A Local's Guide to Tucson
Edibles
Eating in Tucson is a special kind of wonderful, being as it is a journey across cultures and traditions, served up with a whole lotta soul, and often at an exceedingly reasonable price to boot.
Pop over to this local roastery for a chiltepin cold brew and a bite from their locally-minded seasonal breakfast menu. Their kimchi egg sandwich on thick-cut Barrio sourdough is unexpected, and delicious.
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Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th Ave Pop over to this local roastery for a chiltepin cold brew and a bite from their locally-minded seasonal breakfast menu. Their kimchi egg sandwich on thick-cut Barrio sourdough is unexpected, and delicious.
Did we mention how much we love our neighbors? Stroll across the road for a late afternoon margarita and tacos in a lush courtyard setting, and be sure to check out our favorite record shop, Old Paint, and say hi to Lana and Kevin on your way out.
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LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court AveDid we mention how much we love our neighbors? Stroll across the road for a late afternoon margarita and tacos in a lush courtyard setting, and be sure to check out our favorite record shop, Old Paint, and say hi to Lana and Kevin on your way out.
Sometimes you just need a burger and tater tots at 1 AM. Open until from 9 AM to 2 AM every weekend, Tallboys on 4th Avenue is the kind of place that greasy nightcap dreams are made of. It's so good that you might just find yourself back for breakfast the next day.
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TallBoys
201 N Court AveSometimes you just need a burger and tater tots at 1 AM. Open until from 9 AM to 2 AM every weekend, Tallboys on 4th Avenue is the kind of place that greasy nightcap dreams are made of. It's so good that you might just find yourself back for breakfast the next day.
As a former tortilla factory and market ourselves, we share a certain fellow feeling with Monsoon Chocolate. We only wish that we, too, could churn out the divine confections that award-winning chocolatier Adam Krantz creates from single-origin cacao beans in our kitchen. Being as that would be entirely impossible, we’re happy that we can head a few blocks south and grab a cup of coffee and a mescal bon bon that’s (almost) too pretty to eat.
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Monsoon Chocolate
234 E 22nd StAs a former tortilla factory and market ourselves, we share a certain fellow feeling with Monsoon Chocolate. We only wish that we, too, could churn out the divine confections that award-winning chocolatier Adam Krantz creates from single-origin cacao beans in our kitchen. Being as that would be entirely impossible, we’re happy that we can head a few blocks south and grab a cup of coffee and a mescal bon bon that’s (almost) too pretty to eat.
There’s a reason why this airy, light-filled brunch spot is always bustling. Dig into the Huevos Rancheros with local eggs, sip on a fizzy Prickly Pear shrub soda, and save room for one of the fresh-baked desserts that you’ll surely see winking at you from the counter.
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Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone AveThere’s a reason why this airy, light-filled brunch spot is always bustling. Dig into the Huevos Rancheros with local eggs, sip on a fizzy Prickly Pear shrub soda, and save room for one of the fresh-baked desserts that you’ll surely see winking at you from the counter.
Be forewarned that a stop into this local standby is liable to create a sharp uptick in the fantasies about moving to Tucson we’re sure you’re already having. Each dish is lovingly and colorfully plated, and often comes with a hug from Sandra, the effervescent, Harley Davidson-riding patroness. The variety of aguas frescas offered daily are delightfully refreshing, the cochinita en crema is rich and fatty in all the right ways, and - we’ll say it - the green corn tamal might be the best we’ve ever had.
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The Little One
151 North Stone AvenueBe forewarned that a stop into this local standby is liable to create a sharp uptick in the fantasies about moving to Tucson we’re sure you’re already having. Each dish is lovingly and colorfully plated, and often comes with a hug from Sandra, the effervescent, Harley Davidson-riding patroness. The variety of aguas frescas offered daily are delightfully refreshing, the cochinita en crema is rich and fatty in all the right ways, and - we’ll say it - the green corn tamal might be the best we’ve ever had.
“Best breakfast burrito in Tucson” is a statement that could spark some argument, but we put in our vote for this unassuming taqueria just west of the freeway.
