Tucson Restaurants
 

Has anyone eaten at any of the following restaurants in Tucson: Gold Room, El Charro Cafe, La Fuente, Old Pueblo Grill, Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse or Hidden Valley Inn? I realize some of these are considered touristy restaurants, but that does not bother me. Overall, how was the food? Are any more convenient to get to than others if staying at a resort in the foothills? Thanks

I have eaten at all of them.

Gold Room -- quite expensive, seems like mostly continental cuisine. Very stuffy, food is "good"

El Charro -- on of my favorite Mexican restaurants. You must try their carne seca.

La Fuente -- used to be very good, but has changed hands and the quality is only so-so. There are better Mexican restaurants. Cafe Poca Cosa, a very good one is right downtown.

Old Pueblo Grille -- food is just OK

Pinnacle Peak vs. Hidden Valley Inn -- Pinnacle Peak is much better, but both do a good job with steaks. Another very good steak house is El Corral, on River Road.

You didn't mention which foothills resort, but since you mentioned the Gold Room, I suspect it might be Westward Look. It really shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to get to any of those on your list.

IMO the restaurants mentioned are all a bit tired. For some of the BEST in Tucson try the following:

Bistro Zin
North
Wildflower
Pastiche
Tavolino's
Soleil
Flemings

These are just a few of some of Tucson's better restaurants.

Thanks for the information. I'll keep it all in mind for when I get there and make my dinner choices.
Yes, I am staying at Westward Look-- glad to hear it shouldn't take too long to get to any of those. Thanks.

Historytraveler provided a nice list of just some of Tucson's many good restaurants. However, I would take issue with the characterization of the list you asked about as being "tired". I'm not really sure what "tired" even means. But I think it all depends on how your tastes run. I still think, for steaks Pinnacle Peak or El Corral would be good bets(yes, hokey "old west" decor). Or, McMahons is also good, but more expensive. And for experiencing Mexican food, the ones I mentioned are among many very good restaurants. But do try El Charro (downtown) and their carne seca. Then you can decide for yourself if that restaurant is "tired"

I live in Tucson - Try Cafe Poca Cosa, you will not be disappointed (altho it is downtown). Also - Cafe Terra Cotta and Soliel, both in the Foothills and close to Westward Look.

Skip La Fuente - old and not exactly in a pretty part of town. Hidden Valley is touristy but if you are over that way and don't mind touristy go for it. Old Pueblo Grill is OK. I'd also recomment Wildflower which is not too far from Westward Look either as it is at Oracle and Ina Rds.

While it is a chain, if you do not have PF Chang's in your home town give it a try. It's next door to Sullivan's at River and Campbell intersection and is a huge favorite with everyone around here.

Check out La Encantada Mall - North (the restuarant) is located there. Very pretty outdoor mall (not a place to hang out in summer tho, it gets a little hot).

I can recommend a little place called papa guayo (may be spelled wrong). A friend of ours from the area recommended it to us. we stopped once for lunch. the tacos were so good we had to go back and try the dinner menu. It was awesome!!! the nicest suprise was the gentleman who was our lunch waiter the day before was there during dinner playing guitar and singing mexican folk songs to us. We also ate at El Charro. the food is very, very good at both places but Papa Guayo's was certainly more fun.

I, too, have eaten at all and agree that you may want to try different Tucson restaurants. Cafe Poca Cosa is great but if you want authentic Mexican food go to Mi Niditos in South Tucson. It's where Pres. Clinton ate when he came here and it really is great! I also agree with recommendation for North and Firebirds is in the same La Encantada shopping area. Flemings is very expensive. I really enjoyed Bistro Zin. At Westward Look I like the very casual Lookout Lounge - sit on the patio overlooking the city.