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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (Feb 1-7)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (Feb 1-7)

Feb 7, 20255 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 buzz around Tucson’s dining scene to can’t-miss events and exclusive perks for our Foodie Club members, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

New Foodie Guides

Love is on the Menu: Tucson’s Most Romantic Restaurants
A couple sharing pizza and cocktails at Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink (Photo by Jackie Tran)
A couple sharing pizza and cocktails at Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink (Photo by Jackie Tran)

While sharing a single noodle of spaghetti is romantic in movies, in practice, you might want to apply a little more effort for your significant other. Wear some nicer shoes, put on your most flattering outfit. When choosing where to eat, helpful perks include warm candle light and breathtaking mountain views.

Read the guide: Love is on the Menu: Tucson’s Most Romantic Restaurants.

Heart Healthy Restaurants in Tucson
(Photo courtesy of Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet)

What is at the end of my fork matters even more these days. I experienced a heart attack, bypass surgery with complications, and now live with heart failure. Decades before these life-changing health challenges, I’ve been a wellness advocate and participant in all aspects of health.

If one of your goals for the new year is to eat more protein, including animal or plant-based, you’ll find it easy to do at the following restaurants.

Read the guide: Heart Healthy Restaurants in Tucson.

Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Tucson
Bun Bo Hue from Pho Can Tho (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Bun Bo Hue from Pho Can Tho (Photo by Jackie Tran)

When many people think of Vietnamese food, their mind goes straight to pho. While the famous noodle soup is beloved worldwide, don’t be afraid to venture into other soups. Fragrant lemongrass, bold heat, and deeply umami-rich await you.

Furthermore, look at other entrees beyond banh mi and spring (or summer) rolls. Keep an eye out for crispy sizzling crepes known as banh xeo and com tam rice plates.

Read the guide: Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Tucson.

Top Stories & Articles

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in January
(Photo courtesy of Shannon Christine Photo for Flora’s Market Run)

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during January! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Read the full article: Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in January.

Jackie Tran Returns to Tucson Foodie as Our New Editor
Jackie Tran (Photo by Melissa Stihl)

We’re thrilled to officially announce that Jackie Tran has joined Tucson Foodie as our new Editor. This news feels less like a change and more like a homecoming—because, in many ways, Jackie has been an integral part of Tucson Foodie’s story for years.

Read the full article: Jackie Tran Returns to Tucson Foodie as Our New Editor.

UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails OpenS on Tucson’s East Side
Head chef Noah Tellez, bartender Erin O'Flaherty, and owners Sally Shamrell-Murphy and Glenn Murphy (Photo courtesy of UnCork'd Kitchen & Cocktails)
Head chef Noah Tellez, bartender Erin O’Flaherty, and owners Sally Shamrell-Murphy and Glenn Murphy (Photo courtesy of UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails)

The fine folks/owners of The Cork, Sally Shamrell-Murphy and Glenn Murphy, purchased the cowboy dive bar, Saddlehorn Saloon, from previous owner Lyn Hadler. The Murphys then announced that changes were coming, and now they’re ready to debut the new space.

Read the full article: UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails Opens on Tucson’s East Side.

UGLY BUT HONEST PIZZA IS NOW OPEN IN FIVE POINTS

@Uglybuthonestpizzeria is officially open! After a successful soft launch, this new pizzeria and beer garden at 733 S. Stone Ave. is now serving up pizza (whole & by the slice), calzones, cannoli, and a solid beer lineup.

Watch the reel.

2025 Tucson Craft Beer Crawl
Saturday, February 22
Tucson Craft Beer Crawl (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

This year, the Tucson Craft Beer Crawl is hosting at least 30 local, regional, national, and international beverage makers. You’ll see some newcomers popping up in February like Slow Body Beer, Brick Box Brewery (formerly Thunder Canyon Brewer), and Black Bridge Brewing, which is bringing its beers down from Kingman, Arizona.

Read the full article: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Tucson Craft Beer Crawl.

Get Your Tickets to the Vegan Tucson Night Market’s VIP Lounge
Saturday, March 1
Vegan Tucson Night Market (September 2024)(Photo by Martin Madero)

Back in December, we introduced an exclusive VIP Lounge at the Vegan Tucson Night Market and it’s back! Tickets are just $25 each, limited, and can be purchased online. In other words, buy your tickets sooner than later!

Read the full article: Get Your Tickets to the Vegan Tucson Night Market’s VIP Lounge (March 1).

Perks of Being a Foodie Club member

For $20 a month, Foodie Club members 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.

New Foodie Club member Perks:
  • Bumsted’s – $10 off your bill every 90 days
  • Mariscos Chihuahua – $10 off your bill every 30 days
  • Tabu – $20 off your bill every six months
  • Tesoro Latin Kitchen & Cantina – Two free tacos every month

Learn more and join!

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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