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Restaurants & bars the Tucson Foodie team is excited to try in 2023

Restaurants & bars the Tucson Foodie team is excited to try in 2023

Jan 6, 20234 min read

Everyone that contributes to Tucson Foodie, whether they’re a writer, photographer, videographer, etc., is asked a common question: “Where should I eat in Tucson?”

Al Pastor Tacos at La Chaiteria
Al Pastor Tacos at La Chaiteria (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Now, all of us have eaten at many restaurants throughout the city but it’s impossible for everyone to visit all of ’em. So, this year, the team is excited to visit places they haven’t had a chance to stop by yet — our own personal bucket lists for 2023.

Addie Ibarra

Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah's Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah’s Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
  • Chef Alisah’s Restaurant
  • barbata
  • Blue Front (opening very soon)
  • By The Bucket
  • La Chaiteria
  • Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos Y Mas
  • Indian Twist
  • Salsa Verde
  • The Union Jack 
  • The Persian Room (I’ve already been here but I can’t stop thinking about it)
  • Tita! Tita!
  • Tooley’s Cafe

Chrissy Mance

Happy hour at Good Oak Bar (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
Happy hour at Good Oak Bar (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
  • Good Oak Bar
  • barbata
  • Snake & Barrel (yes, they’re all bars)

Da’Lice Shepard

Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Filet mignon special at Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • Wild Garlic Grill (I used to go to the old location on First Avenue, but I am drooling to get into the north location this year)
  • Two Hands Corn Dogs (I’ve been waiting for the hype to come down, but I’m ready now)
  • Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar (I’ve waited my whole life for something good to happen and sustain in this space)
  • eHotPot (COVID tried to stop this place from rising to the top, but here they are)
  • The Coronet Market Cafe (I’ve been to Coronet many times, but never during the day and after drooling over cafe photos all year, I refuse to let any more time come between me and this perfectly crafted breakfast menu)

Hannah Hernandez

Chef Tyler Fenton in the Kitchen at BATA
Chef Tyler Fenton in the Kitchen at BATA (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
  • BATA
  • Queen Sheba Restaurant and Market
  • Bun Dock
  • India Oven
  • Agustin Kitchen
  • Penca
  • Fatman Kitchen
  • Seven Cups
  • The Neighborhood DWT
  • Yamato Japanese Restaurant
  • Anita Street Market
  • Sher-e-Punjab

Jessie Mance

Cacio e pepe at CERES
Cacio e pepe at CERES (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • Ceres
  • Noodleholics
  • Zio Peppe
  • Tacos Apson
  • El Taco Rustico
  • Taqueria Pico De Gallo (when they reopen/more info)
  • Fatman kitchen
  • Karunas (haven’t been since reopen)

Mark Whittaker

Chicken Mole at El Torero
Chicken Mole at El Torero (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • I’ve been super lucky to try a lot of amazing food from new and well-established eateries, but one that I absolutely have on my list is El Torero. So many friends, including a few of my Tucson Foodie teammates, have instructed me to do so. Everything there looks amazing and I plan on setting aside an afternoon to take it all in. In my belly!
  • Otherwise, I just want to ride the 2023 food wave and see where it takes me. That and to get back to Snake & Barrel and sip Whiskey Del Bac in the dark underground.

Matt Sterner

CowPig
CowPig Burger (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
  • CowPig food truck
  • Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
  • FireTruck Pizza Company
  • Chef Maria Mazon’s new menu at Borderlands Brewing Company (2500 E. Sixth St.)
  • By the Bucket (and I want to attempt to eat it in my car while driving)
  • The Hoppy Vine
  • Blue Front (opening soon)
  • Muncheez food truck
  • Ten55 Brewing Company (wherever the new location ends up)
  • Puro Ice
  • The Blacktop Grill (new spot at Dillinger Brewing Company)
  • Tran’s Fats food truck
  • Kingston Kitchen (formerly CeeDee)
  • Shirt Shop (coming soon next to the new Wooden Tooth Records location downtown)
  • Divine Bovine

Rita Connelly

Dandan Noodles at Noodleholics (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Dandan Noodles at Noodleholics (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • Noodleholics
  • Go Dim Sum
  • El Taco Rustico
  • Taqueria Pico De Gallo (when they reopen/more info)

Sam Jump

Roasted Carrots at Tito & Pep (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Roasted Carrots at Tito & Pep (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • Tito & Pep
  • Janet & Ray’s
  • Ensenada Street Food
  • Urban Fresh
  • Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
  • Vivace
  • Truland Burgers & Greens
  • Charred Pie
  • Blue Finch Bakery
  • Five Points’ new dinner vibe
  • Contigo Latin Kitchen
  • Go Dim Sum

Sariya Jarasviroj

Smoked salmon nigiri sushi at Sushi on Oracle (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Smoked salmon nigiri sushi at Sushi on Oracle (Credit: Jackie Tran)
  • Sushi on Oracle
  • Zio Peppe
  • Blue Finch Bakery
  • The Dutch – DAM Good Food
  • Hee Mee (I’ve never dined in)
  • Rozet Nursey (morning cafe)
  • Dao’s Tai-Pan
  • Lemongrass
  • Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar
  • FatBoy Sandos

Shane Reiser

Dinner at 5 Points (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
Dinner at 5 Points (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
  • 5 Points Market & Restaurant (I want to experience the new dinner menu)
  • Agustin Kitchen (I want to try the menu under the new Executive Chef David Solorzano)
  • Alejandro Serious Mexican, Mariscos, & Fusion Food
  • Bai Thong
  • Blue Willow
  • Dante’s Fire
  • Feast
  • Frank’s & Francisco’s Denoche Restaurant
  • India Oven
  • Jonathan’s Cork
  • Kingfisher
  • North Italia
  • Sushi On Oracle
  • The Dutch – DAM Good Food
  • Transit Tea
  • Union Public House
  • Vivace Restaurant
  • Wild Garlic Grill

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!