A Casual Foodie's Guide to the Best of Tucson
Food Scene
Searching out the best tacos in Tucson takes years. Fortunately one of the very best is relatively close. Not only are her tacos delicious, but chef Maria concocts an ever-changing selection of truly unique salsas, so Boca never gets old.
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BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveSearching out the best tacos in Tucson takes years. Fortunately one of the very best is relatively close. Not only are her tacos delicious, but chef Maria concocts an ever-changing selection of truly unique salsas, so Boca never gets old.
The tacos here are solid (particularly the Pastor), and there's a great condiment bar enabling you to deck them out to your heart's content. But the main reason to come here has nothing to do with tacos. Originally invented in Hermosillo Mexico, Tucson has become famous for introducing the US to Sonoran hot dogs, arguably the best hot dogs in the world. While you may find it hard to get excited about hot dogs, that may be because you've never had a Sonoran. My favorite dogo vendor has retired, but BK's is one of the original standard bearers of the traditional bacon wrapped Sonoran style, and one-ups it with their spicy Toridogo.
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BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs
2680 N 1st AveThe tacos here are solid (particularly the Pastor), and there's a great condiment bar enabling you to deck them out to your heart's content. But the main reason to come here has nothing to do with tacos. Originally invented in Hermosillo Mexico, Tucson has become famous for introducing the US to Sonoran hot dogs, arguably the best hot dogs in the world. While you may find it hard to get excited about hot dogs, that may be because you've never had a Sonoran. My favorite dogo vendor has retired, but BK's is one of the original standard bearers of the traditional bacon wrapped Sonoran style, and one-ups it with their spicy Toridogo.
You'll notice there are a lot of tacos on this list, and that's of course because tacos are one of the greatest foods ever invented. If you're hankering for a side-of-the-road genuine Mexico taco stand, Apson is the very best of a wide selection in South Tucson. Be sure to get their eponymous taco.
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Los Tacos Apson
3501 S 12th AveYou'll notice there are a lot of tacos on this list, and that's of course because tacos are one of the greatest foods ever invented. If you're hankering for a side-of-the-road genuine Mexico taco stand, Apson is the very best of a wide selection in South Tucson. Be sure to get their eponymous taco.
There are many fantastic spots for brunch in Tucson, but my favorite dish remains the Cast Iron Baked Eggs with leeks and heavy cream at the iconic Hotel Congress, followed by a slice of their epic Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. Note that the richness involved in these two dishes means that most mortals can probably split both and be plenty satisfied. If you're visiting solo, I'll be happy to finish off any cheesecake you can't finish, cooties be damned! ;) If you happen to go on a Sunday, there's a great custom bloody mary bar while you wait for a seat.
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Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StThere are many fantastic spots for brunch in Tucson, but my favorite dish remains the Cast Iron Baked Eggs with leeks and heavy cream at the iconic Hotel Congress, followed by a slice of their epic Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. Note that the richness involved in these two dishes means that most mortals can probably split both and be plenty satisfied. If you're visiting solo, I'll be happy to finish off any cheesecake you can't finish, cooties be damned! ;) If you happen to go on a Sunday, there's a great custom bloody mary bar while you wait for a seat.
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone AveFavorite brunch spot #3
Favorite brunch spot #4. (It's important to have backup favorite brunch spots if you're like me and don't want to wait :)
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Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveFavorite brunch spot #4. (It's important to have backup favorite brunch spots if you're like me and don't want to wait :)
This is a long drive, but my 2nd favorite brunch spot, and my 1st favorite when the weather isn't too hot and I'm wanting some garden with my brunch. If endless mimosas (or endless prickly pear margaritas) are required in your definition of brunch, this might be your first favorite. The excellent Tohono Chul desert botanic gardens are definitely worth a visit while you're out here.
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Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del NorteThis is a long drive, but my 2nd favorite brunch spot, and my 1st favorite when the weather isn't too hot and I'm wanting some garden with my brunch. If endless mimosas (or endless prickly pear margaritas) are required in your definition of brunch, this might be your first favorite. The excellent Tohono Chul desert botanic gardens are definitely worth a visit while you're out here.