La Fresita West
1450 W St Marys Rd“Best breakfast burrito in Tucson” is a statement that could spark some argument, but we put in our vote for this unassuming taqueria just west of the freeway.
12 soups. Every day. Need we say more? If we do, it might be because you’ve never experienced the instant hangover cure that is a big bowl of hot menudo, topped with plenty of lime and cilantro, and served with flour tortillas fresh off the grill. But if animal intestine soup isn’t really your “thing”, fear not, this westside standby also has an impressive vegan selection that includes the best fried cauliflower burrito we’ve ever had.
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Tanias 33
614 N Grande Ave12 soups. Every day. Need we say more? If we do, it might be because you’ve never experienced the instant hangover cure that is a big bowl of hot menudo, topped with plenty of lime and cilantro, and served with flour tortillas fresh off the grill. But if animal intestine soup isn’t really your “thing”, fear not, this westside standby also has an impressive vegan selection that includes the best fried cauliflower burrito we’ve ever had.
We can’t help but find ourselves here multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. Whether you choose to munch on a light, satisfying hummus plate, the wood-fired slice of the day, a simply delicious kale salad dusted with parmesan and bread crumbs, or a chocolate chip cookie with just the right amount of sea salt, Time Market never disappoints. Before you leave, we highly recommend filling a basket with local, organic produce, artisan cheese, a loaf of house-made bread, and a bottle from their excellent selection of natural wine for the road.
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Time Market
444 E University BlvdWe can’t help but find ourselves here multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. Whether you choose to munch on a light, satisfying hummus plate, the wood-fired slice of the day, a simply delicious kale salad dusted with parmesan and bread crumbs, or a chocolate chip cookie with just the right amount of sea salt, Time Market never disappoints. Before you leave, we highly recommend filling a basket with local, organic produce, artisan cheese, a loaf of house-made bread, and a bottle from their excellent selection of natural wine for the road.
Feel like treating yourself? Newly reopened in the historic Cushing Street Bar & Grill in Barrio Viejo, The Coronet offers European country-fare that is rich, rustic, and deeply satisfying. Bonus points if you happen to stop on a night when your meal is accompanied by the soft serenade of one of the world-class local musicians they have on rotation.
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The Coronet
198 W Cushing StFeel like treating yourself? Newly reopened in the historic Cushing Street Bar & Grill in Barrio Viejo, The Coronet offers European country-fare that is rich, rustic, and deeply satisfying. Bonus points if you happen to stop on a night when your meal is accompanied by the soft serenade of one of the world-class local musicians they have on rotation.
Remember Sandra from breakfast at The Little One? Cafe Poca Cosa is the big one, owned and operated by her mother and master chef Suzana Davila. One of Tucson’s most celebrated establishments, the menu changes twice daily, and is presented to your table in Spanish on a chalkboard. Can’t decide? Order the sampler plate to try a little bit of everything. Reservations are highly recommended.
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Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington StRemember Sandra from breakfast at The Little One? Cafe Poca Cosa is the big one, owned and operated by her mother and master chef Suzana Davila. One of Tucson’s most celebrated establishments, the menu changes twice daily, and is presented to your table in Spanish on a chalkboard. Can’t decide? Order the sampler plate to try a little bit of everything. Reservations are highly recommended.
Though almost every establishment on this list is in walking distance from our home, Kingfisher deserves the Uber fare. The Sonoran desert might not be synonymous with an oyster feast, but this old-school joint serves ‘em up fresh, and with impeccable service, every time. We love grabbing a booth in the bar during their reverse happy hour from 10 to midnight, and indulging in copious amounts of shellfish and steak frites, accompanied by a martini, or two, or three.
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Kingfisher
2564 E Grant RdThough almost every establishment on this list is in walking distance from our home, Kingfisher deserves the Uber fare. The Sonoran desert might not be synonymous with an oyster feast, but this old-school joint serves ‘em up fresh, and with impeccable service, every time. We love grabbing a booth in the bar during their reverse happy hour from 10 to midnight, and indulging in copious amounts of shellfish and steak frites, accompanied by a martini, or two, or three.
