Places To Eat

Feast in Downtown Tucson

Restaurants

Hungry for exceptional dining? Whether you’re a fan of gourmet experiences or seeking the comforting embrace of homely meals, Tucson’s restaurants have something for every palate.

Bars and Lounges

Ready for a lively night out? From upscale lounges to vibrant bars pulsating with energy, Tucson offers a nightlife experience tailored to suit all moods and preferences.

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Where To EAT

Tucson offers an array of gastronomic delights, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, modern fusion dishes, or a traditional American burger, downtown Tucson has got you covered. We recommend trying some of the local specialties and exploring eateries that cater to your specific taste buds. (You can further expand on specific restaurants or popular dishes.)

Agustin Kitchen

In 2011, Agustin Kitchen became a part of the vibrant Mercado San Agustin in Tucson’s west side, a hub for local businesses and community events. This bistro, set amidst a picturesque courtyard, serves an innovative mix of New American, French, and Spanish cuisines, using seasonally available local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a variety of meals, daily specials, and happy hour at the full bar. Reservations can be made via OpenTable for any occasion. The culinary team, led by Executive Chef David Solorzano, works diligently to ensure an unforgettable experience for all.

Bata

Their menu showcases the best of our region, with 90% of our products sourced locally, mainly focusing on vegetables, but also featuring fish and pork.  We collaborate with local farms, like Southwinds Farm and Pivot Produce, and also source from E & R Pork, Top Knot Farms, and San Diego for seafood.  We cook using an oak-fueled fire, influencing each dish.  The menu changes daily based on the availability and seasonality of ingredients.  While this approach might be adventurous for some, we encourage our guests to embrace the mystery and enjoy the journey with us.

Barbata

BATA’s basement bar provides a distinct European ambiance while maintaining a high standard of quality.  It’s an ideal spot to start or end your night, offering a wide range of spirits, cocktails, beers, wines, and carefully curated small plates to complement your drinks.  Be sure to check their schedule before planning your visit, as they are not open daily.

Batch Whiskey & Donuts

Recognized as one of the top Bourbon Bars in the U.S., Batch Whiskey & Donuts is renowned for its impressive collection of over 1000 distinctive whiskey bottles and scrumptious donuts.  Situated in a historic edifice on Congress St., this welcoming venue also features a basement cocktail lounge and a specialty whiskey store.

Blue Front

A fantastic American diner offering contemporary versions of traditional dishes, exceptional cocktails, handcrafted pies, and irresistible shakes.  Enjoy your meal or drink in the expansive outdoor seating area or at the open-air bar.

Bombolé Eatery

Bombole, created by Jackie Sharma, serves a unique blend of Latin and Indian flavors through delicious empanadas. Inspired by her love for Indian food and Latina heritage, Jackie has crafted a perfect mix of spices and flavors. Catering to all with gluten-free and vegan options, Bombole is a favorite in downtown Tucson, known for its quick service, delicious food, and affordable prices. Don’t miss out on their lunch specials and the chance to enjoy this exciting fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisines.

Borderlands Brewing Company

There goal is to offer top-notch craft beer while being a proactive participant in Southern Arizona’s brewing community. We prioritize community, sustainability, and inclusivity for both customers and employees. We aim to uphold these values by adopting sustainable practices, using local ingredients, and fostering empowerment through education. Our well-regarded venue serves a wide variety of craft beers, including IPAs, sours, and rotating ciders, all enjoyed in a rustic setting inspired by train stations and adorned with cacti bar taps, giving it a unique Tucson charm.

Café 54

One of my favorite places – Café 54 is a restaurant serving salads, veggie burgers, gyros, flatbreads, and daily desserts.  What is special about Café 54, is that it is part of the Coyote TaskForce, a special employment-training program for adults recovering from mental illnesses, offering on-the-job training in various restaurant roles, ultimately leading to independent employment in the community.  The program aims to assist individuals in becoming independent citizens, provide the restaurant community with trained and experienced employees, equip trainees with the necessary tools to showcase their talents and shift the focus from disabilities to abilities, thereby reducing stigma.

