NOVEMBER 2003
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Eating DowntownTacos, Tacos, TacosVariety abounds between the University and Downtownby Emily Ratley
My advice: Eat more tacos at the following fine Downtown, 4th Ave, and University establishments. Prices refer to taco items only (hours and locations follow in the Eating Downtown restaurant listings). Alejandro’s—2 tacos with rice & beans from $4.25-$4.75
Barrio Food & Drink—2 tacos for $12.00 (lunch) 3 tacos for $15.00 (dinner)
Café Poca Cosa (Little)
Chipotle Mexican Grill—three tacos from $4.85-$5.50
Cushing Street Café & Bar—3 tacos with rice & beans for $9.95
El Minuto—2 tacos with beans & rice from $6.50-$7.50
El Charro Café—3 tacos served with beans & rice for $9.9
Garcia’s—2 tacos served with rice and beans from $8.99-$9.99
La Cocina—2 tacos for $7.99
La Indita—2 tacos (except for Indian taco) with rice & beans from $5.95-$7.25
Martín’s—served a la carte $1.50/taco
Pancho Villa—2 tacos with rice & beans for $4.95
Tooley’s Café—all tacos are $2.00
A complete listing of Downtown, 4th Avenue, and University area restaurants and cafés. Downtown
Arizona Bagel and Deli 177 N. Church Ave., 623-3300. 7:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday. Soups, wraps, bagels, muffins, scones, coffee. Baggins SW Corner of Church/Pennington, 792-1344. 10:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday. Gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts. Barrio Food and Drink 135 S. 6th Ave., 629-0191. 11:00am–10:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00am –12:00am Friday, 5:00pm–12:00am Saturday, 5:00pm–9:00pm Sunday, closed Monday. Upscale American Cuisine: beef, fish and soup specials nightly. Boardwalk 47 N. 6th Ave., across from Ronstadt Transit Center. 624-8200. 7:00am-9:00pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays. Breakfast. lunch, dinner. Serving burgers, sandwiches and more! Bruegger’s Bagels 1 W. Congress St., 206-0002. 5:30am–3:00pm Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:00pm Saturday, 7:00am –3:00pm Sunday. Bagels, bagel sandwiches, juices, sodas, coffee, soups, cookies, Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Café a la C’Art at Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Ave., 628-8533. 11:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday. A variety of sandwiches & salads, beverages, house-made pastries, burgers. Caffé Milano 47 W. Congress St., 628-1601. 8:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday. Hot Italian sandwiches, Panini, home made desserts & soups, salads, daily specials, coffee specialties. Café Poca Cosa 88 E. Broadway Blvd. at the Clarion Inn, 622-6400. 11:00am-9:00pm, 11:00am-10:00pm Saturday and Sunday. Out of the ordinary cuisine of Mexico. Patio & full bar. Menu changes twice daily, reservations suggested.
Café Q 121 E. Broadway Blvd., 622-4210. 8:00am–10:00pm Sunday–Thursday, 8:00am–12:00am Friday & Saturday. Soups, salads, sandwiches. Breakfast served all day! Coffee and house made pastries. Chris’ Café at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave., 882-9050. 7:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday. Pizza, pasta, salads, subs, homemade desserts and candies. Coffee X-Change 407 W. Congress St., 320-0302. 6:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends. Specialty coffees, iced drinks, all-natural smoothies and a small lunch menu that includes bagel sandwiches, lasagna, quiche and more. Cup Café at Hotel Congress 311 E. Congress St., 798-1618. 7:00am—10:00pm Sunday—Thursday, 7:00am—11:00pm Friday—Saturday, Happy Hour 5:00pm—7:00pm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eclectic menu featuring free-range chicken and certified Angus beef, vegetarian and vegan options, appetizers and homemade desserts. Espresso and full bar. Cushing Street Cafe & Bar 198 W. Cushing St. directly South of the TCC, 622-7984. 11:00am–11:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00am–midnight Friday, 5:00pm–midnight Saturday, closed Sunday & Monday. Historic landmark, full bar, upscale southwestern. Deb’s Coney Café at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave., 624-5027. 7:30am–2:00pm Monday–Friday. Gourmet hot dogs, chicken, salads, sandwiches. Dizzy G’s 75 E. Pennington St., 622-1000. 7:00am–4:00pm Monday–Friday. American Diner: burgers, sandwiches, fries, shakes, malts. Di Maggio’s Subterranean Café at Bank One Plaza 2 E. Congress St./ Plaza, 670-1909. 6:00am–2:00pm, Monday–Friday. American. El Charro Downtown 311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday– Thursday, 11:00am–10:00pm Friday, 10:00am–9:00pm Saturday & Sunday. Traditional Mexican: carne seca, full-service bar, coffee shop, desserts. El Minuto Café 345 S. Main Ave., 882-4145. 11:00am–10:00pm Sunday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Mexican, desserts, drinks. Garcia’s 419 W. Congress St., 628-1956. 11:00am–9:00pm Sunday–Thursday, 11:00am–10:00pm Friday—Saturday. Sonoran Mexican food, full bar.
