Mama Louisa’s, located at 2041 South Craycroft is one of Tucson’s oldest restaurants still operating. Originally opened in 1956, the Italian-American menu has changed little since with standards such as Lasagna, Eggplant Parmesan, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Baked Ziti, and their signature dish, Joe’s Special.
This year, Mama Louisa’s turns 60. That’s right – sixty. When you think about the number of businesses, and not just restaurants, that have opened and closed within that time frame, it must be staggering.
Although the original owners are no longer involved in Mama Louisa’s, the Elefante family took over the restaurant in 1973 and have been at the helm ever since.
To celebrate this milestone, Chef Michael Elefante has gone back through most of Mama Louisa’s old menus – some of them have been lost – and handpicked select items to offer guests at the original prices. Some of the prices are as low as $1.00.
Before you go thinking you ‘ll eat there daily with those kinds of prices, the specials will only be offered on Mondays. At the beginning of each month for the remainder of the year, Mama Louisa’s will announce which throwback menu item has been selected as the special. Simply visit the restaurant on any Monday for the deal. The promotion begins Monday, February 1.
And who better to help select the first special than Tucson Foodie? I visited Mama Louisa’s to select the initial deal that will run throughout February (see video). It’ a little hard to make it out in the video below, but it’s “Pasta w/ Meat Sauce” from 1958. The original price was $1.00. Hence, for every Monday in February, Pasta with meat sauce will be $1.00. Hard to beat that.
Keep up with Mama Louisa’s at mamalouisas.com and on Facebook.
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