Foodie 15: Delicious keto-friendly options in Tucson

Although numerous myths and rebuttals against a ketogenic diet float around, its popularity continuously grows for those looking to shed a few pounds. 

The concept is simple: Force your body to derive energy from ketones rather than sugar by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing your consumption of fatty foods. 

From the average Joe and Jane to celebrities, the low-carb, high-fat nutrition plan is attractive due to its effectiveness and allowance of foods commonly prohibited in other diets, such as butter and red meats. 

Some may even say keto is the key to good health.  

Keep the momentum going, or get back on track with your fitness resolutions with some of our favorite keto-friendly dishes around Tucson.

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

Charro Vida is found on nearly every vegan-friendly list, but it certainly doesn’t mean they’re vegan-exclusive! Load up your customizable Vida Bowl with your choice of proteins for a filling and guilt-free meal. 

For more information, visit charrovida.com.

Renee’s 

7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

With a zucchini noodle alternative available for all of her pasta dishes, it’s no longer im-pasta-able to enjoy your favorite hearty dish from Renee’s.

Read our November 2022 article, “What’s in a Name? How Renee’s pared down & grew up.”

For more information, visit reneestucson.com.

HiFalutin Rapid Western Grill

6780 N. Oracle Rd.

These are nacho average nachos! HiFalutin puts pork rinds in place of tortilla chips and tops them with cheese sauce, sour cream, and pico de gallo for a delightfully nostalgic meal without the carbs. 

For more information, visit hifalutinaz.com.

Rollies Mexican Patio

4573 S. 12th Ave.

Rollies makes it easy cheesy to stick to your keto plan with their Taketos, which have mozzarella cheese shells.

For more information, visit rolliestucson.square.site.

C I Chu’s Mongolian Barbeque

4540 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Keto/Low-Carb Platter at C.I. Chu’s Mongolian Barbeque serves double the protein without the carbs to their Keto customers. 

For more information, visit cichusmongolianbarbeque.com.

Fini’s Landing

5689 N. Swan Rd.

Fini’s Landing proves all the cauliflower rice naysayers wrong and offers three varieties of this quintessential health food. We challenge you to taste their Carne Asada, Camarones Al Chipotle, and Fajita Veggies bowl and pick your favorite!

For more information, visit finislanding.com.

Charro Steak

188 E. Broadway Blvd.

Everything! Just skip the rice and tortillas.

For more information, visit charrosteak.com.

Romero Sonoran Hotdogs

5333 S. 12th Ave.

Nothing says “Tucson” quite like a Sonoran Hot Dog, and not even your keto diet can you keep from showing your Old Pueblo pride! Try Romero Sonoran Hotdogs’ bunless take on this desert classic. 

For more information, follow Romero Sonoran Hotdogs on Facebook. 

Danny’s Homemade Keto Treats & Sweets

Multiple Locations

You’ll never have to skip dessert again with Danny’s Homemade Keto Treats & Sweets! From scrumptious Carrot Cakes to delectable Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites, Danny has something to satisfy your sweet cravings while sticking to a keto diet. Contact their Facebook page directly for orders or visit Chevron’s deli area at 1999 E. Ajo Way.

For more information, follow Danny’s Homemade Keto Treats & Sweets on Facebook.

Barrio Charro

3699 N. Campbell Ave.

Famously known as the brainchild of the Si Charro! group and the bread man himself, Barrio Charro may be the last place one would visit for a low-carb meal. However, don’t count them out. Ask about their Campus Farm or District Salad for the best non-bread item you’ll ever taste at a bakery. 

For more information, visit barriocharro.com.

AZ Fit Kitchen

7159 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

One simply cannot have the name “AZ Fit Kitchen” without a few keto-friendly options, and they deliver! Easily find the right meal using their website’s filtering tool, where you can choose from traditional, keto, and plant-based selections. On top of our list of dishes to try? The Indian Butter Chicken with Roasted Cauliflower.

For more information, visit azfitkitchen.com.

Opa’s Grill 

500 N. Fourth Ave.

The lunch menu at Opa’s Grill lists a section dedicated to flavorful Greek dishes-made low-carb, with your choice of grilled chicken, beef, or lamb. 

For more information, visit opasgrill.com.

The Monica

40 E. Congress St.

Committed to serving everybody and every body, The Monica’s menu caters to a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Try the Keto Court Burger during your next downtown dining experience.

For more information, visit themonicatucson.com.

Divine Bovine

1021 N. Wilmot Rd.

Say “sun’s out, buns out” at Divine Bovine and opt for a lettuce wrap with any burger on their menu. Just imagine that burger up above wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Are you drooling yet? 

For more information, visit divinebovineburgers.com.

El Charro Café

311 N. COURT AVE. • 7725 N. ORACLE RD. • 6910 E. SUNRISE DR.

With over 100 years under their belt, the folks of El Charro Café know a thing or two about keeping up with the times. Get a show with your meal and watch a sizzling Fajita Skillet make its way to your table (sans tortillas, of course). 

For more information, visit elcharrocafe.com.