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Tucson's diverse menu varies from cheap to exotic
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Friday October 26, 2001
Pizza, calzones and gelatos, oh my!
Brooklyn Pizza
534 N. Fourth Avenue
622-6868
There's a little bit of Brooklyn down on Fourth Avenue. Brooklyn Pizza boasts huge, foldable slices of New York-style pizza, pastas, salads and lemon ice that'll make anyone think big city instead of old pueblo. Brooklyn Pizza is also one of the cheapest lunches in town. A cheese slice and a drink are only $2.25 between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This gives you enough time to eat, wait to get hungry again, and go back. Although pizza is Brooklyn Pizza's big draw (it's in the name, after all), their other offerings are also worth the trip. Thick calzones, garlic knots and salads all go well with the pizza (of course, they all stand alone, but getting pizza here is a must). Finish off with one of their gelatos, which are like ice cream, except less sweet and more delicately flavored. Delivery is free, and, in addition to food, Brooklyn Pizza delivers beer and cigarettes - meaning you can get all of your food groups in just one place.
- Jessica Suarez
Grease and more grace this joint
Frank's Restaurant
3843 E Pima (Pima and Dodge)
881-2710
There are lots of good breakfasts. Sometimes a fresh fruit plate hits the spot, while other days may beg for a biscotti and espresso. But let's face it - some days you just need grease. And on those days Frank's is the place for you. Frank's makes no bones about the stick-to-your-ribs quality of their cuisine. And it's not like they could hide it. The griddle in this intimate and usually crowded little restaurant runs so constantly that grease has begun to stain the walls. Patrons paranoid about their complexions might want to sit on the patio. No, Frank's isn't a place for the faint-hearted or for cardiac patients. What it is, though, is good and cheap. The omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage and chorizo and especially the hash browns are all tasty, homemade, and delightfully easy on the wallet. Sure, there's a place in life for smoothies, wheat germ, and whole grain muffins. But there's also a place for big, greasy breakfasts, and in Tucson, Frank's is it.
- Phil Leckman
Cheap eats and a scene from the way back machine
Grill
100 E. Congress St.
623-7621
It is impossible to review restaurants in this town without paying homage to Grill. Since moving to Tucson less than a year ago, I have eaten at no less than 700 restaurants, all struggling to maintain a distinct gimmick upon which their survival depends. Some tout killer ethnic food, others promote discreet (or ultra-boisterous) service, and still others brag about their comprehensive California wine lists. But none compare to Grill. Some people call it "The Grill," but they're wrong - it's just Grill, darn it. Located in the heart of nearly vacant downtown Tucson, Grill is in a class of its own with greasy-yet-palatable American food, greasy-yet-attractive servers, and a greasy-yet-comprehensible set of rules to accompany your family's dining experience. Little kids will love the huge bowls of Cap'n Crunch and tater tots (not mixed together!). Adults will enjoy the fascinating selection of random alcoholic beverages from around the world and the live weekend bands from around the city. Supporting Grill is like supporting a dying breed of '50s-style diners or drive-in theaters or beehive hairdos. And the price is right, too - pretty darned cheap.
- Angela Orlando
Good carne on the south side
Taqueria Pico De Gallo
2618 S. Sixth Ave. (Corner of Sixth Avenue and 36th Street).
623-8775
With the international border fewer than 70 miles away, a Mexican feast may seem like an obvious choice for that big dinner out with the folks. But tread carefully! Although there are plenty of Mexican restaurants around campus, most of them favor atmosphere over appetite, and there's a lot more to good Mexican food than sombreros or sarapes. For food that's more Sonoran than Cafˇ Sonora, head south - to South Tucson, that is. Tucson's diminutive neighbor is home to dozens of delicious Mexican restaurants, and Taqueria Pico de Gallo is one of the oldest and best. Although the menu is small and the dˇcor not much to speak of, you can hardly go wrong: The carne asada is tender and flavorful, the fish tacos are lightly fried and delicious, and the salsa is tangy and hot. Be sure to try the horchata - Pico de Gallo's award-winning version of this sweet, frothy beverage is homemade, and it shows.