Named after the late 1960s psychedelic garage outfit out of Agua Priéta most famous for their Spanish covers of Yardbirds tunes, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Tacos Apson by the smell of carne asada on the grill and the sign that shows a guitar wrapped in a tortilla. Inside, pictures of the band decked out in full Beau Brummel regalia cover the walls. Don’t be shy about ordering as many tacos as you can imagine eating, because you’ll want to try them all. Note: vegetarian options here are slim, but the Taco Chino - refried beans folded in a tortilla and then deep fried - is the perfect greasy bite.
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Los Tacos Apson
3501 S 12th AveNamed after the late 1960s psychedelic garage outfit out of Agua Priéta most famous for their Spanish covers of Yardbirds tunes, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Tacos Apson by the smell of carne asada on the grill and the sign that shows a guitar wrapped in a tortilla. Inside, pictures of the band decked out in full Beau Brummel regalia cover the walls. Don’t be shy about ordering as many tacos as you can imagine eating, because you’ll want to try them all. Note: vegetarian options here are slim, but the Taco Chino - refried beans folded in a tortilla and then deep fried - is the perfect greasy bite.
A southside favorite, Crossroads is the place to go for filling up on ceviche, enchiladas, and comically large margaritas while soaking up the boisterous tunes of its resident mariachi band.
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Crossroads Restaurant
2602 S 4th AveA southside favorite, Crossroads is the place to go for filling up on ceviche, enchiladas, and comically large margaritas while soaking up the boisterous tunes of its resident mariachi band.
Care for a bit of paté with your cocktail? The Agustin Kitchen bar is not only impeccably designed, but also offers a menu of utterly indulgent bar snacks alongside their extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails.
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Agustin Kitchen
100 South Avenida del ConventoCare for a bit of paté with your cocktail? The Agustin Kitchen bar is not only impeccably designed, but also offers a menu of utterly indulgent bar snacks alongside their extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails.
You'll reconsider your feelings towards roasted carrots immediately after a visit to the veggie-forward and meat-friendly Tito & Pep, which also happens to be impeccably designed with a Midcentury meets Tiki feel.
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Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdYou'll reconsider your feelings towards roasted carrots immediately after a visit to the veggie-forward and meat-friendly Tito & Pep, which also happens to be impeccably designed with a Midcentury meets Tiki feel.
Ramen, sushi, poke bowls, bibimbop and steam buns? No, this isn’t P.F. Chang’s. It’s Obon, where each dish on the impressively pan-Asian menu is remarkably well-executed, the environment is warm and tastefully appointed, and the cocktail list is among the most original you’ll find in the Old Pueblo, or anywhere else.
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OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E Congress StRamen, sushi, poke bowls, bibimbop and steam buns? No, this isn’t P.F. Chang’s. It’s Obon, where each dish on the impressively pan-Asian menu is remarkably well-executed, the environment is warm and tastefully appointed, and the cocktail list is among the most original you’ll find in the Old Pueblo, or anywhere else.
Shockingly authentic Japanese fare right in the heart of Tucson.
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Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery
2741 N Campbell AveShockingly authentic Japanese fare right in the heart of Tucson.
Tasteful wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, and natural wine in an intimate, exquisitely designed setting.
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ANELLO
222 E 6th StTasteful wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, and natural wine in an intimate, exquisitely designed setting.
Tucson has its own signature hot dog, and its wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, salsa, and mayonnaise. El Guero Canelo is among the best for giving the famous Sonoran Dog a try.
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El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle RdTucson has its own signature hot dog, and its wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, salsa, and mayonnaise. El Guero Canelo is among the best for giving the famous Sonoran Dog a try.
