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    El Molinito

    2.6 (244 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    EL MOLINITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Molinito

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    Chicken fajitas with rice and pico.
    Brian C.

    Staying at the Fairfield next door for 11 nights. The negative reviews kept me away for the first few days. On night 5 I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I went early (4pm) so there was no wait as the place was mostly empty. Chips and salsa came right out as well as the drink. House salsa is HOT! Must be an AZ or Southwest thing as that was the case on my last trip to AZ. Anyhow, I went with my standard Mexican restaurant test of ordering chicken fajitas on the first try. Not bad. Huge portion. My only complaint would be that they only came with 2 flour tortillas. They were large and fresh, but I could have used another one. Service was decent. Ambiance is what I would expect from Mexican themed place. I might return for another try if I don't feel like driving anywhere.

    Taco Salad
    Clythie C.

    I am really surprised about the low star reviews for this great neighborhood Mexican restaurant. We love the food here and the prices cannot be beat! The $6 house margarita tastes like a Cadillac. My chimichanga was so huge and delicious. The ground beef was tender and there was so much protein stuffed into the wonderful tortilla. My mother's taco salad was EPIC! Huge and delicious. The other members of our party of 5 loved their entrees as well. We were given multiple baskets of chips and 2 kinds of salsas, many water and iced tea refills, as the service was fantastic. Ambiance is bright and cheery and parking is available right outside. My FIL eats here with his friends every week and they all feel it's the best Mexican for the lowest bill in Oro Valley. PS: the beans are SOOOO incredible. They are my favorite of all time.

    Shredded beef chimichanga after attacking about 1/3 of it.
    Jaron R.

    I was staying at the Fairfield hotel next door and wandered over for dinner. I ordered the shredded beef chimichanga. That thing was huge! It was very juicy and tasty and came with guacamole which was fresh even though it was near closing time, sour cream, and a salad topping. Rice on the side as well. Everything tasted great and the wait staff were very nice, friendly and attentive. I will eat there again next time I'm down there.

    Lunch chimi with chili con carne and the works (enchilada sauce, guacamole and sour cream). House frozen margarita.
    Kelly L.

    Still delicious but prices are a bit higher. Prices on QR menu and physical menu don't match. The chimi still lasts me 3-4 meals Great service!

    Shredded Beef Burro The Works 1
    Heino P.

    Excellent Food - Plentiful Lunch Specials We visited the Oro Valley location on Oracle for lunch. Information on my phone said they have outdoor dining - they do not. We sat in a very comfortable room that might have been a patio area years ago, but is now enclosed with large windows looking out over the parking area. Fresh tortilla chips and a very tasty, slightly spicy salsa were brought to the table immediately. My wife and I both ordered iced teas. I do enjoy beer, but they have no beer on tap - only bottles and I prefer tap. The menu is quite extensive and there are Lunch Specials which are a buck or two lower in price compared to standard menu pricing. My wife selected the Beef Tamale and Cheese Enchilada Combo($7.99). I ordered the Burro of Choice With Works. I chose shredded beef as my burro protein and when ordering 'With Works', you have options to get the burro enchilada style (ranchero style sauce and melted cheese over the burro), guacamole side, and sour cream side - any or all of these. I got it all! All lunch specials come with either rice or beans. Unlike most restaurants where lunch specials tend to be a smaller portion of a standard menu item, these dishes were anything but small. My wife had an excellent tamale filled with an abundant amount of flavorful shredded beef. A perfect ratio of masa to beef. Her chicken enchilada was excellent topped with a bit of spicy enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. As the sauce was a little spicy for her, she asked for some sour cream. Out came a bowl with maybe a full cup of sour cream ($2.49 add-on) and was a perfect pairing with the sauce. The Mexican rice had more flavor than most. Centered between the enchilada and tamale was a small undressed salad. My plate could hold no more. A very large sauce and cheese covered burrito, large sides of sour cream and one of the best guacamoles I've had in Arizona. I also had some undressed salad. The refried beans were tasty, especially when I added some of the salsa. The burro is packed with shredded beef. No beans or other fillers. I brought home 2/3 of my burro, my wife did likewise with her enchilada, plenty for another lunch. We recommend this place for sure. Go hungry and you'll still bring food home.

