Best Take Out Restaurants in Tucson

A long-time stalwart of the Tucson dining scene, Bazil's has the kind of dimly lit, old-fashioned dining room that is hard to find in today's modern age of airy, sleek restaurants. You'll come for the irresistibly old-fashioned ambiance, but stay for the timeless menu of Italian eats. The menu includes Chicago-style pizza, salads, pasta and sandwiches, along with classic Continental fare like frog's legs and escargot. Along with the full-service restaurant, Bazil's also offers to-go service, including a full menu of Italian pastas and sandwiches. Please note that the restaurant only accepts cash and checks.

This unassuming little take-out restaurant on busy 22nd Street near downtown Tucson has some of the best take-out Mexican food in the city. You'll find low-priced delicious food that doesn't skimp on flavor. All the usual suspects are on the menu, including giant burritos, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, tortas and a long list of combination platters. Meats are simmered in your choice of red, green and adobado sauce. The food is simple and down-home, but the execution is skillful. There's even a good vegetarian burrito for non-meat eating folks.

Choice Greens is a locally owned Tucson restaurant featuring a "design-your-own chopped salad" concept. Guests can choose from over 50 ingredients and 20 dressings and then have their "customized" salad chopped and tossed right before their eyes. If you prefer, you can also order a pre-designed "Classic" chopped salad, and there is also a menu of sandwiches and panini. Sides include home-baked mac 'n cheese, homemade albacore tuna salad, homemade chicken salad, and homemade pasta salad. Meals are made from scratch using the freshest ingredients available. Portions are generous, and the ambiance at this neighborhood restaurant is bright, cheery and clean. Huge cookies, brownies and lemon bars are available for a quick, decadent dessert.

Miss Saigon is a growing Tucson microchain that has been a local neighborhood favorite for years. The sprawling menu focuses on fresh Vietnamese fare, with lots of vegetarian options available. Appetizers include fresh spring rolls stuffed with herbs and shrimp, grilled chicken skewers and calamari tempura. There is, of course, pho, the classic beef noodle broth available in six different versions. The bun menu should please lovers of Vietnamese-style vermicelli dishes. There is also a small menu of Chinese and Thai specialties, for those in the mood for orange chicken and fried rice. Almost everything on the menu is available for take-out.

Tucson Tamale Company's slogan is "unwrap happiness." Well said. With more than 30 different types of tamales, from meaty and spicy to hearty vegan treats, Tucson Tamale Company is your source for authentic and creative tamales in the Old Pueblo. The menu is eclectic and fun. Try the green corn tamales, a house favorite, or the Arizona, which is stuffed with chipotle beef. The Tucson Tamale Company has something to please every palate, including a large selection of vegetarian and vegan tamales. There are also delicious breakfast and dessert tamales so you can start your morning--and finish your meal--just right.

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria specializes in Chicago-style delights and classic Italian pasta dishes. Try their award-wining chicken wings and specialty pizzas. The Fungus Humongous features a grilled mixture of portabella & white mushrooms, green peppers, mushrooms with onions & garlic, and all the real mozzarella cheese you would ever want. This homey pizzeria is neighborhood favorite, and the pizza pies, especially deep dish specialties, are to die for. The pizzeria also serves great pasta, including Spaghetti with Marinara, Florentine ravioli, Fettucini Alfredo, and Rotelli with pesto. Great appetizers and salads round out a full menu of hot, tasty pizza and Italian specialties.

Roma Imports celebrates the spirit of the traditional Italian deli by staying true to its roots. The small shop carries a huge selection of Italian food goods, including high quality imported meats and cheeses. The menu features a large assortment of hot and cold deli sandwiches, including a classic caprese made with fresh basil and the "Ultimate Roma," made with capocolla, genoa salami, fresh mortadella, provolone, and roasted red peppers. On the hot side of the menu, you can't beat the "Roma Signature," a slow roasted pork shoulder marinated with mustard and beer, then topped with a crunchy slaw. The deli also carries an assortment of salads and hot pasta dishes.

For a quick bite on your way to work or a day of sightseeing, bypass all those fast food chains and stop at Beyond Bread. The cinnamon raisin French toast is unbeatable, but if you like protein in the morning, try a made-to-order omelette, stuffed full of your choice of meats, cheese and veggies. Lighter appetites might prefer a simple croissant, muffin or scone. Later in the day, opt for a cleverly named sandwich or salad, a slice of dark chocolate cake or a massive cookie. Breads range from specials like Ancho-Chipotle-White Cheddar and Brie-Scallion-Chive to more traditional varieties such as challah and baguettes, there are more than 30 breads in the regular schedule, about half of which are available on any given day.

The Little One, formerly known as Little Poca Cosa Cafe, is the sister to the award-winning Cafe Poca Cosa on Pennington Street. It might be smaller, but it certainly doesn't play second fiddle. The Little Poca Cosa, located on the corner of Alameda and Stone in downtown Tucson, revels in a fun, loud and homespun ambiance. Service is strictly first come, first serve. The music is always loud, children are welcome and no credit cards are accepted. Plus, the friendly staff make certain that every patron leaves with a hug and a kiss. Ambiance aside, the food at is quite good. Try the pork in smoked poblano sauce, which has tender melty quality. Breakfast and lunch only. If you come for take-out, the restaurant encourages you to bring your own plate to stay green.

Serial Grillers started out as a food truck in Tucson, and quickly earned a dedicated following with local foodies. The successful food truck is now also a brick-and-mortar restaurant dishing out some of the city's most delicious comfort food. The menu offers a bevy of fun "killer"-themed dishes, including burgers, cheese steaks, calzones and pizzas. Popular specialties pizzas include the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" pie, which comes with a tangy white barbecue sauce topped with chicken, tomatoes, jalapenos, and a mix of mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheese. The menu also has a selection of delicious comfort food starters, including tater tots, breaded boneless wings and beer battered onion rings.