While we’re still getting to know Tucson and have more eatery exploring to do, here are some local spots we find ourselves recommending when people visit…
Frequented Faves
Seis Kitchen
Serving fresh, flavorful food based on 6 regional cuisines of Mexico, Seis has become a regular stop for us!
We especially like: tacos (poc chuc, cochinita pibil, and/or barbacoa), burritos with adobo steak, a side of calabacitas, “cochata” (which is their horchata with a shot of cold brew coffee), or watermelon cucumber aguas frescas on a hot day.
Location:
- Mercado San Agustin (130 S. Avenida Del Convento) is one of our favorite hang out spots. There’s only outdoor seating (with shade and misters) or take-out.
- The new location in Joesler Village shopping center (River Rd/Campbell) has happy hour specials and both indoor and patio seating.
- The food truck, which is where the restaurant got its start, is now used for catering.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday 8am – 9pm
Serves: breakfast, lunch, dinner
El Guero Canelo
Where we go to indulge in (or introduce others to) local specialty, Sonoran dogs – bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with pinto beans, cheese, onions, and tomato, and served in a top-split roll. One time, Phillip and I and a couple friends took a day trip to Tucson specifically to eat Sonoran hot dogs at El Guero Canelo.
We especially like the Sonoran dogs, of course. The tacos are good, as well.
Locations:
- 2480 N Oracle Rd is where we usually go. The large, warehouse-like space is always hopping!
- There are also a couple locations in South Tucson, an east location at 22nd St/Craycroft, and one in west Phoenix. (There weren’t any Phoenix locations yet when we took our road trip.)
Hours:
Sunday 12-6pm
Monday – Thursday 10am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday 8am – 12am
Serves: lunch + dinner
Rincon Market
Vintage market (opened in 1926) turned mostly into a restaurant and coffee bar. It would also be a great place to pick up a la carte items for a picnic!
We especially like their lunch selection and lovely dessert case. Recently, I had a delicious grain bowl there. We were big fans of their weekend breakfast buffet, but I think they’ve discontinued it.
Location: Sam Hughes neighborhood. 2513 E 6th St, Tucson
Parking: street or lot behind the building
Hours: daily 7am – 9pm
Serves: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, beer + wine
One-Time Wonders
These are places that left us wanting more in the best possible way. We’ve been to each of them once and plan to return!
Cafe Poca Cosa
I had heard several people rave about this place, and it did not disappoint. The menu changes twice daily, based on what’s fresh and in season. Your server brings over a chalkboard that lists the current offerings and explains each item to you personally. We chose to share the Poca Cosa, which means the chef puts together a surprise sampler of several dishes for you. It was fabulous.
Location: 110 East Pennington St, Tucson.
Parking: street or Pennington Garage.
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 9pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Serves: lunch + dinner
El Molinito
While there is definitely an old school feel to this place, the food was a cut above most restaurants in this Arizona Mexican food genre. On the suggestion of our tuxedoed waiter, I ordered the enchiladas de la casa, which were delicious.
Locations:
- We went to one in Oro Valley.
- There are also locations in northeast, northwest, and central Tucson.
Serves: lunch + dinner
Maynard’s Kitchen
This is, of course, the Maynard’s where people convene on Monday evenings for the Meet Me at Maynards walk.
We had a superb brunch there, and I wrote all about it with my Agave Heritage Week articles.
Location: 400 N. Toole Ave, Tucson
Parking: If the on-site lot is full, we usually park in the Depot Plaza/MLK Apartments Garage off 5th Ave.
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday 5 – 9pm
Friday – Saturday 5pm – 12am
Sunday 9am – 2pm
Serves: dinner, happy hour, + Sunday brunch
Cup Cafe
Located inside Hotel Congress with a floor paved with pennies, Cup Cafe is a place where you can have an exceptional sit-down dinner or grab a coffee to go on your way out in the morning. We went during Agave Heritage Week, when the menu included dishes with agave ingredients.
Location: 311 E. Congress St, Tucson
Parking: street or Depot Plaza Garage
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 7am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday 7am – 11pm
Serves: breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour
Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery
We made an unexpected road trip stop here. I loved the back patio and the mac and cheese. Phillip was less into it, but we need to give it another try.
Location: 266 E. Congress St, Tucson
Hours: daily 11am – 12am
Serves: lunch, dinner, + weekend brunch
Ten 55 Brewing Company
We had lunch here during the most recent Arizona International Film Festival. I got chicken salad sliders with white barbecue sauce, which was good for a bite or two, but too much for a whole sandwich. Phillip ordered a bratwurst or something off the sausage menu, and, next time, I’ll do the same.
Location: 110 E Congress St, Tucson
Hours:
Thursday – Saturday 11am – 11pm
Sunday – Wednesday 11am – 9pm
Serves: lunch, dinner, + Sunday brunch
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails
We had an amazing tasting menu meal here several years ago. It’s been awhile but I haven’t forgotten it.
Location: 135 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson
Serves: dinner + happy hour
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Our meals at Cup Cafe and Maynard’s Kitchen were compliments of Hotel Congress.
