If you had to pick ONE restaurant in Tucson

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 4:44 pm

Chicat wrote: ↑Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:50 pm
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:13 am Didn't realize Claim Jumper was being torn down for Portillo's.

Is nothing sacred?

Didn't realize you were such a big Claim Jumper's fan!

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 4:47 pm

I remember taking ol Busty out to a fine dinner at the claim jumper back in about 2007

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 5:14 pm

Who is going to be the guinea pig for this new place?

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:41 pm

Spaghetti is like the easiest thing in the world to make… why would you go to this place?

Sounds awful

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 8:02 pm

I will! Maybe you guys have no idea about the joys of a bucket of spaghetti. It's a serious midwestern thing. Plus, I read an interview with this guy. Nothing casual. He's really been rigorous about the question of sauce.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:08 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 16, 2022 5:14 pmWho is going to be the guinea pig for this new place?

Came from Pinetop and they do pretty well there. Ill definitely be trying it next week

Just had the Tom Yum Koong soup at Bai Thong with fresh spring rolls. Incredible meal

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 4:06 pm

Last weekend we went to Bata. It was one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in the world, period.

Tonight we're trying Cruda Mariscos and Oyster Bar.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Fri Jun 17, 2022 4:22 pm

Ooo I want to try cruda soon

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:07 am

scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 17, 2022 4:22 pm Ooo I want to try cruda soon

Cruda was delicious and fun. It really looks and feels like Mexico in there. And like with La Chingada across the street (I think it's the same operation), it's full of Mexicans and the wait staff are all Mexican. The only American influences in the food are the ones that influenced Mexico 100 years ago.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 4:19 pm

Going to Cruda tonight…

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:41 pm

Alieberman wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 4:19 pm Going to Cruda tonight…

Red snapper- Pargo Zarandeado for the win!!!!

So good

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:46 am

I'd felt like red snapper had almost disappeared from the world. It's all over the menu at Cruda and it's so good. With those dipping sauces. And in the form of those fish tacos. I don't care how soon I go back there.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Sun Jun 19, 2022 10:08 am

I'm probably going to go tomorrow afternoon

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Mon Jun 20, 2022 4:44 pm

My Cruda update...

Food - absolutely incredible. One of the best meals I've ever had in Tucson. The salsas and dips were amazing. Fried shrimp and bacon wrapped shrimp and fried fish... heavenly. Al pastor octopus tacos - best thing I've eaten in months. The raw ceviche type thing with calmari, shrimp, octopus, and scallops was also heavenly. Cool space too. Unfortunately, there was no red snapper on the menu. The prices were all reasonable too.

Service - atrocious. Our server had only 3 small tables and was never there. Never asked if we wanted more drinks. We had to find our own silverware and napkins. Had to ask repeatedly for water. Also, the seafood tower we ordered featured 6 raw and 3 cooked oysters. When it arrived, we wondered where they were. She came back later and said "oh yea we don't actually have oysters today". At the oyster bar. She also had no clue what happy hour was.

Last thing, not sure why but they kept the doors open and had no AC running so it was like 90-95 degrees inside?!

I want to give it a shot again just because of how amazing the food was. But damn that was the worst service I've had in a long time.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 9:53 am

scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 4:44 pm My Cruda update...

Food - absolutely incredible. One of the best meals I've ever had in Tucson. The salsas and dips were amazing. Fried shrimp and bacon wrapped shrimp and fried fish... heavenly. Al pastor octopus tacos - best thing I've eaten in months. The raw ceviche type thing with calmari, shrimp, octopus, and scallops was also heavenly. Cool space too. Unfortunately, there was no red snapper on the menu. The prices were all reasonable too.

Service - atrocious. Our server had only 3 small tables and was never there. Never asked if we wanted more drinks. We had to find our own silverware and napkins. Had to ask repeatedly for water. Also, the seafood tower we ordered featured 6 raw and 3 cooked oysters. When it arrived, we wondered where they were. She came back later and said "oh yea we don't actually have oysters today". At the oyster bar. She also had no clue what happy hour was.

Last thing, not sure why but they kept the doors open and had no AC running so it was like 90-95 degrees inside?!

I want to give it a shot again just because of how amazing the food was. But damn that was the worst service I've had in a long time.

What a different experience! That sucks to hear. It was nothing like that on Friday night. Maybe Monday has issues???

Also, sounds like a different menu. I'd have ordered al pastor octopus tacos if those were on my menu.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 9:58 am

Longhorned wrote: ↑Tue Jun 21, 2022 9:53 am
scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 4:44 pm My Cruda update...

Food - absolutely incredible. One of the best meals I've ever had in Tucson. The salsas and dips were amazing. Fried shrimp and bacon wrapped shrimp and fried fish... heavenly. Al pastor octopus tacos - best thing I've eaten in months. The raw ceviche type thing with calmari, shrimp, octopus, and scallops was also heavenly. Cool space too. Unfortunately, there was no red snapper on the menu. The prices were all reasonable too.

