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Foodie 15: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds

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Foodie 15: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds

by Analeise FisherFeb 14, 2024Updated Aug 4, 20264 min read
Tucson’s 100th annual rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, is returning Saturday, February 15 - Sunday, February 23, 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 15 places to grab some grub near the rodeo grounds at 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
 
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14 spots

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs

5118 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

BurgersBurritosTacos
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!
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Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat Tacos in TucsonBest Mexican Restaurants in Southern Tucson

Carnitas La Yoca

3530 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

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?
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Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made Tortillas

Delicias Mexican Grill

4581 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

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.
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Also featured inNine on the Line: Michael Garcia of Catalina Brewing CompanyNine on the Line: Evelyn Romero of Delicias Mexican Grill15+ Food/Beverage Vendors Join the ‘Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food’ Event

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El Güero Canelo Restaurant

2480 North Oracle RoadMidtown

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.
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Also featured inBest Burritos in TucsonBest Mexican Restaurants in Southern TucsonThe Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket List

El Merendero

5443 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

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.
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Also featured inGuide to Chilaquiles in TucsonBest Mexican Restaurants in Southern TucsonA Beginner’s Guide to Exploring the Mexican Food of South Tucson: 15 Spots to Try Now

Little Mexico Restaurant

698 West Irvington RoadSouth Side

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!
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Also featured inBest Mexican Restaurants in Southern TucsonFoodie 15: Our Favorite Tamales in TucsonWhere to Eat During Tucson Meet Yourself 2023

Percheron Mexican Grill

444 West Ajo WaySouth Side

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?
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Also featured inBest Burritos in Tucson30+ Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in Tucson in 2024Percheron Mexican Grill Food Truck Opens a New Brick-and-Mortar

Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 South 12th AvenueSouth Side

Mexican
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.
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Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat Tacos in TucsonWhere to Eat During the Tucson International Mariachi Conference

Sushi Lounge

4802 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

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.
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Also featured inThe Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket ListWhat I Order and Eat in Tucson as EditorGuide to Dumplings in Tucson

Taqueria La Esquina

4876 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

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.
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Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonFoodie 15: Best Churros in TucsonBest Margaritas in Tucson

The Silver Saddle Steakhouse

310 East Benson HighwaySouth Side

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.
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Also featured inGuide to Steaks in TucsonGuide to Tucson Weekly's 'Best Restaurants' of 2024Silver Saddle Steakhouse still slings superb steaks
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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