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Showing posts from March, 2019

Barrio Bread

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After making the jump from (literally) baking in his garage to opening an actual storefront bakery, Barrio Bread’s Don Guerra and his legions of fans — who lined up for his bread at the farmers market, CSA, and other spots around town — increased tenfold. While certain loaves make daily appearances, others, like the cranberry walnut and heritage grain, are only offered one day a week. Just make sure to stop in on at least one Wednesday for the olive bread.

The Drunken Chicken

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Another new Fourth Avenue restaurant with a self-descriptive name, the Drunken Chicken features a wide range of craft beer alongside chicken and waffles. Although the menu is short, it’s creative with dishes like fried deviled eggs and the “Beast,” a chicken strip wrapped in bacon and dipped in waffle batter. A variety of quality dipping sauces, such as bourbon maple syrup and ancho ranch, take the simply seasoned items to the next level. The long, narrow space features ambient yet bright lighting with an unpretentious vibe for anyone who wants to sit down for a meal or just swing by for a beer.

Tumerico

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Owner and chef Wendy Garcia doesn’t hold back with the vegetarian dishes at this no-frills, no-ambience-makes-the-ambience breakfast and lunch spot. It’s Mexican inspired, but by no means “Mexican food.” The menu changes often and the heaping plates are filled to the brim with colorful items, like butternut squash tamales and sweet potato pancakes.

Sand Reckoner Tasting Room

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Wine bars have come and gone in Tucson, but Sand Reckoner seems here to stay. Located in a converted loft space that doubles as an art gallery, the high ceilings, minimalist decor, and long layout lend the space a big-city vibe. Fair warning: Sand Reckoner is a winery, and this is merely the Tucson tasting room, meaning it’s just their wine. But it’s without a doubt some of the best wine produced in the state.

Tallboys

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Self-described as “breakfast AF,” Tallboys serves breakfast sandwiches and huevos rancheros from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, along with a massive selection of its namesake tallboy cans. The exposed brick mingles with string lights and lacy white curtains, giving the space a laid-back vibe. For the ultimate hangover slayer, order the eponymous Tallboy tots with two over-medium eggs, cheese, green chile, bacon, chipotle crema, pesto, pickled veggies, and avocado.

The Dutch Eatery & Refuge

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The Dutch’s new digs could indeed qualify as one of the most breathtaking buildings in Tucson for its prime University Boulevard location, excellent people watching, and massive footprint. Wood floors and thick wooden tables provide a solid anchor to the Dutch’s ultra-high ceilings, and the bright, well-lit restaurant is an Instagram food photographer’s dream. Chef and co-owner Marcus van Winden builds beautifully upon that foundation with a well-thought-out menu that zig-zags between American and traditional Dutch cuisine.

Jackson Bar + Eatery

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Hidden in a strip mall on Tucson’s far northeast side, Jackson Bar + Eatery proudly makes everything on its menu — from flatbreads to ranch dressing — from scratch. Its northeast location brings in share of golfers and Maseratis, but guests don’t have to spend a fortune for well-executed dishes such as the black truffle burger and dry-rubbed hanger steak. While the tile ceiling dresses up the space just a bit, Jackson is still casual enough to serve as a neighborhood joint.

The Twisted Tandoor

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Although this beloved former food truck missed its brick-and-mortar opening date by six months, it was well worth the wait. Twisted Tandoor’s creamy, spicy chicken tikka masala is unrivaled, and its new modern, open space allows for a view into the kitchen. The India-inspired cocktail menu, with drinks like the Indian Vesper, made with a saffron infused gin, is a highlight.

Island Plate Lunch

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What Island Plate lacks in ambience, it makes up for in fresh, Hawaii-inspired dishes. Find hearty portions of classic plate lunches, like loco moco and kalua pork, alongside standards with a twist, such as poke bowls with crab salad and ahi-topped bruschetta. A variety of imported Hawaii snacks and drinks are also on hand.