- Phil Leckman
Think "Lady and the Tramp"
Ragazzi Italian Restaurant
4811 E. Grant Road Ste. 155
Crossroads Festival Shopping Center
320-0003
I had never been to a more humble, yet classy, Italian restaurant until last week when I discovered a little place called "Ragazzi." Located on a corner of the Crossroads Festival Shopping Center, the scene is quaint and the atmosphere soothing. While the dress code appeared a bit ritzier than the average Tucsonan night out, it was in no way inclusive only to customers clad in designer duds. The service was excellent and the food was even better. The owner of the restaurant even made an appearance at my party's table to introduce herself and request any suggestions we might have for her. Needless to say, we had no suggestions. While the food is a bit pricey for the average college student - dinner prices range from $5.50 for salads and desserts to $28.50 for entrees - "Ragazzi Italian Restaurant" is more than worth the money spent on each diner's meal.
- Lisa Lucas
Healthy but tasty and open late?
Martin's
557 N. Fourth Ave.
884-7909
Upon entering Martin's intimate eatery on Fourth, the first thing that struck me was the funky eclectic dˇcor and a mural of a famous Mexican wrestler bursting out of the wall. This isn't your usual tacky taco shack, and not only are the musical selections and dˇcor good, but the food and service are genuinely good as well. It is about time Tucson has a healthy option for authentic Mexican food with late hours (it's open nightly from 5:30 to midnight) that doesn't involve a drive-in and doesn't taste like it is "health food." Instead, everything I tried, from traditional carne asada and pumpkin empanadas to freshly made orange-aide, was amazingly fresh and not overly processed. Martin explained that he cooks everything himself that night, and that his secret is simple, fresh ingredients and the willingness to be creative with traditional recipes. While you are there, be sure to try the soy chorizo and check out the funky red bathroom, complete with space pod trashcan. I don't know about you, but I judge a good restaurant by the bathroom and the bread (tortillas). Martin's passes both with flying colors and amazing freshness. I'm hooked.
- Kate VonderPorten
A twist of Asian cuisines proves irresistible
Thai China Palace
4853 E Speedway Blvd
881-5068
There is nothing more appealing in a restaurant than a wide selection of menu items, especially if they are all made well. Thai China is a family owned restaurant that specializes in both Thai and Chinese food. The first time I visited, more than a year ago, I was served by an 8-year-old boy who had the professionalism and courtesy so many restaurant workers lack. The food was - to say the least - delicious, and can be prepared to fit your taste. Whether you like spicy or mild, hot or cold, there is something on the menu for everyone. But watch out - if you request it hot, they will make you cry. The dish of choice would have to be the Pad Thai Chicken - made with soft noodles and chicken topped off with vegetables. Be sure to come with your appetite because the proportions are large, and leave with your wallet and stomach full.
-Adam Pugh
Secret hideaway serves quality and quantity for little dough
Red Sky Caf&eacut;
1661 N Swan Rd. Ste. 120 (SW corner of Swan and Pima)
326-5454
Here's a secret - there's a place in town only a select few know about, and it's time to learn why customers religiously return. The Red Sky Caf&eacut; is a small bistro hidden in the bottom floor of an office complex, and many Tucsonans don't even know it's there. It's certainly off the beaten university path, but the experience of eating here is well worth the drive time. The d&eacut;cor could use a little work - the pale peach and aqua with mismatched Mexican art fad died in the mid '80s - but the service is generally great and the food almost never fails to please. If the fam wants to try a slightly more upscale eatery, the Red Sky features a full (though invisible) bar, a well-planned wine list, and menu selections ranging from duck confit to Angus steaks to nightly fresh fish specials. Owner Steve Schultz is a former Ventana Room executive chef trained in Paris; he specializes in herbs (he grows them all in his garden) and amazing homemade desserts. He calls his food "Californian-French-Arizonan fusion." You won't believe his plate presentation or the miniscule price he charges for his huge and fabulous entrees. Make a reservation - the place is a little too small to accommodate the ever-growing weekend crowds. They're also open for lunch, serving huge salads and sandwiches.
