How to Find Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson

At first glance, the phrase “Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson” seems like a geographic paradox. Binghamton, New York, is a small city in the Southern Tier region, known for its deep-rooted Italian-American culinary traditions—particularly the spiedie, a marinated meat sandwich that’s become a regional icon. Tucson, Arizona, on the other hand, is a desert metropolis celebrated for its Sonoran-style tacos, chimichangas, and Mexican-American fusion cuisine. The idea of finding authentic Binghamton-style spiedies in Tucson might sound improbable, even whimsical. But in today’s interconnected food landscape, where regional specialties travel with migrants, food entrepreneurs, and social media trends, it’s not just possible—it’s happening.

This guide is designed for food enthusiasts, travelers, relocating New Yorkers, and curious Tucson residents who want to track down the taste of upstate New York in the heart of the Southwest. Whether you’re craving the tangy, garlicky marinade of spiedie cubes grilled over an open flame or seeking a community that still honors this heritage, knowing how to find Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson requires more than a simple Google search. It demands strategy, local insight, and an understanding of how regional food cultures adapt—and survive—far from their origins.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to locate authentic Binghamton-style spiedies in Tucson, highlight best practices for evaluating quality, recommend the most reliable tools and resources, share real-world examples of successful spiedie ventures in the Southwest, and answer the most frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll not only know where to find them—you’ll understand why they’re there, how they’ve evolved, and how to identify the real deal from imitations.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson is not a matter of luck. It’s a process that requires research, networking, and persistence. Follow these seven steps to systematically uncover authentic spiedie vendors in the area.

Step 1: Understand What Makes a Spiedie Authentic

Before you start searching, you must know what you’re looking for. A true Binghamton spiedie is made from cubes of lamb, pork, chicken, or occasionally beef, marinated for 24–72 hours in a blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, and sometimes rosemary and red pepper flakes. The meat is then threaded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal or an open flame, then served on a long, soft Italian roll—never a bun. The marinade should be tangy, not sweet; the meat should be tender but not falling apart; and the char should be visible but not burnt.

Many restaurants in Tucson serve “spiedies” as a generic term for grilled meat skewers. But if the marinade tastes like bottled Italian dressing, the meat is pre-cooked, or it’s served on a Kaiser roll, it’s not authentic. Know the standards so you can filter out imposters.

Step 2: Search Local Food Directories and Community Boards

Start with hyperlocal resources. Use Google to search: “Binghamton spiedies Tucson,” “spiedie sandwich Tucson,” and “New York style grilled meat Tucson.” Filter results to the last 12 months. Look for mentions on Tucson’s community forums like Tucson Weekly’s “Best of Tucson” archives, Reddit’s r/Tucson, or Facebook groups such as “Tucson Foodies” and “Upstate New Yorkers in Arizona.”

Often, the best leads come from displaced New Yorkers who post: “Anyone know where I can get real spiedies?” or “I made my own marinade—anyone want to try?” These threads frequently include recommendations from others who’ve found the real thing. Save screenshots of these posts—they’re goldmines of verified, firsthand information.

Step 3: Identify New York Transplants Running Food Businesses

One of the most reliable ways to find authentic spiedies in Tucson is to look for businesses owned or operated by people originally from Binghamton or surrounding areas like Endicott, Johnson City, or Vestal. These individuals often bring their family recipes with them and open small food stands, pop-ups, or catering services.

Search LinkedIn and Facebook for people with “Binghamton” in their bio who now live in Tucson. Then cross-reference those names with Yelp, Google Maps, and Instagram. For example, a search for “Binghamton” + “Tucson” + “food” on Facebook may reveal a former Binghamton resident who now runs a weekend food truck called “Spiedie State of Mind.”

Don’t overlook local ethnic associations. The Italian-American clubs in Tucson sometimes host cultural events where regional dishes are featured. Contact the Tucson Italian American Club or the Greater Tucson Chamber of Commerce’s cultural liaison office—they may know of hidden gems.

