Early last month, construction crews got to work on the new Orange Grove Road interchange project on I-10. Once it’s completed, drivers will be zippin’ through that area which is being rebuilt and widened for more traffic. This is a great idea — more drivers equal more traffic to local restaurants — but in the meantime, a lot of businesses are already seeing a decline in visitors.
“Many of our regular customers have stated it’s been a hassle to come to our taproom,” said Erika Button of Button Brew House. The closure will remain in place until late 2024 and ADOT suggests drivers use Ruthrauff Road and Ina Road as alternate routes.
We’ve seen this happen before when the Sunshine Mile was under construction and while the Sixth Avenue underpass was separating a few local spots from the rest of downtown Tucson. Luckily, locals came through and stayed true to the restaurants and bars they hold close to their hearts.
With that being said, here is a list of Tucson eateries and beverage spots awaiting your attendance.
Baja Cafe on Ina
3930 W. Ina Rd. #322
This is a great place to visit when you need a little sunshine in your mornings. They often have specials like Caramel Apple French Toast, which is slow-cooked apples placed on top of housemade brioche French toast and then drizzled with salted caramel.
For more information, follow Baja Cafe on Ina on Facebook.
Bisbee Breakfast Club
4131 W. Ina Rd.
If you’re looking for some straight-up diner food and vibes, Bisbee Breakfast Club is here for you. Chances are you’ve eaten at the other locations in Tucson or even the original, in Bisbee of all places. The Chicken Fried Steak goes well with a Brass Monkey (a large orange juice and a tallboy can of Mickey’s).
For more information, visit bisbeebreakfastclub.com.
Button Brew House
6800 N. Camino Martin #160
Button Brew House has a special deal for beer lovers in Tucson. From now until Saturday, July 1, the brewery is offering 50% off your first 16-ounce draft pint or larger pour during your visit.
Here’s how the deal works:
- Walk into Button Brew House’s taproom at 6800 N. Camino Martin #160
- Let your beertender know you read about this deal at tucsonfoodie.com
- Show them this article to solidify the deal
- Gulp and enjoy your half-priced pint
For more information, visit buttonbrewhouse.com.
Caps & Corks
3830 W. River Rd. #100
Each time I visit this wonderful beer and wine taproom I gather enough courage to stop in next door at Guitar Center to shred — the amp is turned up to 11, too. You’re welcome, Guitar Center shoppers.
For more information, visit capsandcorksaz.com.
Catalina Brewing Company
6918 N. Camino Martin
The brewery is located right around the corner from Button Brew House so you might as well make a special experience out of your adventure. It’s a perfect spot for cyclists to gather, too.
For more information, visit catalinabrewingco.com.
Copper Creek Cookies
4249 W. Ina Rd. #121
The bakery bakes specialty treats and cookies t0-go/delivery. They’ve actually sold more than two million cookies at this point so let’s help them keep the streak going.
For more information, visit coppercreekcookies.net.
Crema Coffee
3725 W. Ina Rd. #120
Grab a coffee and find a cozy spot in their cafe or next door inside Bookmans. The coffee shop has been open for four years now in the shopping center.
For more information, visit cremacoffeeaz.com.
Crying Onion Cafe
3684 W. Orange Grove Rd. # 156
Onion’s the name, but home fries are their game — seasoned well with crunchy bits.
For more information, visit theoniontucson.com
Davison Meats
3840 W. Ina Rd. #100
The shop opened up back in 2021 and loves educating folks on what they offer.
“We really, really love educating our customers and just sharing our knowledge with them,” said Billie Stephenson. “We don’t mind the 30-minute discussion about the difference between cuts and it helps them when they come in the shop the second, third, and fourth time. They’ll say ‘Oh yeah, that’s what I got last time.’“
For more information, visit davisonmeats.com
Donut Wheel
4524 W. Ina Rd.
The doughnut shop has been serving up the goods for years now. One of my personal favorite memories is the time I tried eating a dozen doughnuts in one sitting. Hey, I was in high school and had nothing better to do.
For more information, call (520) 744-2811.
Dream Dinners
3682 W. Orange Grove Rd. #132
If you’re looking for a DIY spot, this is it. Dream Dinners is a food preparation center where customers assemble and pack a selection of meals to take home and cook.
For more information, visit dreamdinners.com.
Eegee’s
7110 N. Thornydale Rd.
Just about everyone’s aware of this spot but just in case you’ve forgotten, the local fast-food giant awaits your order.
For more information, visit eegees.com.
