College students across America are faced with a difficult question after a night out: where’s the best food? Thankfully, University of Arizona students don’t need to look far for some epic munchies. There are many glorious, grease filled cuisines within walking distance of the University of Arizona campus. Get ready for some serious grubbing at these late-night college food spots.
A trip to Highland Market is a rite of passage for University of Arizona students. It’s been the go-to late night snacking establishment for generations. The reason? It’s centrally located near the dormitories and it’s also open 24 hours per day. Few late-night patrons can resist the allure of the famous Highland Burrito. These monstrous breakfast burritos come loaded with meat, cheese, and your choice of veggies. Just watch out for the dreaded “freshman 15.”
The best late-night college food spots are equally delicious and cheap. That’s why The Taco Shop Co. has been a Wildcat staple for after hours dining. Hungry students can chow down on greasy, delicious burritos while on a college budget. You can’t go wrong with any of their zesty Mexican fare, but the go-to order is the carne asada burrito with guacamole. Hit the salsa bar and let your taste buds do the rest.
The name says it all. No Anchovies is a no-frills establishment that specializes in really good pizza. This late-night establishment dishes up huge slices of New York style specialty pizza. Though always a popular spot, No Anchovies recently renovated and now encompasses 10,000 square-feet, two stories, and multiple bars. The best part? It’s located in the heart of the University Blvd. bar district.
Bite, enjoy, and repeat. Urban Pita is a Mediterranean food mecca centrally located on Congress Street near many popular bars. Their gyro, chicken shawarma, and falafel are so filled with greasy goodness you might just have to order a second round. Urban Pita is also open until 3 a.m. on weekends, meaning you can enjoy this late-night hot spot well after closing time.
Craving a late night burger? Forget about McDonald’s. Tucson’s best burger joint is Lindy’s on 4th. This 4th Avenue staple offers a range of creative burgers including the spicy Dirty Sanchez, the epic Mac N Cheese, the fried egg infused Fat Bastard. Many a late-night patron have tried (and failed) to conquer Lindy’s most famous burger, the OMFG. It’s made with three pounds of meat, one pound of cheese, and doused in Lindy’s secret sauce. This hole-in-the-wall is open late until 2 a.m. on weekends.
Hawaiian food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of late-night food. But maybe it should be. Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue serves up delicious island fare nightly until 3 a.m. You can have your pick of the litter between Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, and the Hawaiian classic Loco Moco burger. Mama’s is also convenient. They deliver and are located only a short walk away from student housing.
You don’t have to choose between American and Mexican food at BK Tacos. This Tucson staple serves up some of the best Mexican-American dishes around. Late night patrons can get their Mexican fix with some street tacos, tortas, or burritos, while others can order a Black Angus beef hamburger. The real highlight, though, is the Sonoran Dog. This Tucson delicacy is a hot dog made with bacon, beans, jalapenos and more. Enjoy it late until 2:30 a.m. on weekends.
4th Avenue drinkers unite nightly at Bison Witches. This bar and restaurant is a hot spot for late night grubbing. They offer two-dozen types of delicious meat and cheese filled sandwiches that make for a perfect nightcap. University of Arizona students enjoy the Wildcat, which includes roast beef, turkey, Gouda cheese, and spicy Russian mustard sauce. You can enjoy grubbing on their lively patio until 2 a.m.
No list of Tucson food spots is complete without a reference to El Guero Canelo. This epic Mexican restaurant is home to one of the most popular Sonoran dogs in town. Each dog includes bacon wrapped Frank, beans, grilled and fresh onion, tomato, mayo, mustard and jalapeno sauce. Add in some tasty street tacos and fully loaded burritos and El Guero Canelo might be the perfect late-night spot. This restaurant is only open until 12 a.m., meaning you’ll have to get an early start if you want to grub down on their tasty Sonoran dogs after the bars.