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Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

Dec 30, 20253 min read

Curious what articles got the most clicks in 2025? Here they are, ranked.

10. Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times

a person standing in front of a building
Flavia Briones and her kids Sergio and Ariana (Photo by Jackie Tran)

It’s not every day that The New York Times talks about Tucson, and when they do, you know we’re going to zoom in on the part where they mention the food.

Read the article Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times.

9. Tucson Chef is a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist

Chef Jose Contreras at Amelia's Mexican Kitchen on Oracle Road (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Chef Jose Contreras at Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen on Oracle Road (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Jose Contreras, the owner and chef of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, is the only Tucson semifinalist in 2025 — nominated for Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK).

Read the article Tucson Chef is a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist.

8. Charro Vida to Close After Five Years in Business

Charro Vida (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Charro Vida, the plant-forward Tucson restaurant known for blending Sonoran and Mediterranean cuisines, will officially close on Sunday, May 25. The team at Flores Concepts made the decision after over five years of operation.

Read the article Charro Vida to Close After Five Years in Business.

7. Anchor Bar Opens First Tucson Location Oct. 29

(Photo courtesy of Anchor Bar)

Anchor Bar, home of the original Buffalo wing, officially opened its first Tucson location at 7080 E. 22nd St., Suite 104 in October. The restaurant occupies the former Brushfire BBQ Co. space and features a colorful mural by local artist Mauriel Morejon.

Read the article Anchor Bar Opens First Tucson Location Oct. 29.

6. Cinco Cantina Closes After Recent “Bar Rescue” Makeover

a car parked in front of a building
Cinco Cantina (Photo by Paul Garcia)

Over on the northwest side of town, High 5 Grille got polished up a bit in November 2023 and became Cinco Cantina for the remainder of the year at 3682 W. Orange Grove Rd.

Read the article Cinco Cantina Closes After Recent “Bar Rescue” Makeover.

5. Flora’s Market Run Has Permanently Closed

a car parked in a parking lot in front of a building
(Photo courtesy of Shannon Christine Photo for Flora’s Market Run)

After a little less than four years, Flora’s Market Run permanently closed its doors at 2513 E. Sixth St. on Monday, January 6.

Read the article Flora’s Market Run Has Permanently Closed.

4. Your Visual Guide to Traditional Mexican Pastries at La Estrella Bakery

La Estrella Bakery (Photo by Jackie Tran)

This article actually came out nine years ago, but people are still curious about pan dulce! This was written by our intern at the time, Gloria Knott. She now does her own thing at Tucson Love Letter, so check that out!

Read the article Your Visual Guide to Traditional Mexican Pastries at La Estrella Bakery.

3. Inside the Fight to Keep Tucson Restaurants Alive in 2025

Hammbone’s A Meat & Three Joint (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

CJ Hamm, whose fast-casual Hammbone’s A Meat & Three Joint shut its doors earlier this year, said, “In the heyday of the ‘90s, restaurants were making a 10% profit margin. Now, if you get .05%, you’re celebrating.”

Read the article Inside the Fight to Keep Tucson Restaurants Alive in 2025.

2. Two Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List

(Photo courtesy of Savaya Coffee Market)
(Photo courtesy of Savaya Coffee Market)

Savaya Coffee Market and Presta Coffee Roasters have landed spots on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops — an international ranking that highlights top-notch cafés from across the globe.

Read the article Two Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List.

1. Tucson Restaurant Named the ‘Best Cult-Favorite’ in Arizona

Mini Chimichangas at El Charro Café (Photo by Jackie Tran)

LoveFood, an online publication based in the United Kingdom, often makes lists to help spread the word about top-notch dishes, businesses, and culinary cities. For instance, Tucson was named the “Best Foodie City” in the state last year.

Read the article Tucson Restaurant Named the ‘Best Cult-Favorite’ in Arizona.


For the most popular guides, read our article Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Guides of 2025.

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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com