Café à la C’Art

Experience a hidden gem of downtown’s west side at Café à la C’Art, situated in the historic 1865 Stevens House within the Tucson Museum of Art. This unique café features a Monet-inspired garden patio and a menu that includes a new dinner selection, handcrafted pastries, and signature desserts like the Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake and Chocolate Bomb. Open for all meals, the café offers specialties such as the Parmesan Crusted Turkey Croissant in a cozy, country-style setting with a mosaic-covered patio.

Caffe Luce – Congress

Caffe Luce stands out among Tucson’s cafés due to its commitment to mastering coffee roasting. Sample their specially crafted Espresso Luce, designed for the ideal latte, and complement it with their delicious scones and flawlessly prepared rolls.

The Century Room

The Century Room at Hotel Congress is the go-to spot for live jazz and inventive cocktails in Tucson, being the city’s first jazz club and adding a dash of sophistication to its nightlife. Along with showcasing local and national musicians, it offers a selection of ancestral small batch mezcals, craft cocktails, regional beers, wines, and small plates. Their Sonoran Sazerac is as smooth as the bass line, while their charcuterie boards perfectly hit the high notes.

Charro Steak & Del Rey

Founded in 1922 by Monica Flin, El Charro Cafe in Tucson is the oldest Mexican restaurant in America continuously operated by the same family. Charro Steak, the latest addition to the Charro Legacy, offers local, clean, and natural ingredients, free of added hormones or antibiotics. With a selection of fine wines, tequilas, mezcals, and whiskeys, Charro Steak provides meals to go, catering services, and private dining areas. It also serves sustainable seafood and cage-free poultry, embodying the culinary traditions of Sonora, Mexico, and standing as one of the US’s most authentic farm and sea restaurants.

The Tap Room at Hotel Congress

Experience history at Congress Tap Room, a popular pub since 1919 with an art deco ambiance, live music, and classic drinks like martinis and Bloody Marys. It’s also famous for the capture of John Dillinger, making it one of Tucson’s oldest continuous bars and a must-visit for every newcomer.

El Charro Café Downtown

Another one of my favorite places – El Charro Café, recognized by Gourmet Magazine as one of America’s 21 Most Legendary Restaurants, was established in 1922 in Tucson, Arizona. Being the oldest Mexican restaurant continuously operated by the same family, it offers a blend of traditional Northern Mexico-Sonoran and innovative Tucson-style Mexican food. Its founder, Tia Monica Flin, famously known as “The Inventor of The Chimichanga,” created a legacy that her great grandniece, Carlotta Flores, continues today. Winning numerous awards and accolades, El Charro Café, with its hand-crafted recipes, including gluten-free and low trans fat options, represents Tucson’s Culinary History and remains a global dining icon.

El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria

El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria in Tucson reimagines Mexican cuisine with a contemporary Southwest twist, utilizing local ingredients like agave, cactus, and mesquite smoke. Their mission is to provide a fresh, modern interpretation of desert dining, complete with bespoke cocktails, curated wines, and local brews. Famous for their flavorful Tucson burgers, every meal here promises a memorable experience.

El Minuto Cafe

El Minuto Cafe has been a steadfast presence for over eight decades, enduring various challenges while consistently offering Sonoran-style Mexican dishes. Make sure to try their must-have cheese crisp, but also save space for their delicious flan and margaritas!

Elliott’s on Congress

Elliott’s offers a serene atmosphere and delectable American cuisine, featuring a well-stocked bar of house-infused specialty vodkas with flavors ranging from basil to key lime, and even Chocolate Covered Bacon. It’s a gastronomic journey not to be missed. The menu includes a variety of starters, salads, main dishes including duck, burgers, sandwiches, and mouth-watering desserts like chocolate covered bacon, banana tots, and award-winning cheesecakes. Breakfast options and drinks like Bloody Mary and Mimosas are also available.

Ezbachi Izakaya

Ezbachi brings the ancient craft of teppanyaki to life with talented hibachi chefs who delight diners with their knife skills and engaging performances at the grill. This Izakaya-inspired eatery serves a variety of Pan-Asian specialties, such as Bao Buns, Karaage Chicken, and Sushi Rolls, all complemented by an extensive selection of sake, craft beers, wines, and creative cocktails.