- Angela Orlando
Fresh, Greek and proximal
Sinbad's
810 E. University Blvd.
623-4010
Fresh ingredients, very reasonable prices and sumptuous taste all characterize the quality of Sinbad's restaurant, voted "Best Mediterranean Restaurant" by The Tucson Weekly for three consecutive years. The Greek and Mediterranean menu offers a variety of options to satisfy any palate, whether soup, salad, appetizer, sandwich or entree is desired. Expect to find staple Mediterranean ingredients such as hummus, yogurt, lentils, pita bread and fresh vegetables. Typical meats include chicken, ground beef and lamb - usually grilled. The menu also offers plenty of vegetarian options. For a lighter meal, the lentil soup is always a solid choice, as well as the fatoush salad, which has lettuce, toasted pita, cucumber, tomato, onion, green pepper and a secret, fantastic dressing. For dessert, Sinbad's always has a tray of baklava in the front case, as well as a rotating selection of other Middle Eastern sweets. Located in the Geronimo Plaza adjacent to a charming fountain, Sinbad's location sets the mood for an excellent dining experience. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available, and both exude a relaxed atmosphere. Dinners average between $8 and $9 an entree and lunches between $4 and $6. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
- Justine Pechuzal
It never closes, and we're pretty sure that's beef
Nico's
1855 E. Fort Lowell Rd. (And other locations)
327-3190
What happens when it's Friday night, 3 a.m., and your stomach is swimming with various kinds of hard alcohol from pre-gaming and even lower-quality keg beer from the party? You need some food in your stomach so that you don't wake up with the hardest hangover this side of Dennis Hopper. You make a Nico's run and all is solved. Nico's is a 24 -hour Mexican restaurant chain with restaurants scattered throughout Tucson. The recommended one is on the corner of Campbell and Fort Lowell. The prices are low and the food can be lifesaving at times. The choice selection has it all over other Mexican food chains such as Taco Bell. The portions are gigantic and the quality is second to none as far as fast food is concerned. The staff is helpful, courteous, and always ready to serve you even at 4 in the morning, especially if you or someone you're with is a "chica."
- Kevin Smith
Mexican food everywhere you want to be
Casa Molina
3001 N. Campbell (and other Tucson locations)
#795-7593
Having been born and raised in Tucson, I know a thing or two about Mexican food. Casa Molina is one of the best places to go for Mexican food. It's said that famous actor and University of Arizona alumnus Greg Kinnear has to come back at least once a month to get his fix at this fine restaurant. Each dish is made from scratch with love, and it's obvious. The portions are huge and delicious - my personal favorite is the taco salad with carne seca. Can't decide? Try one of the combination platters or the house specialties. Don't care much for food south of the border? Not to worry - Casa Molina offers standard fare, such as burgers, which they call "American dinners." The margaritas are out of this world and come in a variety of flavors such as melon, peach and strawberry. For a fiesta your mouth won't forget, go entertain your taste buds at Casa Molina.
-Anne Gardner
Pizza, calzones and gelatos, oh my!
Brooklyn Pizza
534 N. Fourth Avenue
622-6868
There's a little bit of Brooklyn down on Fourth Avenue. Brooklyn Pizza boasts huge, foldable slices of New York-style pizza, pastas, salads and lemon ice that'll make anyone think big city instead of old pueblo. Brooklyn Pizza is also one of the cheapest lunches in town. A cheese slice and a drink are only $2.25 between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This gives you enough time to eat, wait to get hungry again, and go back. Although pizza is Brooklyn Pizza's big draw (it's in the name, after all), their other offerings are also worth the trip. Thick calzones, garlic knots and salads all go well with the pizza (of course, they all stand alone, but getting pizza here is a must). Finish off with one of their gelatos, which are like ice cream, except less sweet and more delicately flavored. Delivery is free, and, in addition to food, Brooklyn Pizza delivers beer and cigarettes - meaning you can get all of your food groups in just one place.
- Jessica Suarez
Grease and more grace this joint
Frank's Restaurant
3843 E Pima (Pima and Dodge)
881-2710
There are lots of good breakfasts. Sometimes a fresh fruit plate hits the spot, while other days may beg for a biscotti and espresso. But let's face it - some days you just need grease. And on those days Frank's is the place for you. Frank's makes no bones about the stick-to-your-ribs quality of their cuisine. And it's not like they could hide it. The griddle in this intimate and usually crowded little restaurant runs so constantly that grease has begun to stain the walls. Patrons paranoid about their complexions might want to sit on the patio. No, Frank's isn't a place for the faint-hearted or for cardiac patients. What it is, though, is good and cheap. The omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage and chorizo and especially the hash browns are all tasty, homemade, and delightfully easy on the wallet. Sure, there's a place in life for smoothies, wheat germ, and whole grain muffins. But there's also a place for big, greasy breakfasts, and in Tucson, Frank's is it.
