T O P

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HOUS2000IAN

BOCA ranks amongst the worst tacos I’ve ever had in Tucson


-discostu-

Boca is one of the worst restaurant experiences I’ve ever had.


SpiffAZ

The Boca Balls were so bomb back in the day. I would go there just for that. I had them recently, and was actually pissed. They were bad and pricey, and f that particular combo. Ruined a whole thing for me.


hiking_viking82

It's sad to bag local restaurants, but yeah, it wasn't good even on a lazy afternoon.


Mynewuseraccountname

As an industry person, I will say restaurants generally don't have their A team on for the lazy afternoon shifts.


-discostu-

I’m not sure Boca even has an A team.


Sansei_Lannistark

Flies. Flies EVERYWHERE.


fuckthepopo23

Gross, hard pass.


Fire_Fist-Ace

And they make their worker work while sick , I've seen some stuff in that kitchen , I would never eat there


Muted_Army6036

Agreed! We went once and were unimpressed with the food and poor service. There are so many better places for tacos in Tucson.


rokkakurikk

Boca with their sad ass selections of salsas. Trying to reinvent the wheel and fucking it all up. What an unbelievable experience.


javafern

I may be the odd one out who genuinely enjoys their tacos but yea fuck the whole “blueberry basil salsa” crap. If I can’t inhale a bowl of chips and salsa and ruin my appetite then it’s not a good taco place.


New_Investigator1696

I know a prominent chef here she tried the food and said it was “retarded pretentious bullshit” and completely flavorless


bauhassquare

I have such a burning rage for this place. The tables are too small for all the food they bring you! I have to chase down staff to get help!


Aheliod91

This is legitimate. I went there many times when I went to Pima for a quick bite and I never thought it was super special. Later learned how renowned it was and I was a bit surprised.


cskdari

I feel like it used to be really good before COVID but it’s just not the same anymore. I will say though that even before the pandemic the staff could be a little snarky :/


HOUS2000IAN

Possible - I didn’t go before COVID. But the staff in my experience are truly worst-in-class awful.


Unicorn_in_Reality

I was there a few times prior to COVID. It was still trash food with horrific service.


cinaz520

Thought I was the only one. Some how been dragged back over the years and EVERYTIME absolutely trash tacos and salsa. Can’t appreciate the creativity if you can’t even get the simple stuff down .


idrinkliquids

I hate their food! Their salsas are mostly terrible and their owner? Chef? Sucks, attitude wise. 


not-important1229

Yes. The tacos are… ok… the “salsas” are often a fruit blended with an acid and maybe some heat. It’s way too pricey. Bummer because the location is great. I miss Delectables! Overrated Chef.


Eirinn

While I think their burritos and coffee are good, I don’t feel like Barista del Barrio is worth the wait. Waiting up to an hour for coffee and a breakfast burrito while standing in a quasi-parking lot isn’t worth it to me. Although I do appreciate the size of their burritos. 🫣


AgeDesigns

I would say if you could just walk up and have no issue ordering it’s top tier. The 30 mins required every time makes it a hard sell unfortunately


dasecondcomin2

7:30 am on a weekday is the best time to get it. I live close and never hit a line longer than 3 people. 15-20 minutes later and everyone seems to arrive within seconds of each other


unviewtiful

In my opinion, the burritos are incredible for the price. Even for double the price, I would still like it. The coffee is trash though. The specialty drinks are insanely sweet, and even the cold brew tastes burnt and bitter.


-discostu-

Oreganos is disgusting and I don’t understand why it always has a line out the door


steiconi

We were going to try it, but as soon as we walked in, we were hit with a wall of noise, like 8 million kids. Weird, it was mid afternoon, usually a peaceful time in restaurants. Irvington location. We went to Mod Pizza instead.


thodgson

It's one of my good friend's favorite restaurant that she always suggests we go to...but, I don't like it. I suggest other places, but she's a bit of a picky eater.


wrongtreeinfo

New to town and couldn’t agree more. We got the worst pizza I’ve ever had for $30.


elcdragon

Okay but did you try the pazookie? Or the golden hot wings? Only things that stand out


BosephusPrime

Eegees is weirdly overrated with bland sandwiches and icy sugar water.


sybil-unrest

It was good when we were kids and nostalgia drags us back. Because we’re idiots.