Have you ever wanted Thai food with your apple pecan breakfast pancake? In a former mechanic's garage? That's right, Tucson's Four Seasons is perhaps a bit different than anyone else's Four Seasons ;) The aforementioned APB pancake is great, and that's coming from someone who usually much prefers savory breakfasts to sweet. This one is just that good. It's run by a Thai family, and the Thai and Chinese dishes are great too in this crazy mash-up spot. I usually get my pancake with a side of Tom Kha :)
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4 Seasons
1423 West Miracle MileHave you ever wanted Thai food with your apple pecan breakfast pancake? In a former mechanic's garage? That's right, Tucson's Four Seasons is perhaps a bit different than anyone else's Four Seasons ;) The aforementioned APB pancake is great, and that's coming from someone who usually much prefers savory breakfasts to sweet. This one is just that good. It's run by a Thai family, and the Thai and Chinese dishes are great too in this crazy mash-up spot. I usually get my pancake with a side of Tom Kha :)
Many people visiting want to try some of the phenomenal cultural food that made Tucson the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US. BATA is my easy first suggestion if you want to splurge a little for spectacular dishes. And it fits the bill if you're looking for a nice place to take someone to dinner, but you don't have to fret about dressing to the nines. Tucson is a laid back town.
BATA
Many people visiting want to try some of the phenomenal cultural food that made Tucson the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US. BATA is my easy first suggestion if you want to splurge a little for spectacular dishes. And it fits the bill if you're looking for a nice place to take someone to dinner, but you don't have to fret about dressing to the nines. Tucson is a laid back town.
Want the best American Taco in town? (Meat, veggies, & cheese wrapped in grain...I hear people call them "burgers" in some parts.) This is a drive, but it's worth it. You'll also have to know the secret words: Sweet Lovin' Mercy. That's the name of a burger that's not on their print menu, but in my (not-so-) humble opinion is the best of their many great options. They also have fantastic sides including homemade, thick-cut potato chips which they call crisps. Yeah, like the Brits do. Unfortunately the location shares none of the charm of a british pub, but you'll be too busy savoring every bite to care.
Divine Bovine Burgers
Want the best American Taco in town? (Meat, veggies, & cheese wrapped in grain...I hear people call them "burgers" in some parts.) This is a drive, but it's worth it. You'll also have to know the secret words: Sweet Lovin' Mercy. That's the name of a burger that's not on their print menu, but in my (not-so-) humble opinion is the best of their many great options. They also have fantastic sides including homemade, thick-cut potato chips which they call crisps. Yeah, like the Brits do. Unfortunately the location shares none of the charm of a british pub, but you'll be too busy savoring every bite to care.
Drinks & Nightlife
Every day at 5 pm, the Marriott at Starr Pass provides a free toast of a premium tequila. The tiny shot is not worth the drive, and the otherwise overpriced drinks aren't particularly special either, but the view from the patio is. Especially nice at night in the cooler months, sitting by the many fire pits, looking at the city lights.
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JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
3800 W Starr Pass BlvdEvery day at 5 pm, the Marriott at Starr Pass provides a free toast of a premium tequila. The tiny shot is not worth the drive, and the otherwise overpriced drinks aren't particularly special either, but the view from the patio is. Especially nice at night in the cooler months, sitting by the many fire pits, looking at the city lights.
The Tough Luck Club is a 'hidden' cocktail bar in the former embalming room in the basement of the once-mortuary that is now Reilly pizza. And it's home to Tucson's widest variety of cocktails. Bonus: there's a great selection of taps in the beer garden out back upstairs.
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Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E Pennington StThe Tough Luck Club is a 'hidden' cocktail bar in the former embalming room in the basement of the once-mortuary that is now Reilly pizza. And it's home to Tucson's widest variety of cocktails. Bonus: there's a great selection of taps in the beer garden out back upstairs.
Portal is a tiny, intimate, truly special place to take a date. Particularly if you enjoy an ambience of interesting architecture. And that's not at all a biased review, despite being consulted on the design (my advice was don't change a thing other than make sure it's well-soundproofed to allow for private conversation...which they did :) Everyone in the know in Tucson will tell you it's the best place for a cocktail, particularly famous for totally focused service. They will welcome you with a complimentary mini cocktail, and if liquor isn't to your liking, Portal actually sits inside the restaurant/beer bar Ermanos which has plenty of craft taps and excellent food. That's a good thing, because unless you get there right after Portal opens, you're likely to be waiting a long while to get in (they don't take reservations). Ermanos isn't a bad place at all to be 'stuck' while you wait..