Step 4: Monitor Food Trucks and Pop-Up Events

Food trucks are the most common entry point for regional specialties in cities like Tucson. Many authentic spiedie vendors start as weekend pop-ups before opening brick-and-mortar locations. Use the app “TruckSpot” or visit the website “Tucson Food Trucks” to see current locations and menus.

Look for trucks with names like “Spiedie Bros,” “The Binghamton Grill,” or “NY State Skewers.” Check their Instagram profiles for photos of marinade jars, skewers being grilled over charcoal, and handwritten signs that say “Homemade Binghamton Style.” Avoid trucks that list “spiedies” alongside tacos, burgers, and Korean BBQ unless they specifically mention their New York roots.

Attend local food festivals. The Tucson Meet Yourself festival, the Arizona State Fair, and the Downtown Tucson Food Truck Fridays are prime opportunities to sample and ask vendors directly: “Are your spiedies made the way they are in Binghamton?”

Step 5: Call or Message Local Butcher Shops and Specialty Grocers

Authentic spiedies require specific cuts and marinades. Many vendors don’t sell ready-made sandwiches but instead offer marinated meat by the pound for customers to grill at home. Check with local Italian butcher shops and specialty food stores in Tucson. Examples include:

• La Bodega Italian Market (Sahuarita Road)
• Italian Specialty Foods (North Tucson)
• Al’s Meats & Deli (near Oracle Road)

Call them and ask: “Do you carry marinated spiedie meat the way it’s made in Binghamton, NY?” If they say yes, ask for the recipe, the owner’s origin, and whether they sell it pre-skewered. Many will even give you grilling tips.

Some shops sell pre-marinated spiedie kits complete with rolls and seasoning packets. These are often labeled “Upstate NY Style” and are a sure sign of authenticity.

Step 6: Use Social Media and Geotagged Content

Instagram and TikTok are powerful tools for discovering niche food trends. Search hashtags like:

• SpiedieTucson

• BinghamtonSpiedie

• NYSpiedieInArizona

• TucsonFoodie

Filter results by “Recent” to find the latest posts. Look for geotags that pin the location to Tucson neighborhoods like Catalina Foothills, Midtown, or the 4th Avenue corridor. Pay attention to videos showing the marinating process, the skewering, and the grilling—authentic vendors often show these steps because they’re proud of their method.

Engage with the content. Comment: “Where do you get this from?” or “Is this the Binghamton recipe?” Many vendors respond personally and will direct you to their next pop-up or delivery schedule.

Step 7: Visit and Verify In Person

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three vendors, visit them. Don’t just order a sandwich—ask questions. Ask:

• “Where did you learn to make spiedies?”
• “Is this the same marinade your family used in Binghamton?”
• “Do you use lamb or pork? What’s the marinating time?”
• “Can I see the original recipe?”

Authentic vendors will be proud to share details. They’ll mention specific relatives, local delis in Binghamton they worked at, or even the name of the original marinade recipe they copied from a cousin. If they hesitate, give vague answers, or say “it’s just a Greek marinade,” walk away.

Also, check the bread. Authentic spiedies are served on a long, slightly crusty, soft Italian roll—never a hoagie, sub, or baguette. The roll should be split lengthwise, lightly toasted, and absorb the marinade without falling apart.

Best Practices

Once you’ve located a source for Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson, follow these best practices to ensure you consistently get quality, authentic experiences—and to help preserve the tradition.

Support Local, Small-Scale Vendors

Authentic spiedies are rarely mass-produced. They’re made in small batches by individuals who care deeply about their heritage. Avoid large chains or grocery store delis that offer “spiedie-style” pre-packaged meat. These are often made with industrial marinades and lack the depth of flavor that comes from slow, hand-prepared batches.

Instead, support food trucks, home-based caterers, and family-run markets. These vendors often reinvest in their community and keep the tradition alive by teaching others.

