Top 10 places to eat... Well, what would you consider "worth" eating? Personally, some of the fast food chains tend to be more worthwhile due to the price of some of the exclusive restaurants. With that in mind, I'd say the sit-down restaurants listed are most fitting-

10. El Corral

I actually worked there as a teenager in their Appetizers section. Literally was working out of a closet, sharing space with two deep fryers and a fridge. Great food, service should be excellent since I know the management. Watch out for the price, it builds up quickly, otherwise wonderful old style steakhouse.

9. My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

This one is a bit trickier, you may actually find me at the bar once in a while. Excellent service, everyone on staff is professional and willing to take the time to please you. Price is moderate, and their Greek Pizza is completely worth the $10.

8. Hifalutin

A restaurant that truly builds an atmosphere. When inside, waiting a short wait for the server, one can feel the sense of gourmet steak house billowing from every corner of the often small sized dining room. Price is higher, but the food is well worth it. They are always willing to work with the customer.

7. Michaelangelo's

I make it a point to eat here at least once a year, but am rarely able to make it. Italian food tastes better when the staff often seems as if they are from Italy. Very knowledgeable and patient staff more than make up for the often overpriced dishes.

6. Sauce

This is seemingly arbitrary given the others, but read on. This restaurant is more of a pizza hall, even though they serve some of the best pizza I've had aside from some major name brands. Fast and friendly, these people know what they're doing, even down to the newest member of their team. As a plus, there is a gelato parlor next door (possibly owned by the same company) that puts the finishing touches to your fine dining needs. Take a walk around the strip mall, especially at or after nightfall, 'tis a dreamworld made real.

5. La Encatada Mall

I mention this in lieu of the former point on the list. There are about 4 or 5 restaurants all conveniently located near each other at this mall, and each is definitely worth eating at. Every one has its very own style and atmosphere that compliments the sheer beauty of the mall itself that it makes the food absolutely delicious. I often walk around this mall for hours after eating at any of their fine masticating establishments and cannot find a better waste of an evening.

4. El Charro

This sounds like it would be on every list when you search the net for eateries in Tucson, but this place honestly lives up to its "net rep". Having only dined here once in my meager two decades, I have found it worth my time to write about a few times. The food is amazing. Truly tastes authentic at times, and others it has an amazing and perfect blend of cultures. Don't worry about the price on this one, your money is well spent here.

3. Caruso's

An amazing place in an amazing part of town. People new to the area quickly find this street, the infamous 4th Ave. The food is good, nothing too noteworthy, but the company keeps me a returning customer. Price is average as well, a bit higher due to its location near the university, but Italian food often served by real Italians seems to taste better anyway.

2. Claim Jumper

Located a few miles from downtown, it's actually hard not to find this place. Many dates have happened here at this "hifalutin" steakhouse (aah! remember?) Well, only one visit here left me demanding my money back. "So why would you put it so high on the list?" most would ask, well, my answer is simple, of all the times I've gone, it gets better and better. The price is a bit up there, service is hit or miss, but the food is too good to ignore. Not much in the means of atmosphere being next to a crowded street and a dying mall, but worth checking out once or twice.

1 A TIE!!

Oh no. How have we come to this. You've given me nine chances to produce the number one place to eat in Tucson, and I've misplaced your trust. HEAR ME OUT! These two are well worth the time and money, neither costing that much to begin with. In no particular order, we have Brooklyn Pizza Co and Bison Witches. Not exactly fine dining, and often both are crowded, being close to the university, but there is something at these two places I haven't experienced at any other restaurant in Tucson. Both are priced to sell, and service is what you'd expect from a place that does business nearly 24 hours a day, but the food at both are simply amazing! And one can simply walk to the next place of interest being located on 4th Ave. Pizza and sandwiches, some of the best in town, exploding with atmosphere and downtown, metropolitan culture, I've spent some of my favorite memories over a table at both of these places.

I hope this has helped anyone looking for some food in Tucson. Just remember, in Tucson, if you drive long enough, you'll most likely find your next favorite place to eat!