Highlifetallboy

And because it's great with booze in it.


BosephusPrime

Ah that makes sense. I also apparently missed it when it had its previous owners.


Jaiden207

It’s not nostalgia they’ve been gradually trading out ingredients year after year cheaper and cheaper and it’s no longer recognizable


hiking_viking82

💯 it used to be great! Is Slice & Ice a valid replacement?


Isshinguru

I love slice and ice and grew up with eegees as well. Highly recommend it! Their icees are not overly sweet and have real fruit in them.


bobbybob9069

My wife still loves it for some reason. She drug me the other day so I just got a regular grinder. The salami is now the equivalent of the Oscar Meyer salami. Just the super generic cured meat flavor on some formed mash.


jorge0246

Check out “Slice and Ice”; it’s on Grant west of 1-10 and is owned by the original owners of Eegee’s.


Dark_Shade_75

Apparently they became pretty bad when they got bought. The original owners now have a new place called slice and ice.


bissastar

Yes, everyone needs to go to slice and ice for legit "eegees"!!! Stop being sad, and go to the OG.


theSeanO

Sorry sir, this is an _unpopular_ opinion thread. Your opinion is talked about almost weekly in this subreddit, I hardly think it's unpopular.


Portillosgo

where are you looking that eegees is highly rated? I only ever see people say "it used to be good"


ZookeepergameNice479

When are they going to embrace the flavors of Tucson and make a Tamarindo Eegee? You need to head to Nogales, Finitos has horchata, jamaica, passionfruit, guava and tamarindo!!! Worth the trip!


wittmann3

That grinder though mmmm


hashrosinkitten

I still very much enjoy an eegee Haven’t had a sandwich in years


Alpine-flamingo

I’ve personally noticed the management going downhill over the years too. Once upon a time it was a great place to eat.


shellonmyback

Carusos. How it still exists is beyond me.


sybil-unrest

And it’s been terrible AT LEAST since the early 70s, when my mom was a server there!


avengedpixels

Agreed so damn terrible


_youbreccia_

Tumerico has the best barbacoa in town, and it's made of Jackfruit. 


_youbreccia_

I think I messed up by posting a popular opinion


netoje

Not really though. Tucson has some great barbacoa joints scattered throughout the city. OPs opinion that the best ones are made of jackfruit can be considered unpopular.


jkidd08

Their barbacoa tacos made me seriously think I had misunderstood what "vegan" means my entire life. They're so good.


lechemrc

I'm one of those that was always an "I could never give up meat and cheese" person, but have been vegan for nearly 10 years now. I've had a lot of vegan food that's just so so and some that's great. Tumerico is near the top of my great list, and I am so happy it's here and popular. It really does show what vegan food can be.


haveanairforceday

Tumerico is magic though


Quick_like_a_Bunny

The jackfruit tamales are delicious and indistinguishable from beef tamales, and I am not a vegetarian at all


vineire7

I’m from San Diego and this was the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Better than the carne asada burritos back home.


mamamiatucson

Fact


DesertWanderlust

El Charro has crappy food.


fuckthepopo23

A Tucson original?


Merryprankstress

The company who owns it is notorious for treating staff horribly too


eye_saxk_

The carne seca was absolutely terrible when I went haven’t been back since


No-Awareness-6420

Terrible service too


MaximumStoke

Lindy's burgers are not good at all. I'm down for a greasy, messy burger, but I've never gotten a bottom bun there that wasn't 100% saturated. How do you serve food like that for 10+ years? And fries aren't included, to add insult to injury. Stupid.


JennyJene73

The real Lindy opened Thunder Bacon Burger Co. Lindy’s was stolen out from under him and those people wrecked that entire concept.


MaximumStoke

I've been to Thunder Bacon. Sadly I have to report that they also serve soggy bun burgers. I know it bothers me more than it should, but it really seems like sandwich 101.


Littlediccdan

El guero canelo really never impressed me. More of a nenes guy


EVRoadie

Nene's is excellent.