As one might imagine, there is no shortage of Mexican dining options in Tucson. Most of these offer variations on the Sonoran style of our most immediate neighbor. Penca, however, takes its inspiration from further afield in Mexico City, where fresh, plant-based dishes take center stage. Reserve a table for a truly indulgent meal, replete with wine and mescal, or stop in for the best happy hour in town, when two tacos and a jar of sangria will only set you back $10. *A note for the ambiance-sensitive among us - the lighting and music here is always perfect.*
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Penca
50 E Broadway BlvdAs one might imagine, there is no shortage of Mexican dining options in Tucson. Most of these offer variations on the Sonoran style of our most immediate neighbor. Penca, however, takes its inspiration from further afield in Mexico City, where fresh, plant-based dishes take center stage. Reserve a table for a truly indulgent meal, replete with wine and mescal, or stop in for the best happy hour in town, when two tacos and a jar of sangria will only set you back $10. *A note for the ambiance-sensitive among us - the lighting and music here is always perfect.*
Another surprising mid-town treat, Tito & Pep sets a bar that can’t righly be reached elsewhere for seasonal, plant-based fare. If you haven’t ever had a life-changing gustatory experience with, say, a plate of roasted carrots, it’s worth the trip. The cheery, midcentury modern-meets-Tiki decor is a plus.
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Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdAnother surprising mid-town treat, Tito & Pep sets a bar that can’t righly be reached elsewhere for seasonal, plant-based fare. If you haven’t ever had a life-changing gustatory experience with, say, a plate of roasted carrots, it’s worth the trip. The cheery, midcentury modern-meets-Tiki decor is a plus.
Parks & Nature
Sabino Canyon
Equal parts zoo, botanical garden, art gallery and natural history museum, the Desert Museum offers the unique opportunity to actively engage with the Sonoran desert in a way that leaves you no other option but to emerge in total awe of the beauty and resilience of your surroundings.
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney Rd Equal parts zoo, botanical garden, art gallery and natural history museum, the Desert Museum offers the unique opportunity to actively engage with the Sonoran desert in a way that leaves you no other option but to emerge in total awe of the beauty and resilience of your surroundings.
You can’t properly visit Tucson and not spend some time with its elders. About a 15-minute drive from downtown, Gates Pass also offers an unparalleled view of the sunset over the Tucson mountains.
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Εθνικό Πάρκο Saguaro
You can’t properly visit Tucson and not spend some time with its elders. About a 15-minute drive from downtown, Gates Pass also offers an unparalleled view of the sunset over the Tucson mountains.
You've surely heard of the marvel that is a Tucson sunset. Gates Pass is the best spot to take it in among the desert's congregation of cacti.
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Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass RdYou've surely heard of the marvel that is a Tucson sunset. Gates Pass is the best spot to take it in among the desert's congregation of cacti.
Arts & Culture
Our other neighbor happens to have a massive collection of Mexican folk art and pre-Columbian artifacts. Stroll down the street to check out yet another reason why we love where we live.
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Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main Ave Our other neighbor happens to have a massive collection of Mexican folk art and pre-Columbian artifacts. Stroll down the street to check out yet another reason why we love where we live.
Not many artists also build their own museum. Ted Grazia was a different breed - at the Gallery in the Sun, experience his art in a context of his own creation, as well as the adobe and saguaro-rib home where he, his wife, and a rotating cast of the movers and shakers of pre-developed 1960s Tucson resided.
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DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdNot many artists also build their own museum. Ted Grazia was a different breed - at the Gallery in the Sun, experience his art in a context of his own creation, as well as the adobe and saguaro-rib home where he, his wife, and a rotating cast of the movers and shakers of pre-developed 1960s Tucson resided.
Entertainment & Activities
More than just an art house theater, the Loft is a community institution. There’s just something that warms our hearts about a sold-out Wednesday night screening of Holy Mountain, weekly cult classics, or month-long special events that feature everything from Kurosawa to Nicholas Cage. And we were more comforted than disappointed by the fact that we were too late to score tickets to Chopping Mall last Mondo Monday.
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The Loft Cinema
3233 E Speedway Blvd More than just an art house theater, the Loft is a community institution. There’s just something that warms our hearts about a sold-out Wednesday night screening of Holy Mountain, weekly cult classics, or month-long special events that feature everything from Kurosawa to Nicholas Cage. And we were more comforted than disappointed by the fact that we were too late to score tickets to Chopping Mall last Mondo Monday.
