Here’s a list that entered the fray this year
It’s safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling this year.
From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it’s without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth.
Also, this is most and likely not all of the restaurants and bars that opened in 2022.
Angry Crab Shack
5205 E. Broadway Blvd.
Franchise owners Matthew Price and Josh Arnold first dove into the world of Angry Crab Shack as servers back in 2015. Fast forward seven years and they celebrated the opening of their second Tucson location, nestled in the old East Broadway home of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina.
For more information, read the full article.
BATA
35 E. Toole Ave.
A very welcome addition to downtown Tucson, BATA is an innovative, modern, upscale gastronomic restaurant by our very own native Tucsonan and self-taught chef Tyler Fenton. Inspired by a modern European approach, where the focus of a dish is often on the beauty and quality of the ingredient itself, BATA enriches the Tucson dining scene with fire and finesse. As of late, the restaurant has earned some national spotlight by being recognized as one of Bon Appétit’s “Best New Restaurants of 2022.”
For more information, read the full article.
barbata
35 E. Toole Ave.
Fresh on the heels of its landing on Bon Appetit Magazine’s list of the nation’s top 50 new restaurants of 2022, BATA announce the opening of its basement bar, barbata.
The new basement bar draws inspiration from what he calls “the European drinking culture, which is fun and casual, but with a focus on high-quality and approachable food and beverages.” The 1,000-square-foot barbata is set to be one of downtown Tucson’s most popular sanctuaries for sipping on craft cocktails while snacking on BATA’s intriguing bites.
For more information, read the full article.
BoSa Donuts
2130 N. Kolb Rd.
Chandler-based BoSa Donuts added to the 20+ locations they have serving Southern Arizona when they cracked into the Tucson donut scene this year.
For more information, read the full article.
Berry Greens Juice Bar
245 E. Congress St. and 943 E. University Blvd. #185
Many remember Berry Green Juice Bar for first being located in American Eat Co. before opening at 245 E. Congress St. Recently, the acai and juice bar temporarily closed its downtown shop for a bit while preparing to open its second location at 943 E. University Blvd. #185.
Well, fans of fresh goodies and healthy eating rejoice, Berry Greens officially reopened its downtown location and the new spot on Main Gate Square in November.
For more information, read the full article.
Bubbe’s Fine Bagels
1865 E. River Rd.
Inspired by the way bagels are made on the east coast and finely blended with new-age techniques, it was only a brief matter of time before Bubbe’s Fine Bagels expanded beyond their Wilmot location. Add in designated outdoor seating and a few new menu items, and they just keep leveling up the Tucson bagel game.
For more information, read the full article.
Bun Dock Vietnamese Noodle
3225 N. Swan Rd. #111
With a menu featuring Fresh Spring Rolls, Banh Mi, and Boba beverages to keep you feeling fresh, there’s more than just noodle bowls at Bun Dock Vietnamese Noodle. We suggest ordering up some fried bananas while you’re there, too.
For more information, read the full article.
By the Bucket
2130 N. Kolb Rd.
For all of those who have had dreams of slurping spaghetti noodles and chompin’ down on some meatballs out of a bucket, the wait is finally over.
By The Bucket, a spaghetti takeout restaurant that got its start in Payson, Arizona, opened its first Tucson location at 2130 N. Kolb Rd. on Sunday, June 19, and people have been lined up for a go at this fair food-vibing experience ever since.
For more information, read the full article.
The Century Room
311 E. Congress St.
Until recently, Tucson’s music scene seemed to be lacking on the jazz front. Then came The Century Room, a state-of-the-art club formed in collaboration with the Rio Nuevo Board and conveniently located inside Hotel Congress.
For more information, read the full article.
Choice Greens
1825 E. River Rd., Suite 119
The folks at Joesler Village are really mixing up the variety being offered at the Northwest corner of River Rd. and Campbell Ave. with the addition of Choice Greens‘ second location. With endless build-your-own salad options plus a menu of curated salads, paninis, soups, grain bowls, and more, it’s no wonder this place has been in business for over 15 years and expanding.
For more information, read the full article.