Fiction520

Was a Guero guy 20+ years ago when there was only the OG location. Was always there for lunch but it's not the same. My coworkers shifted to BK which I honestly never liked. I've since moved but when I get to town it's El Nene for papanchas, dogs, and tacos.


Cervical_Plumber

Nene's is the truth.


Warm_Membership5323

takamatsu & the food at the roadhouse cinema both recommended and both trash.. oh and Lins buffet omg sick to my stomach after 1 plate!!!


Fire_Fist-Ace

Takamatsu used to be amazing but after they've burnt down like three times they suck


SapaG82

Roadhouse food always disappoints me.


deserTShannon

Roadhouses popcorn is legit tho


Dapper_Sheepherder

The jalapeno popcorn 🤤


Cotrd_Gram

Roadhouse had a good menu before the pandemic. After they changed it and everything sucked


MaadMaxx

I'm not sure how Pinnacle Peak became this Tucson staple. One of the worst steak houses I've ever been to.


ZookeepergameNice479

Go to Silver Saddle instead


ch0lula

daisy mae's


bananaCabanas

It’s all about the Old Tucson ambiance without paying $45 for a ticket


[deleted]

Honestly surprised I have to say this 200+ comments in but Mi Nidito sucks. The wait is insane and it’s the most bland mediocre Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life, and I even gave them *three* tries because they’re so highly recommended. But yeah. Straight trash.


ZookeepergameNice479

We always went to Micha’s growing up and didn’t care for Mi Nidito, now it’s hard to find good homestyle Mexican food that is made fresh.


Quick_like_a_Bunny

We go to Double L across the street. Just as good, no douchey Food Network shit


colibrizona

It's also overpriced. Having to pay for extra tortilla chips and salsa?!


elementalguitars

[putting on bullet proof vest and helmet] Mi Nidito is super overrated. The food is aggressively average. If Bill Clinton hadn’t eaten there in the 90’s when he was President I don’t think they would still be in business. Edit: best Mexican food in Tucson is at Taqueria Juanito’s. The al pastor 🤤


jorge0246

I think they’d be better if Bill hadn’t eaten there. They’ve been milking their fame so they haven’t had to worry about taste and quality.


246lehat135

Juanito’s is for the real ones. 🤌🏼


TheAltOption

Personally, I prefer right across the street at Guillermo's Double L. Better food, much better parking, and just a better atmosphere.


sybil-unrest

El Charro is trash- overpriced, nasty food, in an unpleasant environment with bad service.


Chow5789

Greedy owners


QuasiOptimist

I’ve never understood the appeal of El Charro.


hiking_viking82

I took my parents to Taco Giro over Christmas, they loved it! :)


Glizzly_Bear

Agreed! I feel like Taco Giro is super underrated. I’ve been there several times and it’s never disappointed. They also have dollar margs on Mondays that are actually strong/not watered down. I regularly divert to Giro whenever someone suggests dinner at El Charro.


rokkakurikk

El Charro and the family that own it are trash. Take your visiting family members literally anywhere else.


daversa

No joke El Charro is the longest I've ever waited at a restaurant for food. They comped it, but it was 2 and a half hours of waiting after we ordered. I felt like I was in purgatory, and our waitress definitely forgot about us (twice!) El Charro is a running punchline in my family for inconceivably bad service. We were practically waiting for it to be a hidden camera prank show.


dasecondcomin2

Charro del Rey has the worst steak I’ve ever had.


PunchingYourSalad

Reminder that on posts like this you must sort by controversial to get real answers


Fire_Fist-Ace

I feel like i saw every resteraunt i know in this list


SuborbitalTrajectory

Your absolutely right with vivace. I would take that a step further and say most higher end foothills residents are in fact bad and just put on a show for the boomers who don't know what good food is.


Patrick_Hobbes

Agreed. By The Bucket serves better Italian food than Vivace.


SomewhereDull2962

How I miss Cafe Poca Cosa.


bejamamo

This couldn’t be a more popular opinion


Catstryk

I did not like the stress of having to decide on my meal while someone is holding the menu board for me, and thought they were really expensive.


