As proud Phoenicians, no one likes to tweak the noses of Tucsonans more than us. However, in light of this weekend’s terrible tragedy in the Old Pueblo, we’re dedicating today’s Scoop to everything we love about Tucson. From deep-fried delights and frozen tipples, to John Dillinger and Dudley “Booger” Dawson, these are a few of our favorite (Tucson) things.

For decades, people in Phoenix and Tucson have argued about which town can lay claim to the Chimichanga, i.e. the heart-attack-on-a-plate known as the deep-fried burrito. Some say it was invented in 1922 by Monica Flin, the founder of Tucson’s famed El Charro Cafe, while other insist it was created decades later in Phoenix by Macayo’s founder, Woody Johnson. However, after visiting both restaurants, we’re happy to hand the title over to El Charro.

Image via Monsters and Critics

Speaking of iconic tastes of Tucson, who doesn’t love an ice-cold Eegee’s frozen lemonade (or pina colada) on a hot summer day? Founded out of the back of a truck in 1971, Eegee’s has grown into an institution with 21 locations across Greater Tucson thanks to its signature frozen fruit concoctions and savory grinder subs. Rumor has it, they’ll even overnight frozen Eegee’s beverages anywhere in the country, provided you’re willing to pay the FedEx fees.

But what’s a frozen beverage without a little booze? Since 1963, the Kon Tiki Tucson has been bringing a little slice of the South Pacific to the Sonoran desert. Housed inside a delightfully-tacky space brimming with bamboo furnishings and palm frond-lined ceilings, the Tiki specializes in classic (and dangerously strong) rum drinks served inside kitschy ceramic mugs.

Last and probably least, did you know that the classic 80′s comedies, Revenge of the Nerds (pictured), Can’t Buy Me Love, and ¡Three Amigos! were all filmed in Tucson? Yes, the fictional Adams College was really the University of Arizona, which probably explains why their football team chokes to ASU year after year. Sorry Wildcats, we just can’t help ourselves.

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