Ciao Down
3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
We, the southern Arizona victorious, are fortunate to be gifted some of the finest and tastiest pizza among any municipality, all in thanks to a man named Paul Reyes. He, like most culinary greats, did not set out to cook or make said tasty and fine pies. This man was busy designing microchips. He assured me that the money was great, as it should be. However, he was stuck in a cubicle for most of his days hunched over a computer, using those hands of his to click a mouse and tap keys rather than spinning dough and topping sauce with magnificent ingredients.
For more information, read the full article.
Cookie Plug
446 N. Campbell Ave.
Cookie Plug, a cookie company that combines graffiti, street art, and hip-hop culture to manifest its own twist on cookies, opened the first of three Tucson locations in December on the corner of Campbell Avenue and Sixth Street, next to Cheba Hut.
The cookie-making crew offers more than 15 unique flavors like the very vibrant Purple Haze flavor, and all of their cookies are 100% kid-friendly (do not contain any cannabis, THC, or CBD).
For more information, read the full article.
Corbett Brewing Company
309 E. Seventh St.
After a lengthy pandemic-induced hiatus, the Seventh Street watering hole, Corbett Brewing Company, reopened its taproom and patio to the public in mid-July. Now, the brew crew has big plans to be better than ever as they roll back into business in the Old Pueblo.
For more information, read the full article.
Cupbop
4811 E. Grant Rd. #113
The “crazy food truck guys” and creators of Cupbop celebrated their grand opening at the end of November, and the team that offers fast-service bibimbap couldn’t be more excited to serve the Tucson masses.
With a goal to “overtake Panda Express just like a tiger would overtake a panda,” and one of their earliest company slogans being “Eat Cupbop, poop gold,” they’re sure to make a lasting impression.
For more information, read the full article.
The Delta
135 S. Sixth Ave.
The team behind The Parish, Steve Dunn, Bryce Zeagler, and Chef Travis Peters, spent months renovating the old stomping grounds of Chef Janos Wilder, and opened the doors to their latest project, The Delta, in January.
For more information, read the full article.
East Coast Super Subs
136 N. Park Ave.
After being closed for more than two years due to an unfortunate building fire in January 2020, East Coast Super Subs is off to a fresh start. Owner Keith McNesby, who has been behind the wheel of the restaurant since 1998, is thrilled to be serving his sandwiches once again as a food cart stationed next to the local venue, The Rock.
For more information, read the full article.
Exo Roast Co.
196 W. Simpson St.
The second Exo Roast Co. location, nestled inside a historic 1885 adobe home, shares many highlights of their popular Sixth Ave. location — delicious roasts, friendly staff, a sense of local, and baked bites that make you feel warm inside – but a good amount of new is apparent, too.
For more information, read the full article.
Ezbachi Japanese Grill
63 E. Congress St.
Phoenix-based Ezbachi Japanese Grill opened its doors in the former Senae Thai Bistro spot in April, bringing Japanese Teppanyaki to Downtown Tucson. Featuring an Izakaya-style, full-service concept in the spirit of Japanese gastropubs, they’re serving up “tapas-style” offerings and carving a place for themselves in the local food scene.
For more information, read the full article.
Grandma Jones’ Sweet Potato Pies
4949 E. 29th St.
The recipe for her pies is a secret that only she and Grandma Jones truly know about, but it is a traditional Southern-style sweet potato pie we’re talking about here. There are a lot of people out there that don’t like or appreciate a real downhome sweet potato pie, while others can’t get enough and are willing to travel miles out of their way to get one.
For more information, read the full article.
Guiseppe’s Ristorante Italiano
9431 E. 22nd St. #157
Mamma mia, Guiseppe’s Ristorante Italiano has expanded to East Tucson. Equipped with a brand new pizza oven and serving up favorites from the menu of their original location over on Oracle, the Italian game in town has officially grown stronger.
For more information, read the full article.
Hillhouse Coffee
8991 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
In Tucson, there’s a good deal of local options if you’re in the market for grabbing a coffee, and now there’s a new concept in town, ripe with the intention of shortening wait times. Hillhouse Coffee opened its drive-thru windows in early February, just near The Gardens at Bear Canyon, and customer reviews vouch for his mission — it’s a speedy experience.
