Get a taste of Tucson with these 10 restaurants
CARA RENE
Tucson Citizen
A dining area at Janos located at 3770 E. Sunrise Drive.
Tucson Citizen file photo
Janos/J-Bar - Celebrity chef Janos Wilder's pair of eateries reflect the best of Latin American cuisine and the Southwest. You may be tempted by choices such as pulled pork or chocolate jalape–o ice cream. Janos is the upscale spot while J-Bar encourages more casual dining at lower prices. Both are situated on the grounds of the Westin La Paloma resort, 3770 E. Sunrise Drive. Janos is open Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. J-Bar is open Monday through Saturday 5-9:30 p.m. Both are closed Sundays. Call 615-6100.
Cafe Poca Cosa - Chef Suzana Davila's enthusiasm for the colors and tastes of Mexico is abundant in her colorful downtown restaurant. The lively chatter of diners keeps this spot energized with an upbeat attitude. Don't look for Sonoran chow here, most dishes echo the spirit of Oaxaca. Besides filling up on her tasty salsa, consider dishes such as green corn tamale pie, fish poached in citrus and beef strips with chiles. Poca Cosa, 88 E. Broadway, is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and for dinner 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. Call 622-6400.
Lil' Abners - This early 19th century Butterfield Stage Coach stop turned steakhouse is a great choice for a taste of the old West. The fragrant smoke from steaks grilled over an open fire pit are guaranteed to get your appetite in gear. Chicken and ribs are available as well. Side dishes are simple: tossed salad, ranch beans and Texas garlic toast. Lil' Abners, 8501 N. Silverbell Road, is open Sunday through Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5-11 p.m. There's live country western and bluegrass music on weekends. Call 744-2800.
Terra Cotta - A kitchen fire and ensuing closure could not keep this Southwestern favorite down. Reopened in December, minus the Cafe part of its name, this bustling restaurant is the place to swap shopping tales over a signature margarita. Tempters include tortilla soup, woodfired pizza and chicken stuffed chile relleno. Terra Cotta, 3500 E. Sunrise Drive, is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch, 4-5 p.m. for tapas and 5-9 p.m. for dinner. Call 577-8100.
El Charro Cafe - One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Tucson, El Charro still serves family recipes from the 1920s. One of its claims to fame is carne seca (dried pulled beef). Racks loaded with beef are placed on the roof to dry in the sun. The downtown location, 311 N. Court Ave., has the best atmosphere. (But east siders can enjoy the authentic tastes at 6310 E. Broadway - 745-1922). El Charro is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 622-1922.
Pechugas en Champinones, chicken breast and mushrooms with asparagus in serrano chile sauce, gives you an idea of the creative cuisines of Cafe Poca Cosa.
Caruso's - Most nights, you'll notice a crowd gathering out front of this old-style Italian eatery - waiting for a table (reservations only for large groups!) The allegiance? Great atmosphere and reasonable prices. This southern Italian food establishment has been feeding Tucsonans since 1938. Vast amounts of marinara are still cooked in the family's giant copper pot. Caruso's, 434 N. Fourth Ave., is open Tuesday through Thursday 4:30 - 10 p.m., Friday 4:30-11 p.m., Saturday 4-11 p.m. and Sunday 4-10 p.m. Closed Monday. Call 624-5765.
Arizona Inn - The dining room in this historic inn is a charming spot for treating yourself to something special. Breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner are served. The inn is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Enjoy sumptuous continental selections colored with regional flare. Breakfast and lunch are reasonably priced for such luxury. Dinner and brunch are definitely pricey. The Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm Street, is open daily for breakfast 7-9:45 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (except Sundays, where a champagne brunch is served during these hours) and dinner 6-10 p.m. Call 325-1541.
Cup Cafe - Want to dine in a quaint cafe oozing with history? Head over to the restaurant in the Hotel Congress. This 1919 hotel is famous for some notorious guests who slumbered there - 1930s bank robber John Dillinger and his gang of thugs. The restaurant serves up quality fare all day - often there is a wait for the tables for weekend breakfast. Don't hesitate to order dessert from the wonderful selection of treats. Cup Cafe (in Hotel Congress), 311 E. Congress St., is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. (Tea time is 3:30-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and only tea, coffee and dessert is available). Call 798-1618.
Mi Nidito Cafe - Head to south Tucson for Mexican food riches. A favorite is this bustling restaurant. Yummy Sonoran fare is available and even tempted President Clinton to pig out on a visit in 1999 (he sampled the chips and salsa, a quesadilla, tamales, a taco, chicken enchiladas, chile relleno, a bean tostada and rice and beans). Mi Nidito, 1813 S. Fourth Ave., is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 622-5081.
El Corral - Around for 60 years, this Foothills haven for flesh expands the waistlines of its customers with huge slabs of juicy prime rib, steak, ribs, chicken and fish (for the dainty). The classic building's atmosphere is rustic, dark and charming. El Corral, 2201 E. River Road, is open Monday through Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4:30 - 10 p.m. Call 299-6092.
