Recommendations for group of 12 - Mexican or other - Restaurant (Tucson: appointed, hotel)

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Hi all you helpful people.... You've been so great over the years with my occasional questions...

Here's a new one... Need a place that is cozy - not too loud - excellent food. (And I mean excellent) One place for instance that comes to mind for atmosphere is that place up north through the tunnel in the Mountain - can't remember the name - but the food was too salty last go round. It may have improved and if it has and anyone can tell me - I'd love to know if I should keep it on the list. I'm giving them a little leeway because they were brand new last time I went.

The crew (family reunion in August) mentioned Mexican and I do love Mexican but usually those places are lacking in upscale atmosphere or at least something cozy and not to loud would be good.

Any ideas? All cuisine's welcome and hotel restaurants would be fine as well. We'd do Westward Look for sure but they're closed on a Sunday nite.

Thanks guys... Mary

[Chorizo]

Guadalajara Grill on Prince!
Welcome

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

Hi all you helpful people.... You've been so great over the years with my occasional questions...

Here's a new one... Need a place that is cozy - not too loud - excellent food. (And I mean excellent) One place for instance that comes to mind for atmosphere is that place up north through the tunnel in the Mountain - can't remember the name - but the food was too salty last go round. It may have improved and if it has and anyone can tell me - I'd love to know if I should keep it on the list. I'm giving them a little leeway because they were brand new last time I went.

The crew (family reunion in August) mentioned Mexican and I do love Mexican but usually those places are lacking in upscale atmosphere or at least something cozy and not to loud would be good.

Any ideas? All cuisine's welcome and hotel restaurants would be fine as well. We'd do Westward Look for sure but they're closed on a Sunday nite.

Thanks guys... Mary

El Charro at Sunrise & Kolb!

[azhiker]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

El Charro at Sunrise & Kolb!

I've been meaning to ask about that place. Haven't yet been.

Food aside, I really want to find a place that has great chips and salsa, just to go and enjoy that, and maybe a beer or margarita.

To the OP, practically all the places I go to are short on atmosphere but big on great food. If you need any of those sorts of recommendations, I've got a few.

When I went to Caruso's last week, sat outside in their patio in the back. Really a nice pleasant atmosphere. Felt like being in Italy with the plants and trees they had back there (Italian Cypress and fruit trees and such). Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the food.

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by azhiker

I've been meaning to ask about that place. Haven't yet been.

Food aside, I really want to find a place that has great chips and salsa, just to go and enjoy that, and maybe a beer or margarita.

To the OP, practically all the places I go to are short on atmosphere but big on great food. If you need any of those sorts of recommendations, I've got a few.

When I went to Caruso's last week, sat outside in their patio in the back. Really a nice pleasant atmosphere. Felt like being in Italy with the plants and trees they had back there (Italian Cypress and fruit trees and such). Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the food.

I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised with El Charro!

[The Kurgan]

When I was in Tucson in March, I ate at El Charro. It was amazing!! Words cannot describe how great the enchiladas were.

When I was in Tucson a couple weeks ago (I know, I fricking love the place!), I ate at Guadalajara Grill which also had amazing food.

I must say, I had a much more authentic experience at Guadalajara; I felt as if I was dining out in Mexico. They make the salsa right in front of you. Everything from crushing the peppers and tomatoes to mashing it together It was so good, that I started drinking the salsa. The waitresses even wore the traditional fiesta dresses. You will even be serenaded by a live Mariachi band.

You would enjoy either

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Great info you guys... Can someone describe the atmosphere for both places? Comfy chairs? Not too bright (dimmed lights pereferable).. Noise?

[The Kurgan]

Oh, I almost forgot. If you do indeed go to Guadalajara, try the deep fried ice cream. It will knock your dang socks off

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Fun and funky is good too - as long as it is not cheap tables and cafeteria style or plastic chairs... Know what I mean ;-)

I'm heading out for dinner now -- here in Virginia... I'll check in tomorrow... Anyone want to chime in on any Non Mexican as well that fit the bill...

Serious foodie ;-)

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

Great info you guys... Can someone describe the atmosphere for both places? Comfy chairs? Not too bright (dimmed lights pereferable).. Noise?

The original El Charro downtown restaurant is more so the authentic Mexican "hole-in-the-wall" experience than its four satellite restaurants, which are given a more 21st Century feel. Not sure what you mean by "noise", but Sunrise and Kolb is no Grand Central Station. Seems to me that almost anywhere you go you'll always find that one loud Ugly American! Lights are not so "dim" that you can't find your way back from the bathroom, but not nearly as bright as Wal-Mart either! Chairs are more than adequate.

Are you sure you're not writing a critique for some newspaper? Seems that others might be more concerned about your family reunion's "noise", than you of them!