For more information, read the full article.
The Hoppy Vine
12125 N. Oracle Rd.
Husband and wife duo Hector and Marnel Martinez couldn’t be more excited to share their vision for The Hoppy Vine with the Oro Valley community.
The taproom offers a selection of 20 craft beers, 10 wines, and at least one hard cider and seltzer — all on tap — as well as batched agave-wine margaritas and Frosé. They also have a selection of canned and bottled craft beer, wine, and champagne as well as wine-based cocktails, sake, seltzers, and ciders. And if you’ve got a penchant for non-alcoholic beverages, you’ll be met with offerings that include non-alcoholic beer, seltzers, canned mocktails, and even a “mocktail of the day.”
For more information, read the full article.
Houlden’s Rise Above
5029 E. Fifth St.
Houlden’s Rise Above, a 100% vegan bakery, celebrated the opening of its first brick-and-mortar in November. Owner and baker, Hannah Houlden, started their home-based cottage bakery in 2019, and the business has been on a speedy incline ever since.
With savory turnovers, flaky bear claws, creamy cheesecakes, and a ton more, Houlden’s Rise Above’s vegan bakery will undoubtedly be a haven for vegans and non-vegans alike.
For more information, read the full article.
Ja Ramen
54 W. Congress St.
Ja Ramen opened the doors to their new downtown location in October. One thing’s for sure and it’s that they’re ramen, curry bowls, and scrumptious dumplings are on the menu. What’s also enticing is that downtown eaters have another new spot to visit for lunch or dinner.
For more information, read the full article.
JJ LONCHES
Food truck/Multiple locations
JJ Lonches is the culinary conception on four wheels of Jesus Gonzales, who, through his cooking, celebrates his Sonoran upbringing hailing from the smallish township Empalme, Sonora. Oh, and he goes big — really big — with his food.
For more information, read the full article.
Karuna’s Thai Plate
1917 E. Grant Rd.
A year after a random accident that left the facade of Karuna’s Thai Plate demolished and the business inoperable, the owners of Karuna’s shared the delightful news of its dining room reopening in September.
For more information, read the full article.
Kleezy’s Kitchen
Food truck/Multiple locations
“All of my seasonings and sauces are from recipes back home,” said Shimp. “Chili dogs are definitely a Midwest thing, but I didn’t want to just serve a chili dog. I had to do it my way. You know, with that quality that I need and everybody loves.”
For more information, read the full article.
La Baguette Parisienne
7851 E. Broadway Blvd.
Mario and Francois Marini opened La Baguette Parisienne (not to be confused with La Baguette on Prince and Campbell, the bakery adjacent to Ghini’s) in 1983, and it has been a neighborhood staple for fresh bread, tasty pastries, and sweet confections for nearly four decades. It was just time for Mario and Francois to retire as the bakery game is not an easy one even with their son Norm helping out for many years.
New owners Kim Ireland and EJ Marx have been in the Tucson service industry for a good run but this is their first foray into the wild and wonderfully flour-caked world of owning a bakery.
For more information, read the full article.
La Chefita
Food truck/multiple locations
The swarm of perfectly cooked and seasoned components on her remolinos are tickling divine. The La Chefita Remolino is fabricated with smoky and very juicy brisket, nacho cheese, shredded cheese, barbecue sauce, and then dolloped with a round of tangy green onions.
For more information, read the full article.
La Yaquesita Tacos
500 N. Fourth Ave.
Imagine getting a mighty whiff of delicious quesabirria or perhaps being greeted by the heavenly aromatics of Sonoran tacos while cruising down Fourth Avenue. Well, thanks to La Yaquesita Tacos‘ decision to open a brick-and-mortar, that’s now an option for a reality.
For more information, read the full article.
The Lobby
811 E. Wetmore Rd.
Chef Cory Oppold teamed up with chef Kyrie McRoy from Tanque Verde Ranch and the two have concocted an elementary yet elevated view of the things that many want and love to eat. Fanciness set aside, the food served at their venture on First Avenue and Wetmore Road is more of an ode to the culinary duality they both live.
For more information, read the full article.
