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The Best Deals During Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023

The Best Deals During Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023

Sep 8, 20237 min read

Sonoran Restaurant Week starts today (Friday, September 8)!

With nearly 100 restaurants participating this year, our Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week can be a bit overwhelming.

Cafe Santa Rosa (Photo by Jacki Tran)

To help you get the most out of these 10 delicious days (September 8-17), we’re putting together curated mini-guides to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023, including:

  • The Best Deals
  • Couples Date Night
  • New Places
  • Mexican Food
  • Vegan Guide
  • Pizza
  • Upscale / Fine Dining
  • Burgers

Up first, the Best Deals!

Barrio Bread

18 S. Eastbourne Ave.

Don Guerra’s bread consistently lives up to its reputation. Finding it at a discount is a rarity. If you go to Barrio Bread this week and ask for the Sonoran Restaurant Week deal, you’ll get three freshly baked loaves for $25 plus an additional 25% off ($18.75, if my math is correct). If you haven’t tried this Tucson-famous bread, now is your chance to find out why there’s always a line down the block.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

2905 E. Skyline Dr. #246

A three-course lunch or dinner at Blanco for two people for just $35? I usually drop that much just on myself. What a deal. And with four appetizer options, six entree options, and two dessert options to choose from, both you and your friend/boo/boo-friend will be happy.

Cafe Santa Rosa

2615 S. Sixth Ave.

I usually go to Cafe Santa Rosa for breakfast (the pancakes are amazing). For Sonoran Restaurant Week, they’re offering a three-course dinner for two for just $35, featuring their famous tacos and a dessert sampler of mini popovers. Yum!

Caffe Torino

10325 N. La Cañada Dr.

With a crab cake app, veal saltimbocca entree, and panna cotta dessert for just $35, you can order that second glass of house red with no regrets.

Charred Pie

12125 N. Oracle Rd. #105

Dinner for two for just $25. Includes two glasses of wine or two beers, a pizza to share, and dessert. When you do the math, you’re basically getting both your drinks for free. Nice.

El Minuto Cafe

354 S. Main Ave.

El Minuto was one of the first places I discovered when I moved here in 2014. Their cheese crisp was a lifesaver for me on several occasions. For Sonoran Restaurant Week, they’re offering dinner for two for $35. You get a cheese crisp (carnitas or just cheese), two main plates (beef tacos, carnitas tacos, red chile plate, or green chile plate), and two desserts (flan or churros). This might be the most Tucson deal of Sonoran Restaurant Week.

2522 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

You might be thinking $25 for a burger is not a deal, but keep reading – you also get rosemary sweet potato wedges, your choice of freshly brewed teas, and a slice of citrus olive oil cake. And this burger… wow, is it special. I can’t wait to try it. They made it just for Sonoran Restaurant Week. It’s a savory house-made veggie burger made with native tepary beans & Father Kino’s heritage chickpeas, topped with aioli, poblanos, seared onion, sunflower sprouts & fresh goat cheese. Local ingredients FTW, y’all!

Kon Tiki

4625 E. Broadway Blvd.

I love Kon Tiki so much, I try to convince the Tucson Foodie team to sneak it into every new Guide we create. For Sonoran Restaurant Week, they’re offering both a $35 and a $45 dinner menu. By my math, you’re saving double digits. Might I suggest using your savings to order a Scorpion Bowl or a couple of Kon Tiki Mai Tais?

La Carreta Del Rorro

5505 W. Cortaro Farms Rd.

A new addition to Sonoran Restaurant Week, this place is on my list for sure. Grab a friend and go get 4 of their ridiculous and innovative Sonoran hot dogs and a couple of bottled Mexican Cokes for $25.

The Little One

151 N. Stone Ave.

This might be the best deal of Sonoran Restaurant Week. For $25, you get a drink of your choice, the surprise plate (what I always order anyway), and a pastry of your choice. But here’s where the deal gets really good. If you bring a friend, you both get the deal for just $40. Whuuuuuuuttttt…..?

Lovin’ Spoonfuls

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120

Their fried chicken dinner (my happy place) is normally $18. For just $7 more ($25), you get an appetizer and one of their house-made cookies.

The Neighborhood DWTN

61 E. Congress St.

I had the pleasure of tasting this Sonoran Restaurant Week menu early and let me tell you — the Sonorense Burger is huge, the garlic parmesan fries are generous, and the warm skillet brownie sundae tipped this $25 from a deal to a steal.

Penca

50 E. Broadway Blvd.

Penca is definitely upscale, so it might seem odd that I’ve included them on the Best Deals list. In my experience, Penca is always so darn delicious and consistent, so I was surprised to see a $35 price on their Sonoran Restaurant Week menu (instead of $45). Treat yo’self!

Pizza Sonora

1015 S. Park Ave.

This new spot slipped through the cracks and shouldn’t technically even be in Sonoran Restaurant Week because it’s actually a food truck! But, it’s permanently parked at Motosonora where you can get their Elote or Sonoran Hot Dog Pizza (a full pie) and two pints 🍺🍺 from Motosonora for just $25. On my list for sure.

Rocco’s Little Chicago

2707 E. Broadway Blvd.

Six chicken wings of your flavor preference (or a double house salad) + three breadsticks (choose regular, spicy hot sticks, or barbecue sticks) + a nine-inch deep-dish Kitchen Sink pizza for just $35. Rocco’s is just the best.

Sito’s Fresh Market

2545 E. Speedway Blvd.

Two combination plates. Two medium Aguas Frescas. Spanish rice. Beans And an additional two tacos or two tamales. Mix and match to your heart’s content. Just $30. See you there.

Squared Up Pizza

5870 E. Broadway Blvd.

I dream about this crust, which is made using water filtered through a very expensive system to mimic that of New York City’s. Get one of Squared Up’s two Sonoran-inspired pizzas for just $30 (normally $36).

Tucson Tamale

7286 N. Oracle Rd.

Tucson Tamale is offering up a special deal that feeds four people for just $35. The “Sonoran Week Fiesta Box” includes your choice of eight tamales, two sides, a salsa, chips, and four cookies.

The Pool Bar at The Tuxon

960 S. Freeway

Enjoy a meal poolside. For $25, you’ll get their Sonoran Cheese Crisp, an order of their Sonoran Style (Flat) Enchiladas glazed in a red chili sauce with a cotija cheese and nopalito (prickly pear) garnish, a side of Barrio Beans, and a Mezcal Mule with Tajin Rim (Virgin option available). Ok, maybe this is the best deal of the week? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Urban Fresh

73 E. Pennington St.

Here’s your chance to visit Urban Fresh if you have yet to experience the positive energy and love that immediately rains upon you when you walk through their door. Take a friend and get two wraps, two house drinks (tea or lemonade), and two desserts (cookies or brownies) for just $25.

Zinburger

1865 E. River Rd. #101 • 6390 E. Grant Rd.

Lunch for two for just $35. Includes drinks, a side (get the sweet potato fries), two entrees, and a slice of pie. Definitely a deal.

This is just a quick list of some of the best deals happening during Sonoran Restaurant Week. But remember — ALL of the menus offered for Sonoran Restaurant Week are a deal. It was a requirement to participate! So — take advantage! Use this week to explore all that Tucson’s incredible restaurant scene has to offer without breaking the bank. That’s what Restaurant Week is all about!

View the full Sonoran Restaurant Week lineup here.

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Article written by:

Shane Reiser

Shane Reiser

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Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

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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!