Hotel Congress

Located in downtown Tucson, the iconic Hotel Congress is home to Cup Café, a renowned eatery offering a creative blend of American and Southwestern cuisine. Highlights include the “Cast Iron Baked Eggs” and the “Congress Burger,” both of which reflect the café’s successful melding of traditional flavors with contemporary twists.

Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery

Situated in the bustling heart of Tucson on Congress Street, HUB is easily accessible with ample parking and the SunLink streetcar passing by.  It offers a range of meals from brunch to dinner, but the star attraction is its homemade ice cream.  The interior, featuring brick walls and distinctive decor, provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere at night.  Enjoy dishes like pastrami HUB Hash, chicken pot pie, and finish with uniquely flavored homemade ice creams such as Oatmeal Cookie Dough or Spiced Cider.

La Chingada Cocina

La Chingada Cocina in downtown Tucson is a testament to the strength and evolution of authentic family recipes. Born out of a desire to share beloved Mexican culinary treasures, it has grown into a lively destination where tradition and innovation collide. The restaurant offers not just a menu teeming with cherished Mexican flavors but also an experience heightened by live mariachi on Sundays and the best margaritas and chilaquiles in town. With its dedication to exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere, it invites all to enjoy a memorable taste of Mexico.

LaCo Tucson (Cocina)

LaCo Tucson, situated in Downtown Tucson’s Historic Presidio District, is a hidden treasure within the walls of Old Town Artisans. Offering outdoor dining, a cozy pub, a rustic Cantina, and live music under the stars, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing evening. The menu features a fusion of Southwestern and international dishes, complemented by an excellent selection of Arizona craft beers and cocktails. Don’t miss out on their Taco Salad and Southwestern Pot Roast, they are simply irresistible. Awarded Best Outdoor Dining in Tucson, it’s a must-visit for a memorable dining experience.

Maynard’s Market & Kitchen

Maynards, a culinary collective led by Tucson native Chef Nick Creamer, features a team of top chefs each with unique specializations, from gastronomic science to classic French and American cuisines, and pastry making. The collective offers upscale comfort food using high-quality ingredients in a stylish yet comfortable setting with scenic views. Maynards Market, a section of the collective, is a light and airy space featuring a deli, coffee bar, bakery, and local vendor retail section, while Maynards Kitchen is an elegant dinner-only restaurant.

Miss Saigon (Downtown)

Miss Saigon Restaurants, a local Vietnamese chain in Tucson since 2000, is committed to offering fresh, healthy, and delicious cuisine. Their dedication to excellent customer service ensures a memorable experience with every visit. The menu features favorites like pho with catfish, shrimp paste spring rolls, and orange chicken, all prepared with the highest quality ingredients.

Nook

Nook, established in 2015 by local Tucsonans, is a haven for New American cuisine in Tucson, Arizona. The friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for gatherings with friends, family, or business associates. With a menu featuring both local and exotic dishes, Nook caters to all tastes at any time of the day. The owners, Nikki and Matt Thompson, and Todd and Mary Anderson, have created a space that reflects their personality and love for the community, showcasing local artists and serving exceptional food and flavors. Don’t miss the Steak and Eggs, Godfather Benedict, and Chocolate Chip Griddle Cakes.

OBON Sushi

For those seeking a taste of Japan in Tucson, OBON is the place to visit, whether it’s for a quick snack, a meal with friends, or lunch. Inspired by the lively Japanese celebration of family and life, owner Brandon Katz has curated a menu featuring a wide variety of options, from Pork Dumplings and Bibimbop to poke, a vast selection of sushi, ramen, and steam buns.

Penca

Penca Restaurante in Downtown Tucson offers a blend of traditional and modern Central Mexican cuisine, rooted in the culture and history of Tucson. Established in 2013 by Patricia Schwabe, Penca provides an array of Mesoamerican beverages and delicious dishes inspired by Mexico’s unique ingredients and age-old techniques, while also honoring the Sonoran Desert and Tucson’s traditions. Enjoy a genuine and heartwarming dining experience at this urban oasis.