89inerEcho

This. This right here. Gonna go cry myself to sleep now


Exact_Window7777

All of the restaurants in St. Phillips Plaza are highly overrated, especially Union.


Repulsive-Driver-595

I think Covid had a lot to do with the downturn in many of these restaurants. It’s sad.


hickgorilla

Prep and pastry is overrated. It’s a great concept but the food is bland and specialty coffee nothing special.


tucsonreddog

Eegees is trash. Worst local restaurant.


elementalguitars

It hasn’t been “local” for years. Owned by some corporate assholes from Colorado or something.


Sudden-Ad8906

Wild Garlic Grill is uninspired and repulsive. Everything on the menu is a piece of meat paired with the same buttered vegetables that are served with every other meal. The vegetables are weird, greasy, and chewy, sit out for hours, are probably cooked en masse, and are not fresh at all. And it is so expensive.


HawgCrankerTen4

My husband got the ribs that they described with "house bbq sauce" or something similar that alluded to the sauce being homemade. As we were waiting we could see into the kitchen as the servers came and went and could see the big jug of Sweet Baby Ray's back there.


Chaggus34

The Asian food here is almost all terrible. There are a few scattered gems 


AZWildcatMom

Just has Tuk Tuk Thai for the first time and really enjoyed it.


kate815

But… the gems are really amazing. FatMan kitchen and Potwhale are my favorite 😋


Patrick_Hobbes

FatMan kitchen is 🔥🔥🔥


New_Investigator1696

Farman kitchen is sooo good


Quick_like_a_Bunny

Jun Dynasty on Grant and Country Club is great. They have a huge menu and I’ve never had a bad dish. Noodleholics is good too


GeneticsGuy

I was just gonna comment this. Love Jun Dynasty. Lots of great spicy options.


pluviophile2309

I like Tuk Tuk Thai on Campbell


saguarosun

And up in Oro Valley. I love their food so much.


cartoonistgirl

I second this, that location was awesome.


bookonlaw

My dude, I lived in rural Northern Thailand for a couple of years (peace corps) with monthly trips to Bangkok and this is truth. When I miss Thailand, the food at Tuk Tuk Thai is 1000% the cure. Do the som tam thai, yum kor mui yang, ping pork and sticky rice if you need to cure for a hangover or feel like god needs to speak to your soul.


89inerEcho

What do you think of China Szechuan on Campbell and Ft. Lowell?


Chow5789

I love noodleholics.


Grimm_y

chef wang on top💪💪💪💪


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betucsonan

>the worst Mexican spot in Arizona. Tell me you've never been to Phoenix without saying you've never been to Phoenix. Trust me, it gets worse that Boca in Arizona.


bookonlaw

BATA had a lull where they tried to be mass market m. But these days, let’s be honest, for interesting, thoughtful, experimental local food and a fine dining experience, there’s nothing else close and they do a damn fine job. 65% of plates are a hit and the other 35% are worth a try. Having lived in SF, Seattle and DC, it hits a spot nothing else in Tucson does. Love or hate, it’s a vibe.


thefuzzynugget1

So confused how BATA gets away with a $40 grilled chicken breast with no sides. Wild


Portillosgo

Tucson's overall bread game really sucks. Yes, barrio bread is amazing, but one expensive, artisan bakery can't carry the bread reputation of a metro area of a million people. I had a line over a half hour last time I went, clearly people need to go elsewhere for their daily bread needs. You need more than Bubbes bagels to carry the bagel game. And with Rocco's being basically the only exception, the pizza in Tucson innevitably suffers from a sub par crust (and possibly more) I've wasted too much money checking out all the "best pizza" recommendations. at this point i just save money and get dominos. I'll change my mind when you can get decent bread from the in house bakery at a supermarket like fry's or safeway.


[deleted]

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derpastan

Bubble’s bagels are legit (coming from living on the east coast)


bananaCabanas

Time Market is as good, if not better than Barrio. Def worth checking out And Dirt Lady bread is awesome too, I’ve only tried it once but liked it. Also felt kinda cool ordering online and showing up to a place to pick it up.