- Phil Leckman
Cheap eats and a scene from the way back machine
Grill
100 E. Congress St.
623-7621
It is impossible to review restaurants in this town without paying homage to Grill. Since moving to Tucson less than a year ago, I have eaten at no less than 700 restaurants, all struggling to maintain a distinct gimmick upon which their survival depends. Some tout killer ethnic food, others promote discreet (or ultra-boisterous) service, and still others brag about their comprehensive California wine lists. But none compare to Grill. Some people call it "The Grill," but they're wrong - it's just Grill, darn it. Located in the heart of nearly vacant downtown Tucson, Grill is in a class of its own with greasy-yet-palatable American food, greasy-yet-attractive servers, and a greasy-yet-comprehensible set of rules to accompany your family's dining experience. Little kids will love the huge bowls of Cap'n Crunch and tater tots (not mixed together!). Adults will enjoy the fascinating selection of random alcoholic beverages from around the world and the live weekend bands from around the city. Supporting Grill is like supporting a dying breed of '50s-style diners or drive-in theaters or beehive hairdos. And the price is right, too - pretty darned cheap.
- Angela Orlando
Good carne on the south side
Taqueria Pico De Gallo
2618 S. Sixth Ave. (Corner of Sixth Avenue and 36th Street).
623-8775
With the international border fewer than 70 miles away, a Mexican feast may seem like an obvious choice for that big dinner out with the folks. But tread carefully! Although there are plenty of Mexican restaurants around campus, most of them favor atmosphere over appetite, and there's a lot more to good Mexican food than sombreros or sarapes. For food that's more Sonoran than Cafˇ Sonora, head south - to South Tucson, that is. Tucson's diminutive neighbor is home to dozens of delicious Mexican restaurants, and Taqueria Pico de Gallo is one of the oldest and best. Although the menu is small and the dˇcor not much to speak of, you can hardly go wrong: The carne asada is tender and flavorful, the fish tacos are lightly fried and delicious, and the salsa is tangy and hot. Be sure to try the horchata - Pico de Gallo's award-winning version of this sweet, frothy beverage is homemade, and it shows.
- Phil Leckman
Think "Lady and the Tramp"
Ragazzi Italian Restaurant
4811 E. Grant Road Ste. 155
Crossroads Festival Shopping Center
320-0003
I had never been to a more humble, yet classy, Italian restaurant until last week when I discovered a little place called "Ragazzi." Located on a corner of the Crossroads Festival Shopping Center, the scene is quaint and the atmosphere soothing. While the dress code appeared a bit ritzier than the average Tucsonan night out, it was in no way inclusive only to customers clad in designer duds. The service was excellent and the food was even better. The owner of the restaurant even made an appearance at my party's table to introduce herself and request any suggestions we might have for her. Needless to say, we had no suggestions. While the food is a bit pricey for the average college student - dinner prices range from $5.50 for salads and desserts to $28.50 for entrees - "Ragazzi Italian Restaurant" is more than worth the money spent on each diner's meal.
- Lisa Lucas
Healthy but tasty and open late?
Martin's
557 N. Fourth Ave.
884-7909
Upon entering Martin's intimate eatery on Fourth, the first thing that struck me was the funky eclectic dˇcor and a mural of a famous Mexican wrestler bursting out of the wall. This isn't your usual tacky taco shack, and not only are the musical selections and dˇcor good, but the food and service are genuinely good as well. It is about time Tucson has a healthy option for authentic Mexican food with late hours (it's open nightly from 5:30 to midnight) that doesn't involve a drive-in and doesn't taste like it is "health food." Instead, everything I tried, from traditional carne asada and pumpkin empanadas to freshly made orange-aide, was amazingly fresh and not overly processed. Martin explained that he cooks everything himself that night, and that his secret is simple, fresh ingredients and the willingness to be creative with traditional recipes. While you are there, be sure to try the soy chorizo and check out the funky red bathroom, complete with space pod trashcan. I don't know about you, but I judge a good restaurant by the bathroom and the bread (tortillas). Martin's passes both with flying colors and amazing freshness. I'm hooked.
- Kate VonderPorten
A twist of Asian cuisines proves irresistible
Thai China Palace
4853 E Speedway Blvd
881-5068
There is nothing more appealing in a restaurant than a wide selection of menu items, especially if they are all made well. Thai China is a family owned restaurant that specializes in both Thai and Chinese food. The first time I visited, more than a year ago, I was served by an 8-year-old boy who had the professionalism and courtesy so many restaurant workers lack. The food was - to say the least - delicious, and can be prepared to fit your taste. Whether you like spicy or mild, hot or cold, there is something on the menu for everyone. But watch out - if you request it hot, they will make you cry. The dish of choice would have to be the Pad Thai Chicken - made with soft noodles and chicken topped off with vegetables. Be sure to come with your appetite because the proportions are large, and leave with your wallet and stomach full.
