Five places to eat after the Tucson Rodeo
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Restaurants within a five minute drive of the festivities
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On Thursday, Feb. 23, thousands of rodeo parade-loving souls will wake before dawn and make their way to South Park Avenue and East Irvington Road in hopes of finding the perfect place to watch the horses, wagons, marching bands and more go by.
By the time it’s over, several hours later, they’re going to be hungry.
The good news is that there are plenty of satisfying restaurants in the area to check out afterward.
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Located in Irvington Plaza at 4980 S. Campbell Ave., this cafe has a laid-back Florida-type of vibe, but gets hopping once the rodeo parade wraps up.
That’s when families start coming through the doors and it’s first-come, first-served. Some folks order breakfast, others order hearty lunch favorites such as the chicken fried steak and the chile rellenos.
The menu offers something for everyone, with salads, burgers, enchiladas and, for the last year, raspados as well as milkshakes. And make sure to try the Sunny Puffs, which are like powdered doughnut holes.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 295-0300
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Located right across from the Tucson Rodeo Grounds at 4802 S. Sixth Ave., the folks at Sushi Lounge know when the parade has ended because that’s when a good part of the crowd starts coming through the doors for lunch and are met with Chinese and Japanese specialties in bento boxes and sushi boats.
Hours are usually 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but Sushi Lounge plans to open at 9:30 a.m. Thursday because of the rodeo parade.
For more information, call 294-4408.
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Rigo’s at 2527 S. Fourth Ave. opens at 6 a.m. for the regulars who love its Mexican breakfast buffet. The iconic South Tucson establishment also offers a buffet for lunch and dinner. Or order off the menu.
On parade day, expect the big rush to be at lunch. But stay a little longer, say after 4 p.m., and the happy-hour specials stretch until 7.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 882-9323
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Located west of the parade route at 4841 S. 12th Ave., this eatery serves its seafood Ensenada style.
Try the taco gordo, which is packed with fish, shrimp and marlin. The place has drawn raves on Yelp and has built a large following since it opened in 2010.
Expect it to to be especially busy once the parade ends just before the lunch rush.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 777-6235.
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The Original Mr. K’s BBQ is a favorite lunch spot for resident meat eaters and for those who work along South Park Avenue (including many Star employees).
The barbecue joint has all of your traditional meats covered: Mouth-watering beef brisket, chicken, pork ribs and hot links, in platter form with two sides or as sandwiches.
The ambience is no frills — meals are served in styrofoam containers — but you won’t even notice or care once you start in on their sliced cheesecake, served with or without strawberries, and pecan pie.
Mr. K’s can be found on parade day south of the festivities at 6302 S. Park Ave, just north of East Valencia Road.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 792-9484.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, thousands of rodeo parade-loving souls will wake before dawn and make their way to South Park Avenue and East Irvington Road in hopes of finding the perfect place to watch the horses, wagons, marching bands and more go by.
By the time it’s over, several hours later, they’re going to be hungry.
The good news is that there are plenty of satisfying restaurants in the area to check out afterward.
Located in Irvington Plaza at 4980 S. Campbell Ave., this cafe has a laid-back Florida-type of vibe, but gets hopping once the rodeo parade wraps up.
That’s when families start coming through the doors and it’s first-come, first-served. Some folks order breakfast, others order hearty lunch favorites such as the chicken fried steak and the chile rellenos.
The menu offers something for everyone, with salads, burgers, enchiladas and, for the last year, raspados as well as milkshakes. And make sure to try the Sunny Puffs, which are like powdered doughnut holes.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 295-0300
Located right across from the Tucson Rodeo Grounds at 4802 S. Sixth Ave., the folks at Sushi Lounge know when the parade has ended because that’s when a good part of the crowd starts coming through the doors for lunch and are met with Chinese and Japanese specialties in bento boxes and sushi boats.
Hours are usually 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but Sushi Lounge plans to open at 9:30 a.m. Thursday because of the rodeo parade.
For more information, call 294-4408.
Rigo’s at 2527 S. Fourth Ave. opens at 6 a.m. for the regulars who love its Mexican breakfast buffet. The iconic South Tucson establishment also offers a buffet for lunch and dinner. Or order off the menu.
On parade day, expect the big rush to be at lunch. But stay a little longer, say after 4 p.m., and the happy-hour specials stretch until 7.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 882-9323
Located west of the parade route at 4841 S. 12th Ave., this eatery serves its seafood Ensenada style.
Try the taco gordo, which is packed with fish, shrimp and marlin. The place has drawn raves on Yelp and has built a large following since it opened in 2010.
Expect it to to be especially busy once the parade ends just before the lunch rush.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 777-6235.
The Original Mr. K’s BBQ is a favorite lunch spot for resident meat eaters and for those who work along South Park Avenue (including many Star employees).
The barbecue joint has all of your traditional meats covered: Mouth-watering beef brisket, chicken, pork ribs and hot links, in platter form with two sides or as sandwiches.
The ambience is no frills — meals are served in styrofoam containers — but you won’t even notice or care once you start in on their sliced cheesecake, served with or without strawberries, and pecan pie.
Mr. K’s can be found on parade day south of the festivities at 6302 S. Park Ave, just north of East Valencia Road.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 792-9484.
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