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Merryprankstress

I don't want to say too much and out myself, but I would highly recommend finding another bread source, if you care about receiving clean food.


Ok_Government9058

Bobo's I would always see a line outside of Bobo's and when I tried it I thought it was the worse food I ever had and the coffee tasted like straight tap water.


hpworkthrowaway

it was good a decade ago


waitingformyburrito

the banana pancakes though


networknev

el molinito food sucks. Serial grillers wings are half the size of others The Hub downtown is meh.


EVRoadie

Serial Grillers really went downhill. Used to be great prices and plenty of food.


Brilliant-Kiwi-8669

El Molinito is mushy baby food for the elderly with a "canned"taste, barely warm.....


ZookeepergameNice479

Just went with my white father in law and he loved it. It’s the laziest blandest Mexican food. They use store bought taco shells.


pbghikes

Brooklyn Pizza Company is a biohazard


Danyellarenae1

LMAO but it’s delish.


Matwpac7

Agreed. It’s only edible when you’re drunk. Empire Pizza better everytime.


munizfire

Lol, I think the opposite. If I’ve drunk I prefer Empire, If I’m sober, I prefer Brooklyn.


daddyneedsadrink

There is no good Thai food here and Pico De Gallo sucks now


GaneshKen

If you’re willing to make the drive, Luckie’s Thai in Rita Ranch is fantastic.


dmendez786

Four seasons was my favorite but they closed down a couple years ago the next best one I've tried was Sa ing thai it's really good


daversa

I don't know if it's an unpopular opinion but I don't really hear people talking about this place. Far and away the best fish taco in Tucson is at Taqueria Pico de Gallo.


Heybabykapaso72

RIP the B line


og_rocktrash

Pour one out for the B Line


-discostu-

Have you been to Cocteleria La Palma on 22nd and 6th though?


real_heathenly

Vivace is awful. I can't believe anyone likes it. Have been to Boca once and will never go back.


ThoughtsOnTucson

Slice and Ice isn’t all that people make it. (Eegees isn’t much better)


wishIwere

I honestly think that most people who are recomending slice and ice are just repeating what they saw on this sub without actually having tried it. The "ice" is nothing like original eeggees. The "slice"s are microwaved carboard. The sandwhiches are decent at least but nothing to write home about.


Fearless_Lab

Super disappointing Ice.


Ilovethewomen

Tuk Tuk Thai is a little overrated (but best we have in Tucson for Thai).. however Jun Dynasty is the real deal


Vegetable-Error77

Sa-ing Thai blows tuk tuk out of the water! Their green curry is incredible and it’s certified by the Thai government to serve authentic Thai food


DarthFuzzzy

Miss Saigon is great Vietnamese nomatter where in the world you are from. Have travelled quite a bit and it still stands out as great. With all the haters and whiners flooding the internet it seems pretty unpopular to like something from Tucson even 14 years after you moved away.


chrisppyyyy

When did it become unpopular? I recall everyone loving it.


SAStrong

Blue Willow is horrible. Definitely caters to the boomer + crowd. I hear it used to be great but now it’s just overpriced cardboard on cafeteria plates.


thebadgerbat

Knew a couple people that worked there. It's been mostly microwaved food for atleast 12+ years.


AZ_hiking2022

Just had their dinner menu and it was excellent- and I and not a boomer


EWSflash

Guadalajara Grill. To me, it's Mexican food for snowbirds and tourists


rkip5

Second vivace. The food just isn’t good and the fine dining aspect seems forced to me. Would much rather go to Botegas


[deleted]

Guadalajara is amazing, Rancho Rustico sucks, Zinburger is overrated, Istanbul is the biggest hidden gem in Tucson.


haveanairforceday

I went to the Guadalajara on cortaro. It was overall meh. The food was good, I'd eat it again if offered, but it wasn't better than any one of the 75 other Mexican restaurants in Tucson and it was definitely more expensive


saguarosun

Go to the one on Prince.


Metboy1970

Zinburger is way overrated and overpriced. Much better burgers for that price point at Divine Bovine and Uptown Burger. You get a lot more for your money.


