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

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2024

Jun 5, 20244 min read

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

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

La Frida Mexican Grill
7230 E. 22nd St.

The Carajillo at La Frida Mexican Grill was the perfect way to start a Sunday Funday. I love having such a high-quality, fun restaurant on the east side!

The Carajillo at La Frida Mexican Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
BATA
35 E. Toole Ave.

The special collaboration dinner between Dr. Andrew Weil and Chef Tyler Fenton of BATA. I love it when after a meal I feel completely satisfied, but I don’t hate myself. I always get that feeling at BATA. Their wine pairings are primo!

Produce on Wheels
Multiple Locations

Shout out to Produce on Wheels because this was 1/3 of the veggies I got from them for $15.

Produce on Wheels (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Calle Tepa
6151 E. Broadway Blvd.

Calle Tepa has a margarita pitcher that’s perfect for Summer. Tacos and margs? What could be better?

Calle Tepa (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Hannah Hernandez

OBON
350 E. Congress St. #120

Death Free Ramen at Obon.

Death Free Ramen at Obon (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill
2150 N. Alvernon Way

Avocado Toast at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill. Learn more about Charly’s.

Avocado Toast at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Pure Love Juice
1980 E. River Rd.

Spring rolls at Pure Love Juice.

Spring rolls at Pure Love Juice(Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N. Dodge Blvd. H

Beer! Not just any beer, though. It’s Pueblo Vida Brewing’s annual 520 Day IPA. Try it while you can! I found a can of it at one of my favorite taprooms, Tucson Hop Shop. One of my favorite spots to sit is upstairs above the bar. I’m like a little pigeon up there minding my own business.

520 Day IPA by Pueblo Vida Brewing at Tucson Hop Shop (Photo by Matt Sterner)
La Chaiteria
1002 W. Congress St.

We met my mom at La Chaiteria. She somehow got lost and ended up across the street in the parking lot of the drive-thru liquor spot, but once we rounded her up I ordered the Barbacoa Burrito.

Burrito at La Chaiteria (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Ermanos Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.

Croutons are cool. So is the Caesar Salad at Ermanos.

Caesar Salad at Ermanos (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Kingfisher
2564 E. Grant Rd.

Probably my favorite calamari in town is at Kingfisher! These crispy critters come with sweety drop peppers, a sweet chili sauce, and sweet, I mean, spicy jalapeños. Read all about their new menu items.

Calamari at Kingfisher (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Shane Reiser

Bollywood Pizza Company
Food Truck

Chicken Tikka Pizza at Bollywood Pizza Company.

Chicken Tikka Pizza at Bollywood Pizza Company (Photo by Shan Reiser)
Go Dim Sum
3504 E. Grant Rd.

Salt & Pepper Tofu at Go Dim Sum.

Salt & Pepper Tofu at Go Dim Sum (Photo by Shane Reiser)
5 Points Market & Restaurant
756 S. Stone Ave.

Dinner at 5 Points! I had the Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Smoked Olives, and Vermouth Service.

5 Points Market & Restaurant (Photos by Shane Reiser)
Alafia West African Cuisine
1070 N. Swan Rd.

Vegetarian Egusi Soup at Alafia West African Cuisine.

Vegetarian Egusi Soup at Alafia West African Cuisine (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Doughbird
2960 N. Campbell Ave.

Chicken Parmesan at Doughbird.

Chicken Parmesan at Doughbird (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Iron John’s Brewing Company
5350 E. Broadway Blvd. #128

Buff Chick Pizza at Iron John’s!

Iron John’s Brewing (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant
2041 S. Craycroft Rd.

Cannoli at Mama Louisa’s!

Cannoli at Mama Louisa’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Favorites From Tucson Foodie Insiders

Hey, we’ve added a few favorites from Tucson Foodie Insiders! Insiders can upload some of the dishes they’ve ordered, allowing others to see what they enjoyed eating.

Mili Nader

Penelope Pizza
210 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Sgt. Pepper pizza: garlic oil base, smoked cheese blend, roasted Anaheim chiles, house sausage, Desert Provisions Hatch green chili salt, Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle (added half jalapeños).

Sgt. Peppers pizza at Penelope (Photo by Mili Nader)

Chris Koch

Dominick’s Real Italian
8330 N. Thornydale Rd.

Great Sandwich for lunch or dinner. The Italian Stallion Sub is a hoagie with pepperoni, salami, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pepperoncini, and a side of Italian dressing on a toasted bun.

Dominick’s Real Italian (Photo by Chris Koch)

Lauren Sparks

Bubbe’s Bagels
1101 N. Wilmot Rd.

The Closed-Faced Lox and Golden Beer Sandwich. Your choice of bagel, cream cheese, filled with lox, golden beets, sprigs of dill, cucumber, and red onion.

Bubbe’s Bagels (Photo by Lauren Sparks)

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!