Closed: Big Juan’s Tacos y Burros

Both Big Juan’s fast-food restaurants in Tucson have apparently closed for good. Signs were up before Christmas at the Speedway and First Avenue locations saying they would be closed for the holidays, but a Jan. 2 post on the restaurants’ Facebook page said they are closed permanently due to “unforeseen circumstances.” I haven’t had any luck contacting the owners for more information.

New: Foothills Bistro and Wine Bar

New Mexico winery owner Rick Riddle has opened Bear Track Bistro and Winery at 4743 E. Sunrise Drive. The wine selection includes some of his own vintages. To go with the wines, Bear Track also features specialty foods such as small-batch Wisconsin cheddars. Bear Track has partnered with neighbor Mona’s Danish Bakery to provide fresh ciabatta and bread sticks for dipping into imported olive oils and vinegars. Bear Track is open daily and more information is available on their Facebook page.

Another Wine Bar Moving In

I reported a few weeks back that Create Café and Catering, 4660 E. Camp Lowell Drive, had closed the café side of the business and was concentrating on catering. The owners told me a new restaurant was moving in, and a liquor license application for that address has been filed under the name Relish Kitchen and Wine Bar.

Ric’s Café Closes

A call to Ric’s Café, 5605 E. River Road, resulted in a recording that says the longtime foothills restaurant is taking catering orders but that the restaurant itself is closed due to the construction in the area. I left a message seeking more information, but had not received a response by press time.

This article appears in Jan 10-16, 2013.

6 replies on “Noshing Around”

  1. I am bummed about Ric’s Cafe. We are Midwesterners, about to head to Tucson for the rest of the winter, and that was one of our favorite spots. We also liked Buddy’s and the one close to us is gone too. We were thinking of buying a place this year, but are seriously re-thinking it because we are people who like to eat out and find a nice, happening Central spot for good food and maybe a late night happy hour – but Tucson has fewer and fewer options we like. Seems like you have Mexican (which is good), hamburger joints and then gourmet (as Midwesterners, we aren’t into that!) and not much in-between.
    We go to Sarasota in the fall, where we have tons of favorite places, but it’s too expensive and crowded to buy a condo there. We love Tucson, but are really disappointed in it’s restaurants.

  2. Tucson is not a restaurant town. Selection minimal and the food uninspired at most places I
    have been too.

  3. Tucson is very much a restaurant town. It all depends on what you like. For those Midwesterners you might like Amelia Grey’s cafe on Campbell Avenue. Pastiche, also on Campbell, seems to attract a Midwestern crowd.
    For bigschick, I don’t know what to say. Try eating downtown. The choices there are many and varied.

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