What’s been dubbed because the “2022 Taco Bell New 12 months’s Eve Downtown Bowl Bash” will occupy Tucson this weekend, a part of the Arizona Bowl actions that assist showcase our metropolis to a nationwide viewers. However Tucsonans know that actual tacos do not come from that fast-food megachain.

Taco Bell? Onerous shell or tender, Doritos Locos Mountain Dew Mesquite Crunchbomination or no matter, we’ll take a tough cross.

The bowl-related occasion will trigger highway closures in Downtown Tucson from 11 a.m. on Friday by way of 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, and we’re positive loads of individuals could have loads of enjoyable. The house of the “run for the border” is not the one relatively questionable sponsor of the Arizona Bowl, however the downtown get together will embody a efficiency by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, a silent disco, meals and beer vehicles and what’s grow to be a standard midnight big “taco drop” on New 12 months’s Eve. Sounds cool — simply try some actual native eats, together with tacos, whilst you’re there.

For these visiting Tucson who crave some extra genuine and native Mexican delicacies, this is an inventory of a number of the favorites of the Tucson Sentinel employees:

1. El Taco Tote, 4811 N. Stone Ave.

El Taco Tote has a historical past as a household enterprise. The primary El Taco Tote location opened in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in 1988. The chain grew, spreading by way of Mexico and the US.

2. Avenue Taco & Beer Firm, 58. Congress St.

Avenue Taco & Beer Firm has not solely a number of bottled beer choices, they’ve brews on faucet in addition to a full bar. Their tacos begin at $2.

3. Seis Kitchen, 130 S. Avenida del Convento #100, 1765 E. River Rd. #131 and 9740 N. Oracle Rd. #110

Seis Kitchen is open for all meals of the day, serving objects akin to chorizo burritos for breakfast and taco platters for lunch and dinner.

4. Birrieria Guadalajara, 304 E. twenty second St.

Birrieria Guadalajara serves favourite dishes akin to huevos rancheros, tostadas, tortas, soups and naturally, tacos.

5. Tanias 33, 614 N. Grande Ave.

Tanias 33 serves a variety of meals choices. Their flour tortillas are handmade. They make vegan choices for individuals who have their dietary restrictions. Folks can go eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

6. Anita Avenue Market, 849 N. Anita Ave.

Except for classics like cheese enchiladas and cheese enchiladas, Anita Avenue Market additionally serves the pizzadilla – which is a 12-inch birria pizza with white cheese, onions, and recent cilantro on a flour tortilla.

7. Tacos y Mariscos Jalisco, 999 N. Swan Rd.

Except for the same old taco fixings, Tacos y Mariscos Jalisco additionally supply fish, shrimp and octopus tacos. The shrimps also can are available in a seafood plate with rice, beans, salad, guacamole and tortillas.

8. Tumerico, 402 E. 4th Ave. and 2526 E. sixth St.

Tumerico is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant, re-imagining dishes that normally comprise meat into meatless meals, making them ideally suited for individuals with meals restrictions, preferences and sensitivities.

9. Aqui con El Nene, 65 W. Valencia Rd.

Aqui con El Nene serves not solely tacos and burritos, however additionally they serve sizzling canines.

10. Tacos Apson, 3501 S. twelfth Ave. and 6741 N. Thornydale Rd. #121

Tacos Apson sells tacos with common toppings akin to carne asada or carne al pastor, however additionally they make cabeza and legua/tripa tacos.

11. Micha’s Restaurant, 2908 S. 4th Ave.

Micha’s Restaurant can be a household owned and operated institution. They serve tacos and tostadas in addition to topopo salads, sandwiches, chimichangas, plates and extra. They’re additionally open for breakfast.

12. La Chaiteria, 1002 W. Congress St.

This neighborhood cafe is a creation of Tumerico’s proprietor and chef Wendy Garcia. In addition they serve vegetarian and vegan choices alongside their different dishes. They’ve a salsa bar and a latte menu that includes flavors akin to horchata, mazapan and mole.

13. Martins Comida Chingona, 557 N. 4th Ave.

Martins Comida Chingona’s menu runs a little bit old-fashioned nevertheless it nonetheless presents selection. Their tacos choices are many and appropriate for all tastes.

14. La Yaquesita Tacos, 500 N. 4th Ave.

La Yaquesita had initially began off as a meals truck. Their location on 4th Avenue serves Sonoran tacos, bowls and birria ramen.

15. Los Perches City Sonoran Grill, 238 N. 4th Ave.

Los Perches is tucked within the Boxyard on 4th Avenue. They’re well-known for his or her bacon-wrapped burritos, however their tacos are scrumptious as properly.

16. BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon, 533 N. 4th Ave.

Boca is a taco restaurant owned by James Beard Basis semi-finalist Maria Mazon. Make sure to order their salsas — you may attempt a taste you have not seen earlier than.

17. La Chingada Cocina Mexicana, 110 E. Pennington St.

La Chingada Cocina Mexicana is an effective spot to go to to get pleasure from some stay music with a margarita and a few quesa-birria tacos.

18. Any random meals truck.

See that taco truck sitting within the dusty vacant lot down the road? It is most likely wonderful. Seize 4 totally different tacos and a drink, ensure you’ve bought some salsa, and pull up a type of white plastic chairs and luxuriate in.

We could also be a United Nations Metropolis of Gastronomy and all, however that does not imply a few of our best possible consuming is not fancy in any respect.