Locale Café
60 N. Alvernon Way
The doors to Locale Café opened in February under owners Deb Tenino and Nick Kreutz, making the original plans for the Locale Neighborhood Italian property complete. From fresh-baked pastries and desserts to breakfast sandwiches and coffee concoctions, it’s quickly become a neighborhood gem.
For more information, read the full article.
Louie’s Cantina
8060 E. 22nd St.
“Louie’s Cantina is going to honor our Hispanic heritage, along with this neighborhood and, let’s just say it, the heritage of most of the people here in Tucson,” said manager Louie Lazos.
After a long imagining, cleaning, rebuilding, getting up to code, decorating, redecorating, fixing, hiring, and then a reimagining of their vision quest, Louie and his wife, Yvette, opened Louie’s Cantina in September.
For more information, read the full article.
The Monica
40 E. Congress St.
Flores Concepts has done it again with The Monica, adding to their impressive list of Tucson-based culinary establishments. Chef Carlotta Flores calls the new concept a “collection of family recipes from around our table and the tables in our community curated and co-developed by our amazing team of chefs and food-loving professionals.”
For more information, read the full article.
1929 E. Grant Rd.
When Mojo Cuba Kitchen and Rum Bar owners Nick and Alison Schaffer wanted to bring the culture and traditions of America’s estranged neighbor to Tucson they enlisted the guidance of Douglas Rodriguez, “The Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cooking.”
What birthed from that collaboration is nothing short of a delectable taste of Havana right here in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
For more information, read the full article.
Mountain Mike’s
4362 N. Oracle Rd. #112
Straight out of Palo Alto, California, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has finally journeyed down far enough to set up its very first Tucson location.
“Our company is developing stores throughout Arizona, so having multiple Tucson locations has always been part of that roadmap,” said co-owner Phillip Dade. “We will be a great addition to the dining scene, offering an awesome venue to dine in and grab a pizza, watch sports with audio, enjoy our 12 draft beers, and extensive wine selection.”
For more information, read the full article.
MUNCHEEZ
Food truck/Multiple locations
The pop-up stand/mobile eatery/out in the open food post, or whatever you want to call Muncheez, has only been in business since May of this year. During that short time of being in operation, Garcia and his grand grub have been getting quick supplies of accolades and encouragement.
For more information, read the full article.
Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian
6970 E. 22nd St. #100
Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian has been serving up a variety of traditional and authentic Thai and Cantonese Chinese dishes for much of the second half of 2022.
The restaurant, found in what used to be Peking Palace, is owned and operated by husband-and-wife business partners Nattha and Eric Post. The dynamic duo and their executive chef Tam “Sam” Quan make it known that they all share a passion for cooking and serving others — something Eric refers to as a “labor of love.”
For more information, read the full article.
The Neighborhood DWTN
61 E. Congress St.
Back in September, the owners of The Neighborhood announced the opening of their second location The Neighborhood DWTN. The new location is a full-on party when the sun goes down but they’re sticking to their roots other times of the day — focusing on burgers, wings, tacos, micheladas, and introducing a trendy Brunch Menu.
For more information, read the full article.
Ni Hao Tea
2800 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson has a new local boba shop thanks to Ni Hao Tea. Freshly-brewed using premium tea leaves, their menu includes black, green, and Thai tea options as well as a variety of milk tea, iced tea, iced fruit tea, slushes, and cream cheese milk cap teas. Curious? Go give them a try!
For more information, read the full article.
Noodies
1730 E. Speedway Blvd.
It was sad to see Bentley’s House of Coffee and Tea announce its permanent closing; however, when one door closes, another makes its way open. In this case, that door welcomed Noodies to Tucson. The menu includes homemade pasta that reverberates the quality of sister restaurant, Ceres, as well as fresh sandwiches and salad options, pasta fries, and rotating flavors of gelato.
For more information, read the full article.
On the Rocks
7930 E. Speedway Blvd. #170
The food at On The Rocks is absolutely yummy — surprisingly good, actually. That is only said because it’s quite clear the Rice family was in the wrong business when it came to painting houses. They were obviously cooks of some spectacle in another form or format of times past.