Fiamme Pizza

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Italy-trained pizzaiolo Scott Volpe started out with a mobile pizza oven at local farmers markets before going brick-and-mortar. But whether he’s on wheels or stationary, Volpe — who recently won the 2017 World Pizza Championship for his pizza acrobatics skills — makes some of the best Neapolitan pizza in town, with a charred crust and traditional ingredients. Plus, the restaurant happens to serve the only fried calzone in Tucson, a Wednesday-only special.

Teaspoon

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Although downtown Tucson gets most of the love (and press) these days, not all the new top dining destinations are in that area. Teaspoon, located on Tucson’s north side, features kitchen classics with just enough of a reinterpretation to keep things interesting. And while it’d be easy to peg the restaurant as a breakfast spot, its menu extends well beyond the morning meal. Don’t miss the cast-iron Dutch Baby pancake or the Hong Kong street food-inspired bubble waffle.

Bird Modern Provisions & Bar

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The third restaurant from up-and-coming local restaurant group Fukushu Concepts offers new interpretations of a range of Southern dishes, like deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and creamy grits, inside a beautiful, bright, fully glass-enclosed dining room. The cocktail and bar program, filled with classic cocktails like mint juleps and Sazeracs, is equally impressive.

MAOM Restaurant

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Similar to Love U, 6 young adults run the MAOM Restaurant to support themselves and their education. This restaurant also doubles up as a study center for those wanting to learn the Khmer and English language. Any profit from this initiative goes back towards their school in Samrong. This restaurant is located in between the Siem Reap town center and Angkor Wat which makes it a great choice if you are heading to or returning from Angkor Wat. The price for a variety of Khmer cuisine is listed at below $4.50. The most interesting part of this restaurant is that it accepts Bitcoin as payment. Address: B-09 Ung Oeun St, Siem Reap (30.140901, 30.826204) Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–10:30 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.4/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0), Google (4.8/5.0)

The Venus Restaurant

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Located in the heart of the city about 200 m from Pub Street, you will be able to find The Venus Restaurant. So, if you are in the Pub Street area and want to get away from the pricey food, this will be the place to go to. TripAdvisor has just recently awarded them with a Certificate of Excellence for their great reviews in the middle of this year. They serve both Khmer and Western food and their selection of Khmer cuisine are in the range of $2.00-$4.00. Address: 30A, St 2 Thnou, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.7/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0)

Sinn Sisa Mouth Cafe

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Sinn Sisa Mouth Cafe is located towards the southern end of the Angkor Night Market St away from the busy streets. As a tribute, the owner named the restaurant after a famous local singer who was executed by the Khmer Rouge regime. When dining here, you also get to enjoy listening to the songs sang by the famous singer. You will be able to find all food items within the range of $2.00-$4.00 and drinks at $2.00 and below. Address: Angkor Night Market St, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 11:00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.8/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0), Google (4.6/5.0)

Little Kroma

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About 10 mins walk from the Old Market, crossing the Siem Reap river and passing Wat Damnak, you will be able to find Little Kroma. This would be the perfect choice especially if you are visiting the Wat Damnak temple. One of the few restaurants to open in the wee hours of the morning, you will be able to find a good variety of noodles, rice and vegetable dishes all for less than $4. 2 very experienced chefs run this little restaurant and they have received a Certificate of Excellence for their reviews from TripAdvisor. Address: #84, Wat Damnak, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.8/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0)

Love U Restaurant

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You will be able to find Love U Restaurant opposite the 4 star Sonalong Boutique Village & Resort on Street 27. 5 young adults started up this restaurant as a means to fund their studies. They often hold social activities at their restaurant to raise funds to give back to the local community. Love U Restaurant serves a variety of salads and Khmer dishes between $2.00-$3.00. Address: Street 27, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia (52.194013, -1.708756) Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.8/5.0), TripAdvisor (5.0/5.0)