Service - atrocious. Our server had only 3 small tables and was never there. Never asked if we wanted more drinks. We had to find our own silverware and napkins. Had to ask repeatedly for water. Also, the seafood tower we ordered featured 6 raw and 3 cooked oysters. When it arrived, we wondered where they were. She came back later and said "oh yea we don't actually have oysters today". At the oyster bar. She also had no clue what happy hour was.

Last thing, not sure why but they kept the doors open and had no AC running so it was like 90-95 degrees inside?!

I want to give it a shot again just because of how amazing the food was. But damn that was the worst service I've had in a long time.
What a different experience! That sucks to hear. It was nothing like that on Friday night. Maybe Monday has issues???

Also, sounds like a different menu. I'd have ordered al pastor octopus tacos if those were on my menu.

Yeah- we went on a Saturday night and service was fine. (Gave us a personal water bottle to do our own refills- everything was quick) No issues with temp....

But it does sound like a completely different menu.

That sucks that it wasn't as pleasant for you. I can't wait to go back

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:02 am

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 16, 2022 5:14 pm Who is going to be the guinea pig for this new place?

It's a big day. Tonight, I'm going in. This won't be anything like Italy. The spaghetti won't be like the spaghetti I buy at Trader Joe's. It won't be my sauce or meatballs. But I'm hoping for something where everything works on its own terms, like a fast food burger that's perfect for what it is, and pointless to compare with a home made burger or a $16 restaurant burger.

Spaghetti by the bucket FTW!

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:48 am

Chicken N Pickle coming to Glendale.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 1:00 pm

I've been to the one in Chandler. It was OK, not worth standing in line in the heat though.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 4:35 pm

Anyone been to Buendia Breakfast & Lunch on First just north of Grant? (Old drive-in that housed the original Sanchez Burrito Company (my personal fave) & Wild Garlic)

4.7 stars on Google, 5 on Yelp

Pics look amazing, chilaquiles, chile rellenos, huevos rancheros, etc.

Unfortunately I have to wait to try - have a case of gall stones

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:52 pm

I had chilaquiles at Del Cielo Tamal on Sunday. Pretty damn legit.

It’s across from Popeyes on Campbell and Hedrick. Sort of a hidden gem.

Longhorned · Post by **Longhorned** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:24 pm

By the Bucket Spaghetti is insane. No parking left. Can't even pull into the place. Huge line out the door that snakes around inside. I may have to abort.

All of Tucson is here.

People are giving up and leaving.

UPDATE: Now that I can see the kitchen, I'm realizing that the entire operation is just stupid. It's like Alieberman standing at his stovetop, boiling water and making spaghetti for one order at a time. Of course there's a long line. One person gets served about every 15 minutes.

I left and went to place an order at Calle Tepa.

My review: Don't ever go to By the Bucket. Don't even think about it. They don't have any idea what they're doing. They're floundering and sweating. It's unappetizing. People who ordered an hour ago are still waiting, packed into an ever-more crowded wait room. So gross. Such incompetence. What a waste of everyone's time.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:44 pm

Longhorned wrote: ↑Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:24 pm By the Bucket Spaghetti is insane. No parking left. Can't even pull into the place. Huge line out the door that snakes around inside. I may have to abort.

All of Tucson is here.

People are giving up and leaving.

UPDATE: Now that I can see the kitchen, I'm realizing that the entire operation is just stupid. It's like Alieberman standing at his stovetop, boiling water and making spaghetti for one order at a time. Of course there's a long line. One person gets served about every 15 minutes.

I left and went to place an order at Calle Tepa.

My review: Don't ever go to By the Bucket. Don't even think about it. They don't have any idea what they're doing. They're floundering and sweating. It's unappetizing. People who ordered an hour ago are still waiting, packed into an ever-more crowded wait room. So gross. Such incompetence. What a waste of everyone's time.

I actually just made a very tasty chicken parmesan.

What you describe is my worst dining nightmare.

Oh and there is this:

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Mon Jun 27, 2022 3:56 pm

wyo-cat wrote: ↑Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:52 pm I had chilaquiles at Del Cielo Tamal on Sunday. Pretty damn legit.
It’s across from Popeyes on Campbell and Hedrick. Sort of a hidden gem.

Did August Rhodes go somewhere else? Says closed to the public or are they sharing the spot with Del Cielo? Prep N Pastry's old spot

Longhorned wrote: ↑Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:24 pmMy review: Don't ever go to By the Bucket. Don't even think about it. They don't have any idea what they're doing. They're floundering and sweating. It's unappetizing. People who ordered an hour ago are still waiting, packed into an ever-more crowded wait room. So gross. Such incompetence. What a waste of everyone's time.

Yeah every news channel was all over their grand opening. But you never ate? Should have gone to Amelia's just down Grant

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Mon Jun 27, 2022 5:34 pm

August Rhodes is down by Bob Dobb’s.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:31 pm

In Flora's Market? According to the internets, August Rhodes doesn't have a retail location anymore

wyo-cat · Post by **wyo-cat** » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:48 pm

I went to Bob Dobb’s a while back with my kid and saw it north on Bob’s on Tucson. Maybe it’s part of Flora’s, not sure.