    Menu

    Food was good. Service was good. Liked the chips and salsa. Split beef fajitas. They were enough for two of us.

    Number 4 combo plate and Hornitos margarita.

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    Photo of Rob Z.
    6
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    10 years ago

    Always very freindly waiters and very good quality for the price. Shredded beef is the best.

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Village Bakehouse

    Village Bakehouse

    4.2
    (460 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    Village Bakehouse is always a win for me. I've purchased pastries to go, dined in for breakfast,…read moreenjoyed their coffee drinks and purchased two custom smash cakes from them. The custom ordering process was easy and the price was very reasonable. One thing to keep in mind with Village Bakehouse is that they have limited indoor seating and are often crowded. They do have covered outdoor seating with fans but you are looking at a parking lot so not super picturesque.

    This is one of my to go places for cake in Tucson. 6/5! They do amazing cakes - customized or they…read morealways have choices for a pick up. Between having ordered a customized cake to picking up cakes from their display cases... I don't have a favorite... each one has been unique and delicious in their own (ps- their icing is amazing). For the quality of their cakes, their prices are totally reasonable. They have additional bakery items ( cookies, pastries etc) that I have tried and I would rate those a 4/5. Good and comparable to some additional amazing bakers in Tucson. I have also dined here for brunch and I would rate it a 3/5. Overall service is great here- staff are attentive and take the time to describe the items. There is a line to order usually- understandably so when you see their bakery case! Indoor and outdoor seating available. Ample parking as it is in a strip mall.

    Photos
    Almond wedding cake with strawberry mousse filling and buttercream
    Almond wedding cake with strawberry mousse filling and buttercream
    Miniature apple pie
    Miniature apple pie
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    The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

    The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

    4.1
    (349 reviews)
    9.5 mi
    $$$$

    Just everything! The food, service and view. Does not get any better !…read more 2nd visit. And from out of state so a must visit !

    Overall, the resort is a great place to spend a weekend. It includes three outdoor pools with a…read more235-foot waterslide (the spa pool is adults only); a 27-hole championship golf course; a full-service spa with therapy baths, steam room, fitness center, and cabana rentals; hiking and biking trails with stunning views; a bocce court; and four restaurants offering Southwestern specialties and organic cuisine. But, there are some things to note, namely on cost: 1. There are great "summer" rates and packages available - they usually run from mid-May until just before Labor Day. 2. Valet parking is $42 a day - there really isn't another option. 3. The resort fee is $68.73 per day (that includes tax) 4. Food and drink are VERY pricey - especially breakfast and lunch (my small egg white omelet with greens on the side was $29). If you have the ability, use the To-Go coffee and bakery spot next to Core Kitchen & Bar. They are open until 11am everyday. 5. They do cater, fairly well, to gluten-free needs. Other things to note: We were in room 2805 - a beautiful, clean, and comfortable room. It was so nice to have a fire pit on our terrace to enjoy (as well as the wildlife that stopped by to say hi). Note that there is a sidewalk that runs the length of the hotel, right in front of the fire pits so during the day, it does not feel as private. The spa cabana was worth the price tag if you plan on wanting to be outside all day and want to keep cool in between soaking in the sun or swimming in the pool. It's also adults-only. The spa, itself is beautiful with every amenity you'd need for a relaxing day.

