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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 5-11)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 5-11)

Apr 11, 20254 min read

Welcome to this week’s roundup!

We’ve gathered the top stories, a standout social post, and other foodie highlights you shouldn’t miss. From the latest around Tucson’s dining scene to can’t-miss events and exclusive perks for our Insiders, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

Top Stories & Articles

From Top Chef to Tucson: Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen

Chef-owner Brian Hill at Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Chef-owner Brian Hill at Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Best known for his appearances on Top Chef and Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, chef Brian Hill has cooked for stars like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy. But Tucson became his stage in 2022 when he opened Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen.

Read the full article: From Top Chef to Tucson: Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen.

La Ventanita Walk-Up Coffee & Breakfast Window Open at Mojo

La Ventanita at Mojo Cuban Kitchen (Photo by Kaylee Prinz)
La Ventanita at Mojo Cuban Kitchen (Photo by Kaylee Prinz)

Drink options include coffee drinks such as the cafecito, a sweetened Cuban espresso, to smoothies, milkshakes, lemonades, and tea. Food options range from handhelds, such as egg-filled pastelitos and breakfast empanadas, to the avocado tostada on toasted Cuban bread. La Ventanita also offers large boxes of their handheld goodies to-go.

Read the full article: La Ventanita Walk-Up Coffee & Breakfast Window Open at Mojo.

‘Roadies’ Brings Food, Bowling & Axe Throwing to Grant & Swan

(Photo courtesy of Roadies)
(Photo courtesy of Roadies)

There’s actually a lot going on inside Roadies — a restaurant, bar, several bowling lanes, axe throwing, laser tag, arcades, live music on select nights, and even mini movie theaters. The bowling alley section of Roadies is using a nifty technology named Spark Augmented Reality Bowling, adding “stunning visuals, immersive animations, and customizable gameplay” to the old-fashioned experience.

Read the full article: ‘Roadies’ Brings Food, Bowling & Axe Throwing to Grant & Swan.

Chandler-Based ‘Thai Chili 2 Go’ to Open in Marana

Thai Chili 2 Go is opening its first Tucson-area location this summer at Marana’s Gladden Farms Commercial Center — right by the new Fry’s on Tangerine Rd. Expect Thai curries, noodle dishes, and apps with options to go vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed. Oh, and everything’s dairy-free, too. Prices start at just $4

Read the full article: Chandler-Based ‘Thai Chili 2 Go’ to Open in Marana.

New & Updated Foodie Guide

New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson

Cocktail at UnCork'd Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Cocktail at UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Jackie Tran)

It’s safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling. From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it’s without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth.

Read the guide: New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson.

Best Steaks in Tucson

NY Strip estillo Charro at Charro Steak & Del Rey (Photo by Jackie Tran)
NY Strip estillo Charro at Charro Steak & Del Rey (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Whether you want a saucy, tender filet mignon, a hefty mesquite-grilled cowboy rib-eye, or classy and comforting steak frites, here are some places to get the best steak in Tucson.

Read the guide: Best Steaks in Tucson.

Foodie Events

Easter Dine-In and To-Go Options in Tucson

Easter Brunch (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain)
Easter Brunch (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain)

Whether you’re looking for a morning meal, an evening of elegance, or a quick bite with the family, there’s no need to hunt down the perfect event by yourself. We’re here to fill your Easter basket with options. With that being said, one of the following restaurants should do just the trick for Sunday, April 20.

Read the full article: Easter Dine-In and To-Go Options In Tucson.

Tucson’s New 420 Fest Blends Food, Music & Cannabis

Pollinator Festival (Photo courtesy of Community Gardens of Tucson)

What if you found a golden Easter egg — and it was filled with joints or worth $100 in dispensary gift cards?

That’s just one of the surprises waiting for you at the first-ever 420 Fest, presented by Earth’s Healing, a brand-new cannabis, food, and music experience created by Tucson Foodie, Tucson Doobie, and Earth’s Healing. This exciting event takes place on Saturday, April 19, from 2–8 p.m. at the Whistle Stop Depot, a unique venue that’s been revitalized to give Tucson a fresh and exciting space to gather.

Read the article: Tucson’s New 420 Fest Blends Food, Music & Cannabis.

Perks of Being an Insider

For $20 a month, Tucson Foodie Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $6,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members.

Learn more and join!

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TONIGHT

@vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
9/5 from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

🐶
@oldsoulsanimalrescue 
@paws_without_borders 
@rescuemetucson 

HOT/SAVORY 
@substancediner 
@hotsaucenpepper 
@huhushouseofdumplings 
Eatgypt
Bereisheet 129
@bobbyskitchen__ 
@delcielotamal 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@ensenadastreetfood 
@mayascajunkitchen 
@therealnaughtyvegan 
@patricias_cuban_kitchen 
@scratchingtheplate 
@themakanbowl 
@theveganjointaz 
@youslydogtucson 
@yumyumpocha_ 

DESSERTS
@atekei_treats 
@thirddaysourdough 
@treats_by_gabby 
@donutblitz 
@abstractaquariums 
@sweetrollsandmore 
@tucsonchocolatefactory 
@uniquelymadecookies 
@coolkidssnackcakes 
@dirty_t_tamarindo 
@duckys_pineapplebananabread 
@tiasourdough 
@eatbliss.az 
@flourpotvegan 
@maxa_oats 
@sahteinpatisserie 
Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@espressoul_cafe 
@transit.tea 
@yourcoffeestopaz 
@barlapachanga 
@scentedleaf 
@konaiceofmarana 
@littlebearlemonade 
Wrapido
@bardownfitnessandnutrition 
@brewingcupofculture 
@lemonpoptucson 

SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
@cosmicfoundry 
@desierto_designs 
@enjoycrochetandknit 
@greenexpressiontucson 
@harvestedcreations 
@purpleskyincense 
@ricos_threads 
@snackabeesaz 
@sparkle_sparrow_az 
@spunkykind 
@yellowbirdfarm 
@wisteriacreekcottage 
@wisdombodyandsoul 
@tacosysalsa_tucson 
@thedrecreations 

#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalTONIGHT @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 9/5 from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade Wrapido @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair a day of Tucson sightseeing with a prix fixe meal. Since the Old Pueblo packs desert trails, historic missions, art districts, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation into one metro area, visitors can easily build a full day around any interest and land near a Restaurant Week stop when it’s time to eat.

Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair a day of Tucson sightseeing with a prix fixe meal. Since the Old Pueblo packs desert trails, historic missions, art districts, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation into one metro area, visitors can easily build a full day around any interest and land near a Restaurant Week stop when it’s time to eat. Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.
Ten days. One hundred twenty-five tables. 
@Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaTen days. One hundred twenty-five tables. @Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is here! Join us today through September 13 for 10 days of dining across Tucson.🌵🥂

In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is here! Join us today through September 13 for 10 days of dining across Tucson.🌵🥂 In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents