Wondering where to eat while visiting Tucson? Want to find local favorite spots? List of some of the best eateries in Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson's sunny climate, college campus, and proximity to Davis Monthan Air Force Base draw people from myriad cultures to the area. To accommodate the grumbling tummies of its visitors and residents, the community offers innumerable eateries. Following is a list of some of the best the locale has to offer.
Where better to begin than with breakfast? At any of The Good Egg's three locations there may be a short wait for a table, but the fare is well worth it. The juice is always fresh squeezed and the rich coffee is supplied in carafes. A quandary lies in choosing between their wide varieties of fluffy omelets or substantial pancakes. A stack of these scrumptious flapjacks may prove to be to much, as each cake is plate-sized. No matter which option is chosen the diner will not be disappointed.
Those desiring a muy caliente morning meal should head to one of several Viva Burrito Company locations. Toasty tortillas are stuffed with the diner's desire of fillings. Choices include peppery fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese, pinto beans, savory chorizo, and more. A cup of horchata, a nutmeg-spiced rice drink, will nicely cool the pleasantly tingling palate.
For a lusciously carb-loaded breakfast, Beyond Bread puts forth a decadent array of scones, quiches, and cream-filled pastries. Their hand crafted bread selection is not to be missed, ranging from challah to ciabatta to chipotle. Lunch is equally scrumptious, featuring sandwiches laden with delectable meats, cheeses and veggies. For instance, the aptly named Holly's Heaven consists of zesty chipotle cream cheese spread on a torpedo roll and loaded with havarti, salsa fresca, roasted red pepper, cucumber and mixed greens.
For a fun, flashback lunch, one needs look no further than Little Anthony's Diner. Patrons of this 1950's style eatery will have a blast perusing the menu (which lists salads under "Things Elvis Wouldn't Eat"), doodling on the paper tablecloths, popping quarters into the jukebox, and sipping down thick ice cream shakes. The burgers, dogs, and sandwiches live up to the "good old days" concept as well.
Another blast from the past is Pat's Drive-In. Nestled near "A" Mountain on the city's west side, Pat's has been serving up Tucson's favorite chili dogs for nearly half a century. The mouth-watering dogs are loaded with chili, onions and cheese. And the fries are delightfully greasy, slightly salty, and fresh cut.
Warm afternoons call for a frosty raspado at Oasis Fruit Cones. A raspado is a tasty Mexican treat comprised of shaved ice, one's choice of succulent fruit, and syrupy juice. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is extra, but highly recommended. The fruit options run the gamut from sweet strawberries and fresh sliced bananas to more exotic picks such as sugary coconut and juicy mango.
When evening falls on the Old Pueblo, sometimes nothing but pizza will do. Picurro's Pizzeria slices up refreshingly different pies, as well as good old family favorites. Their gourmet toppings include meats such as spicy Jamaican chicken or andouille sausage; veggies like pinon nuts or fresh roasted green chili; and soy, bleu and feta cheeses. The White Wonder, crowned with a quietly seasoned combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, Swiss, and Romano is a must-try, as is the Bodacious BBQ: covered with mozzarella, red onion, fresh roasted bell pepper, roast chicken and sharp cheddar atop zippy barbeque sauce.
Other times, something more substantial is preferred. Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, in the charming Old West surroundings of Trail Dust Town, reigns when it comes to mesquite broiled steaks. No ties are allowed here, but a person with a good sense of humor may want to wear one anyway! Tender, charred beef (or chicken or fish) is complemented by standard cowboy fare such as a fluffy baked potato or hearty baked beans, and a basket of bread and butter is delivered to each table. Guests will enjoy a stroll through the streets of "town" after dinner to browse the shops or take a train ride.
Another distinctively Western restaurant is Hidden Valley Inn. Famous for their barbeque ribs, Hidden Valley also serves up lip-smacking steaks, seafood and prime rib as well as salads and sandwiches for the lighter appetite. Entertainment is included as well, with performers such as the world-renowned Sons of the Pioneers playing in the Crystal Palace dining room. And children of all ages will revel in the many animated woodcarvings on display.
Of course, a listing of delicious Tucson dinner restaurants would not be complete without mention of Mexican food. Sanchez Burrito Company is celebrated for their Giant Burritos. The Chile Colorado burrito features cubes of sirloin steeped in flavorful red enchilada sauce, and the "El Humungous" burrito packs a whopping three pounds of any burrito filling with all the toppings. Other traditional dishes, including fajitas, taquitos, and enchiladas are available as well, and of course beans and rice embellish each dish.
Alternately, La Parilla Suiza dishes up Mexico City cuisine. Patrons should arrive with empty stomachs, as appetizers are compulsory. One such starter is the Queso Suizo, gooey, melted white cheese served on a table grill with handmade flour tortillas. Even the family size will be devoured! The Bistek Suizo, a tender fillet of beef topped with white cheese between two tortillas, and the Alambre Tacos, cubed chicken or beef sautéed with chopped bell pepper and onions and smoky bacon served on corn tortillas, are exceptional.
Since there is no more fitting way to end than with dessert, Something Sweet must be mentioned. Doling out nothing but desserts and beverages, this confectionery cyber café is open until midnight or later every night. Offerings include Choc'late Loving Spoon Cake - an indulgent cake and pudding concoction; tangy Raspberry Mango Cheesecake; and intoxicating Pecan Bourbon Pie. Coffee drinks, cocoas, and sodas are abundant as well, but it may be wiser to call for a spot of chamomile mint tea. After all, it's getting late. Wouldn't want to miss breakfast!
