Frank’s/Francisco’s

Frank’s/Francisco’s
Address: 3843 East Pima Street Map
Telephone: (520) 881-2710
Hours of Operation: Frank’s – 6am-2pm Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm Saturday, 8am-2pm Sunday Francisco’s – 5pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday, 5pm-12am Friday-Saturday
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: FranksRestaurant.com/FranciscosInTucson.com

Lindy’s on 4th

Lindy’s on 4th
Address: 431 North 4th Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 207-6970
Hours of Operation:
Payment: Cash, Card

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks

Despite only having opened a few short years ago, Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks is well on its way to cementing itself as a permanent fixture on the Tucson food scene. Owner Frankie Santos was raised in Philadelphia, and when he moved to Tucson in 2003, he decided to bring the tastes of the city with him, creating somewhat of a phenomenon. Hell, NBA basketball player Shaquille O’Neal has eaten there on multiple occasions, even posing for a picture with Frankie which is now proudly displayed near the front counter. The food can be a bit expensive, but the fresh ingredients and wonderful atmosphere make it worth every penny.

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks
Address: 2574 North Campbell Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 795-2665
Hours of Operation: 11am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: FrankiesCheesesteaks.com

Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant

Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant opened their doors in 1956, and has been serving some of Tucson’s finest home-style Italian cooking ever since. A favorite among locals, Mama Louisa’s stands out for its friendly service, unpretentious food, welcoming atmosphere, and modest prices.

Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant
Address: 2041 South Craycroft Road Map
Telephone: (520) 790-4702
Hours of Operation: 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday, 12pm-9pm Sunday
Payment: Cash, Card (no checks)
Website: emol.org/MamaLouisas

El Guero Canelo

In 1993 El Guero Canelo began serving Mexican style hot dogs and carne asada from a small roadside cart on Tucson’s south side. Almost two decades later and El Guero Canelo has become a local legend, now boasting two locations and a flourishing catering operation. The food and concept, however, have remained largely the same – fresh, authentic, Sonoran street food, and friendly service.

El Guero Canelo
Central – Address: 2480 North Oracle Road Map
Telephone: (520) 882-8977
South – Address: 5201 South 12th Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 295-9005
Hours of Operation: 7am-12am Monday-Saturday, 7:30am-12am Sunday
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: ElGueroCanelo.com

China Phoenix

Dim sum, a Chinese tradition made popular in Hong Kong tea houses, consists of a variety of small steamed or fried dishes similar to hors d’oeuvres served alongside tea, usually in the morning and early afternoon. There is only one place in Tucson to experience this tradition first hand, and that is China Phoenix, arguably one of Tucson’s best kept secrets. If you’re in the mood for something different, dim sum is served 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, and a variety of authentic Chinese dishes are available all week long.

China Phoenix
Address: 7090 North Oracle Road, # 172 Map
Telephone: (520) 531-0658
Hours of Operation: 11am-9:30pm Monday-Friday, 10am-9:30pm Saturday-Sunday
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: ChinaPhoenixRestaurant.com

BrushFire BBQ Co.

Barbeque in Tucson is never a sure thing. With only a handful of independently owned restaurants and no real barbeque tradition to speak of, you never quite know what you are going to get. BrushFire BBQ Co. has raised the bar with a variety of excellent slow cooked meats and homemade sides as well as a rather impressive collection of hot sauces. While the food at BrushFire is by no means perfect, it definitely stands out in a town where bbq usually falls flat.

BrushFire BBQ Co.
Address: 2745 North Campbell Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 624-3223
Hours of Operation: 10am-8:30pm Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-6pm Sunday
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: BrushFireBBQ.com

Dizzy G’s Restaurant

Dizzy G’s is nothing extraordinary, what it is, is a true taste of Americana in downtown Tucson. Modest food, friendly service, and decor that hasn’t been updated in decades are all part of what makes Dizzy G’s feel exactly like a diner should.

Dizzy G’s Restaurant
Address: 75 East Pennington Street Map
Telephone: (520) 622-1000
Hours of Operation: 7am-3pm Monday-Friday (Closed Weekends)
Payment: Cash, Card

Brundog’s Zy-De-Que

Cajun food in Tucson can be quite elusive, with restaurants like the French Quarter and Bayou Cafe having come and gone, Brundog’s is now a last bastion of NOLA cuisine in a city that sometimes feels like it is full of the same old thing. Serving barbeque and cajun favorites such as jambalaya, gumbo, and muffeletta, Brundog’s Zy-De-Que is an absolute must for Tucsonans looking for a taste of the bayou.

Brundog’s Zy-De-Que
Address: 4825 North 1st Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 887-2333
Hours of Operation: 11:30am-8:30pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: BrundogsZyDeQue.com

Sausage Deli

The Sausage Deli has been providing locals and college students with fresh sandwiches since 1978, and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. Contrary to what the name may suggest, Sausage Deli doesn’t actually serve much sausage, (with the exception of the Wednesday special) what they do serve are fresh, high quality hot and cold sandwiches, the likes of which are a rare find in Tucson.

Sausage Deli
Address: 2334 North 1st Avenue Map
Telephone: (520) 623-8182
Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)
Payment: Cash, Card
Website: SausageDeli.com