El Molinito
3675 W. Ina Rd.
This is one of four locations and has a menu loaded with tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and margaritas. Heck, if the family isn’t able to dine in they offer Family Fiesta Packs.
For more information, visit el-molinito.com.
Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks
3780 W. Ina Rd. #184
The northwest side restaurant added a bar in the last year or so, making it an ultimate destination for Philadelphia Eagles fans.
For more information, follow Frankie’s on Facebook.
High 5 Grille
3682 W. Orange Grove Rd.
Back in the day, this used to be a Famous Sam’s but High 5 Grille is just as fun with its sports pub bites and beverages. If you’re a beast at racking ’em up, they’ve got free pool on Fridays.
For more information, visit high5grille.com.
Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant
3720 W. Ina Rd. #106
It’s known to many as a casual shopping-plaza outpost for Chinese cooking, lunch specials, and family-style dinners. Personally, it was where I learned all about Chinese Astrology.
For more information, visit jadegardenaz.com.
Jason’s Mexican Food
6671 N. Thornydale Rd.
This joint is great if you’re looking for something quick to eat on the run. You’ll find the common fast-food menu here with burritos, tacos, raspados, and even a kids menu.
For more information, call (520) 544-5765.
Jimmy’s Pita & Poke
3820 W. River Rd. #130
Jimmy’s is a family-owned and operated business that has a desire to “serve fast, fresh, and healthy options. You’ll find a handful of pitas, salads, and poke bowls, all of which are easy to eat in the car.
For more information, visit jimmys2go.com.
La Mesa Tortillas
3684 W. Orange Grove Rd.
This spot has been voted “Best Tortillas” by the Arizona Daily Star in the past and they’ve been family-owned and operated since 1996. This is just one of three of their locations and it’s worth a visit.
For more information, visit lamesatortillas.com.
La Parrilla Suiza
4250 W. Ina Rd.
Though the name translates to “the Swiss grill,” visit for the sizzling Mexican food. And margaritas.
For more information, visit laparrillasuiza.com.
Linh Nam
3936 W. Ina Rd.
Here’s another personal experience: I grew up eating here a lot since I was a “northwest sider” for years. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant so it’s been great to see the family grow as the years rolled by. Go in and start making the memories.
For more information, visit linhnamllc.com.
Lucky Wishbone
3780 W. Ina Rd. #188
Much like Eegee’s, Lucky Wishbone has mastered the fast-food market in Tucson for years. Stop by and order something you’ve never ordered in the past.
For more information, visit luckywishbone.com.
Luke’s Chicago Sandwiches
6741 N. Thornydale Rd. #157
Luke’s Italian Beef is a family-run restaurant for more than 50 years and the owners are actually from Chicago. Grab a Chicago Dog, why don’t ya?
For more information, visit lukestucson.com.
Mariscos Chihuahua
4185 W. Ina Rd.
In 1971, Mariscos started as a seafood stand in Nogales, Sonora (not Chihuahua!). Now there are locations all over Tucson, Phoenix, and beyond. This is a family-owned Tucson-based franchise on the pricier side, compared to other eateries on the avenue.
For more information, visit mariscoschihuahua.com.
Monsoons Tap & Grill
6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261
They’ve got plenty of TVs, cocktails, local craft beer, and a patio that’s cozy and conversation-inducing. Stop by here if you’re looking to unwind a little.
For more information, visit monsoonstapandgrill.com.
Old Father Inn
4080 W. Ina Rd.
One side is a restaurant and the other side is a bar. Altogether, it’s a spot that many on the northwest side have visited at least once in their life.
For more information, follow Old Father Inn on Facebook.
Panda House Stir-Fry Mongolian Grill
3725 W. Ina Rd. #110
The local spot serves a Chinese buffet and Vietnamese cuisine right next door to Crema Coffee and Bookmans. They also offer takeout if you can’t stay long.
For more information, follow Panda House on Facebook.
The Pasta Shop
3951 W. Ina Rd.
The Italian restaurant is known for its build-your-own pasta bowls and recently opened in 2022. Folks can choose between different types of pasta and add any homemade sauce from marinara to alfredo.
For more information, visit thepastashopaz.square.site.
Tacos Apson
6741 N. Thornydale Rd. #121
Tacos Apson easily shines as one of Tucson’s most iconic taquerias.
Tacos Apson earned its reputation through its mesquite-grilled beef ribs and carne asada. Its status even earned it the attention of world-class foodie, Ruth Reichl.
For more information, visit tacosapson.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