For more information, read the full article.
Peace, Love & Pops
845 E. University Blvd.
With plenty of “far out flavors” and a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, Peace, Love & Pops is putting a fresh spin on the paleta game here in Tucson.
“There will be a ‘core menu’ of juice-based (strawberry, lime, etc.), cream-based pops (chocolate, cookies and cream, mocha, etc.). and we plan to rotate a number of seasonal, special event, and one-off flavors throughout the year.”
– Scott Harrison, Co-owner
For more information, read the full article.
Penelope Wood Fired Pizza
210 E. Broadway Blvd.
Over the Counter Pizza, which was often found parked outside local craft beer spots and bars, has changed its name to Penelope Wood Fired Pizza. Plus, with the new name comes a new permanent location inside Cartel Roasting Co. at 210 E. Broadway Blvd.
For more information, read the full article.
The Pit
7889 E. 22nd St.
Amber Donahue has brought life and opportunity to the previously empty corner of 22nd and Pantano via her vision for The Pit. With space for up to ten food trucks, weekend markets, and a gathering area called “the backyard”, which is filled with picnic tables, umbrellas, and plenty of space to chat with others in the community – The Pit introduces a flavor all its own to the Tucson food scene.
For more information, read the full article.
The Playground
278 E. Congress St.
After being temporarily closed for the past two-and-a-half years, rumblings of Playground‘s rising from the ashes have been setting off the seismic social sensors of various movers and shakers. Happily, those rumors became substantive as the restaurant announced its grand reopening in November.
For more information, read the full article.
Puro Ice
314 E. Sixth St.
The creative minds behind Tanna’s Botannas, Tanna Cole and Alberto “Raton” Navarro, hosted a grand opening of Puro Ice in December. Repurposing equipment and recipes used by the recently-closed Sullivan’s Eatery & Creamery, the duo is excited to introduce the area’s newest “ultimate munchie spot.”
For more information, read the full article.
Queen Sheba
6470 E. 22nd St.
Eritrea native Welday Gezehen opened Queen Sheba Eritrean Restaurant back in 2018, sharing the cuisine of his homeland. Originally located at 5553 E. Grant Rd. and following a move and a couple of rounds of remodeling, Queen Sheba officially reopened for business at 6470 E. 22nd St. in December.
For more information, read the full article.
Roadrunner Coffee Co.
5151 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson’s full of wonderful and unique coffee shops, and Roadrunner Coffee Co., who opened the doors to their third location this year, is one of them. Stop by for your daily caffeine fix as well as locally-baked pastries, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, lunch wraps, and more.
For more information, read the full article.
Rollies Mexican Patio
267 S. Avenida Del Convento
Back in November, chef and owner Mateo Otero opened a brand new location for his popular taco joint, Rollies Mexican Patio, at the MSA Annex by way of a permanently-placed food truck.
The new location is also said to deliver some new items like a birria bánh mì torta, strawberry horchata, cheesy potato tacos, and sweet canela, which is a cinnamon iced tea. They’ll have a lot of the same items found at their 12th Avenue restaurant, too, so keep an eye out for the birria ramen amongst other local favorites.
For more information, read the full article.
Sand-Reckoner Vineyards
510 N. Seventh Ave. #170
In 2017, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards’ co-owners Rob Hammelman and Sarah Fox opened their first Tucson tasting room at 510 N. Seventh Ave. #170. Earlier this year, Hammelman and Fox closed the doors to the location with plans to move into the cellar at The Citizen Hotel. However, they were thrilled to announce Sand-Reckoner’s “new direction” moving forward from within the walls of their original tasting room.
For more information, read the full article.
Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas
2510 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
With the help of local architect Vince Catalano and Dan Taylor’s team at TCM, Austin and Zhuping Hodge, owners of Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas, have put a lot of work into the new space, which opened its doors in October.
Aside from the new wood carvings near the entrance and the incredible atmosphere inside the shop, some say that selecting a tea from Seven Cups is like choosing a favorite line from a novel. What will yours read?
For more information, read the full article.