-Adam Pugh
Secret hideaway serves quality and quantity for little dough
Red Sky Caf&eacut;
1661 N Swan Rd. Ste. 120 (SW corner of Swan and Pima)
326-5454
Here's a secret - there's a place in town only a select few know about, and it's time to learn why customers religiously return. The Red Sky Caf&eacut; is a small bistro hidden in the bottom floor of an office complex, and many Tucsonans don't even know it's there. It's certainly off the beaten university path, but the experience of eating here is well worth the drive time. The d&eacut;cor could use a little work - the pale peach and aqua with mismatched Mexican art fad died in the mid '80s - but the service is generally great and the food almost never fails to please. If the fam wants to try a slightly more upscale eatery, the Red Sky features a full (though invisible) bar, a well-planned wine list, and menu selections ranging from duck confit to Angus steaks to nightly fresh fish specials. Owner Steve Schultz is a former Ventana Room executive chef trained in Paris; he specializes in herbs (he grows them all in his garden) and amazing homemade desserts. He calls his food "Californian-French-Arizonan fusion." You won't believe his plate presentation or the miniscule price he charges for his huge and fabulous entrees. Make a reservation - the place is a little too small to accommodate the ever-growing weekend crowds. They're also open for lunch, serving huge salads and sandwiches.
- Angela Orlando
Fresh, Greek and proximal
Sinbad's
810 E. University Blvd.
623-4010
Fresh ingredients, very reasonable prices and sumptuous taste all characterize the quality of Sinbad's restaurant, voted "Best Mediterranean Restaurant" by The Tucson Weekly for three consecutive years. The Greek and Mediterranean menu offers a variety of options to satisfy any palate, whether soup, salad, appetizer, sandwich or entree is desired. Expect to find staple Mediterranean ingredients such as hummus, yogurt, lentils, pita bread and fresh vegetables. Typical meats include chicken, ground beef and lamb - usually grilled. The menu also offers plenty of vegetarian options. For a lighter meal, the lentil soup is always a solid choice, as well as the fatoush salad, which has lettuce, toasted pita, cucumber, tomato, onion, green pepper and a secret, fantastic dressing. For dessert, Sinbad's always has a tray of baklava in the front case, as well as a rotating selection of other Middle Eastern sweets. Located in the Geronimo Plaza adjacent to a charming fountain, Sinbad's location sets the mood for an excellent dining experience. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available, and both exude a relaxed atmosphere. Dinners average between $8 and $9 an entree and lunches between $4 and $6. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
- Justine Pechuzal
It never closes, and we're pretty sure that's beef
Nico's
1855 E. Fort Lowell Rd. (And other locations)
327-3190
What happens when it's Friday night, 3 a.m., and your stomach is swimming with various kinds of hard alcohol from pre-gaming and even lower-quality keg beer from the party? You need some food in your stomach so that you don't wake up with the hardest hangover this side of Dennis Hopper. You make a Nico's run and all is solved. Nico's is a 24 -hour Mexican restaurant chain with restaurants scattered throughout Tucson. The recommended one is on the corner of Campbell and Fort Lowell. The prices are low and the food can be lifesaving at times. The choice selection has it all over other Mexican food chains such as Taco Bell. The portions are gigantic and the quality is second to none as far as fast food is concerned. The staff is helpful, courteous, and always ready to serve you even at 4 in the morning, especially if you or someone you're with is a "chica."
- Kevin Smith
Mexican food everywhere you want to be
Casa Molina
3001 N. Campbell (and other Tucson locations)
#795-7593
Having been born and raised in Tucson, I know a thing or two about Mexican food. Casa Molina is one of the best places to go for Mexican food. It's said that famous actor and University of Arizona alumnus Greg Kinnear has to come back at least once a month to get his fix at this fine restaurant. Each dish is made from scratch with love, and it's obvious. The portions are huge and delicious - my personal favorite is the taco salad with carne seca. Can't decide? Try one of the combination platters or the house specialties. Don't care much for food south of the border? Not to worry - Casa Molina offers standard fare, such as burgers, which they call "American dinners." The margaritas are out of this world and come in a variety of flavors such as melon, peach and strawberry. For a fiesta your mouth won't forget, go entertain your taste buds at Casa Molina.
-Anne Gardner
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