Portal Cocktails
Portal is a tiny, intimate, truly special place to take a date. Particularly if you enjoy an ambience of interesting architecture. And that's not at all a biased review, despite being consulted on the design (my advice was don't change a thing other than make sure it's well-soundproofed to allow for private conversation...which they did :) Everyone in the know in Tucson will tell you it's the best place for a cocktail, particularly famous for totally focused service. They will welcome you with a complimentary mini cocktail, and if liquor isn't to your liking, Portal actually sits inside the restaurant/beer bar Ermanos which has plenty of craft taps and excellent food. That's a good thing, because unless you get there right after Portal opens, you're likely to be waiting a long while to get in (they don't take reservations). Ermanos isn't a bad place at all to be 'stuck' while you wait..
Owl Club is yet another craft cocktail bar that opened within a former Tucson mortuary, and another really great one with very unique offerings.
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Owls Club
236 S Scott AveOwl Club is yet another craft cocktail bar that opened within a former Tucson mortuary, and another really great one with very unique offerings.
Crisol Bar is the name for EXO coffee's late-night creations. It was originally housed at their original location on 6th Ave, but has moved to their 2nd location at 196 W Simpson (new enough that it's not appearing on maps apps yet). It's got Tucson's widest variety of mezcal and other agave-centric fermentations. I recommend bacanora, the most-local, northern-Sonoran version. And if you're not in the mood for booze, tepache is a fermented pineapple drink that contains almost no alcohol (like kombucha). EXO also has excellent coffee, but probably not as highly regarded locally as hyper-local chain Presta.
196 W Simpson St
Crisol Bar is the name for EXO coffee's late-night creations. It was originally housed at their original location on 6th Ave, but has moved to their 2nd location at 196 W Simpson (new enough that it's not appearing on maps apps yet). It's got Tucson's widest variety of mezcal and other agave-centric fermentations. I recommend bacanora, the most-local, northern-Sonoran version. And if you're not in the mood for booze, tepache is a fermented pineapple drink that contains almost no alcohol (like kombucha). EXO also has excellent coffee, but probably not as highly regarded locally as hyper-local chain Presta.
Sightseeing
Need to work off those calories? Tanque Verde (lower) Falls is a relatively short hike up the Tanque Verde creek to Tucson's largest waterfall (~80')...WHEN the water is flowing. Things to know before hiking in the desert: bring lots of water to drink, not a lone small bottle. Shade hat and sunscreen obviously highly recommended. If rain is even possibly in the forecast (particularly during monsoon season), do not hike in this or any other waterway unless you are 100% confident you can scramble up steep rocky canyon walls in a hurry (there may not be a single cloud above you, while rains up in the mountains cause a sudden deadly torrent of water and debris downstream). To get to the trailhead, drive east on Tanque Verde road and after it turns to gravel look for the lower falls trailhead on your right with a parking area on your left. It's a fairly steep but short hike down to the riverbed, then proceed up-canyon. It's a relatively short distance but slow hiking because of very uneven ground. There's also a short vertical scramble (~8') right before the falls at the end of the hike. Search for Tanque Verde Falls on Facbook to find out if the Falls are currently flowing, and how big the pools are. Everything can pretty much completely dry up in the dry season.
Tanque Verde Falls, Arizona 85749, USA
Need to work off those calories? Tanque Verde (lower) Falls is a relatively short hike up the Tanque Verde creek to Tucson's largest waterfall (~80')...WHEN the water is flowing. Things to know before hiking in the desert: bring lots of water to drink, not a lone small bottle. Shade hat and sunscreen obviously highly recommended. If rain is even possibly in the forecast (particularly during monsoon season), do not hike in this or any other waterway unless you are 100% confident you can scramble up steep rocky canyon walls in a hurry (there may not be a single cloud above you, while rains up in the mountains cause a sudden deadly torrent of water and debris downstream). To get to the trailhead, drive east on Tanque Verde road and after it turns to gravel look for the lower falls trailhead on your right with a parking area on your left. It's a fairly steep but short hike down to the riverbed, then proceed up-canyon. It's a relatively short distance but slow hiking because of very uneven ground. There's also a short vertical scramble (~8') right before the falls at the end of the hike. Search for Tanque Verde Falls on Facbook to find out if the Falls are currently flowing, and how big the pools are. Everything can pretty much completely dry up in the dry season.
