Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2024

Sep 3, 20245 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during August!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Addie Ibarra

Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Caesar salad and pasta from Zio Peppe.

Caesar salad and pasta from Zio Peppe (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Forbes Meat Co.
747 S. Sixth Ave.

The shrimp dish at Forbes was DAMN good!

Forbes Meat Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Penelope Pizza
800 N. Kolb Rd.

The 10-layer lemon ricotta lasagna at Penelope Pizza is a stairway to heaven. And the cocktails are hand-crafted deliciousness. And I’m not just saying that because my husband, Stephen Kozlowski, is one of the bartenders — wink wink.

Stephen Kozlowski (master mixologist/Addie’s husband) (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Cafe Francais
7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. #113

Cafe Francais has been offering weekly specials like this Sonoran Hot Dog. I limit myself to one hot dog a year and I was ecstatic to break my weenie fast for this one.

Sonoran Hot Dog at Cafe Francais (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Maynards
400 N. Toole Ave.

I took a train, a plane, and a car to make sure I made it to the Maynard’s Tomato Dinner!

Basqueria
350 E. Congress St. #150

The pan con tomate at Basqueria took me back to my vacation in Spain. The paste was perfectly seasoned and the bread was delightfully toasted. It paired extremely well with the sangria

Basqueria (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chris Koch

Buffalo Bell
3756 S. Sixth Ave.

Buffalo Bell is a classic spot synonymous with Tucson wings. This south side favorite has been around for decades. There are no frills to this hole in the wall, producing your standard fried chicken wings with the usual sauces and rubs. I opted for their medium buffalo wings, and it’s Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce — any wing-lover knows this sauce. Swing through the drive-thru or enjoy the ambiance in the eclectic indoor dining room. 

Buffalo Bell (Photo by Chris Koch)
Tandem American Eatery
8864 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 

They only do wings on Wednesday. I got half of their buffalo, and the other half garlic parmesan wings, both sauces are homemade and extremely flavorful and delicious. Shaved parmesan and not the shake is a classy touch. The meat itself is tender and juicy and worthy of a return visit on future Wednesdays.

Wings at Tandem American Eatery (Photo by Chris Koch)
Wing Factory 
4955 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. 

I was very impressed picking up wings from this small but big flavor spot. When I walked in, I immediately noticed how clean the place was, and I loved that they had a window looking into the kitchen where I could see the owner finishing up my to-go order. Full transparency shows me the pride they take in their food. These wings were hard to put down. I could easily see myself eating 20-plus wings, and on Wednesdays, you can get them for just 99 cents each. Even my friends told me their flavors were some of the best they have ever had.

(Check out Chris Koch/Tucson Wing Expert’s new guide featuring his favorite wings in Tucson).

Hannah Hernandez

El Torero
231 E. 26th St.

Shroom and potato tacos at El Torero.

Shroom & potato tacos at El Torero (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Vegan blueberry coconut pecan crumb muffin at Rosebud Bakery.

Vegan blueberry coconut pecan crumb muffin at Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Coronet
198 W. Cushing St.

Tofu mosaic and crispy rice at Coronet. I wish I could eat this every day.

Tofu mosaic and crispy rice at Coronet (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Ren Coffeehouse
4300 N. Campbell Ave. #24

Ren Coffeehouse makes ridiculously good vegan cinnamon rolls.

Ren Coffeehouse (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Transplant Pizza
4603 E. Speedway Blvd.

The Elote Pizza from Transplant Pizza — best enjoyed next door at Craft, A Modern Drinkery.

Elote Pizza at Transplant Pizza (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Millie’s Pancake Haus
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

The Meat Lovers Omelet at Millie’s Pancake Haus! It’s a neat, rootin’-tootin’ little spot at Trail Dust Town. I took a four-hour nap after I ate this.

Millie’s Pancake Haus (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Pies the Limit
Pop-Up/Multiple Locations

Oreo cheesecake from Pies the Limit! They were set up inside Arizona Beer House the other day but can be found in different areas of Tucson.

Pies the Limit (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Chai Spice Morning Bun! Some of the best buns in town!

Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Wildflower
7037 N. Oracle Rd.

Had a wonderful anniversary lunch at Wildflower. The lemony fried calamari is one of our regular orders. The salmon was outstanding — perfectly cooked. It sat atop a creamy smashed potato. And those cinnamon donuts…..ahhh!

Wildflower (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Teresa’s Mosaic Café
2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr.

The new hibiscus margarita at Teresa’s Mosaic Café.

The new hibiscus margarita at Teresa’s Mosaic Café (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Cheba Hut
446 N. Campbell Ave. #2

The fruity pebble rice crispy treat bar at Cheba Hut.

Fruity Pebbles Snack at Cheba Hut (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.

Coconut Crumb Mixed Berry Muffin at Rosebud Bakery.

Coconut Crumb Mixed Berry Muffin at Rosebud Bakery (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Tuk Tuk Thai
Multiple Locations

Pumpkin curry at Tuk Tuk Thai.

Pumpkin curry at Tuk Tuk Thai (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

Article written by:

Tucson Foodie

Tucson Foodie

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

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.1K

followers

See More On Instagram
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!