If you had to pick ONE restaurant in Tucson

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Fri May 21, 2021 2:26 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 12:54 pmFor those of you that frequent Nico's, have you noticed a big difference between locations? The one that was out in Vail was really good but the one near us now off Cortaro sucks balls.

They just opened in the old Chuys/Lindys at Catalina Hwy. First trip breakfast burro was meh, 2nd trip chorizo burro was one of the best Ive ever had. Didnt need a shower after either.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Fri May 21, 2021 2:32 pm

Tacos are like sex.

Give me all the tacos.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Fri May 21, 2021 2:42 pm

Interesting concept for what they're going to do on Broadway when all the construction is done

https://tucson.com/business/new-develop ... c8735.html

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Fri May 21, 2021 2:50 pm

So a few buddies and I are heading out for homecoming in Nov.

Locals - if you had to pick your top 3 restaurants now they would be...

Post by **UAdevil** » Fri May 21, 2021 3:15 pm

Seis Kitchen at the Mercado, Wild Garlic Grill, Charro Steak.

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Fri May 21, 2021 3:56 pm

Fini’s is opening a second location where the Oracle and Magee Chuy’s was.

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Fri May 21, 2021 3:58 pm

Tito and Pep, El Berraco, Vivace.

Posto Sano is a Roman pizza joint at Skyline and Campbell. Solid. If you’ve ever had Pizza al Taglio, it’s legit.

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:25 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 2:50 pm So a few buddies and I are heading out for homecoming in Nov.

Locals - if you had to pick your top 3 restaurants now they would be...

Sort of depends on style. Mexican is almost too tough to narrow down.

Wild Garlic is a good choice for non-Mexican. Fiamme for pizza. I just like Poco and Mom's too much and it is more New Mexico style, so I'll make that a top three in no particular order.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:40 pm

Tito and Pep and Seis for sure

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:50 pm

Thanks guys - gotta have Mexican when we get out there and I know there are a lot of choices. Last time I was there a couple years ago I did Mi Nidito. But a good steak place and a good Italian one would also suffice. And Wild Garlic sounds really good too.

We just selected a nice airbnb 4 bedroom home in the foothills so I am very excited.

If there is a Beardownwildcats.com homecoming tent on the mall let me know. I owe a few of you some drinks.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:52 pm

The Taco Bell on Grant is amazing.

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:54 pm

You can get it all at the La Encantada area.

Blanco, North and Flemings.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:57 pm

La Encantada is too prissy and chain-ish. More casual and local us the way to go

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Fri May 21, 2021 4:59 pm

wyo-cat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:54 pm You can get it all at the La Encantada area.

Blanco, North and Flemings.

Blanco has fantastic views but meh food. It would be great in Nov on the patio, but the food has never been anything that stood out to me.

On Italian, I'd go Guiseppes before North in that area. More uniquely local. I know a few people who love Trattoria Pina, but I haven't been there. Vero Amore is really good down the hill a bit.

Chef Alisah's Bosnian is nearby the foothills too.

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm

I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Fri May 21, 2021 5:30 pm

UNESCO City of Gastronomy, bitch.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Fri May 21, 2021 5:37 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...

Tucson is actually a fantastic food city. Yeah it isn't NYC but outside of that it is a really good food city. And as the other comment said, it is UNESCO world city of gastronomy...an honor it got before NYC or SF or London or Tokyo did.

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Fri May 21, 2021 6:03 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...

What? I haven't claimed Bobby Robbins destroyed the food scene in Tucson once.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Fri May 21, 2021 7:28 pm

Chef Alisahs is always wonderful. Selena's Salvadorian on Campbell is lovely too for a different taste of latin American food. Tito and pep is my current favorite. Ensenada Street Food on the south side has fish tacos and birria tacos that are kick ass.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Fri May 21, 2021 8:38 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...

Tucson food is horrible against the zone.

EastCoastCat · Post by **EastCoastCat** » Sat May 22, 2021 1:01 am

Alieberman wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 8:38 pm
EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...
Tucson food is horrible against the zone.

Or was Tucson food excellent until the UA President and AD got involved?

Spaceman Spiff · Post by **Spaceman Spiff** » Tue May 25, 2021 12:53 pm

EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Sat May 22, 2021 1:01 am
Alieberman wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 8:38 pm
EastCoastCat wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 5:19 pm I’m cracking up. You guys approach Tucson restaurants the same way you do Arizona basketball.

