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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in July 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in July 2024

Aug 1, 20246 min read

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

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

Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill
2150 N. Alvernon Way (Tucson Botanical Gardens)

The lox and cream cheese bagel at Edna’s Eatery inside the Botanical Gardens was a highlight of my time there. The Kevin’s Zesty Aguas Frescas are always a great, refreshing choice. Read more about the new dishes.

Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Casa Asada
2502 N. Campbell Ave.

The champagne-style Caguama service at Casa Asada is everything your Taco Tuesday needs. I didn’t take photos of the tacos, but every single one was fantastic especially the shaved rib. And you can’t beat a $10 Caguama deal (available on Tuesdays).

Casa Asada (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
5 Points Market & Restaurant
756 S. Stone Ave.

It’s no secret that 5 Points is one of my favorite restaurants in town. I surprisingly didn’t take a photo of my kale Caesar salad with chicken and am instead touting their bread service. The house ricotta spread was bowl-lickin’ good.

5 Points Market & Restaurant (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Zinburger
Multiple Locations

The new frozen cocktails at Zinburger are very refreshing. Will definitely be going back for happy hour and beyond.

Zinburger (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Antsy Nancy
5655 E. River Rd. #101

Shout-out to Antsy Nancy and her classes because my 15-year-old learned how to bake, cook, and decorate cakes. This was her final project and it blew us all away. I highly recommend attending any of Heidi’s classes.

Antsy Nancy (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chris Koch

Tuxon Chix
5524 E. Grant Rd.

Are you looking for clucking good food? Then this fast-food-style chicken spot with a drive-thru is for you. Their menu focuses on chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken wraps, and a few other sides and desserts. Their Hatch green chili dry rub chicken wings are very crispy and as the kids say are “bussin.” Pro note, ask for all flats if you’re into that sort of thing.

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

Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Dr.

Situated inside Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort is an amazing brunch buffet on most Sundays — Blues, Brews & BBQ. Complete with live blues music, come prepared with an appetite, stretchy pants, and comfortable shoes to make all the short walking trips to the buffet lines. They have an assortment of meats from pulled pork, prime rib, salmon, and even a Sonoran-style hot dog station. An unlimited amount of beer from Dragoon Brewing and mimosas are included as well as normal breakfast food staples. What stole the show for me was the dessert table featuring raspberry cheesecake, salted caramel crème brulee, and cookie skillet.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (Photo by Chris Koch)
Tandem American Eatery
8864 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

This American-style eatery is doing it right with their Tandem Toast. Choose two options out of seven and you be pleasantly surprised with the portions and flavor. Their lobster and smoked shrimp toast was as good as any lobster roll, I’ve had. Mixing up with one hot toast and one cold I chose the chicken salad toast (apple, walnut, and cranberries). I will be returning to try more
soon.

Tandem American Eatery (Photos by Chris Koch)

Hannah Hernandez

Flying V Bar & Grill
7000 N. Resort Dr. (Loews Ventana Canyon Resort)

I loved the Patty Pan Pasta at Flying V. The black garlic breadcrumbs added a nice crunch to the dish.

Patty Pan Pasta at Flying V Bar & Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Opa’s Best
4590 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Grilled Salmon Greek Salad at Opa’s Best! You can also score this same salad at Opa’s Grill on Fourth Avenue.

Opa’s Best (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Lucky’s Chicago Sandwiches
6741 N. Thornydale Rd. #157

Lucky’s makes you feel like you’ve walked into a Chicago sandwich shop — in reality, you’re in Marana. The spicy Italian sandwich was awesome! They’re also using bread from La Baguette Parisienne (7851 E. Broadway Blvd.). It’s a double-whammy for supporting local businesses. Get a side of fried zucchini while you’re at it (let ’em cool down first).

Spicy Italian at Lucky’s Chicago Sandwiches (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Fentonelli’s Pizzeria & Bar
7262 N. Oracle Rd.

My mom wanted some Italian food for her birthday so Fentonelli’s it was! She and I ended up sharing the fennel sausage pizza and a Caesar salad. I had a beer, too, but there was no way in heck I let her share that with me.

Fennel sausage pizza at Fentonelli’s (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Rocco’s Little Chicago
2707 E. Broadway Blvd.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Tucson has a lot of great pizza joints. And we eat a lot of it at our house.

Pictured below: Rocco’s Thin Crust Cheese Pizza (keep scrolling for more pizza).

Rocco’s Little Chicago (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
3011 E. Speedway Blvd.

Fresco’s Large Cheese Pizza.

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Brooklyn Pizza
534 N. Fourth Ave.

Cheesy pizza from Brooklyn Pizza.

(Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Pizza)
Sauce Pizza & Wine
Multiple Locations

Margherita pizza from Sauce.

Sauce Pizza & Wine (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Kingfisher
2564 E. Grant Rd.

The soft-shell crab sandwich at Kingfisher’s East Coast Road Trip menu. Sadly, it ends in a couple of days (Saturday, August 3) … but those matchstick fries are always on the menu. Love those fries!

Kingfisher (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Iron John’s Brewing Company
5350 E. Broadway Blvd. #128

The Sunset Mushroom Pizza at Iron John’s.

The Sunset Mushroom at Iron John’s Brewing (Photo by Shane Reiser)
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon
533 N. Fourth Ave.

This giant bowl of classic salsa from Chef Maria at BOCA.

Giant bowl of salsa from BOCA (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Barrio Bread
18 S. Eastbourne Ave.

The Einkhorn Miche at Barrio Bread. Heritage whole-grain and packed full of minerals and nutrients our bodies need.

Barrio Bread (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Spaghetti (Addie’s Dog)

Cones for Bones
6121 E. Broadway Blvd. #138

Spaghetti enjoyed her peanut butter and cheese ice cream at Cones for Bones.

Follow more of Spaghetti’s food adventures on Instagram.

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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!