The University of Arizona is a place full of wonder. Spending your college years here is a great decision to make, and you have to make the most out of it. You have to balance going to class, studying, doing homework, getting a job, making friends, participating in clubs, and all that other fun stuff. Most importantly, though, you have to find time to eat.
Luckily, Tucson has a wide variety of delicious restaurants to choose from. Of course, some of them require the use of a car, but if you won’t have a car on campus this upcoming year, don’t fret, because many mouthwatering eating establishments are within perfectly reasonable walking distance from campus. So, when you start craving something good to eat, or if you just need to inhale something to make yourself feel better after a night of partying, keep these places in mind. I am no expert on food though, so you really have no reason whatsoever to take my advice on this matter. Fair warning: I can barely even cook and I have no authority on whatsoever on what makes for good food. Still, check out some of my favorite eateries close to the UA, even though I have no genuine authority at all to make this list.
1. Illegal Pete’s
Located just west of the main campus on University Boulevard lies a delicious Mexican food establishment called Illegal Pete’s. The Chipotle-style joint stays open late into the night, and serves everything from burritos to tacos to quesadillas and much more. The restaurant’s name has sparked some controversy throughout the Tucson community, but the delicious food more than makes up for that.
2. The Fix
A short walk up the street from Illegal Pete’s leads you to another heavenly eating location, this one specializing in mac and cheese. The Fix: Arizona’s Mac n Chz Headquarters allows hungry customers to get their fix of either classic cheddar or creamy Alfredo mac. The menu has a large selection of different combinations of toppings to go with the pasta, or you also have the chance to simply build your own. And no, they do not serve Easy Mac here. This mac and cheese is damn good.
3. 1702
If you have pizza on your mind, stay away from the Papa John’s in the Student Union Memorial Center and head on over to 1702, a pizza paradise with some of the biggest and most delicious slices of pizza you will ever encounter. Located on Speedway Boulevard just a short walk from campus, this place never fails to impress. It also has a super easy address to remember, 1702 E. Speedway Boulevard. Get it? The restaurant also has some of the best hot wings in town, so give it a try. You will not regret it, I don’t think.
4. Lindy’s on 4th
As one of Tucson’s most lively locations, the avenue offers quite a few restaurant selections, with none better than Lindy’s on 4th, one of the best burger joints in Tucson. Lindy’s offers deliciously unique burgers that you will unlikely find anywhere else. Also, they are huge. One of them even got featured on Man vs. Food! From the Dirty Sanchez to the Donkey Punch, you will get blown away by what this place’s burgers. It’s a little bit of a walk from campus, but the burgers easily make it worth it.
5. Highland Market
Located just across the street from the Student Recreation Center lies the gem of Highland Avenue, Highland Market. This little market offers what a basic grocery store would, but also makes its own food like chicken fingers and the famous Highland Burrito, the UA’s go-to midnight snack. The best thing about Highland Market? It stays open 24 hours a day.
6. Cheba Hut
Last, but most certainly not least, comes what may represent the most interesting place on this list. On 6th Street just east of the Rec Center lies Cheba Hut, a sub shop completely themed around marijuana. They serve “Toasted” subs. Get it? Whether you partake in the use of this substance or not is completely irrelevant though, the place just serves delicious subs. Pictures of Bob Marley and other musicians cover the walls, making for a super chill atmosphere. If you do go though, try to leave the bong at home because cops do tend to patrol this location, for some reason. Still, head on over and enjoy yourself a dank, that’s their name for their pizza sub.
Well, there you have it. Now you know about some of the best restaurants within walking distance of campus. Try your best to try them all, or not. It’s really up to you. Remember, you have no reason whatsoever to listen to me and for all you know, I actually can’t stand any of these restaurants. Alright, I will tell you that I do in fact love all of these eateries because they are all delicious, but don’t take my word for it.