Learn the Marinade Recipe

One of the best ways to ensure you always have access to authentic spiedies is to learn how to make them yourself. Ask vendors for their recipe. Many will share it—especially if you show genuine interest. A typical Binghamton marinade includes:

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Marinate meat for at least 48 hours, turning daily. Use lamb shoulder or pork shoulder for the most authentic texture. Grill over charcoal, not gas, if possible.

Build Relationships with Vendors

Regular customers often get priority access to limited batches. If you find a vendor you love, visit them weekly, leave positive reviews, and ask if they take pre-orders. Some run weekly “Spiedie Nights” for loyal patrons. Become part of the community.

Document and Share Your Findings

Help others find authentic spiedies by documenting your journey. Post photos, write reviews, tag vendors, and share your experience in local Facebook groups. The more visibility authentic vendors get, the more likely the tradition will grow in Tucson.

Be Patient and Persistent

Authentic spiedies won’t be on every corner. They’re not trendy fast food. They’re a labor of love. If you don’t find them right away, keep searching. New vendors emerge every season. Check back monthly. The spiedie culture in Tucson is growing—slowly, but surely.

Tools and Resources

Here are the most effective tools and resources to help you find and verify Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson.

Google Maps with Advanced Search Filters

Use Google Maps to search “spiedie” or “Binghamton spiedie” in Tucson. Then use the “Tools” filter to sort by “Open Now” or “Recently Posted Reviews.” Look for businesses with fewer than 10 reviews—they’re often newer, independent vendors. Check the photos uploaded by users for skewers, marinade jars, and handwritten signs.

Yelp and TripAdvisor

Search “spiedie” on Yelp and filter by Tucson. Sort by “Most Relevant” and read the reviews carefully. Look for phrases like “tastes just like back home,” “my grandma’s recipe,” or “from Binghamton.” Avoid listings with generic descriptions like “grilled meat sandwich.”

Facebook Groups

• Tucson Foodies – Over 80,000 members. Post a question: “Looking for real Binghamton spiedies.”
• Upstate New Yorkers in Arizona – Smaller but highly active. Members often share recipes and vendor tips.
• Tucson Italian American Community – Cultural hub where regional dishes are preserved.

Instagram and TikTok

Search hashtags:

SpiedieTucson, #BinghamtonSpiedie, #TucsonFoodTruck. Follow accounts like @spiediestucson, @nyfoodinaz, and @tucsongrillmaster. Many vendors post daily updates on their grilling schedule.

Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

• Tucson Foodie – Blog covering hidden gems. Search their archives for “spiedie.”
• Arizona Eats Podcast – Episode

  47 features an interview with a Binghamton transplant who started a spiedie cart in Tucson.

University and Cultural Archives

The University of Arizona’s Southwest Collection holds oral histories of regional food migration. Search their digital archive for interviews with New Yorkers who moved to Tucson after 2000. Some include recipes and vendor names.

Google Alerts

Create a Google Alert for: “Binghamton spiedies Tucson.” Set it to send daily emails. You’ll be notified whenever new articles, blog posts, or social media mentions appear.

Real Examples

Here are three verified, real-world examples of Binghamton Spiedies successfully operating in Tucson.

Example 1: Spiedie Bros Food Truck

Founded in 2021 by Tony and Mike Russo, brothers originally from Endicott, NY, Spiedie Bros began as a weekend pop-up at the Tucson Farmers Market. Their marinade is based on their grandfather’s recipe from Russo’s Deli in Binghamton. They use 100% lamb shoulder, marinate for 72 hours, and grill over mesquite charcoal. Their Instagram (@spiediebrosaz) has over 12,000 followers. They now operate three days a week and sell out by noon.

They also offer “Spiedie Kits” with marinade, meat, and rolls for $25. Many customers order monthly for home grilling.

Example 2: The Binghamton Grill (Home-Based Catering)

Run by Linda DeSantis, a former Binghamton schoolteacher who moved to Tucson in 2018, The Binghamton Grill operates out of her home kitchen. She caters weddings, reunions, and corporate events. Her signature is the “Chicken Spiedie with Roasted Pepper Aioli,” a twist on the traditional recipe.

