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Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular News Articles of 2023

Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular News Articles of 2023

Jan 2, 20245 min read

Every day, Tucson Foodie gets tons of readers and by the end of the year, we’ve run out of fingers to keep track. Luckily, we’ve got online tools to help us in that department.

2023 was a big year for local restaurants, bars, and businesses. We saw a lot of grand openings, said goodbye to some local businesses, and hosted food-themed events and fancy dinners. Keep scrolling to revisit the most-read news articles of 2023.

Street Taco & Beer Co. Opens its Tanque Verde Rd. Location

Published May 22, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Street Taco & Beer Co.)

If you’ve been to any of the other three locations, you can expect the same menu of tacos, burritos, and beverages. Plus, as mentioned earlier, they’re opening on Tuesday/Taco Tuesday so maybe that’ll make your decision-making much easier. The new location is destined to be the perfect pit stop, too, if you’re heading up to Mount Lemmon for the day or taking a hike in the area. Read more…

Everything You Need to Know About the New Tucson Foodie

Published May 25, 2023
Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Every member of the Tucson Foodie team — including me — started as a fan/follower/subscriber of Tucson Foodie. The team has one thing in common: we’re all believers in the power of community. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re turning Tucson Foodie into something much bigger than a news and media organization. We’re now a community — and you’re invited to join us! Read more…

Bashful Bandit Barbecue Brings Backyard Barbecue to Midtown Tucson

Published on December 23, 2023
a group of people standing in a kitchen preparing food
Bashful Bandit Barbecue (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

After 40 years in business, the iconic local biker bar The Bashful Bandit closed its doors on June 18, 2021. After a year and a half of compiling rumors and growing curiosity about what will happen to the building, out came Tucson native, Toby Kyte, with an exciting announcement about his plans to turn the well-known dive into a barbecue joint. Read more…

Trident Grill III Permanently Closes its Doors on Craycroft Road

Published September 5, 2023
Oysters at Trident Grill (Photo credit: Addie Ibara)

On Friday, September 8, Trident Grill III permanently closed its doors at 250 S. Craycroft Rd. No specific reason was given for the closure. The sports bar first opened its doors in 2017, which was a former Tilted Kilt, next to Tucson Coffee Roasters and Miss Saigon. Read more…


The Dutch Permanently Closes on Broadway Boulevard

Published October 2, 2023
The Dutch (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

On Monday, October 2, the team behind The Dutch at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. announced that the restaurant has permanently closed. There wasn’t a specific reason for the closure other than there being some “unforeseen circumstances.” A little more than a year ago, Marcus and Nicole van Winden relocated the restaurant to Broadway Boulevard after spending a few years on Main Gate Square. Our fingers are crossed that we haven’t seen the last of the van Winden’s cuisine. Read more…

Food, Pickleball & More! CORBETT’S Hosts its Grand Opening

Published August 17, 2023
a building next to a fence
Pickleball at CORBETT’S (Photo by SWOON Media)

“Our vision was community — to create a place where people can gather, eat, drink, play, and be entertained all in one space,” said Scott Stiteler, founding partner at Loveblock Partners. “After all these years of running businesses Downtown, we know and love the area well and believe this is the perfect location for this concept. CORBETT’S is a unique combination of old and new and it is a place for families, college students, professionals, and more to create fun and memorable one-of-a-kind experiences together.” Read more…

Phoenix-Based ‘Angie’s Lobster’ to Open 2 Tucson Locations

Published October 6, 2023
a plate of food on a table
(Photo courtesy of Angie’s Lobster)

Angie’s Lobster was created by Tony and Roushan Christofellis, the same couple who created the Salad and Go drive-thru concept we’re now seeing here in Tucson. They’ve since sold the Salad and Go chain and are now putting their focus on Angie’s Lobster. The concept currently has more than five locations in and around Phoenix, and has become pretty popular for its sandwiches, salads, and wraps — some starting at around just $6 each. Read more…

Brushfire BBQ Permanently Closes After 15+ Years in Business

Published December 29, 2023
BrushFire BBQ Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The doors have been permanently closed at both of the Brushfire BBQ Co. locations, 2745 N. Campbell and 7080 E. 22nd St. We were unable to reach anyone to ask about the reason for closure but signs on the doors state that they won’t be reopening. Read more…

Chick-in Waffle Opens its First Arizona Location in Tucson

Published May 17, 2023
Asian Chili (Photo courtesy of Chick-in Waffle)

The Kansas City, Missouri-based restaurant chain Chick-in Waffle flew the coop and landed near the corner of Grant and Craycroft Road. However, back in October, the restaurant permanently closed. Read more…

All Aboard! Platform 18, an Underground Cocktail Bar/Train Car is Coming to Tucson

Published April 28, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Platform 18 on Facebook)

The bar will be located in the basement of the building and will have a passenger train car seating area equipped with TV screens as windows, making it appear that you’re traveling along the tracks. The disclaimer on the site warns folks of “audio and lighting changes, low visibility, motion graphics, and occasional haze.” Read more…

More “Best of 2023” Roundups:

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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!