Monday, August 25, 2014

Andy Lin's Lickity List (Amazing $10 Authentic Meals in Tucson)

Welcome to Andy Lin's Lickity List!  Only restaurants that are unique to Tucson can be found on this list.  The other great part is that it's all very cheap - $10 for an amazing meal!  I usually stick to the same item off the menu at these places to satisfy the craving of a meal I haven't had in a while.

This list will be a running log that I will update whenever I go to one of my several favorite restaurants in Tucson, so be sure to check back for my latest recommendations via the link under my Hot Topics section!

Andy Lin's Lickity List
Amazing $10 Authentic Meals in Tucson

BK Tacos & Hotdogs
5118 S 12th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85706

Date Visited: August 21, 2014
Style: Sonora Mexican
Go-To-Lick: Large Caramelo Asada
Price: $6.78 including tax

Raves: There are two "fast-food" Mexican restaurants in Tucson that are famous for their Sonora Dogs.  One is already on this list (El Guero Canelo) and the other is BK, not to be confused with Burger King.  BK offers a variety of great choices, but my Go-To-Lick here is the Caramelo with Carne Asada meat.  If you haven't figured it out by now, the carne asada in Tucson is really good.
The Caramelo is like having two cheese quesadillas that sandwich a bunch of carne asada meat.  While you could get two small ones here, you get as much food with a large and you'll save a little bit on price.  I like to add from the self-serve salsa bar: guacamole, pico de gallo, and a couple hot sauces.  Ask for a yellow pepper if you want to indulge in something very spicy, and you can throw in a Mexican soda for $2.68.
The best thing about all these Mexican restaurants in Tucson is that the carne asada is slightly different at each location.  Each place uses cooks and seasons it differently and while no place stands far ahead of any other, the winner is the consumer who gets plenty of variety.  If you decide the caramelo is not for you, the Sonora dog is also a popular choice here.

The location I went to is one of the original locations.  However, there is another one that is no different in quality, located more central in town at 2680 N 1st Ave.

Saing Thai Cuisine
9136 E Valencia Rd
Tucson, AZ 85747

Date Visited: June 19, 2014
Style: Thai
Go-To-Lick: Pad Kee Mao
Price: $8.59 including tax

Read this Review.

Frog & Firkin
874 East University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719

Date Visited: May 12, 2014
Style: English Pub
Go-To-Lick: The Firkin Burger with Cheese
Price: $9.13 including tax

Read this Review.

El Guero Canelo
2480 North Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 85705 

Date Visited: May 3, 2014
Style: Sonora Mexican
Go-To-Lick: 2x Carne Asada Burro Jr. with Extra Cheese
Price: $9.27 including tax

Read this Review.

Andy Lin is your typical Tucson resident and is a not food connoisseur.  He is simply a man who knows what pleases his tastebuds and belly.   Special thanks to Nate M. and Matt H. for help with coming up with a title for this list.