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Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

Dec 31, 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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After 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩

This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnewsAfter 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents
@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night.

Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnews@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek