Chances are you have about twenty different food carts, holes in the wall, and other hidden gems that you are just dying to let the world know about. Well, nerdy TV food enthusiast Alton Brown wants to hear what you’ve got.

According to Brown’s blog, he’s hitting the road to try tasty places across the country in nearly 40 different cities and Tucson is one of them. He’s asking Tucsonians to take to Twitter and Facebook to namedrop as many local food hot spots as possible using the hashtag #ABRoadEatsTucson.

The post says Brown is specifically looking for late night snacks, coffee shops, sandwiches, and restaurants in general. The crowd-sourced food tour is part of Brown’s Edible Inevitable Tour, which will bring him through Tucson on Saturday, March 22. For more information on his Tucson appearance and to buy tickets, check out the tour’s website.

Otherwise, get to Twitter and start telling Alton Brown what’s up.

This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2014.

143 replies on “Alton Brown Wants You to Tell Him Where to Eat in Tucson”

  8. Shish Kebab House Of Tucson

    5855 E Broadway Blvd, Ste 118, Tucson, AZ 85711-3906

    —Jordanian Food

  9. If you get the chance I also HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend going to Benson Az…. The Horseshoe Cafe… The biggest slab of ham you ever did see and chicken fried steak takes up the whole plate …. homemade cakes and pies… !!! ….. and for dinner you will have to try out…. Palatianos Family Restaurant For Italain and yes prime rib dinner… Worth the trip over …. Dont forget to hit the golf course.

  11. BK’s on 12th Ave. Clean, savory and great service! MUY RICO! Best Sonoran Hot Dogs and Carne Asada Tacos.

  12. Alton! I love your science of food approach! Thank you. Go to Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizza on Broadway. Excellent sandwiches, amazing Chicago style pizza and try the hot stick, WOW! Lillian Q

  16. Cafe Poca Cosa! Crazy good food, daily menu, fresh ingredients, and Cup Quequitos pastry chef making all of the desserts. Family owned and operated; love cooked right into every bite!

  20. Sorry to tell you Annoneatery, but Palatianos Family Restaurant has been gone for around a year.

  21. Pat’s. Tania’s 33. El Guero Canelo. Mama Louisa’s. Mama’s Pizza. Fry Bread from any of the vendors at San Xavier.

  23. As long as your going to be in the Tucson area, you should take a trip northeast of Tucson to a little town called Mammoth Az. We have the best family owned restaurant in Mammoth, La Casita. The extra 45 minute trip would definitely be worth the wait!!

  24. As long as Mr. Brown is going to be in the Tucson area, he should take a drive northeast of Tucson to a little town, Mammoth, Az. We have the BEST mexican restaurant, LA Casita, that is owned and operated by a local family. The extra 45 minute drive would definitely be worth Mr. Brown’s wait!

  28. Mexico In Season on Ajo near Palo Verde. It’s a healthy Mexican food option. Can you image vegan menudo? and whole wheat vegan tortillas that actually taste good! Nopales, which are so good and good for you!

  30. El Minuto, El Guerro Canelo for Sonoran Dogs, Marisco Chihuahas, Grimauldi’s Pizzaria, Pascua Yaqi Steakhouse at the Casino Del Sol, Oasis shave ice…mmmm.

  31. Yes I would Agree…The Kabab House across from the park mall is awsome. The babaganoush has a unique flavor Not sure how to put my finger on it. But the stuffed grape leaves and vegetable dishes are to die for. They even have this corned beef dish that is out of this world with rice and potates. I really enjoy this restaruant alot. Its nice and quite and perfect place for date night. 🙂

    Shish Kebab House Of Tucson

    5855 E Broadway Blvd, Ste 118, Tucson, AZ 85711-3906

    —Jordanian Food

  32. Poco and Mom’s new restaurant on Tanque Verde. Still the best chile rellenos in town and amazing chile verde.

  35. Most of these suggestions are really bad…
    You have to try a Sonora dog from a stand. Everyone has their favorite, and mine are 36th and Country Club, and 6th and 29th.

    Other then that; Wings over Broadway and Saint House.

  38. Yes go to El Torrero, but pass on Pat’s Chilli Dogs. It is past it’s prime, it is now just disappointing.

  39. People this blurb is only four paragraphs long. The Weekly isn’t asking for your suggestions. Here, I’ll cut and paste for ya:

    He’s asking Tucsonians to take to Twitter and Facebook to namedrop as many local food hot spots as possible using the hashtag #ABRoadEatsTucson.

  40. Tacos Apson. Just a little north of Ajo on 12th. Best Tacos in Tucson. And yes, we’ve tried em all!

  41. Tannerwoos@aol.com….I’m a line cook at Acacia real food and cocktails, and it would be an honor to have you come to our restaurant…
    Albert hall is the executive/owner and is highly well known… other than that, the downtown scene in tucson is great, almost every place is different.. from fine dining at maynard’s, to greasy bar burgers at the hub, or lindy’s, to authentic sonoran dogs from the many carts to choose from…. %100 must try these 3: Jack’s kitchen, the Abbey, and Maynard’s: market and kitchen

  42. —AGUSTIN KITCHEN!
    (Modern Southwest) Order the “Chicken & Dumplings” (Spicy chicken sausage, poblano-pumpkin broth. So unique and amazing!)
    —BK Carne Asada (Sonoran hot dog heaven! Go to the one on 1st Ave.)
    —5 Points Restuarant & Market (Great locally roasted coffee!)

  46. Ghini’s French cafe- be prepared to wait a few hours to get a table on weekends though. El Guero canelo and BKs are great and very representative of Tucson. La Cocina at the Olde Artisans, Cafe A La Carte at the art museum, El Charro are all delicious and have lovely atmospheres in historic tucson buildings.

  47. Bentley’s House of Coffee & Tea (Tucson’s first coffee house) and La Cosina restaurant downtown (best outdoor dining in Tucson).

  51. La Cocina Restaurant stays open VERY late , has history, outdoor beauty, two bars serve food plus patio and many nights for music and shopping late. VERY Tucson since the location has been there as part of original walled fort. Also, food is great! Jo will make you whatever you want!!

  53. 1) Mussels in Vietnamese broth followed by chilled and grilled shrimp at Kingfisher
    2) Brie in puff pastry followed by chateaubriand at Rendezvous
    3) Tamale pie at Cafe Poca Cosa
    4) Pizza Margherita with Peroni on tap at Grimaldi’s
    5) Filet mignon and a bottle of Tikal at the Dish
    6) Tableside guacamole and margaritas sitting outside at The Flying V
    7) Breakfast and coffee from a trucker mug at Frank’s
    8) A bean, cheese, and rice burrito with extra red sauce on the side from Nico’s
    9) Chef’s sushi tasting at Yoshimatsu
    10) Chile con carne at Leo’s by that strip club on Speedway

    That’s my list after 37 years in Tucson followed by 5 months in Denver missing my favorites.

  54. Little Anthony’s Diner, for sure! It is connected to The Gaslight Theater. Fantastic venue and food. Great ambiance! Let me know when you go, I will meet you there. I live an hour and a half away (in Sierra Vista, AZ), but we go at least once a month for lunch and a show. It is FANTASTIC!

  55. Hands down The Little One, aka Little Cafe Poca Cosa! No one can beat their Tamales. Runner up is (drum roll please) Taqueria Pico De Gallo for their fish tacos! Ooh, oooh, ooh let’s not forget La Indita’s chile relleno y salsa verde. The best breakfast is the Southwestern eggs benedict pool side at the Arizona Inn. Best dessert Cafe a la C’Art ( Carte Blanche Catering ). Ay caramba, all this talk is making me miss Tucson mucho mas!!!

  59. Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe. Food is awesome great ambiance and true Tucson original. Hey, and he must have an Eegees in March. Lucky Lime. Agustin Kitchen for a fine dining experience in the barrio, Stella Java for coffee, HUB for ice cream and late night snack. And a Sonoran Dog from Guero Canelo.

