Reigonal/Cheap and/or Good eats in Tucson?

[oracle347]

Like almost everyone else in the Jewellery Industry, I'll be in Tucson for the first time at the end of the month. I've never been to the Southwest, much less Tucson. So, what kind of eats should I not miss? I'm on a little bit of a budget, so what cheap eats can I go get? What should I splurge on??

Thanks Chowhounds!

[Claudette]

Check out this earlier post: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/356043

[Tillman]

Teresa's Mosaic, at Ironwood (Grant) and Silverbell (behind McDonald's) is good, has nice views, and fairly easy to get into. Try the albondigas soup, best I've had anywhere. Also their flour tortillas are awesome, made while you watch.

There's a second, northside location, on Shannon opposite Wal-Mart. Same good food, but less atmosphere.

Have fun at the show!

Cheers -- Pete Tillman

[mulvaneyp]

El Charro is in the presidio and has great Carne Seca as well as good mexican food all around

[markabauman]

One of my favorites when I used to visit there is El Rapido, over near the Tucson Museum of Art. From what I remember, it seemed authentic, filling, good and cheap.

[lawyerbriefs]

I'm 99% sure El Rapido has been closed for quite a few years. It was great, wasn't it?

El Charro is good, but it's certainly not cheap. For inexpensive Mexican food downtown, try Alejandro's on N. Scott. The food is good, inexpensive--most plates under $6--and pretty quick. It does get crowded, though, and the Gem and Mineral folks "share" it with the downtown crowd.

Even better than Alejandro's is Little Poca Cosa, on the SE corner of Stone and Alameda. The food is really great, and you can get out of there at lunchtime for $6-8.

[melemartinez]

I'm writing a book about El Rapido - anyone care to tell me more about their visits there?

[melemartinez]

I am writing a book about El Rapido - anyone care to tell me about their visits there? Would love to include customer's experiences!