favorite Mexican Sonoran style meat market, taco shop, bakery, and candy shop all in one! El Semental provides seasonings, ingredients, candy, and baked goods, plus tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and other signature dishes for you to enjoy.

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.

The coffee, which is an Italian roast, is made and served out of a former Baskin-Robbins trailer located right next to the bike shop. With its bright red paint, a refurbished interior, and a nifty Gear Shifters logo on the side, you’d never know the espresso truck was a former ice cream truck. Aside from coffee, Gear Shifters sells used bikes and has a consignment showroom. Plus, there’s even a tattoo shop on site if you’re in the market for some fresh ink.

Iron John’s tasty taproom menu features delicious specialty burgers and pizzas, and of course there’s nothing like washing down a good meal with a super fresh craft beer. Iron John’s specializes in small-batch brewing of unique and expressive ales. Their beer was known for it’s high-quality ingredients, including unconventional yeast strains.

“We’re passionate about what we do. Everything is still made from scratch,” said Gabriel Moreno, owner and chef of Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen. “Everything’s got our entire heart and soul in it, and it will continue that way as long as this brand is alive.” From their pizza and salads to their garlic knots and sauce, we can vouch for the taste of that depth of care.

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.

Tucked away in Downtown Tucson’s Historic Presidio District, JoJo’s Restaurant is a real gem for anyone on a foodie adventure. With its cozy courtyard perfect for some open-air dining and a laid-back Cantina setting, it’s the place to be. The live tunes under the stars crank up the vibe, making every meal a mini event. And oh, the Southwest cuisine on the menu is a tasty voyage all its own.

The team behind Iron John’s Brewing Company has transformed its old downtown taproom into a gin-focused bar named Juniper. The cocktail lounge isn’t making its own gin but instead serving a full bar featuring gin-based cocktails, and the menu as well as the service is something to write home about.

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.

If donuts are what you’re craving, K Donut Wheel is the place for you! Their menu features a delectable variety of donuts and pastries as well as boba tea and espresso drink options that pair perfectly with their sweet treats!

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.

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.

The food truck officially completed its transition into its first brick-and-mortar location at 5256 S. Nogales Highway— rebranding to Las Originales Carnitas El Michoacano. Tacos and an array of salsas — the familiar and beloved menu is all there with the addition of an air-conditioned dining room. They’ve also kept the menu simple: Tacos de Carnitas, Tacos de Chicharron, Tacos de Birria, and Tacos de Cabeza.

Le Macaron French Pastries is bringing a taste of Paris to Tucson. The family owned shop that fearures an exciting selection of treats including gelato, espresso, croissants, fine chocolates, as well as many other tasty pastries, including, of course: authentic french macarons. They offer classic macaron flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio along with some unique flavors like basil white chocolate, rose, tiramisu, and bubble gum. Or if gelato is what you’re craving, try one of their sixteen flavors of European gelato.

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.

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.

Fans of Yoshimatsu, will want to check out the newly rebranded Maru Plus. Owner Yoshimi Tashima’s new restaurant serves an exciting variety of onigiri, noodles, curry, sushi, and much more. The highlight though might just be the giant mural of a ramen eating Godzilla.

“It has taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears over the years,” said Bao Ma, co-owner of Miss Saigon. “But with our commitment to community, family unity, and our treasured partnered friendships, the Ma Family has again been blessed with yet another opportunity at our new location at 88 E. Broadway in the heart of the downtown revitalization corridor.”

The former Dusty Monk and Tallboys bar on the east side of the property that faces the mural of animals riding bicycles is now the Monsoon Room. The new bar, which is described as having a “jungle vibe” with dark green painted walls and vintage lamps, is open from 4 – 10 p.m. on Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday – Saturday. They have a small bites menu available in the Monsoon Room with a plethora of drinks (both non-alcoholic and spiked) to keep you company.

There’s been a lot of buzz around the grand opening of the new brewery and the day has finally come. Mosaic Brewing opened its taproom on Friday, December 29 at 3895 N. Oracle Rd. near Roger Road. “After putting a ton of hard work and love into getting Mosaic Brewery ready, we are finally opening for all of you beer lovers,” the team at Mosaic Brewing shared on social media. “Stop by for a pint or flight and check out the brewery!”

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.

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar serves “approachable classics with a focus on executing them with high-quality ingredients,” including Green Chile Bacon Waffle Fries, Quesabirria, salads, burgers and their specialty Crispy Nashville-Arizona Chicken sandwich. Pair all your food with draft beer, wine, or signature cocktails like the Redbird Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini. what more could you ask for?

Don’t forget to check out their amazing Happy Hour offerings! You’ll be glad you did.

