Rialto Theatre (copy)

The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street.

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Imagine: You’re sitting at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphony Orchestra enjoying the beautiful classical music when all of a sudden your stomach starts rumbling during a quiet part. The people around you start turning their heads, trying to find the source of the loud grumbles.

People came to hear the heavenly violins, not the growls of your stomach.

Don’t worry, I’m here to save you from that embarrassment! Whether you’re singing at the top of your lungs while watching your favorite band at the Rialto Theatre or enjoying a Broadway show at Centennial Hall, it’ll be way more fun when you have a full stomach.

Below are some restaurant options near popular entertainment venues you can check out before your show, silencing your rumbling tummy for the night.

Bata specializes in locally-sourced dishes.

Downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ venues

Live entertainment can be found on every corner in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. The Rialto Theatre, 191 Toole, Fox Theatre, Club Congress and the Century Room are just a few of the places you can catch a good show. Just like it’s easy to find a show downtown, it’s also easy to find a good restaurant. Here are just a few places you can get a delicious meal before you sing your heart out.

  • Quick bites: Running late? No problem! You can stop by , , for some good drinks and juicy burgers. can also be found inside this brewery, specializing in Japanese comfort food. At , , you can pick up a huge slice of elote pizza without having to wait for a long time. Want to enjoy some aesthetic cocktails and a few appetizers before a show? , , is the place for you!
  • We’ve got some time: , , is a great place to order a few drinks and enjoy a plate of bacon wrapped toritos before moving on to your giant chile relleno plate. , , has it all: pizza, pasta, salads and cocktails. When you’re done with your meal, you can even stop by their basement bar, Tough Luck Club, or their rooftop bar for one final drink. You can enjoy your dinner under the stars at , , where you can have your meal on the Hotel Congress Plaza. The best part: once you’re done you can walk a few feet over to Club Congress for the show!
  • Let’s splurge: From its unique, always-changing menu to the decor, there’s a reason why , , has made headlines nationwide. Ninety percent of the products used at BATA come from within 400 miles of the restaurant, which is why the menu changes from one day to the next. If you’re in the mood for a high-quality steak or a whole lobster with a tamal stuffed inside, then , , is for you! This steakhouse has a rustic, Western theme to it, incorporating Southwestern flavors into their dishes. Plus, they’ve got a great seafood menu too! On the topic of seafood, the sushi rolls at , , will have you ordering half of the menu. This Japanese restaurant has sushi rolls, large plates, appetizers, ramen, poke and lots of unique cocktails that include classic Asian ingredients like pandan, matcha and wasabi.

The Agave House infuses 100 agave spirits in its cocktails and cuisine, borrowing from styles that represent a wide range of Mexican regions.

Centennial Hall

Whether you’re catching a concert or a Broadway show, you have got to have a little something before! Thankfully, Centennial Hall is near Main Gate Square and it’s full of eateries.

  • Quick bites: If you head to the top floor of the Graduate Hotel, , you’ll find a rooftop bar that overlooks the entire University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. At , you can order a few cocktails and appetizers before heading to your event. Their birria nachos are the perfect dish to share with friends. If Southern comfort food is more your style, you can head to , This modern dive bar-esque spot has mason jar cocktails, burgers, chicken sandwiches and bigger plates like their chicken and waffles and steak and fries.
  • We’ve got some time: If you’re looking for something outside of Main Gate Square, Momo’s on 6th is still close by, and you won’t have to fight for parking. , , has delicious tacos and burritos bowls. Plus, their margarita selection is incredible. Another great option is , Here, you can get a sandwich on their house-made artisan bread or a fresh pizza. They also have a bakery with all kinds of treats, so you’ll want to make room for dessert. If you really have some time to spare, you can head to , Their woodfired pizza has stolen the hearts of many ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans.
  • Let’s splurge: If you are looking for something on the fancier side, you can check out , ÌýThey have all kinds of pasta dishes as well as pizzas and eggplant parmesan. Yes, they have espresso martinis too! A couple of doors down is , where you can get more than just tacos. Here, they have enchiladas, tortas, steaks and ceviche.

The sushi bar at Yamato, 857 E. Grant Road in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, AZ. Photo taken Monday, May 4, 2015. Photo by Ron Medvescek / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphony Orchestra

Beautiful symphonies sound better on a full stomach!

  • ÌýQuick bites: There are some great taco places near the TSO if you’re looking for some street tacos. , ad, is known for their juicy cabeza tacos, and people love the flavorful birria at ,
  • We’ve got some time: Grab the barbeque sauce and head over to , They have a spacious inside, pretty patio seating and all the BBQ essentials like pulled pork, brisket and mac and cheese. If Chinese food is more your style, then check out , ad. This beloved Chinese spot has lo mein, orange chicken, kung pao shrimp and dumplings. , ad, is another ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ classic, with many flocking to it to get their sushi fix.
  • Let’s splurge: If you head out to Campbell Avenue, you’ll see a big green sign with the word on it. This lively and very green spot, located at ad, has a menu full of Cuban delicacies that’ll have you wanting to order everything. Don’t forget to try their plantains and yuca fries, they are divine! If you head a little further down Campbell you’ll come across , , which serves tacos made with mesquite grilled steak. Their chicharron tacos are my favorite!

The chile relleno at Karichimaka was so cheesy; one of the best I've had in town.Ìý

Ava Amphitheater

You’ll need a big meal to keep up with all your dancing!

  • We’ve got some time: Want extravagant drinks and food? Then you must check out , located at You can get a Patrón margarita or a bloody Mary complete with a chamoy and Tajin rim. For food, you can expect to see dishes like ribeyes, shrimp cocktails, molcajetes and enchiladas. , is another classic Mexican restaurant in the city. This homestyle restaurant serves cheese crisps and enchilada plates that’ll make you feel like you’re eating your grandma’s homecooked meals.
  • Let’s splurge: Casino del Sol, ad, has its own steakhouse, , making it super easy for you to head to the concert venue after. Here, they have prime cut meats, fresh seafood, an extensive wine menu and signature cocktails.

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Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com