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Eater Taps Tucson Foodie for Tucson’s Hottest New Restaurants & Bars

Eater Taps Tucson Foodie for Tucson’s Hottest New Restaurants & Bars

Nov 17, 20161 min read

Once again, Eater (and the rest of the media) can’t stay away from Tucson’s food scene.

For the third year in a row, Eater reached out to our own head foodie Adam Lehrman for 9 of the hottest new restaurants and bars in Tucson. To be considered, they must have opened within the past 12 months.

Last year’s heatmap included Ermano’s, OBON, Nook, HighWire Lounge, and Reforma.

Eater publishes heatmaps for a number of US cities that are updated annually.

Eater’s 2016 Tucson heatmap includes the following restaurants:

  • Welcome Diner
  • Elvira’s
  • Charro Steak
  • Senae Thai Bistro
  • Batch Cafe & Bar
  • Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ
  • Casa Film Bar
  • Truland Burgers & Greens
  • Contigo Latin Kitchen

To view in full at eater.com, visit 9 Hottest New Restaurants in Tucson, Arizona on Eater.

Article written by:

Gloria Knott

Gloria Knott

More about Gloria
Gloria Knott was Tucson Foodie's 2016 journalism and social media intern. In October 2025, she founded Tucson Love Letter, a community-first publication that helps you explore the magic of Tucson.

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Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
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Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

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WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

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Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
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@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
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More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com