If you’re looking to add culinary harmony to your 2023 Tucson Desert Song Festival experience, we have some suggestions of new restaurants near the festival venues that are worth checking out.
A few dining tips before we get started:
Check to see if the restaurant takes reservations.
Probe their Yelp and other social media reviews to see if they have any service issues that might make you late to your concert.
Check out the menu before you go so you have an idea of what you want. That will cut down on the time you wait.
If possible, order ahead so the food will be ready when you arrive.
OK, now onto the tasty stuff.
Downtown Tucson — not far from the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall where several Song Festival events will take place — and the area around the University of Arizona — home to Centennial Hall and smaller concert halls at the Fred Fox School of Music — welcomed a handful of new restaurants last year that either opened after the 2022 Song Festival or were so new they weren’t on many folks’ radars.
Chef Travis Peters puts an order of The Giant Chicharron, pork belly with house seasoning, chimichurri and Delta hot sauce, out for the server to deliver at The Delta, 135 S. Sixth Ave.
Tyler Fenton and his siblings (Reilly Craft Pizza) opened their fire-inspired fine-dining restaurant Bata at 35 E. Toole Ave. in March. They opened the downstairs cocktail complement Barbata in mid-November. bata tucson.com, barbata.com
Cruda Mariscos & Oysters, 31 N. Scott Ave., joined the family of downtown restaurants that includes La Chingada and The Neighborhood in February. crudamariscos.com
Ezbachi, a Japanese-style izakaya grill, opened at 62 E. Congress St. in mid-April. ezbachi.com
If you’re taste buds are craving quesabirria tacos, check out La Yaquesita Mexican Cuisine, which took over the former L Station at 500 N. Fourth Ave. inJune. facebook.com/YaquesitaTacos
The popular food truck Penelope Wood Fired Pizza opened inside Cartel Roasting Co.’s downtown location at 210 E. Broadway in October. penelopepizza.com
For a true taste of the South, The Delta, 135 S. Sixth Ave., which This is Tucson food writer Ellice Lueders labeled the “pissed off rock-and-roll cousin” of the popular New Orleans-inspired The Parish, opened in the old Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails in early January. thedeltatucson.com
The Flores family honored its founder with The Monica, a fast-casual, scratch-made open-kitchen eatery that pays homage to Monica Flores at 40 E. Congress. themonicatucson.com
The pasta-centric Noodies, which also sells Italian sandwiches and self-serve gelato, opened in the former Bentley’s House of Coffee and Tea at 1730 E. Speedway in mid-April. noodies.square.site
The newest addition to the UA’s bustling dining and drinking district Main Gate is The Union Jack, an authentic British-style pub at 800 E. University Blvd. that opened in late fall. theunionjackbar.com
The Beatles look down on tables at The Union Jack, a new British pub and restaurant at Main Gate Square.
This national chain is moving across the street in midtown. Gabriela Rico / Arizona Daily Star
Restaurants and bars that opened in the Tucson area in 2022
Oh My Chicken
Updated
Pictured are sweet chili chicken tenders from Oh My Chicken at Park Place Mall.
Park Place Mall Food Court, 5870 E. Broadway
Korean-style fried chicken
Website: Oh My Chicken
This new mall vendor serves some of the best fried chicken in Tucson
Mountain Mike's Pizza
Updated
Mario Rosales cuts up a a pizza at Mountain Mike's Pizza. The restaurant occupies the former Five Guys space at Oracle and Wetmore roads.
4362 N. Oracle Road
520-524-1700
Website: Mountain Mike's Pizza
The restaurant is known for its 20-inch pies.
Muncheez
Updated
Aurelio, left, and Morgan Garcia prepare a customer order for Muncheez, set up outside Dragoon Brewing, 1859 W. Grant Road.
Outside Danny's Baboqivari Lounge, 2910 E. Fort Lowell Road
Website: Muncheez
Aurelio and Morgan Garcia opened their food stand in September.
This new food stand serves two of our favorite comfort foods: burgers and tacos
Tran's Fats
Updated
After years in the making, local foodie Jackie Tran has opened Tran's Fats at Hotel McCoy.
Jackie Tran opened this food truck in November. It can be found at Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road, most of the time.
Check out Tran's Fats website for other locations.
Tucson's favorite foodie Jackie Tran just opened a food truck
Rollies Mexican food truck
Updated
Birria rojo tacos with melted cheese and spiced beef broth are all the rage at Rollie's Mexican Patio.
Rollies Mexican Patio opened its second location with a food truck at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, Nov. 1, 2022.
Website: rolliestucson.com
Tucson favorite Rollies is opening a food truck at the MSA Annex
Houlden’s Rise Above
Updated
Hannah Houlden is the owner of Houlden’s Rise Above. Her vegan pastries, which include turnovers, pop tarts, cookies and more, tend to sell out at Coffee Times Drive-Thru.
