Miss the Eegee's Restaurant of Old? Check Out Slice & Ice

You can still find the classic Italian iced beverage in town.Photo byInstagram

Do you miss the old Eegee’s? If you’ve lived in Tucson for a while you’ve likely stopped by the local staple more than a few times. You’ve probably also noticed a drastic change in its menu and what it serves. There’s truly something missing. Much of this took place when the original owners sold off the brand in 2006. Eegee’s has gone through numerous iterations since then. However, what you might not know is Slice & Ice, a small shop that opened up in the midst of COVID, is owned and operated by Ed Irving (the “E” in “Eegee’s”). So, if you’re missing out on the classics, now might be the time to give Slice & Ice a try.

While Ed Irving might have parted ways with Eegee’s back in 2006, he didn’t stop experimenting and perfecting Italian iced beverages. He helped craft the original back in the 1970s, and at Slice & Ice, you can find a number of new and improved flavors he continued to work on post-sale of the restaurant. 

If you haven’t had the chance to stop into the restaurant at 1905 West Grant Road here in Tucson you’re missing out. It is the closest thing to the classic Eegee’s around. Even the food menu features several goodies that have since been changed at the name-brand restaurant. Several of the freshly made hero sub sandwiches available at Slice & Ince include Italian 3 Meat and Cheese, Meatball & Cheese, Tuna Hero, Veggie with Cheese, The Hot Link, and the Turkey Italian Style & Cheese. 

You can also order pizza, ranging from pizza-by-the-slice to full pizzas. Some of the menu items include Supreme, BBQ Chicken, Meatball, Hot Link, Buffalo Chicken, Meat Trio, Veggie, Hawaiian, and others. None of the full-sized pizzas cost more than $9.50, and the Pepperoni full-size pizza costs just $7.50. 

As for the classic Italian iced beverages, you might not have as many as you’d find at your local Eegee’s, but the ones you will find aren’t pumped full of artificial sweeteners and other fake ingredients. The current flavors include Orange Pineapple, Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon, and the Manager’s Special (which rotates). 

While there currently is only the one location, it has connected with locals who miss the original sandwich shop they grew up with. The current Slice & Ice is open seven days a week from 10 AM until 10 PM. If you’re hungry for some Tucson nostalgia, make sure to check it out.