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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.