By Tucson Guide Editor Stacey Gregory
“I’m glad I went through that experience because it helped me understand what they do firsthand,” said Jackie.
Jackie found his way back to Tucson Foodie, where he chronicles the people, places, and flavors shaping Tucson’s dining culture. Over the years, he has become a respected voice in the local dining community–even judging events like Iron Chef Tucson. Now, he is ready to tell you his perso-nal recommendations.
Jackie’s Tastes of Tucson
El Torero in South Tucson is first up on his list with Sonoran staples. An easy suggestion–the Carnitas Cheese Crisp. This giant tortilla is layered with cheese, carnitas, avocado, and house-made sauces. It’s a Tucson classic loaded with toppings.
“They have a weekly changing specials menu, too,” he said. “I usually order something different every time I go there,” he said.
If you’re a foodie, chances are you already know Jackie Tran. This Tucson native has spent more than a decade documenting the city’s evolving culinary scene as an editor, writing, photographing, and producing content for Tucson Foodie. Long before he was writing about restaurants, he wanted to be a chef.
“Growing up, I had very little access to cable television, so I watched a lot of shows like Julia Child’s and America’s Test Kitchen on PBS,” he said.
Jackie entered The University of Arizona with aspirations of becoming Gordon Ramsay, where he quickly realized the business aspect of cooking was not for him. He set his sights to becoming the next Anthony Bourdain instead and majored in journalism. His first good gig was covering Tucson’s emerging food truck scene. During the pandemic, he stepped away to operate his own food truck, Tran’s Fats, giving him firsthand experience in the demanding world of professional kitchens.
5 Points Restaurant
No visit to Tucson is complete without trying the city’s signature Sonoran hot dog, and Jackie has been frequenting Ruiz Hot Dogs for 15 years.“The ratio of all the toppings is exactly how I like it, every single time,” he said. “I am team toasted bun, and that’s what they do.”
Just across the street from Ruiz Hot Dogs sits another regular spot–Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos y Mas. This seafood food truck serves what he considers some of the city’s best Mexican seafood. His must-order dish is the aguachile—raw shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of chile, lime, and soy sauce–a version he’s had in Mexico City, though he prefers it here.
“Some people are scared of eating seafood from a truck in the middle of the desert,” he said. “But with refrigerated food transport, it’s not an issue.”For fresh-baked bread, Barrio Bread tops his list. “
If you want world-class bread, you’ll find it at Barrio Bread,” he said. “Don Guerra is a James Beard Award-winning baker and totally deserving of the hype.”
Around Town with Tran
His newest hobby is handwriting letters with fountain pens, and his go-to place to browse is Posner’s Art Store in Main Gate Square.
“That’s where I fell in love with fountain pens,” he said. “I saw all the ink bottles looking like potions illuminated in the display case.”
Jackie is also a musician who plays three instruments. Naturally, he has a few favorite venues for live music. He recommends checking the schedules at downtown staples like Bar Crisol, while jazz lovers shouldn’t miss The Century Room inside Hotel Congress.
“They attract national talent, and it’s a cozy environment where you’re still getting table service,” he said. “The mezcal selection and locally inspired cocktails are excellent, too.”
You’ll also find Jackie exploring Southern Arizona’s landscapes. For an easy hike with rewarding views, he recommends Tumamoc Hill, which can be completed at a leisurely pace in about 90 minutes round-trip. If you’re visiting after seasonal rains, he suggests making time for Sabino Canyon’s Seven Falls. For a cooler mountain escape, head up Mt. Lemmon, but make sure you stop by the Sawmill Run Restaurant.
“It seems kind of like a straightforward barbecue and grill sort of restaurant,” he said, “but if you pay attention to the specials menu, they offer a lot of unique items and seasonal dishes.”
Aguachile Tostadas from Cocteleria La Palma