  60. The best burger I have had in YEARS was at Roadhouse Cinemas. They have a Ghostburger you will eat and a few days later start to crave.

  62. not in any particular order… the original Poco & Mom’s (22nd/Kolb), Monkey Burger (Broadway/Craycroft), Tino’s Pizza (Tanque Verde/Kolb), and for fine dining, Stables @Tubac Golf Resort.

  65. Applebee’s! Just moved to Tucson from a very small town in Mississippi. Applebee’s has amazing fresh and made to order food. Plus they have large TV’s all around the restaurant. Amazing place!

  66. If you come to Tucson, AZ you must go to Renee’s Organic Oven, their whole menu is amazing! And for Mexican Cafe Poca Cosa. The Lotus Garden if you’re craving delicious Cantonese & Szechuan cuisine. #ABRoadEatsTucson

  68. Eggee’s is a must!

    Saguaro Corners (Saguaro National Monument East on Old Spanish Trail at Escalante)

    Janos Wilder’s The Kitchen

    Renee’s Organic Oven at Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon

    And our FAVORITE!!!!

    MILLIE’S PANCAKE HAUS on Tanque Verde across from Pinnacle Peak and Golf and Stuff

    (And, MY HOME!!! Come on over and let myself and my friends do some of our Kitchen Magic!!)

  69. I second El Minuto *heavily*.
    Also:
    Tavolino
    La Placita at Plaza Palomino (if it’s still open)
    No Anchovies, not just for the food, but also the atmosphere

  77. You can not leave the Old Pueblo or Arizona for that fact, without eating a Sonoran Hot Dog at El Guero Canelo “THERE IS BACON????” 2480 N Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ 85705 Open today10:00 am – 11:00 pm Let us know how you liked them! Who can get only one…..

  78. I’m a former Tucsonan who always gets homesick for Sonoran food. I beeline for these places whenever I’m back:
    Taco Fish on S. 12th and Irvington
    Aqui con el Nene in the parking lot of the Rusty Nail
    Anita St Market — for real Sonoran-style takeout, plus fresh flour tortillas and the best prepared machaca to take home and cook up

  79. IN TUCSON???

    BOCCA!!! Hands Down. Interesting. Well Priced. Delicious. Many Flavors. Keeps the Palate dancing. Awesome people from many places.

  81. Augustin Kitchen and Tavalinos. But for something really unique – D’s Island Grill!!!! Amazing food especially the oxtail stew!

  82. Best kept secret in Tucson , Family owned as long as I’m aware, Karichimaka on Mission rd South of Ajo 5252 S Mission Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746
    (520) 883-0311
    Best cheese enchiladas / I’m a gringo going here since the middle 70’s. Even better than the ones at Crossroads on S 6th- (sauce like a mole sauce). Alton you poor Jamoke ( yes I’m from Jersey) you don’t have enough time to sample all the wonderful food available here in Tucson.
    Don’t waste your time looking for exceptional Italian , there is good + very good but
    exceptional ? i’m still looking for over 40 years , although Gavi’s when they were on Broadway had very good Veal + Pork Marsala – but hell I can do as well at home. Don’t even get me started on the farce of Mama Louisas -blue hairs from Kansas love it.Anyway enjoy your visit.

  83. Drink lots of Baccanora, fall on a cactus, do a bunch of coke to kill the pain, then jump on your tour bus or whatever and drive away. Most of the places in Tucson suck ass. It is the shallow end of the labor pool, and the hipster staffacocktus at most establishments have such poor attitudes that I barf before I can even eat the food. Sucks ass.

  84. Try thd breakfast club they have amazing breakfast , chinese and thai food weird mixture but absolutely delicious.

    If your looking specifically for sandwiches try bisonwitches

  87. Tony’s New York Deli 6219 E. 22nd Street. Not one bite was disappointing. It was food to dream about for weeks. Taking my Sister-in-law (from NJ) for their Taylor Ham Pork on a Roll. AUMAZING!!!!!