Owner Hannah Houlden opened this brick and mortar vegan bakery at 5029 E. Fifth St. this year.
The bakery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until items are sold out. Houlden's pastries can also be found at several coffeehouses around Tucson.
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Updated
Mojo's venue was completely redesigned from the spot's previous iteration as a Caribbean-themed nightclub, at 1929 E. Grant Road.
1929 E. Grant Road
Website: mojocuban.com
Mojo Cuban opened Oct. 30, 2022.
Tita Tita
Updated
Philip Rieff and Cody Webster are the masterminds behind Tita Tita, bringing Filipino food to Tucson.
Tita Tita is a pop-up restaurant serving Filipino food. Owners Philip Rieff and Cody Webster hope to open in a brick and mortar location in the future. Go to titatitaus.com to see where it will pop up next.
There's a new spot serving Filipino food in Tucson, from lumpia to BBQ
The Cookie Plug
Updated
150 N. Campbell Ave.
Website: cookieplug.com
Cookies are baked fresh daily. More locations will open in Tucson next year.
Two Hands Corn Dogs
Updated
Corn dogs or cheese sticks can be covered in crispy rice puffs or potato cubes and drizzled with “dirty sauce” at Two Hands Corndog shop.
2786 N. Campbell Ave.
781-786-1193
Website: Two Hands Corn Dogs – Campbell (usakor.com)
Two Hands Corn Dogs opened its first Tucson location October 12, 2022. This unique eatery features seven Korean-style corn dog options, plus fries and elote.
Two more Tucson-area locations are in the works.
Rudy’s “Country Store” & Bar-B-Q
Updated
Construction continues on the new Rudy’s “Country Store” & Bar-B-Q restaurant, 2130 E. Ajo Way. The Texas-based company has three Phoenix-area Rudy’s locations and plans to open its Tucson location on June 21.
2130 E Ajo Way
520-908-7397
Wesbite: rudysbbq.com
Rudy’s specializes in all things barbecue from their popular brisket to smoked turkey breast, chicken, ribs and pulled pork. Meat is sold by the half-pound — ranging from $6.99 for sausage links to $10.99 for brisket — and sides are a la carte.
Bonafide "Texplorer" Chet Garner, host of "The Daytripper" that explores all things Texas, learns how to cut a brisket like a pro from the Rudy's "Country Store" & Bar-B-Q team.
Nattha's Bann Thai Asian
Updated
Nattha's Bann Thai Asian recently opened in the former Peking Palace, serving up Thai and Cantonese dishes including the pictured shrimp Pad Thai.
6970 E. 22nd St.
Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian, located at 6970 E. 22nd St., opened around June and serves up Thai and Cantonese dishes from mussaman curry to Pad Thai.
Website: Nattha's Bann
By the Bucket
Updated
Tucson is getting its first By The Bucket takeout spaghetti shop this fall near Kolb and Tanque Verde roads.
2130 N. Kolb Road
(520) 771-6917
Website: www.bythebucket.com/
By the Bucket sells hot spaghetti to go in a bucket, meatballs, meatball subs, deserts and cold drinks.
By The Bucket's kitchens are simple, with steamers for the spaghetti, warmers for the marinara and meatballs, and a toaster for the bread.
Peace, Love and Pops
Updated
A pedestrian walks past soon to be popsicle restaurant Peace, Love & Pops, 845 E. University Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 24, 2022.
814 E University Blvd
(520) 372-7805
Website: peaceloveandpops.com
A new popsicle shop — Peace, Love & Pops — will be going in at 845 E. University Blvd. The restaurant, which will feature fresh fruit popsicles as well as more inventive flavors, from regional prickly pear to cream-based popsicles with cereal, is expected to open in late April or early May.
Tooley's Cafe
Updated
Tooley's will reopen with the original breakfast and lunch menu that dates back to 1989.
299 S. Park Ave
Website: Facebook.com/TooleysCafe
The restaurant at 299 S. Park Ave. will reopen, after a six-year closure, on Friday, June 3, with the original breakfast and lunch menu that dates back to 1989.
Texas Burrito Company
Updated
Texas Burrito Company is located at 1570 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd.
1570 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd
Suite 100
520-367-6050
Website: texasburritoco.com
This new restaurant on Tucson's south side is run by Jason Scott, who incorporates his Texan roots and barbecue into traditional Sonoran food.
Ren Bakery and Espresso Bar
Updated
Ren Bakery and Espresso Bar opened in the former 8 Degrees Ice Cream & Cookies, an 1,100-square-foot space that already had an oven.
