Two-and-a-half years ago, Empire Pizza & Pub caught our attention when their pizza special was the Elote Pizza.
We even made a video about it:
Since then, other pizzerias have caught on and interpreted Mexican street corn their own on pizza. However, we consider Empire to be Tucson’s first elote pizza.
Although it was originally just on special, the demand was wild enough for them to make it a permanent addition to their small pizza menu. The combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chipotle mayo on pizza with mozzarella is hardly traditional, but it makes sense after your first bite. The tangy rich flavors of the cheeses and chipotle mayo pair with the sweet corn and bright cilantro.
Order a slice for $4.25; however, chances are you might be addicted and want to order a whole pizza for $25. Your call.
Also, Empire has beer on draft, so order something light to pair with the pizza.
Read our March 2017 article #WeeklyDish (No. 4): Elote Pizza at Empire Pizza & Pub is Worth the Hype (VIDEO).
Empire Pizza & Pub is located at 137 Congress St. For more information, visit empire.pizza.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