Don’t ever change...
Tucson food is horrible against the zone.
Or was Tucson food excellent until the UA President and AD got involved?

At least Tucson food isn't like Arizona Football. If it was the meals would either be terrible or average, but you'd probably get violent diarrhea after the average meals because nothing half decent can last.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:03 pm

Me and my dorm buddies favorite place to eat in college was Sanchez Burrito Company on 1st Ave. just north of Grant.
(Old drive in with the big beer mug on the sign - has changed hands many times over the years, was Wild Garlic, now Asian Sofrito)

Used to be able to get a huge burrito (13 plus different kinds) enchilada style with sour cream and guac for about 3 dollars.

At one time there were eight. The last one on Cortaro/Thornydale is going out of business:

https://tucson.com/business/northwest-t ... 9e601.html

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:21 pm

Went to Charro Steak on Thursday night. Had the 14 oz ancho chile seasoned prime rib with the green chile mashed potatoes. Was amazing

Post by **UAdevil** » Sat Jun 05, 2021 8:11 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:03 pm Me and my dorm buddies favorite place to eat in college was Sanchez Burrito Company on 1st Ave. just north of Grant.
(Old drive in with the big beer mug on the sign - has changed hands many times over the years, was Wild Garlic, now Asian Sofrito)

Used to be able to get a huge burrito (13 plus different kinds) enchilada style with sour cream and guac for about 3 dollars.

At one time there were eight. The last one on Cortaro/Thornydale is going out of business:

https://tucson.com/business/northwest-t ... 9e601.html

I grew up at Ina/Thornydale. That NW Sanchez was a place we got regularly when I was a kid. Ate there last right before Covid hit. Still super yummy.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Sat Jun 05, 2021 8:31 pm

UAdevil wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 8:11 pm
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:03 pm Me and my dorm buddies favorite place to eat in college was Sanchez Burrito Company on 1st Ave. just north of Grant.
(Old drive in with the big beer mug on the sign - has changed hands many times over the years, was Wild Garlic, now Asian Sofrito)

Used to be able to get a huge burrito (13 plus different kinds) enchilada style with sour cream and guac for about 3 dollars.

At one time there were eight. The last one on Cortaro/Thornydale is going out of business:

https://tucson.com/business/northwest-t ... 9e601.html
I grew up at Ina/Thornydale. That NW Sanchez was a place we got regularly when I was a kid. Ate there last right before Covid hit. Still super yummy.

Maybe I bought your childhood home last fall. I live at Ina and Thornydale. Sunny Hills Estates.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:40 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 05, 2021 7:03 pmMe and my dorm buddies favorite place to eat in college was Sanchez Burrito Company on 1st Ave. just north of Grant.

I grew up at the 22nd/Craycroft location and my parents knew Rey and Stevi really well in the late 80s/early 90s. Great people. Need to make a trip to see them before its too late

Siempre Verde · Post by **Siempre Verde** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:02 am

Tucson pizza these days... Anello, Fiamme, Falora, or write in candidate. Visiting relative will want the best Tucson pizza. Been to each of these only once (and way pre-pandemic) and you guys have good restaurant recommendations. My normal pizza is Empire, but I’m guessing that wouldn’t be fancy enough. TIA

84Cat · Post by **84Cat** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:08 am

I love Falora but I haven't been to any of the others on your list

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:30 am

84Cat wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:08 am I love Falora but I haven't been to any of the others on your list

Same. Falora's pizzas are so good, you drink them.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 1:33 pm

Empire's elote pizza is so good!

Newest pizza spot: Zio Peppe https://ziopeppeaz.com/

Serial Grillers newest concept will be open in 3 weeks at Speedway/Swan . Detroit style pizza

https://tucsonfoodie.com/2021/04/06/tra ... yle-pizza/

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:35 pm

I've had that Detroit-style pizza on my calendar. Can't wait.

Tonight we're trying Janet and Ray's, which is in its soft opening phase. The menu is on a black board, so I can't see it until I place my order in-house. It's the brand new Caribbean place.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:10 pm

Okay. Highest recommendation for Janet and Ray's. Amazing food. And the nicest people you'll ever meet.

The offerings are on the board. If you're doing take out, tell them and have a seat. They'll come over. If you don't see something you want on the board, tell them. There's more than they've written down, like fried plantains and stuff like that.

Wednesdays and Thursdays are generally what mom's cooking. Just incredible African diaspora food: jerk chicken, fried chicken, chicken and waffles, mac & cheese (best I've ever had), and all the sides you can imagine.