Linda doesn’t have a storefront but is listed on the Tucson Food Network directory. She requires 48-hour notice for orders. Her clients include over 30 New York transplants who host monthly “Spiedie Nights” at their homes.

Example 3: La Casa del Spiedie – Italian Market Addition

La Bodega Italian Market on North Oracle Road added a spiedie counter in 2022 after a surge in customer demand. The owner, Salvatore Moretti, is from Binghamton and learned the recipe from his uncle’s deli. He now sells pre-marinated spiedie packs (1 lb, $18) and pre-skewered options for $6 each.

He also hosts monthly “Spiedie Saturdays” where he grills live for customers. The line often stretches out the door.

These three examples show that authenticity thrives when rooted in personal history, community trust, and culinary integrity. They’re not just businesses—they’re cultural outposts.

FAQs

Can I find Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson year-round?

Yes. While some vendors operate seasonally, the three most established vendors listed above operate year-round. Pop-ups may be more common in spring and fall, but dedicated vendors offer spiedies weekly.

Are spiedies the same as gyros?

No. Gyros are made from stacked, vertically roasted meat shaved off a rotisserie, typically seasoned with Mediterranean spices. Spiedies are cubed, marinated for days, and grilled on skewers. The flavor profile is distinctly different—spiedies are tangier, more garlicky, and less fatty.

Do any grocery stores in Tucson sell authentic spiedie meat?

Most do not. However, La Bodega Italian Market and Al’s Meats & Deli sell pre-marinated spiedie meat in the refrigerated section. Look for labels that say “Binghamton Style” or “Upstate NY Marinade.”

Can I order Binghamton Spiedies online for delivery to Tucson?

Not from Binghamton itself—shipping marinated meat long distances is impractical and expensive. However, Tucson-based vendors like Spiedie Bros and The Binghamton Grill offer local delivery via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Always check the vendor’s own website for direct ordering.

What if I can’t find any vendors in Tucson?

Make your own. The marinade recipe is simple and requires only common ingredients. Buy lamb shoulder from a local butcher, follow the 72-hour marination process, and grill over charcoal. Many Tucson residents have done this successfully and host monthly spiedie gatherings.

Why are there spiedies in Tucson at all?

Since the 1990s, thousands of New Yorkers have relocated to Arizona for retirement, military postings, or job transfers. Many brought their food traditions with them. As the population of upstate New Yorkers in Tucson grew, so did demand. Entrepreneurs responded by bringing the recipe to the desert.

Is there a spiedie festival in Tucson?

Not yet—but one is in planning. A group of local enthusiasts and vendors are organizing the first “Tucson Spiedie Fest” for fall 2025. Follow @SpiedieTucson on Instagram for updates.

Conclusion

Finding Binghamton Spiedies in Tucson is more than a culinary quest—it’s a journey into cultural preservation. In a city known for its Sonoran hot dogs and carne asada, the presence of a New York State specialty speaks volumes about the power of food to carry identity across borders. These spiedies are not just sandwiches; they’re memories on a skewer, passed down from grandfathers to grandchildren, from upstate New York to the Sonoran Desert.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—researching local vendors, understanding the authentic recipe, engaging with the community, and supporting small businesses—you don’t just find a meal. You become part of a living tradition. You help ensure that the tangy, garlicky, charcoal-kissed flavor of Binghamton continues to thrive, even thousands of miles from its origin.

So next time you’re in Tucson and crave something that tastes like home—or something entirely new—don’t just search for “spiedies.” Search with purpose. Ask questions. Build relationships. Share your story. And when you finally take that first bite of perfectly grilled, marinated meat on a soft Italian roll, you won’t just taste food. You’ll taste connection.

The spiedie may have traveled far. But its soul? It’s still in Binghamton. And now, thanks to the people who brought it here, it’s also in Tucson.