SabinoDrifter · Post by **SabinoDrifter** » Tue Jun 28, 2022 5:17 pm

It's all the same restaurant company (Flora's, Prep and Pastry, Commoner and Company) and they're not affiliated with Bob Dobbs.

Flora's is awesome, great pizza.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:35 pm

Might try happy hour at the Delta tomorrow

CatsbyAZ · Post by **CatsbyAZ** » Wed Jun 29, 2022 7:18 am

My Dad took me to happy hour/dinner at Bottega Michelangelo's at Oracle/Magee last night. Great selection of Wine and Pasta dishes. Very friendly and responsive staff. Highly styled interior with a separate bar area. Pretty busy for a Tuesday evening. Would gladly go again.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Wed Jun 29, 2022 8:35 am

Bottega is our backup tonight

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Wed Jun 29, 2022 8:53 am

I went to Bottega last fall with my fiance and I thought it was good.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Wed Jun 29, 2022 11:17 pm

Damn! Bottega Michaelangelo was amazing. 4-7 PM happy hour 6 days a week. The food was a solid B+/A-. Much nicer inside than I imagined and great service (though going at 4pm surely helps). We ordered 5 appetizers (more like a tapas thing) and 2 drinks each with tax and generous tip for $75 total. $4 six ounce glasses of wine and beers is a steal these days. We paid extra for some cake to take home as dessert (really good too). Absolutely my new go to place when I'm not craving Asian or Mexican food going forward.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Fri Jul 15, 2022 11:03 am

Christmas in July, 1 week left: https://www.elcharrocafe.com/vtgiftcard ... ards-2022/

Buy $100 Get $100

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sat Jul 30, 2022 6:16 am

Longhorned wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:37 pm
Longhorned wrote: ↑Wed Mar 30, 2022 8:28 pm Trying the Monica tomorrow
The corner market cheeseburger there is the best cheeseburger I've ever had in Tucson. Nice beer list.

We’re going tonight with some friends. It’s good?

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:20 pm

What Corner Market?

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:22 pm

Jefe wrote: ↑Wed Aug 03, 2022 4:20 pm What Corner Market?

It's the name of the burger at The Monica. Confused me too.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:21 pm

OK.... I've given them more than enough chances.. at more that 1 location... but it is official.....

Guadalajara Grill is no more than mediocre

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:14 am

So recommendations for a birthday dinner for my fiance? She is unfortunately a little picky and is allergic to shellfish so nothing too experimental or out there food wise, but where does everyone like to go for a nice fancy birthday dinner in Tucson these days?

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:18 am

I took my wife to Vivace for our 25th anniversary. That's probably the only fancy dinner I have had in Tucson in ages.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:48 am

ASUHATER! wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:14 am So recommendations for a birthday dinner for my fiance? She is unfortunately a little picky and is allergic to shellfish so nothing too experimental or out there food wise, but where does everyone like to go for a nice fancy birthday dinner in Tucson these days?

Sizzler.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:02 am

azgreg wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:48 am
ASUHATER! wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:14 am So recommendations for a birthday dinner for my fiance? She is unfortunately a little picky and is allergic to shellfish so nothing too experimental or out there food wise, but where does everyone like to go for a nice fancy birthday dinner in Tucson these days?
Sizzler.

No Sizzlers in Tucson. Golden Corral

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:07 am

If it's a nice night, I really like the outside patio of Locale. Food and ambience top notch.

Also... you can't go wrong with Charro Steak and Del Rey

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:21 am

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:18 am I took my wife to Vivace for our 25th anniversary. That's probably the only fancy dinner I have had in Tucson in ages.

People say Vivace is OK I guess, but it could be way better. I mean, it sure ain't no Olive Garden.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:20 am

Alieberman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:07 am If it's a nice night, I really like the outside patio of Locale. Food and ambience top notch.

Also... you can't go wrong with Charro Steak and Del Rey

Went there for a nice dinner first time she was here June of last year, was great though.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:07 pm

I still stand by Tito and Pep.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:56 pm

dovecanyoncat wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:21 am
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:18 am I took my wife to Vivace for our 25th anniversary. That's probably the only fancy dinner I have had in Tucson in ages.
People say Vivace is OK I guess, but it could be way better. I mean, it sure ain't no Olive Garden.

Well, you do the math, I'm doing the alfredo.

Alieberman · Post by **Alieberman** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 2:15 pm

scumdevils86 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:07 pm I still stand by Tito and Pep.

I always seem to forgot about Tito and Prep… love it

dovecanyoncat · Post by **dovecanyoncat** » Sun Aug 21, 2022 4:34 pm

UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:56 pm
dovecanyoncat wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 9:21 am
UAEebs86 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:18 am I took my wife to Vivace for our 25th anniversary. That's probably the only fancy dinner I have had in Tucson in ages.
People say Vivace is OK I guess, but it could be way better. I mean, it sure ain't no Olive Garden.

Well, you do the math, I'm doing the alfredo.

Laugh all you want. Olive Garden is absolute chick nirvana. Nothing says This guy's a helluva catch like endless breadsticks. We owe it to Hater to teach the age-old ways of woo.

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