Himalayas 17 N. Stone Ave., 623-7866. 10:30am–5:00pm Monday–Friday. Chinese: rice and noodle combinations, egg rolls, crab puffs, drinks. Iguana Café 210 E. Congress St., 882-5140. 10:00am–8:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Sandwiches, subs, coffee, chili, soups & bar. Ike’s Coffee and Tea 100 N. Stone Ave. #111, 792-1800. 7:00am–6:00pm Monday–Friday. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, desserts, pastries. Irene’s Peruvian Cuisine 254 E. Congress St., 206-9385. 12:00pm–2:00pm Friday, 6:00pm–1:00am Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Peruvian food, ceviche, full bar. Italian Kitchen 27 W. Congress St., 623-0744. 9:00am–7:00pm Monday–Friday. Pizza, sandwiches, pastas, salads, desserts, juices, beer & wine. La Cocina Restaurant at Old Town Artisans, 201 N. Court Ave., 622-0351. 11:00am–3:00pm 7 days. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and Sonoran fare. Coffees, full bar. Friday Happy Hour 4:00pm—close with drink specials and all-u-can eat buffet. Mongelli’s 47 N. Scott Ave., 798-3663. 7:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday. Sandwiches, veggie burgers, soups, fries, salads, desserts, sodas. Mykonos Restaurant 151 N. Stone Ave., 624-8188. 7:00am—2:00pm Monday—Friday. Greek, Italian, American breakfast and lunch. Not Just Java 33 N. Stone Ave. @ Pennington St., 624-8852. 7:00am–4:30pm Monday–Friday. Coffee drinks, muffins, pastries, chips, peanuts, shakes, fruit drinks. Oasis Vegetarian Eatery 375 S. Stone Ave., 884-1616. 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:00pm–9:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Vegetarian: home made veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, coffee/juice bar. Rachel’s Downtown Market 100 N. Stone, 882-0808. 9:00am—5:00pm Monday—Friday. Fresh produce, sandwiches, snacks, flowers, gift baskets, catering, wine. Radisson Rosewood Room 181 W. Broadway Blvd., 624-8711. 6:00am–2:00pm, 5:00pm–10:00pm 7 days. Pastas, steaks, salads, sandwiches, full bar. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Scooters Express-O at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave., 620-1116. 7:00am–2:30pm Monday–Friday. Specialty beverages, gourmet coffee, sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and desserts. Tamalez at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave., 798-3697. 8:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday. Mexican. Toma 311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922, 3:00pm—10:00pm Monday—Thursday, 3:00pm—1:00am Friday—Saturday. Fourth AvenueAthens on 4th Ave. 500 N. 4th Ave., 624-6886. 5:00pm–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Greek: lamb, fish, salads, spinach dishes, pork chicken, calamari, soups, desserts, full bar. B Line 621 N. 4th Ave., 882-7575. 7:30am–10:00pm Tuesday–Saturday, 7:30am– 8:00pm Sunday, closed Monday. Burritos, soup, salad, pasta, beer and wine. Bison Witches Bar and Deli, 326 N. 4th Ave., 740-1541. 11:00am–1:00am 7 days. Sandwiches, soups, full bar. Brooklyn Pizza Co. 534 N. 4th Ave., 622-6868. 11:00am–11:00pm Monday–Saturday, 12:00pm–10:00pm Sunday. Pizza, Italian ice, Gelato, sodas, beer. Cafe Jinx 344 N. 4th Ave. 10:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday, 11:00am-3:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday. Breakfast, smoothies, gourmet sandwiches and salads. Caruso’s Restaurant 434 N. 4th Ave., 624-5765. 4:30pm–10:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 4:30pm–11:00pm Friday, 4:00pm–11:00pm Saturday, 3:00pm–10:00pm Sunday. Italian. Casbah Tea House 628 N. 4th Ave., 740-0393. 9:00am–2:00pm, 6:00pm–11:00pm Sunday & Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00am–2:00pm, 6:00pm–1:00am Friday & Saturday, closed Monday. Vegetarian and vegan salads, soups, sandwiches, stews, baked goods. Chocolate Iguana 500 N. 4th Ave., 798-1211. 