Fridays is fish night. Janet says they make a mean lobster mac and cheese, with an entire lobster tail laid over the top of it.

Saturdays are Caribbean: oxtails, various chicken dishes, peas and rice, and all the stuff.

Sundays are soul food.

22nd St. and Craycroft

Tell them Longhorned sent you, throw them a wink, and wiggle your bum around.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:34 pm

Oo sounds good. I live in Old Fort Lowell so not too far away and I definitely want to try the new Detroit Pizza place when it opens.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:40 pm

Sounds great. Only bad thing about living where I do on the NW side, much more limited selection of unique restaurants. With a pregnant wife and working from home for so long I've literally ventured east of Oracle only about 5 times in the last 8-9 months.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:57 pm

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Jun 29, 2021 7:12 pm

Am I the only one here who's ever noticed that the Eegee's on Speedway and Craycroft is the worst Eegee's in Eegee Town? I go out of my way to more distant Eegee'ses every time.

"We don't have any lettuce!"

"We don't have any medium sized!"

"We don't have any drink trays!"

"Here's your order thrown together haphazardly and now go die in a fire!"

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:49 pm

Nope you're not alone. I swore that one off after my last to-go order. How do you forget bacon bits on ranch fries?! They offered to toast the bread, wrapped it up and bagged it. Got home and it was burned.

Brothers Noodles next door is great though!

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:14 pm

Jefe wrote: ↑Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:49 pm Nope you're not alone. I swore that one off after my last to-go order. How do you forget bacon bits on ranch fries?! They offered to toast the bread, wrapped it up and bagged it. Got home and it was burned.

Brothers Noodles next door is great though!

I'm relieved it isn't just me.

But how can Brothers Noodles survive when it's next door to Jewel's Noodle Kitchen? Maybe I'd eat at Brothers Noodles if it were somewhere across town instead of being so eclipsed by Jewel's.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:25 pm

Haven't made it to Jewel's yet, but it sounds like I should.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:14 pm

scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:25 pm Haven't made it to Jewel's yet, but it sounds like I should.

Just be sure to place the order online, unless you speak Mandarin.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 7:49 pm

Longhorned wrote: ↑Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:14 pm
scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:25 pm Haven't made it to Jewel's yet, but it sounds like I should.
Just be sure to place the order online, unless you speak Mandarin.

Hmmm I was thinking of going on Saturday for lunch in person. I most assuredly don't speak Mandarin though. What would you recommend? I personally want to just order everything on the menu.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:45 pm

It's so cheap you might as well order everything. I wouldn't waste time with their noodles. It's all about the dumplings and buns and pies.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Fri Jul 02, 2021 4:53 pm

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:01 am

Anyone been to Toast 101?

It kind of looks shitty from the outside but I heard good things.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:16 am

I haven't been yet but I've also heard nothing but good things. I also like how it looks shitty from the outside. My kind of place.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:17 am

Longhorned wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:16 am I haven't been yet but I've also heard nothing but good things. I also like how it looks shitty from the outside. My kind of place.

But by shitty.. it just kind of looks like a Denny's.

We are going this morning. I'll report back if they offer a "Moons over My Hammy"

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:39 am

Alieberman wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:01 am Anyone been to Toast 101?

It kind of looks shitty from the outside but I heard good things.

I have always thought that if a place looks shitty from the outside but the parking lot is full it must be really good food.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Mon Jul 05, 2021 9:08 am

The machaca and egg burrito at the Nico's on Broadway east of Craycroft is truly great and memorable.

Basically, you want to hit their breakfast burrito menu. But if you want something like a carne asada burrito, go across the street to Calle Tepa, which is owned by the original Guadalajara Grill people.

I've never had anything but burritos there. I hear that not all Nico'ses are the same.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Mon Jul 05, 2021 9:11 am

Longhorned wrote: ↑Mon Jul 05, 2021 9:08 am The machaca and egg burrito at the Nico's on Broadway east of Craycroft is truly great and memorable.

Basically, you want to hit their breakfast burrito menu. But if you want something like a carne asada burrito, go across the street to Calle Tepa, which is owned by the original Guadalajara Grill people.

I've never had anything but burritos there. I hear that not all Nico'ses are the same.

The Nico's that is walking distance from my house off Cortaro SUCKS. The one in Vail was great (it's now a Fito's).

Login • Register