Jim’s Dining Reviews

Dining in Southern Arizona

An alphabetical listing of Jim’s Dining Reviews.

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Amado Territory Inn Steakhouse

Amado Territory Inn

We had lunch at the Amado Steakhouse about a year ago (2010) and it was a most pleasant experience. Serene grounds, good food and service. We dined on the patio then walked along a tree-lined path to visit some art studios. However, I understand the Amado Territory Inn & Steakhouse has new owners since we were there, so I can’t vouch for the place now. I will be down that way again soon and will check it out for you. Visit the website 3001 East Frontage Road, Amado … Continue reading

Anthony’s In The Catalinas – Tucson Foothills

Anthony's Restaurant

We three arrived early just as Anthony’s was opening at 5:30PM. We entered through a small bar. The maitre d’ greeted us and I asked to be seated near the very large window on the south overlooking Metropolitan Tucson. On the way to our window table we took note of the large patio that would have been inviting if the weather had been warmer.

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B Line on 4th Avenue, Tucson

The B Line Restaurant

The B Line is casual dining and a local favorite for good reason. For breakfast, their crapes, bagels, and pancakes are excellent.
For lunch and dinner, their menu is varied – from soups & sandwiches, to salads w/ or w/o chicken or fish; to carne asada burritos; to pan fried salmon – all very tasty.

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Barrio Brewing Company: A Review

Image of Barrio Brewing Company Interior: Tucson, AZ

Barrio Brewing Company: 2nd in my series on local breweries. In my first local brewery review, Thunder Canyon Brewery, I shared my general preferences and prejudices regarding beer. So, I don’t need to repeat them here. As we did at Thunder Canyon, Michael Polletta and I each ordered the sampler rack. We also ordered food [...]

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Beyond Bread-Lunch

Beyond Bread has the Best Sandwiches according to Jim. Not fancy, just fresh bread, sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries. Locally owned since 1998. Visit the website Three Locations: Central: 3026 N Campbell Road, Tucson North: 421 W Ina Road Tucson East: 6220 E Speedway Blvd … Continue reading

Bisbee Breakfast Club

I had breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club. Every local I talked to recommended the place, so I felt compelled to test it out. The locals were right. Nothing fancy, but breakfast in Bisbee. Definitely. January 1, 2012 Update. Bisbee Breakfast Club just opened a new restaurant in Tucson at 4131 W. Ina Road. It will be interesting to compare their breakfasts with Old Pueblo standards such as the Blue Willow on Campbell. Neighbor Roy and I will have to check them out soon. … Continue reading

Blanco Tacos + Tequila. La Encantada Mall – Tucson.

Blanco Tacos Y Tequila

September, 2011 BLANCO Tacos + Tequila says they offer “modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. Updated classics like tacos, enchiladas, and queso crisps are reinterpreted with fresh, flavorful, and unique ingredients.” That they do and they said it better than I could. Blanco is not ‘authentic’ Tucson. It’s very new and in theory could be anywhere USA. But you can sit on the patio overlooking the city and have yourself a fine Mexican meal. Like North just around the corner, it’s on the upper level of La Encantada. 2905 E Skyline Drive; Tucson AZ 85718 520-232-1007    Hours: Sun – Thu  11am to 10pm; Fri – Sat  11am to 11pm;  Happy Hour Daily  4pm to 6pm. … Continue reading

Brooklyn Pizza Company

I have yet to eat at Brooklyn Pizza on 4th Ave. However, until I can get there, I can tell you that the Yelp & TripAdvisor customer reviews are generally 3-4 Stars. And the Weekly’s readers say it’s the best of 2011. AND for all you environmentally conscious people out there, Brooklyn Pizza Company has gone 100% solar. Of the negative reviews I have read, the issue seems to be the wait staff rather than the food. Visit the Website 534 N. 4th Ave. Tucson … Continue reading

Cafe a la C’Art

Cafe a la C'art Use

Cafe’ a la C’Art is a small, but fine country-style restaurant in the Art Museum’s courtyard. You can dine inside or be seated on the patio. Great sandwiches and salads, but of particular interest is their delectable baked goods.
Judy Michelet, her son Mark and his wife Shirley take pride in presenting artistically crafted menu items based on traditional Southwest cuisine flavors. You will enjoy!

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Cafe Roka – Bisbee

Cafe Roka, Bisbee

July, 2011 Is Cafe’ Roka the best restaurant in Baja Arizona? You decide. But I’ll tell you this little story. Mr. Woodry and I have been dear friends for well over 40 years. He was my first supervisor on my first job after I graduated. Since then we have traveled extensively together and experienced some of the finest restaurants in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris. One night, we stayed at the Copper Queen Hotel in Old Bisbee and made reservations to dine at what we were told was, not only the best restaurant in Bisbee, but the best restaurant in the Western World…Cafe’ Roka. To be sure, we had our doubts, but off we went with high expectations. I ordered lamb chops. Mr. Woodry ordered salmon. Both were artistically presented by an attentive waiter. The wine was excellent. Was it the best lamb chop dinner I ever had. … Continue reading

Cafe’ Poca Cosa

Cafe Poca Cosa

As noted several days ago with the Vivace Restaurant review, I occasionally post reviews by others I know well and trust their judgment in such matters. Scott Reed and his wife Sheryl are friends who visit us from Wisconsin in the fall or spring. This past April, they resided in our casita and enjoyed our [...]

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Cow Palace – Amado

Cow Palace Amado

As you’re headed down the I-19 from Tucson to Tumacacori, you will see a sign for the little town of Amado. Most prominently, you will see two rustic looking restaurants across the street from each other.
One, the Cow Palace, has a large cow on the roof. The other, the Longhorn Grill, sports a gigantic cow skull for an entrance.

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Desert Museum Membership

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum needs no introduction but, If you are going to have lunch at the Desert Museum, visit more than once or take advantage of the Gift Shop, it is worthwhile to buy a membership when you first arrive. There is a 10% discount for all members on most purchases, and the coffee is free! … Continue reading

Dining at the Desert Museum

Terraces Restaurant at the Desert Museum

The Desert Museum offers 3 places to dine plus various snack bars around the property. The Coffee Bar in the Gift Shop opens early and offers snacks, coffee, ice cream sandwiches and pastries. If you’re a member, coffee is FREE! The IronWood Terraces is cafeteria style, but don’t let the “cafeteria” label fool you. It offers a wide selection of more than just “cafeteria” food. Good food. Informal. The Ocotillo Cafe is more formal and upscale. Very good! Open Wed – Sunday in season. They serve lunch 11AM – 3PM December – April. Dinner: Saturdays June – August. Do call for reservation: 520-883-2702 … Continue reading

Dining Near Tucson Museum of Art

Awesome Sunrise

This is what our eastern sky looked like a few minutes ago from our viewing deck. Just thought I should share. On another note, Ms. Karen & I had Sunday brunch yesterday at Agustin Brasserie in the Mercado just west of Downtown Tucson on Congress Street. What a magnificent interior. The food and service was [...]

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Does The Dish Bistro & Wine Bar Serve The Best Steaks In Tucson?

The Dish Bistro

I have been searching for a steakhouse that serves a better ribeye than I can BBQ at home. I almost always purchase my ribeyes from Costco. They are ALWAYS better than any of the big-name grocery stores. If you know what you’re looking for, you can pick up a generous package of prime-cut ribeye’s for the cost of U.S.D.A. choice.

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