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W Congress StDrinkables
Located in the vaulted chapel of the former Brings Funeral Home, the Owls Club tops our list for a place to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine just about any day of the week. Settle into one of their church pew booths, watch the candle light flicker on the stained glass, listen to one of Tucson’s fine local musicians tinkle the keys and, well, there’s lots of spirit puns that could be made here, but suffice it to say that this space is organically satisfying in a way that not many other bars aspire to be.
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Owls Club
236 S Scott Ave Located in the vaulted chapel of the former Brings Funeral Home, the Owls Club tops our list for a place to grab a cocktail or a glass of wine just about any day of the week. Settle into one of their church pew booths, watch the candle light flicker on the stained glass, listen to one of Tucson’s fine local musicians tinkle the keys and, well, there’s lots of spirit puns that could be made here, but suffice it to say that this space is organically satisfying in a way that not many other bars aspire to be.
We love posting up on the patio of this 4th Avenue dive on a Sunday afternoon, michelada and a snack from the Geronimo’s Revenge food truck in hand, and listening to one of the many alarmingly talented local musicians that take the stage every week.
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Che's Lounge
350 N 4th AveWe love posting up on the patio of this 4th Avenue dive on a Sunday afternoon, michelada and a snack from the Geronimo’s Revenge food truck in hand, and listening to one of the many alarmingly talented local musicians that take the stage every week.
Purportedly the favorite haunt of Paul McCartney during his stint in Tucson, this kitschy, 1960s bomb shelter-themed dive is heavy on charm. Their collection of JFK memorabilia alone warrants a visit.
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The Shelter Cocktail Lounge
4155 E Grant RdPurportedly the favorite haunt of Paul McCartney during his stint in Tucson, this kitschy, 1960s bomb shelter-themed dive is heavy on charm. Their collection of JFK memorabilia alone warrants a visit.
Return to the coffee shop you started your morning with and find it transformed into a dreamy, candlelit bar, where the highly knowledgeable staff will likely turn you on to a life-changing agave spirit that you can comfortably enjoy while taking in the night’s entertainment. Exo’s owners are long-time musicians and academics, the evidence of which is apparent in the programming, which will include anything from a reading of new work by the University’s MFA candidates to a film screening to a night of lively banjo tunes.
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Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th AveReturn to the coffee shop you started your morning with and find it transformed into a dreamy, candlelit bar, where the highly knowledgeable staff will likely turn you on to a life-changing agave spirit that you can comfortably enjoy while taking in the night’s entertainment. Exo’s owners are long-time musicians and academics, the evidence of which is apparent in the programming, which will include anything from a reading of new work by the University’s MFA candidates to a film screening to a night of lively banjo tunes.
St. Charles Tavern is one of those rare places that felt like a neighborhood institution from the day it opened. Located on South 4th (just a few blocks from Crossroads), it’s quickly become the regular haunt of a broad range of local folk. Play Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de mi Padre on the jukebox, sip on a pint, and don’t be afraid to chat with one of the friendly bartenders about how much you want to move to Tucson ;)
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Saint Charles Tavern
1632 S 4th AveSt. Charles Tavern is one of those rare places that felt like a neighborhood institution from the day it opened. Located on South 4th (just a few blocks from Crossroads), it’s quickly become the regular haunt of a broad range of local folk. Play Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de mi Padre on the jukebox, sip on a pint, and don’t be afraid to chat with one of the friendly bartenders about how much you want to move to Tucson ;)
Staying in? We recommend grabbing a craft beer by the bottle, can or growler here beforehand.
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Tap & Bottle - Downtown
403 N 6th AveStaying in? We recommend grabbing a craft beer by the bottle, can or growler here beforehand.
Sightseeing
Cruise around S. Meyer and adjoining streets to admire rehabbed and colorful adobe homes.
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Barrio Viejo
Cruise around S. Meyer and adjoining streets to admire rehabbed and colorful adobe homes.
Known as The White Dove of the Desert, the oldest intact European structure in Arizona still serves the needs of the local Tohono O’odham community, and opens its glorious altar to the public daily.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdKnown as The White Dove of the Desert, the oldest intact European structure in Arizona still serves the needs of the local Tohono O’odham community, and opens its glorious altar to the public daily.
Essentials
Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market
11 S 6th Ave