[meteorite-list] Eating your way around Tucson!

From: John Teague <volgems_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:33:57 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
Message-ID: <21470792.1294691638260.JavaMail.root_at_elwamui-polski.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Fellow list members!

With Tucson fast approaching, I am already looking forward to the great food available there! Below are some suggestions that you might try if you're a first (or near first!) time visitor. This list has been put together with over twenty years of attending the shows. These are my opinions (well, my wife, Cookie, too!) only. I have no vested interest in any of these establishments, no free food, etc! I just like good food! Maybe you will find my/our tastes different from yours but all of these are worth a try!

One list member ask me for my favorites. I lost the e-mail. And I don't know which list it was either. Thus, everyone must endure this!

* Pat's Drive In, 1202 West Niagara Street, 520-624-0891
I should not list this first, but I AM! I first read about Pat's in Arizona Highways magazine. It is a tradition in Arizona! It is on a side street off N. Grande Ave, between Speedway and St. Marys. It is near the condo that we rent each year. I had driven within half a block of it for years and did not know it existed! If you like the old drive in restaurants, this IS the place for you! If you like greasy fries by the pound, this is for you! If you like GREAT chili hotdogs, this IS the place for you, please note that they have three degrees of heat for their chili!


We have three "favorites" that we think everyone should try at least once. In no particular order:

* La Fuente Restaurant, 1749 N. Oracle Rd., 520-623-8659
REALLY good Mexican/Tex-Mex food. The lunch buffet is very good and very reasonable. If you're there for dinner, be sure to order the Guacamole made table-side. It is VERY GOOD!

* Silver Saddle Steak House, 6th Ave. & I-10 (310 E. Benson Highway), 520-622-6253
This place is near downtown and has some of the best steak that I've had in Tucson. If you're going for dinner, it is best to get there early or be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour. It IS worth the wait! I do not think that they take reservations.

* Lil Abner's Steakhouse, 8501 N Silverbell Rd., 520-744-2800
This is a MUST for Tucson show visitors. I remember going there a lot of years ago when this place was truly "in the middle of nowhere"! If you go this year, you'll she how that has changed. It use to be a drive out into the desert! Any of the show weekends will have tons of show folks there! The steaks rival Silver Saddle but everything is served with a salad, beans, and bread! LOVE the atmosphere there!

Other recommendations:

Breakfast recommendations:
* Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 520-327-7577
If you want to take time for a nice, leisurely breakfast, this is THE place! Food is great, prices are reasonable. It is in a house converted to a restaurant.

* Los Betos Mexican Food, 914 E Speedway Blvd, 520-884-5291 and 32 N Campbell Ave 520-628-7462 plus several other around town.
If you're looking for something that will keep you going through MOST of a day visiting shows without having to stop to eat lunch, try the burritos at any Los Betos! There are many breakfast burritos available and VERY reasonably priced. Last year the one on Speedway was closed for remodeling. I hope it has reopened as it is so convenient to several of the shows. Look for a Los Betos!

Fun evening choice:
* Chuy's Baja Broiler, 3100 E Speedway Blvd, 520-326-4969 plus several other around town!
Good food, GREAT chip and salsa bar, but if you go, you MUST the pitcher of Margaritas! Don't order a pitcher just for yourself IF you are driving! 'Nuff said!

Tradition choices:
El Charro Cafe, Bar Toma! & Gift Shop, 311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922
This place has been in business since 1922 in Tucson! That says it all! The restaurant is located in the original family home in the El Presidio
Historic District.

El Minuto Cafe, 354 S. Main Ave., 882-4145
This is my wife's favorite for Mexican food!

Mi Nidito Cafe, 1813 S. 4th Ave.; 622-5081
I have not visited this one but it comes HIGHLY recommended by locals. We tired to get in a couple of times and the wait was between 1 and 2 hours!

I'm sure there are other great places to eat. We are open for suggestions! I hope others will offer their suggestions!

Bon appetit! (Being from Tennessee, I'm not quite sure what that means ... but it sounds good!)

Hope to see you in Tucson!

John Teague
Volunteer Gems
Knoxville, Tennessee
Received on Mon 10 Jan 2011 03:33:57 PM PST