7:00am–8:00pm Monday–Thursday, 7:00am–10:00pm Friday, 8:00am–10:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–6:00pm Sunday. Sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks, deserts. Common Grounds Espresso 327 E. 7th St., 770-9270. Delectables Restaurant & Catering 533 N. 4th Ave., 884-9289. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Quiche, sandwiches, salads, pastas, chicken, beef, desserts, full bar. Epic Café 745 N. 4th Ave., 624-6844. 6:00am–12:00am 7 days. Sandwiches, pasta/chicken salad, soups, omelets, bagels, scones, pies, pastries. Firefly 509 N. 4th Ave., 623-4484. 11:00am–1:00am 7 days. Pasta, grilled meats, deserts, full bar. ITL Coffee Shop 415 N. 4th Ave., 624-4411. 9:00am–7:30pm Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–9:30pm Friday & Saturday, 10:00am–6:00pm Sunday. Coffee drinks, espresso, bagels, pastries. La Indita 622 N. 4th Ave., 792-0523. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Friday, 6:00pm– 9:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–9:00pm Sunday. Mexican: enchiladas, carne asada, steak ranchero, chicken mole, tacos, desserts, beer and wine.
Magpie’s Gourmet Pizza 605 N. 4th Ave., 624-8775. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday, 11:00am–10:00pm Sunday. Specialty pizzas, salads, calzones, pasta, breadsticks, desserts, beverages. Martin’s 557 N. 4th Ave., 884-7909. 11:00am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-10:30pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday. Home style and healthy Mexican food. Voted “Best Untraditional Mexican Food” in the Tucson Weekly. Maloney’s 213 N. 4th Ave., 388-9355. 10:00am–1:00am 7 days. Burgers, chicken filets, pizza, wings, cheese steaks, salads, full bar. Maya Quetzal 429 N. 4th Ave., 622-8207. 11:30am–2:00 pm, 5:00pm–9:00pm Monday–Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11:30am–9:00pm Guatemalan. O’Malley’s 247 N. 4th Ave., 623-8600. 11:00am–1:00am 7 days. Sandwiches, burgers, pizza, appetizers, desserts, full bar. Poncho Villa’s Grill 404 E. 5th St., 624-9297. 10:30am-10:30pm. Tacos, burritos, grilled meats and vegetables, tortas, quesadillas, Mexican sodas and agues frescas. Rainbow Planet Coffee House 606 N. 4th Ave., 620-1770. 8:00am–9:00pm Sunday– Thursday, 8:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Sandwiches, soups, croissants, coffee. Rod’s KC BBQ 601 N. 4th Ave., 623-0182. 11:00am–4:00pm, 6:30pm–8:00pm Tuesday–Friday, 12:00am–8:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday & Monday. World Wide Wraps 500 N. 4th Ave., 884-7076. Variety of wraps. UniversityBentley’s House of Coffee & Tea 1730 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-0338. 7:00am–11:00pm Monday–Friday, 7:00am–12:00am Saturday, 8:00am–11:00pm Sunday. Salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, quiche, desserts. Café Paraiso 800 E. University Blvd., 624-1707. 7:00am–5:00pm 7 days. Chen’s Café 922 E. University Blvd., 882-7888. 11:00am–6:30pm Monday–Friday, . Chinese. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 905 E. University Blvd., 628-7967. 11:00am–10:00pm 7 days. Gourmet burritos and tacos. East Coast Super Subs 1820 E. 6th St., 882-4005. 11:00am–5:00pm 7 days. Sandwiches. Fat Tuesday 800 E. University Blvd., 798-3287. 11:00am-1:00am 7 days. Cajun. Frog & Firkin 874 E. University Blvd., 623-7507. 11:00am–1:00am 7 days. Pizza and pub fare, full bar. Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co. 865 E. University Blvd., 624-4177. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, desserts, full bar. Greasy Tony’s 828 E. Speedway Blvd., 622-9089. 10:00am–1:00am 7 days. Cheese steaks, hoagies, pizza, beer.