  88. Samurai is truly a hole in the wall that is so special. Ginza. Empire pizza. Beyond bread.

  89. I’m not kidding, compare samurai to the restaurants everyone else keeps saying like cafe poca. The reviews speak 🙂 I believe it is the most affordable authentic jap food in town. I grew up thinking famima! Was authentic since I lived in LA as a kid but in Tucson this place was a reality check. It belongs in LA and it would be a very lucrative shop. it has a real special location that makes it exclusive to the rest of town.

  92. DIABLO BURGER!!! Delicious and very lean grass fed beef, with fresh organic produce to back it up, not to mention everything they deal with is local!!!!

  94. El Taco Tote on Wilmot is extremely flavorful! … Tino’s Pizza on Tanque Verde!!! (a must) … the burger’s at Good Day Café are great! … Bison Witches has yummy soups and lots of different sandwiches … Le Cave’s Bakery is a sin 🙂 … Eegee’s not for food but the “eegee’s” drinks are outstanding … and last but not least! is Cheba Hut 🙂

  99. Brooklyn pizza on 4th for late night. Sandwiches I would definitely recommend bison witches on 4th ave

  103. Pat ‘s Chilie Dogs on Grande and St Mary’s and Bono ‘s Cafe on Grande and Karichimaks on Mission Rd. 3 great places to eat all different. Just enjoy the food and weather. Love all your shows.

  104. El Torero on 26th and 4th Avenue for a “green chile chimichanga enchilada style.” This is a uniquely wonderful dish. Hardly any make this dish. It is border food and a rare experience. Also The Mosaic Cafe for huevos rancheros. James Beard rated Mosaic the best in Tucson for huevos.

  106. Shish Kabab House – Uzi, Feast, Downtown Kitchen, Acacia, Rosa’s, Ghini’s – not late night, Samurai – not late night, Vivache

  107. The Little cafe Poca cosa (anything on the menu), Chef Alisah’s (combo for 2), El Sure (any kind of soups). Snow Peas (Joe’s special), Sonoran hot dogs just go to either Taqueria Jason or Aqui Con El Nene. Many people mentioned Miss Saigon…Its the best in Tucson for sure but I am sorry. it just Tucson good, and the last one …Poppy Kitchen (fish #2)

  108. Snow Peas Modern Asian Kitchen for the best Pad Thai in Town and Saute Lemongrass Noodle. Their Wings are the best. Plus the cute and yummy sticky rice in crispy wonton cup is unique

  111. bK’s on 12th Ave, and Mi Nidito on S 4th Ave and order a michelada from both places. i mean Mi Nidito is good enough president clinton.

  115. is that Zimmerman that was you I would try Wilkos right across the street from the theater Dante’s fire Jonathan’s cork Kingfisher downtown kitchen a cocktail just to name a few

  121. Alton, visit any Sonora Dog cart, Tucson Tamales, Linda’s and Rocos. All delish and all Tucson.

  123. Casa del Rio, 22nd and Pantano – Chimichanga Muchaca, enchilada style – a feast, great chips and salsa and terrific margaritas. Better than El Charro.

  127. Prep & Pastry, Hub, North, Sushi on Oracle, 5 Points Market (if you can stand bad service with bad attitude but fantastic food), BK on First, El Charro (North Oracle location) #ABRoadEatsTucson

  128. Bobos. Best greasy spoon in the city! Get the chicken fried steak! I’ll meet you for bacon buddy!

  130. Stop by any Eegee’s and get an eegee because they’re no where else! I suggest either Lucky Lime or Strawberry/Lemon mix!

  133. Martins Comida Chongina on 4th. A Tucson gem showcasing local art and local flavors in tacos with a kick. The food is authentic with Martins own spin on it and the salsa is amazing! Everything from the tamarindo to the salsa is made fresh and in house not to mention its BYOB policy.

  136. Broadway pizza cafe. The owner is hilarious, and the pizza is cheap and way better than even Brooklyn pizza.

  141. Tucson Tamale Co. for sure!! You never had tamales like these. Gluten free with high quality ingredients and creatively delicious!!

  142. Maynard’s, King Fisher, Mother Hubbards, Brush Fire, Estrella Bakery, Purple Tree Food Truck

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