SITO’S FRESH MARKET
2545 E. Speedway Blvd. #115
Owners Aaron and Francisca Serrano both come from very different backgrounds as far as running a carniceria and taqueria concept is concerned. Aaron has been a sales rep for El Guapo spices for years and Francisca is a former forensic interviewer for the Children’s Advocacy Center.
For more information, read the full article.
Snake & Barrel
118 E. Congress St.
Snake & Barrel, the underground bar that opened its doors in November, is the offshoot concept of whiskey paradise, sister concept, and upstairs neighbor, Batch. Described as hiding in “plain sight with an understated entrance,” the 2,000-square-foot space houses a 35-foot bar and a selection of spirits, beer, wine, and craft cocktails.
For more information, read the full article.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
7315 N. Oracle Rd. #161
Since opening its first Tucson location in 2020, the Colorado-based restaurant, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, has been on a steady roll in midtown. As of October, Snooze has officially expanded its service to the northwest side of town.
For more information, read the full article.
Special Eats
Food truck/Multiple Locations
Special Eats is a food truck that empowers and employs people with special needs, while at the same time, delivering those aforementioned amazing grilled cheese sandwiches. William Harman is a longtime Tucson-based chef that created Special Eats less than a year ago with business partner Tamara Varga.
For more information, read the full article.
TITA! TITA!
Food truck/multiple locations
With the help of Midwest transplants via Los Angeles, Philip Rieff and Cody Webster, Tucson can now add lumpia and Filipino barbecue skewers to our street food roster. In July 2022 — yes, during the searing Sonoran Desert summer — the two found a place in the garden district and began to formulate a plan to go into business for themselves.
For more information, read the full article.
Tran’s Fats
Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Rd.
Our beloved Jackie Tran is cooking and serving you some of his favorite food in styles that he himself deems worthy. From the catalog of “fit for a king” cuisine that this guy has consumed, photographed, and written about all these years, it’ll surely spark taste bud fires across the expansive Sonoran Desert. But with wheels, he can prove that case otherwise towards further territories.
For more information, read the full article.
Tucson Coffee Cricket
5028 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson Coffee Cricket owner and operator Suzi Becker sums it up nicely.
“As a source of protein, cricket flour also has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock production,” she said. “While we don’t expect to change the world with our cricket flour, using it in our baked goods aligns with our mission of working to produce the best-tasting products with a sustainable focus. Cricket flour is a great source of protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fatty acids. Unlike the insect you’ve probably heard chirping around your yard, you would never know cricket flour is anything other than a vessel for delicious baked goods. Cricket flour looks nothing like an insect and can be used on its own as a 1:1 replacement for regular flour in some recipes. Cricket flour also provides a punch of protein.”
For more information, read the full article.
Tucson Tea Company
5870 E. Broadway Blvd. #310
Tucson Tea Company has grown its humble inventory to include a whopping 120 different blends of loose leaf teas loose leaf teas. Aside from that, the local tea shop has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, which can be found inside the Park Place Mall.
For more information, read the full article.
Two Hands Corn Dogs
2786 N. Campbell Ave.
Hot diggity dog, the much-anticipated opening of Tucson’s very first Two Hands Corn Dogs went down in October, and they’ve been delivering items like the Potato Dog — wrapped with potato cubes and topped with their signature dirty sauce — and the Spicy Dog, a combination of their spicy sauce and Hot Cheetos powder — ever since.
For more information, read the full article.
The Union Jack British Pub & Restaurant
1800 E. University Blvd.
In a spot that previously housed an Irish pub and a Mexican restaurant, The Union Jack British Pub & Restaurant opened its doors on Main Gate Square in October.
Up in the Phoenix area, the restaurant has been making eaters feel like they’ve “hopped across the pond.” Now, their fish and chips, sausage rolls, sticky toffee pudding, and other scrumptious dishes have landed in Tucson.
For more information, read the full article.
Wooden Tooth Records
108 E. Congress St.
Wooden Tooth Records has officially opened its brand-new downtown location, which is a fantastic combo of loud music and a craft beer bar. So, stop on by, thumb through some records, grab a beer at the bar, perhaps fumble through even more records after that, and support the dudes that have been feeding our ears since 2015.
For more information, read the full article.