NOW YOU SEE IT:
Tucson's Hidden Treasures
By Stacey Gregory
Photography By Evan Zavitz
Every town has them, little hidey-holes tucked away from sight. We’re bringing these to your attention so you don’t miss the chance to explore more of Southern Arizona.
TUCSON'S SECRET FLAVOR HAVENS
It’s no secret that Tucson is a treasure trove of culinary delights, yet you will be surprised by these unmarked and off-the-beaten-path dining experiences that promise memorable meals.
Finding Anello is part of the adventure of this wood-fired pizza place. With no signage, you’ll need to look for Crooked Tooth Brewery to find the charming eatery. Inside is an impressive, imported Stefano Ferrara oven from Naples that the chef uses to infuse pizzas with the unique flavors of oak and pecan woods. The result is a symphony of taste that elevates each bite served in an intimate setting with an open kitchen.
While the menu is limited, it is packed with delicious bites. The Verde, with its crunchy pistachios, appetizers like the focaccia with ricotta and red pepper jam, and seasonal veggies,
ANELLO
222 E 6TH STREET
@ANELLO_PIZZERIA
including broccoli with white bean purée, are a few of the dishes prepared fresh here daily. There’s a handy order/pickup window on the side for those who want to skip the wait. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot in this popular, cozy eatery, where every visit promises fresh, flavorful dishes that leave a lasting impression.
PENCA
50 E. BROADWAY BLVD.
Nestled in an old building across the street from the James A. Walsh Federal Courthouse in downtown Tucson is Penca. Here, the flavors of the Sonoran Desert meet the rich cultural traditions of Tucson, delivering the vibrant flavors of traditional and modern Central Mexican cuisine.
When you step inside, you’re transported to a world where Mexico’s rich culinary heritage comes alive in
every dish. The menu is a delightful journey through Mexico’s diverse culinary landscape. Each dish, whether a comforting mole or a zesty ceviche, showcases Mexico’s unique ingredients and flavors. But Penca isn’t just about the food. The bar is a destination in itself, home to Tucson’s first Agave Bar. Whether you’re sipping on a smoky mezcal, a smooth sotol, or a rare bacanora, each drink tells a story of its own.
LA INDITA
722 N. STONE AVENUE
When cruising down Stone Avenue, keep your eyes peeled for La Indita, a beloved gem in downtown Tucson located next to the Economy Restaurant Supply store. This family-run restaurant has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1983 from three different locations over the
years. Its current spot looks more like a home, fitting for the dishes created from the heart and heritage of the matriarch Maria Garcia, a Purepecha Indian from Mexico.
BATA
35 E. TOOLE AVENUE
Embrace the mystery of a night out at the elegant BATA restaurant. With minimal signage, you’ll want to look for the brick building with fl oor-to-ceiling the brick building with fl oor-to-ceiling service starts at 5 p.m. wed–sun 28 windows across the street from Borderlands windows across the street from Borderlands Brewing Company.
With 90% of its ingredients sourced within 400 miles and many from much closer, BATA'S
isn’t any meat—proteins on to say there isn’t any meat—proteins on rotation are focused on fish and pork with whole pigs butchered in-house. Cooking over an oak-fueled fire, BATA infuses each dish with a distinctive smoky essence, adding depth and character to the vibrant, fresh ingredients.
At La Indita, you’re treated to a unique fusion of Mexican and Native American cuisine that masterfully combines ancestral Tarascan recipes from Michoacan with the rich flavors of the Tohono O’odham Reservation. This delightful blend results in dishes that are truly a testament to the Elders of Tucson. Whether you’re indulging in their famous tamales or exploring the more adventurous dishes, every meal promises a journey through time and culture, with each bite a tribute to the rich culinary traditions passed down through generations.
menu is a testament to local agriculture and culinary creativity. Each visit promises a new experience, as the menu focuses on vegetables and organically evolves based on the freshest organically evolves based on the freshest and best ingredients available each day, and best ingredients available each day, celebrating both the broader seasons and the intricate micro season. That's not to say there
HIDDEN PLACES TO SHOP
more secrets!
When searching for the perfect souvenir, you might find them hidden away in unique places. The three award-winning Shops at Tohono Chul include two that do not require admission to enter. La Fuente Museum Shop is adjacent to the Garden Bistro in Wilson’s original Spanish colonial-style home offers contemporary pottery, educational and award-winning children’s books, Southwest foods, and a cookbook. The Desert Corner Nursery (formerly known as the Retail Greenhouse) is open year-round with a wide selection of plants, garden accessories, and more.
Venture to historic Tombstone, Arizona, to uncover shopping in The Shaft at Big Nose Kate’s. This quirky underground boutique tucked beneath the famous saloon is positively brimming with Old West charm and hidden treasures. As you descend a spiral staircase in front of the stage into The Shaft, you’re greeted by an eclectic array of merchandise, from vintage memorabilia and western wear to handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind Big Nose Kate’s souvenirs. There’s even an exhibit of the tunnel leading to the mine shaft. For an added surprise while you’re in Tombstone, stop in the Rose Tree Museum, home of the world’s largest rose tree. You’ll be stunned at the sheer size and fragrance of the blooms.
speakeasies + basement bars
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite speakeasies and basement bars to help you find the coolest place to enjoy cocktails in Tucson.
Basement bars include the likes of Tough Luck Club, located in Reilly Craft Pizza + Drink in downtown Tucson. You’ll know if it’s open if the side gate on Scott Avenue is open or if the roll-up front door is up. The Snake & Barrel Basement Bar hides in plain sight with an understated entrance off Congress Street and offers an exceptional array of spirits.
Tucked away in some of Tucson’s favorite restaurants are bonus bars you won’t want to miss. The Still is a speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar behind a hidden wall at Vero Amore restaurant. Nightjar is in the same historic 160-year-old property as the Coronet Restaurant and Cafe and features a turn-of-the-century Arizona back bar. Deep inside Ermanos, you’ll find Portal—a meeting place they say is interesting and sexy to lift spirits and goodwill.
Our last speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge to make this list isn’t in Tucson at all. When you see the red light on above the door at 67B Main Street in Bisbee, you’ve found the Bisbee Social Club. Don’t let the name fool you; there’s no membership to enter the green room with the velvet-draped entry into a spacious lounge with three distinct entertainment areas where you can continue celebrating the end of prohibition.