Calling all taco lovers! Oro Valley’s vibrant food scene is about to heat up with the exciting Taco Throwdown event happening at Oro Valley Brewing Company. This delicious competition showcases local talent, inventive flavors, and the strong community love for one of our favorite dishes. Whether you’re a serious foodie or just someone who can’t resist a good taco, this event promises an afternoon filled with tasty competition and community spirit.
The Taco Throwdown will turn Oro Valley Brewing Company, located at 11100 N. Oracle Rd. #128, into a taco lover’s dream on Saturday, April 26, from 3–6 p.m. Six talented Oro Valley chefs will step up to demonstrate their culinary flair, all vying for the title of Oro Valley’s taco champion. With a distinguished panel of judges and the audience’s votes helping to determine the winners, this event embodies Oro Valley’s rich food culture while allowing attendees to sample some truly innovative taco creations.
- Get your tickets for $29 per person and join the taco celebration! Source: Oro Valley Voice
For just $29 per ticket, guests will enjoy six unique tacos—one from each chef—and cast their vote for their favorite. The lineup features an impressive group of local talent, including Chef Ana Martinez of Cactus Kitchen, Chef Steven Carter of The Grove Bistro, Chef Kalynn Huebner of Huebner’s Eatery, Chef Samuel Hughes of Oro Valley Cantina, Chef Maria Lopez of Sonoran Street Tacos, and Chef Jeremy Imes of SaddleBrooke Ranch Club House. Each chef brings their own special twist to this beloved street food.
The competition format adds an extra layer of excitement, with a panel of esteemed judges—including Bryan Benton of Dominick’s Real Italian, local photographer Jim Harris, and Lindon Reilly of Thunder Bacon Burger—deciding the first, second, and third place winners. Plus, attendees can vote for the sought-after People’s Choice Award by 5:30 p.m., with winners revealed at 6 p.m. The schedule is simple: start sampling all six tacos at 3 p.m., submit your vote inside the taproom by 5:30 p.m., and join in the fun as the winners are announced. With only 50 tickets available, be sure to grab yours early for this unique culinary gathering.
- Discover how to support local businesses and enjoy Oro Valley’s year-round culinary delights. Source: Oro Valley Voice
In Oro Valley, tacos go beyond just being a favorite food—they represent a cultural cornerstone that highlights our region’s rich Mexican heritage and creative spirit. Situated just north of Tucson, Oro Valley boasts an authentic taco scene that’s hard to match, where each restaurant and food truck puts its own spin on this cherished dish. Events like the Taco Throwdown not only celebrate this tradition but also encourage creativity, as chefs blend classic recipes with modern fusion, showcasing how this beloved street food is evolving.
The Taco Throwdown beautifully demonstrates how food brings people together. More than just a way to satisfy appetites, this event fosters a shared experience for attendees to bond over their love of tacos, discuss flavor combinations, and admire the artistry behind each creation. For the participating chefs, it’s a fantastic opportunity for exposure and a chance to showcase their skills to an enthusiastic crowd. For the community, it strengthens Oro Valley’s status as a culinary gem while supporting local businesses. With only 50 tickets available, this intimate gathering enhances the feeling of exclusivity and camaraderie—making it not just about enjoying tacos but about celebrating Oro Valley’s dynamic food culture.