Editor’s Note: LaCo, for years known as La Cocina is now JoJos. Same family, different name and updated menu and website. We will let you know how it has changed. Or Not changed.
On a Friday afternoon in mid-October, 2021, Neighbor Roy, friend Stephen (who is staying in our casita), and I traveled to downtown to enjoy lunch at La Cocina (aka LaCo and Tallboys). We arrived at about 12:30 PM and the place was busy. Jo Schnieder, the owner, cleared a table for us and greeted me like an old friend. I had dined there many times when I took my Downtown History and Dining Tour groups there. I don’t give tours anymore, but it was nice to see her.
Our server arrived at our table and asked if we were ready to order. We asked for menus. He pointed to the card in the middle of the table with a QR Code on it. We indicated that we would like a real menu, please, which he promptly brought. He was a tall young man and probably was thinking, “Here’s a bunch of Luddites.”
Roy ordered a burrito with beef, cheese, guacamole, and lettuce ($14). Gus ordered a B.A.T. L.E.G Sandwich ($14) This included bacon or turkey bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, fried egg, and herbed goat cheese, and balsamic reduction served on sliced sourdough. This sandwich is essentially a fancy BLT with a fried egg included.
I ordered a Smothered Burrito ( $16). This large burrito included flour tortilla, borracho beans, Spanish rice, roasted vegetables, cheese, pico de gallo, topped with salsa rojo, salsa verde, drizzled with crema; served with barbacoa, chicken, pulled pork, salmon, or jackfruit. I had mine with pulled pork. It was excellent.
I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
“We had an enjoyable lunch at one of Tucson’s gems–La Cocina adjacent to the Tucson Museum of Art. This courtyard restaurant is noted for its patio dining, fine food, and gracious service. Despite being closed during the pandemic and only recently re-opened, it continues to excel in all three categories.
“Very large portion–very, very tasty. The server helped me over the iPhone active device meant to torture the elderly in ordering. He rapidly produced an old printed menu, and the order was taken. When it arrived, it was extra large with two different sauces–nice touch. Our server was attentive, filing my tea twice. Given the location in the center of Tucson, the restaurant is relatively quiet and serene. I would give it 4 saguaros for food, service, and ambiance.”
Stephen had a similar take.
“Who doesn’t love a BLT? La Cocina offers it with a fried egg, even better. The sandwich was quite messy but worth it, delicious. The setting, in a rustic old traditional southwest courtyard with a lovely shade tree made for a comfortable meal. The restaurant was bustling, but service did not suffer.” (OOOO. Crispy Tater Tots, YUM.. -ms. Karen)
We rate La Cocina 4 Saguaros. Great food, fine service, and pleasant courtyard dining.
JoJos Formerly known as La Cocina and LaCo
76 W. Washington, Tucson, AZ
(520) 622-0351 (they only take reservations for 5 or more)
Sunday: 9am-3pm
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday–Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday–Saturday: 9am-10pm
