From Adam Sandler to Jamie Foxx: 12 times celebrities were spotted in Tucson
- Updated
Celebrities have been popping into Tucson restaurants for decades. Here are some of our most recent visits.
Jamie Foxx at Topgolf in Marana
UpdatedWhen Jamie Foxx popped into Topgolf on Tuesday, Nov. 26, Mario Acosta (pictured far right), thought he'd take a chance and say hi.
"He was in the booth right next to ours," Acosta told the Star via Twitter.
Acosta said the Academy Award-winning actor was "super nice." He joked around with Acosta and his friends for a few minutes, before taking selfies with the group and heading out.
Rozonda Thomas of TLC at Blue Willow
UpdatedBefore TLC's Pima County Fair performance in April 2019, Rozonda Thomas, also known as Chilli, stopped by Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Ave., for a meal.
"We were so excited to meet her!" Blue Willow said on Facebook.
Chuck Liddell at MiAn Sushi downtown
UpdatedChuck Liddell, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, looked badass posing for a picture with restaurateur Bin An, in front of An's downtown restaurant MiAn Sushi & Modern Asian Cuisine on East Broadway, in July of 2018.
Liddell was in town filming with director/writer Jacob DeSio, according to a post from the same day on Liddell's Instagram account.
Adam Sandler at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in 2018
UpdatedActor and comedian Adam Sandler stopped into Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at the La Encantada Mall in 2018.
A handful of employees took a selfie with the famous actor and posted the photo on Facebook.
"We had a special guest dine with us today! Thanks for joining us for dinner Adam Sandler," the restaurant wrote in the Facebook post.
Lance Armstrong's late dinner at Gavi's
UpdatedLance Armstrong and a party of 10 came into Piazza Gavi Italian Restaurant in February of 2017 — hours after his team finished the grueling 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo mountain bike challenge.
Kevin Smith visits Batch downtown
UpdatedDirector, actor, comic book man Kevin Smith made the rounds in Tucson ahead of his appearance at the Rialto Theatre in June of 2017.
Smith popped up live and in-person at points around town over the course of a week, with photos to prove it.
Among the shots that circulated: A selfie with Frank Brinsley, host of "The World Famous Frank Show," on Brinsley's Twitter feed; a forehead shot on Smith's Twitter feed with the Rialto marquee in the background; and a photo of Smith with Ronnie Spece and Kade Mislinski, owners of Batch, at the downtown doughnut and whiskey shop.
Adam Sandler at the Silver Saddle in early 2015
UpdatedBefore visiting Firebirds, Sandler was snapped at The Silver Saddle Steakhouse on the south side's East Benson Highway in 2015.
The restaurant, which is kind of tricky to find off Interstate 10 unless you know it's there — you see the sign after you've passed the South Sixth Avenue exit — has photographic proof of its celebrity encounter. They snapped some shots of Sandler with its employees.
LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian at Street Taco and Beer Co.
UpdatedLeAnn Rimes was in town for a holiday gig at the Fox Theater in December, 2015. While she was here, she chose Street Taco and Beer Co., 58 W. Congress St., as her restaurant of choice.
From the Street Taco Facebook page:
"The beautiful Grammy and CMA award winning country/pop singer LeAnn Rimes and her husband Eddie Cibrian stopped Street taco before her concert and had some tacos. After her concert she sent her staff back to get a to go bag for the road. What a cool, funny and down to earth couple."
Billy Bob Thornton at Sir Veza's in August, 2016
UpdatedNot sure why Billy Bob Thornton was in Tucson or why he popped into the now-closed Sir Veza's Taco Garage at the Tucson Mall in August of 2016, but there he was, smoking a cigarette outside and posing for pics with Sir Veza's employees.
"'Bad Santa' dropped into Sir Veza's last night to fix his hunger and thirst! Thanks for visiting the taco garage Billy Bob Thornton! #badsanta #whereuat," Sir Veza's owner Ray Flores posted on Facebook.
Flores also wrote that Thornton "took some pics and said he was sorry for missing our Xmas in July gift card sale."
Ken Griffey Jr. at Wings Over Broadway
UpdatedBaseball great and hall-of-famer Ken Griffey Jr. swung into Wings Over Broadway, 5004 E. Broadway, in August of 2016.
In addition to his meal, Griffey got some fan love from several employees, and, judging by the photo posted on the restaurant's Facebook page, he seemed like a good sport.
Steven Seagal at Mariscos Chihuahua
UpdatedWhen a Hollywood star slips into your dining room for a quiet dinner there's only one thing for the employees to do: Selfies!
That's what a half-dozen employees of Mariscos Chihuahua at 1009 N. Grande Ave. did when Steven Seagal stepped into their dining room in February of 2016. After serving the star of dozens of action and martial arts films including the "Under Siege" franchise, the employees posed with the star for group shots in the kitchen.
Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco at Sunny Daze Cafe
UpdatedBrendon Urie, frontman for Panic! At the Disco, came to Sunny Daze Cafe for a bite to eat in October of 2016.
Panic! At the Disco headlined KFMA Fall Ball 2016 at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Urie was a co-headliner with Weezer, following up on the two acts summerlong co-headlining tour that hit Phoenix in August.
As featured on
Confetti Piñatas is located on Craycroft, south of 22nd Street.
Mug shots and crime stories about inmates on Arizona's death row. Warning: graphic details.
Tom Cruise made an appearance in Marana on Thursday.
View this profile on Instagram#ThisIsTucson 🌵 (@this_is_tucson) • Instagram photos and videos
Most viewed stories
-
44 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Nov. 21-24 🚴♀️🎈
-
El Tour de Tucson is back this weekend. Here's everything you need to know.
-
Get delicious turkey dinners at these local restaurants this Thanksgiving
-
Shop from local artists at this 3-day market hosted by the Tucson Museum of Art
-
Turkey and pie: where to get free Thanksgiving dinners this month
-
60 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Nov. 14-17 📚🛍
-
Eat all the tamales of your dreams at Casino Del Sol's 19th annual tamal festival
-
Meru is no longer the newest member of the elephant herd — but she's still the baby 🐘
-
Galloping into action: This new rescue calls for volunteers to care for horses in need
-
A giant list of vegan food in Tucson — now with more restaurants!