La Fiesta de los Vaqueros isn’t just about broncos and bulls — it's a feast for the senses, and that includes the variety of food options available at this year's event.

From southwestern classics to new takes on original flavors, the array of dining options at the Tucson Rodeo can be overwhelming.

This year's vendors — some returning and others making their rodeo debut — are posted up at the grounds, ready to delight thousands of attendees with their food.

Amidst the masses of cold beer and deep fried treats are plenty of gems offering fresh, made-to-order meals that ought not be missed.

Tucson Spotlight took a food-focused trip to the rodeo last weekend to talk with vendors and give readers a preview of the many dining options.

And while Saturday’s events are sold out, there are still “grazing” tickets available for Friday and Sunday that allow attendees onto the rodeo grounds to shop, enjoy food and drinks, and soak in the rodeo atmosphere.

Sarita’s Cocina

This Chandler based food truck made its first Tucson rodeo appearance last weekend, quickly gaining traction at the event, with long lines of attendees waiting to try their chicken sandwiches.

“Typically we make Mexican food but there was already a few Mexican food vendors here, so this year we’re doing chicken sandwiches,” said co-owner Angel Romero.

Angel and his wife Sarah Romero run the truck together, serving the sandwiches crafted exclusively for the rodeo along with other menu items, including quesadillas and nachos.

Sarita’s offers a regular chicken sandwich, topped with a thousand island dressing and pickles, or a spicy version that’s doused in Louisiana hot sauce and drizzled with honey.

Both versions offer  a satisfying bite that pairs nicely with the side of potato salad.

“It’s doing well, everyone seems to have a good reaction,” Romero said.

Longhorn Chuckwagon

Nothing complements the thrill of the rodeo quite like the smoky aroma of barbecue, and Longhorn Chuckwagon delivers just that.

This vendor stands out not just for its slow-smoked meats, but also for its friendly, enthusiastic staff that makes every guest feel right at home.

Longhorn’s must-try dish is the Totchos—a twist on classic nachos featuring crispy tater tots loaded with fresh pico de gallo and a choice of meat, including savory carne asada, tender pulled pork, or juicy chicken.

For those who want to sample a bit of everything, the Longhorn Bowl is a perfect pick, combining all the best flavors into one hearty, satisfying meal. It's similar to a burrito bowl from Chipotle, but with a barbeque flair.

“It's got your rice and beans and all the good stuff you need to get through this rodeo to not feel the burn,” said Sarah Crisp while running the food truck with her team.

This is the truck's fourth year at the Tucson rodeo, traveling from Amado, where it initially built its following.

Fans of Longhorn Chuckwagon can also get their fix beyond the rodeo grounds and year-round, with brick-and-mortar locations in Sahuarita and Green Valley, operating as Longhorn Outpost and Barbecue Company.

“We make sure that all the guests get fresh food, fresh meat, fresh everything that they could ever have with the best ingredients in it,” Crisp said. “We don’t do anything fake in any of our food, we make it all from scratch.”

Mutts Premium Hot Dogs and Sausages

Hot dogs are a longstanding tradition at any sporting event, and the Tucson Rodeo is no exception. While plenty of vendors serve up this classic favorite, Mutts is a solid option if you're craving this classic.

A recognized name in Tucson’s food scene, Mutts operated as a brick-and-mortar restaurant before the pandemic.

Now, it thrives as a traveling vendor, with a regular spot at Foothills Mall every Saturday and Sunday.

Rooted in Wisconsin tradition, Mutts features famous Milwaukee-made sausages that have been crafted since 1880, bringing an authentic Midwest flavor to the Southwest.

Owner Jesse Day serves up a variety of mouthwatering options with his team, from Polish and Italian sausages to a smoked bratwurst stuffed with cheddar and jalapeños, each bite delivering that perfect, satisfying snap.

Rodeo grounds open at noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Griffen Engelberg is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact him at at gje1@arizona.edu.

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