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

Al Pastor Tacos at La Chaiteria (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

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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TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!”
3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!
A new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida.

Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history.

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida. Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history. Photos by @jackie_tran_ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews