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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (Feb 8-14)

Tucson Foodie’s Week In Review

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (Feb 8-14)

Feb 14, 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 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!

Top Stories & Articles

Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande: Tucson’s Mexican Seafood Gem
Shrimp relleno, pulpo mojo, and camaron empanizado from a Tucson Foodie R&D dinner at Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande Avenue (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Shrimp relleno, pulpo mojo, and camaron empanizado from a Tucson Foodie R&D dinner at Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande Avenue (Photo by Jackie Tran)

For over three decades, Mariscos Chihuahua at 1009 N. Grande Ave. has served Mexican seafood dishes that keep both locals and visitors returning. With a rich family history tracing its roots next to a fruit stand in Nogales, Mexico, Mariscos Chihuahua has become one of Southern Arizona’s most beloved seafood establishments.

Read the full article: Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande: Tucson’s Mexican Seafood Gem.

Seis Kitchen to Open a New Location on Tucson’s East Side
Seis Kitchen location at La Plaza Shoppes (Photo courtesy of Seis Kitchen)
Seis Kitchen location at La Plaza Shoppes (Photo courtesy of Seis Kitchen)

Owners Erika and Jake Muñoz plan to open the new spot by mid to late spring, bringing another dining option to the bustling area. In recent years, restaurants like Zio Peppe and Noodleholics have debuted to diners, while The Cork and UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails have refreshed existing concepts.

Read the full article: Seis Kitchen to Open a New Location on Tucson’s East Side.

Maya Tea Company Launches Non-Alcoholic Spirits Line ‘Philters’
Philters Mezkahl zero proof spirit (Photo courtesy of Philters)
Philters Mezkahl zero proof spirit (Photo courtesy of Philters)

In September 2024, Maya Tea Company introduced Philters, a line of non-alcoholic spirits crafted with botanicals, adaptogens, and nootropics. They offer a drinking experience blending flavor, complexity, and depth for people seeking a craft cocktail without the negative consequences of alcohol.

Read the full article: Maya Tea Company Launches Non-Alcoholic Spirits Line ‘Philters’.

LITTLE CART, BIG DOGS AT ODD DOGS

Have you had @Odddogshotdogs yet? We just tried the Pony Boy (corn salsa, bacon, cilantro, Duke’s mayo, Pony Sauce) and the Walker Texas Weiner (slow-cooked pulled pork, sweet relish, crispy fried onions, barbecue sauce), and we’re already planning our next visit.🤩🌭

Watch the reel.

New Foodie Guides

6 Local Restaurants Make Yelp’s 2025 ‘Top 100 Places to Eat’ List
Blueberry Pancake at Baja Cafe (Photo by Isaac Stockton)
Blueberry Pancake at Baja Cafe (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Yelp’s annual list of the best U.S. restaurants is out and not one, not two, but six local businesses made the cut in 2025! The list features fast-casual eateries, fine dining establishments, and then everything in between.

Read the guide: 6 Local Restaurants Make Yelp’s 2025 ‘Top 100 Places to Eat’ List.

Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds
a bunch of food on a plate
Vegan options at Taqueria La Esquina (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Tucson’s 100th annual rodeo, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, is returning Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 23, featuring all your favorite events from bull riding and barrel racing to roping, steer wrestling, and more! If you’re planning to make an evening out of the rodeo festivities and are wondering where you should eat, don’t worry, we have you covered.

Read the guide: Where to Eat Near the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

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