Lilypop Restaurant

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A young and friendly French-Cambodian family owns and runs the Lilypop Restaurant which serves Khmer and Asian Fusion cuisine. Only visit this restaurant if you are not in a hurry as the service here can be slow especially during peak hours. However, they are currently working hard at improving their service. Despite the slow service, the food served here is really good and tasty. You can get a meal between $1.50-3.75 and a variety of drinks (juice, beer, coffee, tea, shakes) at $1.25 and below. Lilypop Restaurant is one of the cheaper eateries that has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Do note that Lilypop closes every Tuesdays. Address: 20, Taphul Road, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (except Tuesdays) Customer Rating: Facebook (5.0/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0), Google (4.5/5.0)

ONH Restaurant

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ONH Restaurant is located slightly away from the central town area along Taphul Road and right next to Lilypop Restaurant. It was a very strategic move on their part because if Lilypop gets too crowded, it is very likely that the customers might just decide to head over to the nearest restaurant. ONH has yet to gain the popularity that Lilypop has, having opened its doors for a little more than a year. However, it has earned its right to be listed as one of the top cheap eats in Siem Reap having received almost perfect scores from their customers. The Khmer food here is served healthy and without MSG and in the price range of $1.50-$4.00. Address: Taphul Road, Siem Reap (55.940040, -3.204532) Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11.00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (5.0/5.0), TripAdvisor (5.0/5.0), Google (5.0/5.0)

My Little Cafe Angkor

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You will be able to find My Little Cafe Angkor near the Angkor Night Market at Tep Vong St. They open as early as 6:30 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can get good local Khmer food within the range of $1.50-$2.50 and they serve both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food. My Little Cafe Angkor has been awarded with a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor in 2015 and they have been consistently getting good reviews since then. The staff here is able to speak good English and food is served without MSG. Address: Tep Vong St, Taphul Village, Siem Reap (20.004150, 110.304759) Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.4/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0)

Meng Cafe

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Meng Cafe is located on the opposite side of the river from Psar Chas old market behind the Art Center Night Market at Wat Damnak Village. They have only been opened for a year and they serve a variety of Western and Cambodian cuisine. Meng Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner starting at 8 a.m. If you would like to enjoy a can of beer in a nice and  comfortable setting then this is definitely the place to go. You can get a variety of local rice and noodles dishes between $1.50-$2.50 and as well as a glass of fruit shake at just $1. Address: Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Customer Rating: Facebook (4.9/5.0), TripAdvisor (5.0/5.0), Google (4.3/5.0)

Only U

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Only U is located at Street 22 on the opposite side of the Siem Reap river from town, behind Future Bright School. This restaurant serves Asian fusion and BBQ dishes. Not many tourists know of this place but it is beginning to gain popularity. Only U opens for lunch and dinner and serves BBQ only in the evenings for dinner. You will be able to find food within the price range of $1.25-$2.00. Although the staff here do not speak English, you will be provided with an English menu for ordering. Address: Street 22, Siem Reap (13.367097, 103.844813) Opening Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Customer Rating: Facebook (4.7/5.0), TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0)

Cheap Eats Siem Reap

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Siem Reap’s town is vastly populated by tourists from all over the world who mostly come to visit the Angkor temples. Because of this, many small family owned eateries have sprung up during the last 3 years to cater for the growing number of tourists. Prices in most of the restaurants here are also higher than other developing countries and are even quoted in USD. You can get almost all types of food in Siem Reap including European, Indian and Chinese restaurants. On the other hand, to be able find Khmer food in other countries is very difficult and rare. Therefore, when in Siem Reap, you should take as many opportunities as possible to eat their local delicious Khmer food. Below, we have put together a list of Top 10 cheap eats in Siem Reap for the budget traveler. These restaurants / cafes all come with great reviews and are priced under $5. On top of that, they all come with free wifi for tourists to get connected. The Lok Lak and the Amok are some of the Khmer dishes you should...