Tucson’s 99th annual rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, is returning Saturday, February 17 – Sunday, February 25, featuring all your favorite events from bull riding and barrel racing to roping, steer wrestling, and more! If you’re planning to make an evening out of the rodeo festivities and are wondering where you should eat, don’t worry, we have you covered.
Here is our list of the top 15 places to grab some grub near the rodeo grounds at 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dog’s claim to fame is their traditional carne asada, cooked to perfection over a mesquite fire. Stop by and enjoy their selection of comfort foods including hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, and tacos, perfect for after rodeo festivities!
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Mexican street food, this food truck has everything your heart desires. The menu is simple but delicious, featuring tacos, carnitas, quesadillas, and birria plates. For something special, why not try their pork stomach or pork skin tacos?
No matter how hungry you reckon you are, Cora’s Cafe has delightful options to fuel your rodeo adventures. On the menu, you’ll find everything from omelets to breakfast burritos, soups, and enchiladas. What more can you ask for?
Delicias Mexican Grill serves up simply delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, their incredible family recipes make it a popular south side destination for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re craving a Sonoran hot dog, you have to try El Guero Canelo. On their menu, you’ll find hot dogs, tacos, burros, quesadillas, and much more. Try it for yourself! You’ll find that El Guero Canelo is the James Beard Foundation 2018 “America’s Classics” award winner for good reason.
Do you want something that’s a true classic here in Tucson? El Merendero has been cooking up Mexican and Southwestern grub in Tucson since ’86 and there’s no signs of slowing down. Try their Mexican breakfast dishes or make a meal of their seafood platters. The Ceviche Tostadas are a hit and the churros are a nice finishing touch.
Originally started as a food truck, Las Originales Carnitas el Michoacano offers a truly mouth-watering selection of dishes including Tacos de Carnitas, Tacos de Chicharron, Tacos de Birria, and Tacos de Cabeza.
This amazing family-owned restaurant is home to some of Tucson’s favorite authentic Mexican cuisine. Their menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options from breakfast burritos and enchiladas to tacos, burgers, and so much more. Make sure to try their housemade red chile and green corn tamales!
Do you love bacon? This original Sonoran-style grill specializes in burritos and hot dogs., but if you’re after something truly unique, try their signature Bacon-Wrapped Percheron Burro. The bacon is expertly prepared — delicate and crisp with each bite. If you’re intimidated, don’t worry, they’re big enough to share with a friend. But who says you’ll want to?
Rollies Mexican Patio specializes in Mexican cuisine with a modern feel. Their menu features new takes on classic dishes. Don’t miss out on their Birria Ramen, or their Flats — flat enchiladas made with a gordita-like masa base. If you’re after a sweet treat, their Ice Cream Concha will have you returning weekly.
Saddle up and bring your appetite! Silver Saddle Steakhouse offers everything from mesquite-grilled chicken, lobster tail, and crab legs, to some of the best Angus beef prime rib in Tucson. Their incredible sauces are all made in-house, too, and pair perfectly with all of their signature dishes.
Right by the rodeo grounds, you’ll find what might just be the best dim sum around. Don’t be fooled by the name, while there is stellar sushi to be found, the dim sum is the real star of the show here! Can’t decide what to order? Go for their BBQ Pork Buns, Har Gow, Red Dragon Roll, Tootsie Roll, or Orange Chicken.
Taco Fish has some of the best seafood tacos around! Their Marlin Fish Tacos and Ceviche are a must, and they’ve got a decked-out toppings bar where you can load up your tacos just how you like them. Taco Fish makes it hard to believe we’re landlocked here in Tucson.
Tacos Apson is the place to go for a taste of traditional Sonoran-style cuisine. Dig into their crowd-favorite carne asada tacos, or try their fish tacos, or maybe some barbacoa — you really can’t go wrong!
Originally getting its start as a food truck, Taqueria la Esquina understands what it means to cook exquisite Mexican food. Their menu features something for nearly anyone to enjoy. Their Sonoran Dog is a genuine crowd-pleaser and don’t forget about their tacos. The Achiote Pollo and the Surf and Turf are true standouts.
