Tucson Food Tours Progressive Dinner Tour

Discover the Tucson Food Tours Progressive Dinner Experience

The Tucson Food Tours Progressive Dinner offers a delightful culinary adventure that combines history, culture, and cuisine in a compact 4 to 5-hour experience. Priced at $126 per person, this tour explores five carefully selected local restaurants, each showcasing Tucson’s diverse flavors and unique ambiance. With a maximum group size of six, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for food lovers eager to sample regional specialties while soaking in Tucson’s fascinating past.

The tour departs at 4:30 pm from Proper Shops at 300 E Congress St and features a mobile ticket for easy access. It is highly recommended to book 13 days in advance on average, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking an authentic taste of Tucson’s culinary offerings. A standout feature is the tour guide, who shares intriguing stories about the city’s landmarks and history, enriching the food experience with local lore.

Key Points

• Five handpicked restaurants showcase Tucson’s diverse culinary landscape.
• The tour includes a history walk through Hotel Congress, famous for John Dillinger’s capture.
• Delicious dishes include albondigas meatballs, craft pizza, and Mexican-inspired desserts.
• One alcoholic beverage is included, with options like a blue azul margarita.
• Duration of 4-5 hours makes it an ideal evening activity for foodies.
• The tour is best suited for those with no dietary restrictions, as it is not recommended for special diets.

Starting at Hotel Congress with Tucson’s Historic Fire and Dillinger

The tour kicks off at Hotel Congress, an iconic Tucson landmark known for its connection to John Dillinger’s arrest after a fire at the hotel. The guide provides a lively account of this history, setting the stage for the day’s exploration. Walking through the hotel’s lobby, visitors get a glimpse of the city’s storied past, while the guide points out other historic landmarks along the way.

This opening segment lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes admission to Hotel Congress. It’s an excellent way to blend Tucson’s rich history with the culinary journey ahead, emphasizing the city’s recognition as a UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’. The storytelling here adds depth and context to the stops, making the experience more meaningful.

Savoring Mexican Flavors at Charro Steak & Del Rey

The first restaurant stop is Charro Steak & Del Rey, a Tucson institution established in 1922 by the original family of Mexican food in the U.S. The restaurant sources grass-fed beef, sustainable seafood, and cage-free poultry, emphasizing quality and sustainability.

The tasting menu features prickly pear glazed albondigas meatballs, chorizo-stuffed mushrooms, and classic guacamole with chips and salsa. Guests select either a margarita or local beer to accompany the dishes. This stop introduces visitors to Tucson’s Mexican culinary roots, with flavors that are both authentic and thoughtfully prepared. The 40-minute experience here offers a satisfying taste of local tradition.

Sampling Classic American Deli Fare at HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

Next, the tour visits HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, where the focus shifts to comfort food with a twist. The house-made pastrami reuben sandwich on grilled rye features sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, paired with thousand island dressing. Alongside, a roasted corn avocado salad with pistachios, tomatoes, and queso fresco provides a fresh contrast.

The stop also includes tempura battered fried cheese curds served with house-made mustard and sriracha ketchup, blending American diner favorites with local flavors. This segment lasts about 40 minutes and offers a well-rounded taste of American-style fare with a Tucson twist.

Exploring Reilly Craft Pizza’s Historic Building and Unique Pizzas

At Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, the tour explores a building with a story—originally constructed in the early 1900s as a funeral home. Today, it houses a beer garden and a hidden basement bar, adding a layer of local history to the experience.

The craft pizza features Yukon gold potatoes, pecorino cheese, mozzarella, roasted garlic, and rosemary, baked to perfection. The accompanying brussel sprouts are tossed in house hot sauce, sherry vinaigrette, and topped with pecan brittle crumbs, adding a sweet and spicy touch. This stop, lasting around 40 minutes, allows visitors to appreciate Tucson’s creative approach to pizza and the building’s intriguing past.

Indulging in Mexican-Inspired Desserts at The Monica

The final tasting stop is The Monica, where the Cafe de la Olla Tiramisu delivers a decadent finish. This dessert combines orange and clove coffee dipped Mexican maria cookies with homemade custard, offering a sweet and aromatic end to the evening.

Guests enjoy this about 40-minute experience, savoring the rich flavors that reflect Tucson’s blend of Mexican and American culinary influences. The stop provides a satisfying conclusion to the tour’s gourmet journey.

Inclusive Food and Drink Highlights

Throughout the tour, participants enjoy snacks like prickly pear glazed albondigas meatballs, guacamole and chips, and tempura cheese curds. The lunch-like tasting at HUB Restaurant, featuring brussel sprouts and craft pizza, offers generous portions perfect for filling the palate.

The dinner component includes the Cafe de la Olla Tiramisu, a delightful Mexican-inspired dessert. The only alcoholic beverage included is a Blue Azul Margarita, with additional drinks available for purchase at each stop. Bottled water is not included but can be bought separately.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is at Proper Shops in downtown Tucson, with the tour starting promptly at 4:30 pm. The group size is limited to six participants, ensuring a personal experience with the guide. The duration of 4-5 hours makes it suitable as an evening activity, combining history, culture, and cuisine seamlessly.

The tour is designed for most travelers but is not recommended for those with dietary restrictions. Most of the food is curated to showcase local flavors, and modifications are not specified. The tour operates rain or shine, with cancellations possible only due to weather or insufficient group numbers, and refunds are not offered for cancellations made by the participant.

The Guide’s Role in Enhancing the Experience

The guide plays a crucial role, sharing stories about Tucson’s landmarks, including the fire at Hotel Congress and John Dillinger’s arrest. Their insights add depth to each stop, making the food tasting more meaningful. As one review highlights, guides are knowledgeable, fun, and engaging, which helps elevate the entire experience beyond just a food tour.

Final Thoughts on the Tucson Food Tours Progressive Dinner

This 4-5 hour progressive dinner offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tucson’s culinary diversity, history, and local stories. The tour combines five distinct dining experiences with historical tidbits, creating a rich, immersive evening. Its high rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 13 reviews underscores its quality and appeal.

Ideal for foodies, history buffs, and those seeking an authentic Tucson experience, this tour balances generous food portions with informative storytelling. The limited group size and carefully curated stops make it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to explore Tucson’s flavors in a relaxed, engaging setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the Tucson Food Tours Progressive Dinner?
The tour costs $126.00 per person, including food, one alcoholic beverage, and guided commentary.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 4 to 5 hours, from the start at 4:30 pm until it concludes back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour begin?
The tour starts at Proper Shops, 300 E Congress St, Tucson.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Hotel Congress, Charro Steak & Del Rey, HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, and The Monica.

Is alcohol included in the tour?
Yes, one alcoholic beverage—Blue Azul Margarita—is included; additional drinks are available for purchase.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with dietary restrictions as modifications are not specified.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Cancellations are only accepted if due to weather or insufficient group numbers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but given the adult beverage inclusion and food focus, it is best suited for adults.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of culinary tastings with historic landmarks and personal storytelling from guides provides a comprehensive Tucson experience in just a few hours.