Johnny Rockets 825 E. University Blvd., 622-2245. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, 11:00pm–9:00pm Sunday. Burgers, hot dogs, shakes, malts, floats. Lucky Chinese Fast Food 1027 N. Park Ave., 791-3887. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 12:00pm–9:30pm Saturday & Sunday. Teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, kung pao chicken, egg rolls, crab puffs, sodas. No Anchovies 870 E. University Blvd., 623-3333. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 11:00am–10:30pm weekends. Pizza, sandwiches, pastas, salads, appetizers, full bar. Pei Wei Asian Diner 845 E. University Blvd., 884-7413. 11:00am–9:00pm 7 days. Lo mein, Mongolian beef, spicy beef and broccoli, sodas. Samurai Sam’s 994 E. University Blvd., 792-0404. 10:30am–3:00pm, Monday-Friday. Japanese. Silver Mine Subs 760 N. Tyndall Ave., 620-6400. 10:00am–3:00pm 7 days. Subs, chili, broccoli & cheese soup, desserts. Sinbad’s Restaurant 810 E. University Blvd., 623-4010. 11:00am–8:00pm Monday–Wednesday, 11:00am–9:00pm Thursday & Friday, 12:00pm–9:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday. Middle Eastern: falafel, Greek salads, babaganush, desserts. Starbucks Coffee 802 E. University Blvd., 620-9344. 5:30am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, 6:00am–10:00pm Sunday. Coffee drinks, pastries, muffins, bagels. Time Market Deli & Gatsby’s Pizza 444 E. University Blvd., 622-0761. 7:30am–10:00pm 7 days. Deli, pizza, gourmet grocery store, beer and wine. Zachary’s Pizza 1028 E. 6th St., 623-6323. 11:00am–10:30pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:30pm Friday & Saturday, 3:00pm–9:30pm Sunday. Deep dish pizza, thin crust pizza, salads, garlic toasts, beer & wine bar. Other NearbyThe Garland Restaurant 199 E. Speedway, 792-4221. 8:00am–9:00pm Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–10:00pm Friday & Saturday, 8:00am– 9:00pm Sunday. Vegetarian, salads, sandwiches, pasta. Tooley’s Cafe 299 S. Park (in the Lost Barrio). 8:00am-3:00pm, Monday-Saturday. Serving breakfast wraps, Mexican, vegetarian, soups, homemade desserts and coffee drinks. If you don’t see your Restaurant or Café listed here, please contact us at 547-3338 or info@downtowntucson.org. |
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always enjoy a meal that does not require utensils. It’s probably leftover rebellion from a childhood of hearing “Stop playing with your food!” What my parents failed to recognize was my quest to efficiently transport food from plate to mouth, which I prefer to do with my hands instead of an awkward and potentially dangerous fork. This is why the taco, that versatile and practical vehicle, is one of my favorite culinary adventures. Soft shell or crispy. Corn tortilla or flour. Fish, pork, chicken, beef, vegetarian. The combinations are vast and exceptionally enticing as demonstrated by the great variety of tacos available between Downtown, 4th Ave. and University areas. 
Martín’s vegetarian tacos are hard to beat where traditional soft corn tortillas meet a modern vegetarian diet of grilled vegetables and aromatic soy chorizo. I’d like to see a fish taco contest. It’s certain El Charro, Cushing Street Café & Bar, Garcia’s, and Barrio Food and Drink would be swimming gill to gill in that race. El Minuto and La Indita and many others are very accommodating, with tasty offerings of soft or crispy shell tortillas and a variety of fillings. 
Alejandro’s 31 N. Scott Ave., 623-3277. 8:00am-2:30pm Monday–Friday. Fajitas, enchiladas, carne asada tacos, chicken burritos, ground beef tacos. 
Café Poca Cosa (“little”) 20 S. Scott Ave., 622-6400. 7:30am—2:30pm Monday—Friday. Non-traditional Mexican: chicken, beef, vegetarian. Cash only.
Grill 100 E. Congress St., 623-7621. Always open. American Diner: burgers, sandwiches, pastas, bagels, shakes, pie, full bar & smoking section in Red Room.
Samaniego Place 222 S. Church Ave., 623-0313. 3:00pm—10:00pm Wednesday–Sunday, closed Monday & Tuesday. A fusion of traditional European cuisine and southwest flavors. Full bar, live jazz, in a historic setting.
Lucky Chinese 431 N. 4th Ave., 628-1650. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 12:00am–9:30pm Saturday, closed Sundays. Sesame chicken, orange chicken, chow mein, sodas. 
Jersey Joe’s 1628 E. 6th St., 740-0461. 10:00am–9:00pm Monday–Friday, 3:00pm–9:00pm Saturday, 3:00pm–8:00pm Sunday. Italian: marinara, steaks, seafood, fish, pasta, desserts, beer & wine.