“Our amazing general manager Darian lives downtown and he’s always spoken about how great the vibe is down there,” said Darren Mills of Roadrunner Coffee Co. “The art, murals, restaurants, hotels, architecture, history, and culture all come together to create a great atmosphere that we’re proud to be a part of.”

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.”

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).

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.

Stacks Book Club is an independent bookstore and coffee bar with more than 2,000 new books on-hand. When it comes to the cafe, they’ll have coffee provided by Yellow Brick Coffee, espresso, tea, plant-based energy drinks, pastries from Cal’s Bakeshop, and other grab-and-go food items like bagels from Bubbe’s Bagels.

If you’ve been to any of the other three locations, you can expect the same menu of tacos, burritos, and beverages. Plus, as mentioned earlier, they’re opening on Tuesday/Taco Tuesday so maybe that’ll make your decision-making much easier. The new location is destined to be the perfect pit stop, too, if you’re heading up to Mount Lemmon for the day or taking a hike in the area.

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.

This locally-owned small chain of seven restaurants offers Sonoran and Tampiqueño fare including a variety of seafood dishes as well as Mexican and American-style breakfasts. If you’re feeling in the mood for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with some of their Churros Con Nieve.

Talega Coffee is serving small-batch, specialty craft coffee.

Patrick and Ayana’s culinary journey traces back to their time at Union Public House, where they first met before relocating to Sierra Vista. There, they operated The Outside Inn before launching Tandem Upscale Dining and Lounge in 2019.

The diverse menu features custom-made burgers, sandwiches, salads, a lobster roll, and a wild mushroom burger. To complement the food, Tandem American Eatery will have 18 beers on tap, a selection of wine, and craft cocktails, along with shareable plates such as loaded fries with braised short rib and baked brie.

Back in October of 2022, the restaurant temporarily closed for renovations after a fire broke out in the attic space.

Therefore, everything has been cleaned up, refurbished, and put back into tip-top shape at 2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr. It’s always inspiring to find out that a restaurant — one that’s been open for about 40 years now — stays in business and rides the wave when the unexpected happens.

Tesoro Latin Kitchen features “classic Latin dishes with a modern twist.” The diverse menu includes Elote, deep-fried pork belly, shrimp ceviche, enchiladas, and even burgers. Or try one of their craft cocktails and pitchers of fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos. Relax and watch a sports game on one of their many T.V.s or if dancing is more your style, stop in for high-energy salsa, merengue, samba, and reggaeton.

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.

TiTi Boba Corner is a local and women-owned new business offering an unforgettable boba tea experience. Cherish Nguyen, an enthusiastic entrepreneur, brings her passion for boba to life in this establishment — step inside the inviting space to relax, study, or work. Ask Cherish about her inspiration, and you’ll witness her eyes light up with excitement. “Being a big fan of boba and a lover of cooking,” she shared. “I simply had to create my own boba for myself and others to enjoy.”

With the recent announcement regarding the closing of Dillinger Taproom, located within the historic Coronado Hotel at 402 E. 9th St., David and Johnna Meek have stepped into the spotlight to announce their plans to repurpose the location as the home of their new concept, TraXide Taproom. The concept continues to be a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of craft beer and ensuring there’s something on tap for every palate.

Tucson native and renowned medical doctor Dr. Andrew Weil, developed the True Food Kitchen with the mission to inspire people to eat better, feel better, and live better. The menu emphasizes wholesome ingredients with natural health benefits and flavors and features a wide array of dishes from burgers and seasonal pizzas to salads, bowls and pastas. Or enjoy fresh-pressed juices, organic teas, and natural refreshers.

Also, if Turkish Kebab House sounds familiar it’s because it used to be named Turkish Grill House — a restaurant that opened earlier this year, sharing the same building as Old Times Kafe. You need to try the Ali Nazik Kebab — roasted beef, eggplant, yogurt, butter, garlic, tomato, and jalapeño. Eggplant, Yogurt, butter, garlic, Tomato. Don’t be afraid of that jalapeño hanging out along the edge of the plate because the flavors throughout the dish extinguish the heat nicely.

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.

Vitality Bowls offers a variety of tasty options, such as the Dragon Bowl (featuring pitaya, pineapple, coconut milk, goji berries, and bee pollen), Green Bowl (with Graviola, strawberries, kale, dates, spirulina, and hemp seeds), and their signature Vitality Bowl (with organic açaí, strawberries, banana, organic granola, and honey).

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!

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 before the end of 2024). Zemam’s Too at 119 E. Speedway Blvd. has since closed in order for Amanuel Gebremariam, his family, and the team to put all of their focus on Z Street.