Mi Nidito $

1813 S. 4th Ave., Tucson
520/625-5081
www.minidito.net [1]

HOURS: Wed.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.,
Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

COST: Most entrées less than $10

If you only have the time or inclination to eat at one of Tucson [2]’s famous Sonoran-style Mexican restaurants, consider Mi Nidito (“my little nest”). Bill Clinton did. While on a short stopover in Tucson during his presidency, Clinton, known for his love of food (especially the comfort variety), stopped here and sampled pretty much one of everything. His order is still preserved as a special on the menu.

It’s difficult to say what it is about this bright South 4th Avenue restaurant, with its tropical decor and friendly albeit always harried staff, that sets it apart from the dozens of other similar eateries in the Old Pueblo. It is the best, that’s all there is to it.

Tucson Weekly readers invariably name it the top (or at least among the top) Sonoran joints in town in that publication’s annual poll, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a line of people waiting to be seated at 10:45 a.m. on a Wednesday. On a weekend night, figure on at least an hour on the porch, waiting anxiously for your name to be called.