These are indeed some trying times that we are going through at the moment but the one good thing is that they are not forever. Today during my action packed quarantine day I watched a Dr. Mike video (shout out to his videos, he is the best) answering 10 frequently asked questions about COVID-19. One of the questions was about ordering takeout food and the safety aspect of it. As an avid lover of Ubereats/Postmates/Doordash as well as dining out in general I've actually googled this question before.
My initial disclaimer is to watch his video for a more precise and knowledgeable answer this question, the time stamp for what he says is at the 7:15 minute mark but if you're still reading through then allow me simplify what he says. Nothing is completely one hundred percent safe at the moment but if you're going to do it then do it the best way possible to mitigate any potential danger. Order with a contactless delivery, then when food comes first wash your hands after you grab the food, then unpack the items and wash your hands again. After you're done eating wash your hands once more because of all of the contact you've had with the containers just to be safe. He ends the segment on a high note saying that even if someone with the virus handled your food, the likelihood of them transmitting it to you is very unlikely.
With all of that being said, supporting local business is super important right now. The economy is not doing so hot right now because of all of these layoffs due to government mandated non-essential business closure. Many restaurants have been able to stay open due to delivery and takeout options so they need customers to help them stay afloat in these troubling times. If you have the means to help out the local economy or just want to spice up your quarantine dining options, then feel free to check out some of these local options.
Brushfire BBQ Co.
Locally owned and operated since 2007 is this barbecue joint. With three different locations around the Tucson area they are sure to satisfy your carnivorous needs. A popular item from their menu is the messy fries which are seasoned fries with your choice of smoked meat, BBQ sauce, and cheese. Or try out the blazing combo meal which is your choice of two meats, garlic bread, and two sides. Another menu pleaser is the messy mac and cheese which comes with their fries, topped with mac and cheese, your choice of smoked meat, BBQ sauce, cheese, and topped off with pork belly bits. They are available through Postmates delivery or for call ahead takeout.
Brushfire BBQ Co.: 2745 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
European Market & Deli
Ukrainian shout out to the owners who immigrated from Kiev, Ukraine to Tucson in 1989 and then opened this delicatessen in 1999. This locally owned spot specializes in Russian and Eastern European cuisine and has great options for their lunch and dinner menus. A popular item that they exclaim is the best is their gyro, served with beef or lamb over a warm pita with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and a side of tzatziki sauce. If you're feeling more of the Eastern European style of dining then check out their borsch which is a large bowl of red beet soup with sour cream and toasted bread. Or get the Polish sandwich which is smoked ring kielbasy, your choice of bread, cheese, vegetables, and condiments. They offer delivery but are also available through Postmates or for takeout.
European Market and Deli: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85712
Empire Pizza & Pub
If you want pizza but don't want the guilt from ordering from places like Dominos or Pizza Hut then check out this Tucson original. Known for their New York style pizza is this late night pizza spot popular for their intoxicated dining options during a night out on Congress. They offer your typical pies such as cheese or pepperoni but also have some unique options if you're feeling more adventurous. There's the 'astoria' which is topped with pesto sauce, kalamata olives, onions, tomato, spinach, and feta. Or the 'chelsea' which offers mushroom, green pepper, onion, kalamata olives, and garlic. But if you're really feeling adventurous then check out the 'elote' pizza which comes with roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chipotle mayo. Right now you can either takeout or order delivery through Postmates.
Empire Pizza & Pub: 137 E Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701
Egg Connection
Want the breakfast in bed without making the breakfast? Get it through your phone. Locally owned and operated is this great Tucson breakfast spot. Marx's french toast platter is a good sweet option, with three slices of french toast, two freshly cracked eggs, and served with a side of your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. If you're feeling more savory then check out Niles favorite, which comes with two eggs and a platter of biscuits and gravy garnished with linked sausage and bacon. Or check out one of my personal favorite breakfast options, the classic eggs benedict. This dish is two poached eggs on top of canadian bacon with grilled English muffins underneath, smothered with made from scratch hollandaise sauce on top. The dish also includes your choice of home fries or grits on the side. Order online through Postmates, Grubhub, Seamless, or Doordash.
Egg Connection: 3114 E Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal + Tequila
I am no stranger to expressing my love for Mexican food as I've written about it before. There are so many great options in the Tucson area but today it is about Reforma Modern Mexican. What differentiates this spot from others is their use of fresh, local ingredients and their unique take on Mexican cuisine. One of their popular menu items, and my overall favorite dishes are the nachos. Reforma's nacho dish comes with tortilla chips, black beans, guac, manchego cheese sauce, lime crema, scallions, cotija, cilantro, salsa Mexicana, and Jalisco. If you want something meatier then check out the carne asada bowl. This bowl comes with black beans, potatoes, spanish rice, avocado, cabbage, queso fresco, Jalisco salsa, lime crema, and salsa Mexicana. Opting towards a vegetarian meal, check out their sweet potato taquitos. These taquitos come with a corn tortilla, sweet potato, caramelized onions, lime crema, chile de arbol salsa, cotija, and cilantro. They are accepting orders through Seamless, Grubhub, Postmates, and Doordash.
Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal + Tequila: 4340 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718
There are many other great local options to choose from if you're looking to get takeout or delivery. Please take the precautionary measures when picking up your food to help protect yourself and your family. Even if you're not ordering food at this time stay away from public spaces, when out in public stay six feet apart from other people, don't touch your face, and wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for twenty seconds. Times are quite difficult at the moment but we can all do our part to help slow the spread of this disease and remember that we can and we will get through this.
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