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General: Time Market
Location: 444 E. University Blvd.
Time Market feels both homegrown and aspirational. As a teen, I thought: I want to be a regular here when I grow up. They offer a bunch of upscale stuff that is so fun to ogle, a prodigious selection of red wine, an espresso bar, and some of the best bread and pizza in town. You’ll see teens hanging out after Tucson High lets out, hipsters on dates and parents with kids. It’s a little luxury, for everyone.
Liquor store: The RumRunner
Location: 3131 E. First St.
The RumRunner has everything you want and will order you cases of what they don’t have. The owners and staff will answer any questions with grace, making this place super comfortable for everyone from beginners to experts.
Carnicería: Super Carnicería y Pescadería El Ranchito
Location: 6070 S. Sixth Ave.
If you want tamales, go to El Aguajito (early, before they sell out). If you want hand burritos, pick them up at Tortillería Don Juan. If you want marinated meats, cooked fresh for you on a grill, you can find them at fabulous carnicerías across town, most often on weekends.
But if you want an unforgettable experience, go to El Ranchito down on the far south side and order their pescado frito, a whole tilapia fried to order. You can’t get fresher, more tender meat than this anywhere.
Honorable mentions: Five Points Market & Restaurant.
