Rocco’s Little Chicago image by Will Ferguson
The closure of The Safehouse last week is just the latest in a line of popular, somewhat-beloved local places suddenly shuttering up. In the last year, we’ve lost Grill, Zachary’s, Colors and Cactus Moon, among others.
Each has their share of mourners, but let’s be honest: We can only grieve for so long. I say that it’s time to take some action, Tucson: We need to be finding locally owned replacements giving those our business before they follow in the steps of those who have disappeared.
Take Zachary’s, for instance: The building, located just south of the University of Arizona campus, was muggy inside during monsoon season; the tables and chairs were nothing to write home about; and the service wasn’t always spectacular. But the pizza was tremendous (often in both taste and size), and the beer selection left little to be desired. So what else is there to take its place?
Rocco’s Little Chicago, now the pre-eminent deep-dish pizza in Central Tucson and Best of Tucson Staff Pick, is the obvious choice, though it’s a bit far away for students to stumble to.
In Main Gate Square, there’s two potential competitors, joints right next to each other: No Anchovies, practitioners of a New York-meets-California-gourmet style; and Frog and Firkin, a British-esque pub whose deep-dish pizzas share menu space with a number of sandwich and salad options. Both are great options for lounging about and enjoying beer in the afternoon; if you don’t have a thin-versus-deep-dish preference, it regularly comes down to whether or not you prefer table service (Frog) to grabbing a slice at the counter (Anchovies).
1702 seems to be the next-closest possible successor, with its casual atmosphere, huge slices and great beer—unfortunately, the current construction on Speedway makes it a bit of a struggle to slip in and out with ease.
So what do you think, Tucson? Leave your comments, suggestions, and verbal abuse (for leaving off your favorites) at the bottom.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2012.
you scared me! i saw the photo before i read the text, and for a moment was worried that rocco’s was closing. whew! no way. love that place ever since it opened!
1702 is terrific. Worth the parking hassle.
How about a writeup of places that have been here decades and are still open?
Perhaps so that those of us that haven’t been here long enough to know about them can get a chance to try them out before they get replaced by more why build your own unique business rubber stamp franchises.
Bootski is right. Let’s support LOCALLY owned and operated businesses. Let’s share our favorites. (But don’t tell too many people, LOL, or we won’t be able to get a table.)
Where to start?
I Run a site you can also find on Facebook you can search for there. Just plug in Tucson On The Horizon. 5 LIKES AND 3 of them are me. The purpose is to give free promotion to Tucson businesses. The truth is this town can sell itself on its own merits without buying into the fantasy that TREO or Rio Nuevo need to do the legwork but in all honesty it seems to me that individually or on whole Tucson businesses aren’t interested in selling Tucson or their businesses to the world. So as businesses and Tucson shut down I will be sad but not surprised.
Why doesn’t Rosati’s ever get mentioned here? I think their pizza is really good. I like thin crust, and I think they do a pretty good job of making it. :-/
If you want to support more local eateries, visit the Tucson Originals (website) and learn more about some fabulous eateries that have grouped together to provide some unique opportunites for diners. They have a once per quarter discount certificate sale that is a great deal. The owners of these restaurants support many local charity events and causes and give back to the community. We can help them by supportng their restaurants. Lots of good food here and great opportunities.
For one thing, PVK, Rosati’s is part of a chain, and David was focusing on local joints here.
YES! Go to and support local businesses! Has anyone tried Basha’s (locally owned) New York pizza?? In their deli section…large 16″ pizza for $6.00! ALSO, I just found a “Groupon” like site that is local called Bargains That Benefit, that donates 20% of their proceeds to local schools and charities (www.bargainsthatbenefit.com). Looks like they are just getting started. I just bought their deal for Botanical Gardens. I see they are also doing some type of fundraiser too with Channel Choice TV (locally owned!)…donating $100 to your school/charity if you buy a DirecTV or Dish system.
Don’t forget Jack’s Original BBQ on 22nd Street which closes this Saturday, Aug. 18.
I’m all for supporting local. I’m familiar with that site, Bargains That Benefit.
They have a really cool mission. And they are part of Local First Arizona.
Sorry Jimmy, but Rosati’s is not a chain. Each Rosati’s is owned by a family member. At least that’s what the owner of the Rosati’s on Tanque Verde told us.
How about trying Paco’s for good, inexpensive Mexican food? It’s run by mom, dad and son. Located on Grant about 1 block past Craycroft on the North side of Grant.
Evie, yes, I get that some chains are franchised and locally owned; I am not opposed to chain joints. But that doesn’t make it not part of a chain; it indeed is.