Thrillist: Is Tucson Best Food City in AZ?

HOT DOG FROM EL GUERO CANELO | Flickr/Alyson Hurt

I knew the minute I took the assignment from Thrillist that I had a hot potato on my hands. Should I decide to accept, I’d need to make a case that Tucson is the “best food city in Arizona.”

Wait a minute. Phoenix has been my home for more than 20 years. I am a staunch champion of local, independent restaurants, food purveyors, and farmers. I couldn’t turn this into a turf war.

Of course, outlets like Thrillist thrive on a bit of controversy. Titles are often written to stir up emotions. When people get riled up, they tend to click on the article to see what the fuss is.

I think I did a fair job explaining why Tucson is a stellar food city. Whether or not Tucson is “the best” food city in Arizona is up to you. You can read the article here and decide for yourself:

Thrillist article: Why Tucson is the Best Food City in Arizona.

Arizona is smoking hot when it comes to independent restaurants, cocktail bars and food events. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

I mention several places in the article, but here are several more that make Tucson a culinary destination.

Prep & Pastry

Weekend Poutine | Prep & Pastry | © Gwen Ashley Walters

S’more Donut | Prep & Pastry | © Gwen Ashley Walters

The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress

Baked Eggs |Cup Cafe | © Gwen Ashley Walters

Chilaquiles | Cup Cafe | © Gwen Ashley Walters

Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe

Huevos Rancheros | Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe | © Gwen Ashley Walters

Exo Roast Co.