4320 N. Campbell Ave., #43
520-389-8926
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Baked goods from muffins and danish to scones and cinnamon rolls that are used in Ren Coffeehouse nearby, and of course, espresso.
Tanna's Botannas
Updated
Marie and Buddy Lozano place their order at Tanna's Botannas, 4426 S. Sixth Ave.
4426 S. Sixth Ave.
520-445-5875
Website: tannasbotannas.com
Spicy candies and snacks are on the menu.
Squared Up Pizza
Updated
Squared Up Pizza uses fresh pepperoni and co-owner Mario Badali’s family recipe for Sicilian pies.
5870 E Broadway
520-519-2000
Website: facebook.com/squareduppizza
This pizza spot presents Sicilian pies like you get in New York. Their pies are in the traditional Sicilian square, with a thicker base and crunchy crust.
Frida's Cafe
Updated
Frida's Cafe's Diego Rivera sandwich is a spin on a BLT, with a chile relleno instead of bacon, plus some avocado.
5526 E Grant Road
520-367-4711
Website: fridascafe.net
Menu items are inspired by the famous painter couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
The Monica
Updated
Chris Ahlers gets some work done in the main dining room near the retractable doors to the patio after lunch at The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.
40 E. Congress St.
520-645-1924
Website: themonicatucson.com
The Monica opened as an offshoot of El Charro Café. It is named for El Charro's founder Monica Flin and includes a market along with the restaurant.
BoSa Donuts
Updated6872 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-526-2341
BoSa Donuts serves more than donuts and coffee. You can get lunch there with sandwiches and other drinks.
Bun Dock Vietnamese Noodle
Updated3225 N. Swan Road, Suite 111
520-274-7419
The restaurant specializes in Vietnamese Bún (Vermicelli Salad Bowls)
Cruda Mariscos & Oyster Bar
Server Lili Garcia brings drinks to the outdoor dining area in front of the new restaurant Cruda, 31 N. Scott Ave., Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 10, 2022.
31 N. Scott Ave.
520-207-0589
Cruda is the newest in a slew of opulent, Mexican-influenced restaurants across Tucson. It was opened by Danny Cordova in the space left when his first downtown venture, La Chingada, moved into the former location of the now-closed restaurant Cafe Poca Cosa.
Fullylove's
Updated
Pictured is half of the V-Licious Vegan Burger and veggie chips from Fullylove's now in Main Gate Square
994 E. University Blvd.
520-534-7896
This lunch to late-night munchies spot has classic and vegan burgers and sandwiches and sides and a considerable dessert menu.
Guadalajara Grille
Guadalajara’s in Marana has opened with the same classic Mexican dishes as its sister locations in Tucson.
5955 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive
520-296-4221
This Mexican restaurant at 5955 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive is the third location for chef-owner Seth Holzman, which include Guadalajara Grill Mexican, 4901 E. Broadway, and Guadalajara Grill Fiesta, 750 N. Kolb Road. It has the same menu of classic Mexican food.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market wants to make veganism more accessible for all.
5071 E. Fifth St.
520-849-5553
Tanya Barnett started her deli and market out of a desire to make veganism more accessible — for meat eaters and die-hard vegans alike. She asked vegans what ingredients they needed to find and placed them on her first order.
Ni Hao Tea
Updated
2800 N. Campbell Ave.
Ni Hao Tea, with this new location, serves Boba tea and smoothies.
The Century Room at Hotel Congress
Updated
Shana Oseran spearheaded the idea of opening a jazz club called the Century Room inside Hotel Congress' former Copper Hall. The borderlands jazz and mezcal tasting lounge will open on Feb. 4.
311 E. Congress St.
520-622-8848
hotelcongress.com/family/century-room
Tucson's only jazz club, The Century Room borderlands jazz club and mezcal tasting lounge, is in the former Copper Hall banquet space at at Hotel Congress.
The Delta
Owners of the newest downtown restaurant, The Delta. From left, Steve Dunn, Travis Peters and Bryce Zeagler hope to create a “libation and culinary thrill ride.”
135 S. Sixth Ave.
520-524-3400
The Delta officially opened on New Year’s Day. It is the downtown sister project of local favorite The Parish.
Tucsonans might recognize The Parish as a restaurant that transforms an Oro Valley strip mall into a shot of New Orleans. The Delta will feature the same Southern Hospitality it will be a bar with a grill menu instead of the Parish's gumbo.
Bata
Updated
Bata takes up 6,000 square feet of the historic 1930s warehouse at 35 E. Toole Ave.
35 E. Toole Ave.
Website: batatucson.com
Bata is owned by Tyler Fenton, who, with two siblings, also owns Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink. The menu will consist of foods touched by fire, whether being grilled, charred, flame dried or burned (on purpose).