    Photos
    The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
    The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
    The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

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    Teaspoon

    Teaspoon

    4.1
    (769 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Teaspoon is one of the best overall restaurants in Tucson…read more I've been here a few times over the last year or so. It has never disappointed in service, quality or taste. (well once in taste, but I'll get to that) They have great in-house made items. Like the Challa bread, the preserves, their pesto. They most certainly know what they're doing. I had unseasoned filet mignon once, I believe it was the omelette. I talked to the manager. Now I wasnt upset, didn't send it back, I just told them what I experienced and mused that I found it odd the cook forgot a simple thing like salt. The manager acknowledged my complaint and that was all; or at least I was fine. Nope, she came back with a to-go box of croissants topped with cream and berries as an apology. They were tremendous by the way. She didn't have to do that. The ambiance is it's only weak point, but even that is minor. Simple black is fine. It's modern feeling and doesn't stand out loudly. They have outdoor seating, which early in the morning is fine, but id avoid in the summer, which will likely mean you'll be waiting, depending on the time. Oh! I forgot to mention, they have very good drinks. They really are intentional about the blend of flavors, they have a little something for everyone. All in all, I cannot recommend this place enough. It's been a shining star amongst Tucson restaurants and I am grateful they exist. Even to how they organize their menu partly by flavor profiles shows they genuinely LOVE food. I love food too, and I love here. Try this place. Today.

    Service was super fast one we got a table. Came on a Saturday at noon and the place was still…read morecrowded. They have breakfast all day but also provide lunch so everyone is happy. There is outdoor seating with small tables and misters to stay cool. The inside has a good amount of space and A/C is on spot. There is also a bar with a good number of seats available. This might be first come first served but I am not totally sure. The food is a really good spread of options. Pancakes, german pancakes, french toast, eggs benedict(s) monte cristo, omelets, croque madame, country chicken with biscuits and sausage gravy, chilaquiles con pollo, avocado toast, savory crepe, and even a breakfast pizza. Oh and they offer a few skillet options too-southwest, loaded baked potato, and sausage and peppers skillet. So many options!! I can't speak too much for lunch but I did see burgers on the menu. Not too helpful in that arena sorry. The eggs Benedict with ham was awesome. Side of potatoes with a bit of all seasoning and a side salad with awesome light dressing comes with it. The dutch baby was also great. A german pancake served savory with sausage. Huge portion. Come check this place out and make sure if you don't want to wait you call in advance when driving there and ask to get on their "wait list" you may not be able to get a reservation but you can do this. You're welcome.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Hong Kong Bubble Waffle
    Hong Kong Bubble Waffle
    Vietnamese Coffee

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    Vietnamese Coffee
    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

    4.4
    (511 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$
    Locally sourced ingredients
    Gluten-free friendly

    When another restaurant in the area said they couldn't accommodate or large group (24 people) we…read morewent to Snooze. The host asked a waitress if she would take the large group on the patio and with a huge beautiful smile said yes. Olivia was so patient, kind, efficient and joked around with us. Her recommendation for cocktails and food was spot on. Normally a group this large many servers are very frazzled or annoyed but Olivia quickly had a system in place for separate checks, no stress, no errors. This was already a great outing with family but Olivia made it even better. Next time she needs to Join as she'd fit right in. Thank you Olivia we will definitely be back if not some of us all of us. Don't forget Cindy's Christmas present lol. You are amazing!!!

    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery on Oracle in Tucson (Foothills at 7315 N Oracle Rd) is one of my top…read morebreakfast spots. The retro-modern vibe is fun and energizing right from the start! Our server, Olivia, was fantastic--super friendly, attentive, and spot-on with recommendations. She kept everything flowing perfectly and added great energy to the meal. The food was outstanding: fluffy, creative pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, fresh ingredients, generous portions, and bold flavors. Easily some of the best breakfast in Tucson--no complaints! If you're on the north side near Oracle and Ina, Snooze is a must. Big thanks to Olivia for the awesome service--we'll be back! 5 stars!

