Tucson’s Top 5 Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Review
Okay, so you are heading to Tucson and you want the inside scoop on where to grab a bite and a drink? You are in the right spot! Very unlike some sterile lists you might find online, this is from someone who has lived and eaten in Tucson for years. Think of this as getting advice from a really foodie-obsessed pal. I will share the places that have consistently delivered amazing food and drink experiences. Get ready; hopefully your taste buds are up for a good time!
1. El Charro Café: A Taste of Tucson History
You simply can’t talk Tucson food without kicking things off at El Charro Café. Basically, that makes it the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US, having been around since 1922. I mean, its history is deeply embedded in Tucson culture. Very different from some tourist traps, this place actually lives up to the hype. They lay claim to inventing the chimichanga when a young cook accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer! How about that?!
Their carne seca is made in house, and so you can taste the love that goes into it. So that means it’s sun-dried on the roof – you can even see it happening if you time it right! A bit different from your run-of-the-mill Mexican place. Their red chile is honestly just a magical thing, with that depth of flavor that takes years to figure out. Too it’s almost something you taste, very unlike anything you have eaten before.
As a matter of fact, what I like about El Charro is that, although it’s famous, it does not rest on its laurels. They are actually still putting out top-notch food. Take your appetite; that’s important. Be prepared to maybe wait a bit, especially during peak hours. It is, in short, really worthy!
2. Seis Kitchen: A Modern Mexican Fiesta
Okay, so you have had the old-school experience; maybe you are feeling something modern, yeah? Maybe a touch different and a bit playful? If this is you, make a stop at Seis Kitchen. With a few locations around Tucson, Seis has been just a steady favorite for quite some time. Their concept is bringing flavors from six distinct regions of Mexico together.
For instance, their tacos are crazy good. Especially, the cochinita pibil from the Yucatan. Its flavors, as I was saying, are spot on. Seis doesn’t skimp on ingredients. Too it’s almost the thing that stands out. Anyway, if you feel you cannot decide (because that menu is tempting), get the sampler platter. A bit different? This option allows you to experience a good selection of what they have to offer.
At the end of the day, aside from the food, I enjoy Seis for its cheerful vibe and that lively atmosphere. More or less, it is perfect for a casual lunch with some friends or perhaps just a quick bite when you are on the go. A fun fact, there are usually vegetarian and vegan options, so, similarly to your carnivore pals, no one is left out.
3. Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink: Pizza and Brews Done Right
If you’re looking for something other than Southwestern flavors, a bit of a change of pace if you will, check out Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink. So, its housed in an old undertaking building downtown. A lot of folks really dig their craft pizzas. As a matter of fact, that’s not all that Reilly has, really.
The pizzas come with these cool combinations that I feel really are on point. As a matter of fact, their ingredients are from local sources where possible. In fact, their tap list is awesome, basically. You can find lots of local and regional craft beers. Downstairs, their tough luck club offers handcrafted cocktails that are delicious, clearly.
Honestly, this place is where your dining experience turns from typical to quite special. A bit different? Its outdoor patio is honestly very pet-friendly! Take the dogs. You may enjoy a great pizza and drink. First, consider their happy hour specials for some seriously good deals.
4. Cafe Desta: Ethiopian Flavors in the Desert
Now, if you fancy really bold flavors, maybe that sounds exciting to you, let me turn you to Cafe Desta. So it’s basically an Ethiopian restaurant that has earned, arguably, quite a cult following with us Tucson locals. Ethiopian food typically offers dishes served atop injera. And it’s honestly very spongy flatbread used both as a plate and as your eating utensil.
Desta’s dishes have lots of spices with the fragrant berbere spice blend. Honestly it’s what kind of makes a great punch! If you want options I hear their meat and vegetarian combos can’t be beat. We all can actually relax. Very unlike some of our other places, their atmosphere is rather just cozy and warm, too, arguably.
Desta has a real authentic feel. Their flavor combinations leave you completely very impressed. First thing to know, sharing is so what you should do here. Very different? That allows everyone at your table to try several things. Or, okay, if you are the not sharing kind, that works too. Honestly, what I really would say, do not skip their Ethiopian coffee ceremony for a real experience! Really!
5. Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar: A Relaxed Vibe
Okay, after all that awesome food, what you want might simply be a place to just relax, as a matter of fact, yeah? A laid-back place for some craft beer and perhaps wine? To be honest I understand you! Right, ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar hits the spot perfectly. Housed in a historic building downtown. More or less, its a favorite of ours!
Their selection, frankly, is large. Especially in local and regional beers and select wines. Too it’s almost always something that makes me go. A little different maybe, the place feels warm and the vibe welcoming. Their food menu, admittedly, is no slouch either. Honestly you are fine, what you expect may surprise.
Well you have a cool happy hour. You have knowledgeable staff there. The relaxed vibe has lots of folks loving this spot for that nightcap or perhaps after-work drinks. Alright, if you’re after the loud clubs. Frankly you do not find it. Though maybe thats just it! And so for someone chill, go.
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