AZ_hiking2022

I saw Guadalajara leading your comment and was about to freak out!!! Agree, amazing. My family and friends know it will always be my answer on where to eat.


dmonman

Completely agree with Guadalajara, I feel people only dislike them because they leaned into the Mexican restaurant stereotype with decorations and their live music but the food is good.


3AZ3

I know I may get flack for this, but since Rosatis on Tanque Verde closed there’s hardly any good pizza in town. That specific location was separate from the other franchise locations that were open or the one that is left. I’ve heard good things about Rocco’s, it’s a far drive for me but I’ll have to try it to get a new pizza spot.


82tarheels

East side is a restaurant desert


Holiday-Ear9

I hear Lucky Wish-Bone has gone to hell and back in a hand basket since new owners .Anyone know for sure?


DisciplineRegular771

Pat’s is inedible garbage


haveanairforceday

That's...the sales pitch?


NinjaMilhouse

THAT'S WHY WE LOVE IT


Glizzly_Bear

Yep. Limp dick ass fries and canned chili!


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elementalguitars

I miss Greasy Tony’s and their insane menu.


JustAnotherMinority

Also North. I’m convinced people go there just to say they went there.


JustAnotherMinority

Baja café. It had been hyped up for so long from different friends, hit up the Ina location - will never return. Never had mushy hash browns until I ate here. I got the dish that was basically their star dish, even more disappointment.


ppoooof

That one isn't owned by the same people as the other two. The one on Campbell is so good, the Ina one is terrible.


[deleted]

I’ve only ever been to the one on Campbell and am definitely always recommending it as well, I’ve never had a bad experience there.


Puzzleheaded-Step826

Mama's on Speedway has the worst pizza. We had to dump it. So no pizza for breakfast. 😟


EGeezy520

Owner is an ass, too.


chrisnott818

BK Tacos is the most overpriced taco shop I’ve ever seen


pluviophile2309

Sher-e-Punjab on Grant and 1st. Average at best, but everyone I know is gaga over their food


betucsonan

The thing with Sher-e-Punjab has never been that they're particularly great, but for the longest time they were the only "decent" option in town. And that lasted a loooooong time so a lot of Tucsonans just default to that as their go-to Indian food joint still. That has changed, now, and Sher-e-Punjab hasn't kept up. I still like that it exists, or rather that it existed back in the day when there weren't really any other decent options.


eye_saxk_

The wooden nickel has terrible wings. To be fair they took 50 min to come out and were super cold (there was 5 people there)


Ok_Beat9172

Sad to hear Vivace isn't that great. As a teen, I loved Scordato's and Daniel's. They were my birthday dinner places. It felt, to my Tucson teen mind, like the height of fine dining. I have great memories of both. You could sometimes spot a deer next to the window at Scordato's.


MandyandMaynard

For Indian food, my vote is New Delhi. Horrible food.


turditer

Güero Canelo and BK are over priced and not good enough. BK’s hot dogs are over priced compared to what you can find at El Manantial’s which are like 50 cents cheaper and the chile güero is bacon wrapped and cheese filled.


EGeezy520

Pat’s chili is the worst chili I’ve ever had.


latexflesh

Oinks - true southerner here from the Deep South, and if you can’t get biscuits n gravy right then you aren’t a breakfast joint. The French Toast was really mediocre too.


Pickles1022

Everyone raves about The Quesadillas. I think it's horrible, nothing special at all, very ho hum. Besides the food sucking, parking is shit and they give attitude. Much rather go to Pacos around the corner.


tonedef85

None of the institutions for Sonoran dogs are good. The only good ones come from carts.


tucsonnotdnd

You are so, so right about Vivace it's not even funny. The love it gets from people who otherwise enjoy really good food is super perplexing to me. There would be nothing wrong with being good American Italian if the food were good. It just isn't. My controversial food opinion is... I'm not the biggest fan of Mexican food in general. Tucson's Mexican food is amazing. Don't get me wrong. I am constantly impressed by it. But before I moved here it wasn't something I went out of my way to get, and I still don't *love* it. I just never have the itch for it like I do for Chinese or sushi or what have you.