    Photos
    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
    Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

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    Amelias Mexican Kitchen

    Amelias Mexican Kitchen

    4.4
    (681 reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    We had an amazing first visit to Amelia's Mexican Kitchen on Oracle Rd. Alexa took such wonderful…read morecare of us. She was warm, attentive, and genuinely kind, and she made our whole experience feel welcoming from start to finish. The hosts were kind too. There was plenty of seating, a dedicated bar, TVs, and nice lighting. The patio has misters, which is perfect for this time of year. They offer booth and table seating, and the tables aren't packed too close together. With party members who have different mobility challenges, the spacing was great and made everything comfortable. The food was delicious. The complimentary bottomless chips and salsa were fresh and generous. If you order the horchata, it comes with free refills too, which is such a nice touch. My husband ordered 2 birria tacos with caldo and loved them. My father in law ordered 2 ground beef enchiladas with red sauce, and my mother in law ordered 2 plain ground beef tacos. I shared the ceviche with my dad, which was fresh and flavorful, and we each ordered one Quesabirria. It was so good! Dessert was perfect. We tried the flan and the chocolate flan. The chocolate flan was a moist Bundt-style chocolate cake with flan on top. Both were creamy, delicious, and enjoyed by all of us. Great service, great food, and Alexa truly made our first visit special. We'll definitely be back!

    2 breakfast items at 12.99 and two juice drinks at 4 dollars each came to 49 dollars? No itemized…read morebill .. just the magic tip screen in your face. They give you chips and salsa without asking which is 6 dollars. No idea how I spent 59 dollars with the tip. We waited and asked several times for water. Very disappointed. Nothing special about the breakfast items. I do not get the positive reviews.

    Photos
    Breakfast burritos at lunch time
    Breakfast burritos at lunch time
    2 QUESABIRRIAS W/RICE & BEANS, CALDO (Juice meat)
    2 QUESABIRRIAS W/RICE & BEANS, CALDO (Juice meat)
    Beef Tamales con Juevos with black beans

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    Beef Tamales con Juevos with black beans
    Caffe Torino

    Caffe Torino

    3.5
    (325 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This was my first time here and let me say I truly enjoyed the restaurant. The waitress I had was…read moreso sweet and attentive, she also told us about the history of the restaurant. This is a wonderful family business and look forward to returning. The food was amazing as well as the wine that I tried. The eggplant with rigatoni was amazing. The pasta was cooked well and the sauce was filled with amazing tastes. The egg plant had an amazing consistency and the vegetable sauce was packed with different notes of herbs and spices. 8/10 The hamburger torino was tasty and cooked nicely, not dry. The honey balsamic barbecue sauce was an amazing sauce to add to the burger. 4.5/10 burger I'm not sure of the name of the Toscana wine that I tried, it was the 3rd or 4th option down the list of red wines. This wine had earthy notes and was not too sweet. This wine was recommended by the waitress and it did not disappoint. 7/10 Overall I truly enjoyed my visit to this restaurant and will be recommending this to my friends and family!

    Tonight, we are meeting friends we haven't seen in a while in northern Tucson for dinner. Cafe…read moreTorino is one of their favorites and it is not to loud so we can catch up on time that flies by. Reservations were made as this place is a local watering hole in the area. The place was packed and we ordered the Ceasar's salad to split and the mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. The salad was fine and enough for us to easily share. The mussels were good, tasty broth, and grilled bread to soak up the sauce. We also ordered a tagliatelle bolognese that was fine, decent taste, hot and a generous helping. Our server was on the spot with making sure we were happy, drinks filled and yet did not interrupt our conversation. To the Cafe Torino staff, we never felt pressure to dine and dash, thank you. The food was fine but not remarkable. Obviously, the crowds love this place. You should make a visit to Cafe Torino and make your own decision.

    Photos
    Front of Cafe' Torino the Restaurant at night
    Front of Cafe' Torino the Restaurant at night
    Veal Marsala
    Veal Marsala
    Caffe Torino

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    El Molinito - mexican - Updated July 2026

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