Another great hike to a waterfall (WHEN the water is flowing) to burn off calories from all that great food. This hike is a significantly longer distance than Tanque Verde Falls, but easier terrain (just one short steep section of switchbacks near the end). Prettier in my opinion too, but opinions vary on this. Things to know before hiking in the desert: bring lots of water to drink, not a lone small bottle. Shade hat and sunscreen obviously highly recommended. If rain is even possibly in the forecast (particularly during monsoon season), do not hike in this or any other waterway unless you are 100% confident you can scramble up steep rocky canyon walls in a hurry (there may not be a single cloud above you, while rains up in the mountains cause a sudden deadly torrent of water and debris downstream). The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to park at Sabino Canyon (small fee) and take a shuttle. (Note that Sabino Canyon trail is an even easier hike, with a paved road and shuttle service all along it for those who want a beautiful walk along a creek that's relatively easy, if crowded). To find out if the water is flowing in these two canyons, you can check the Tucson Hikes public group on Facbook. The creeks can and do completely dry up in the dry season.
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Seven Falls
5700 Bear Canyon TrailAnother great hike to a waterfall (WHEN the water is flowing) to burn off calories from all that great food. This hike is a significantly longer distance than Tanque Verde Falls, but easier terrain (just one short steep section of switchbacks near the end). Prettier in my opinion too, but opinions vary on this. Things to know before hiking in the desert: bring lots of water to drink, not a lone small bottle. Shade hat and sunscreen obviously highly recommended. If rain is even possibly in the forecast (particularly during monsoon season), do not hike in this or any other waterway unless you are 100% confident you can scramble up steep rocky canyon walls in a hurry (there may not be a single cloud above you, while rains up in the mountains cause a sudden deadly torrent of water and debris downstream). The easiest way to get to the trailhead is to park at Sabino Canyon (small fee) and take a shuttle. (Note that Sabino Canyon trail is an even easier hike, with a paved road and shuttle service all along it for those who want a beautiful walk along a creek that's relatively easy, if crowded). To find out if the water is flowing in these two canyons, you can check the Tucson Hikes public group on Facbook. The creeks can and do completely dry up in the dry season.
I highly recommend a drive up Mt Lemmon, which is quite unusual. Not only are there beautiful rock formations and lookouts over Tucson along the way up (not to mention world-class rock climbing), but this is the only place in the United States where you can experience this much elevation gain within such a short distance from a significant population center. 2000' to 9000' elevation gain, dense pines, 20-30 degrees cooler, and nearly every climate zone in the United States in only 25 miles from the edge of this desert city. The mountains surrounding Tucson are called Sky Islands because most of the ecosystem/wildlife living near the top couldn't possibly survive the desert basin in between. The southernmost ski resort in the US is at the top (tiny but technical- great if it snows up there while you're here), and a handful of restaurants, bike riding and hiking in the much cooler air.
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Mount Lemmon
I highly recommend a drive up Mt Lemmon, which is quite unusual. Not only are there beautiful rock formations and lookouts over Tucson along the way up (not to mention world-class rock climbing), but this is the only place in the United States where you can experience this much elevation gain within such a short distance from a significant population center. 2000' to 9000' elevation gain, dense pines, 20-30 degrees cooler, and nearly every climate zone in the United States in only 25 miles from the edge of this desert city. The mountains surrounding Tucson are called Sky Islands because most of the ecosystem/wildlife living near the top couldn't possibly survive the desert basin in between. The southernmost ski resort in the US is at the top (tiny but technical- great if it snows up there while you're here), and a handful of restaurants, bike riding and hiking in the much cooler air.
This isn't your typical museum- more closely resembles a zoo. But one in which native animals live in their (mostly) natural habitat. Highlights include the raptor flights, and the hummingbird garden where you might be lucky enough to see how incredibly tiny a hummingbird nest/egg/baby actually is. Also, ask someone to point out the easily-missed, to-scale, life-on-earth-timeline, which puts into perspective just how short a time humans have inhabited the earth relative to dinosaurs and single-cell organisms, as you walk along a short path.
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Sonoran Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney RoadThis isn't your typical museum- more closely resembles a zoo. But one in which native animals live in their (mostly) natural habitat. Highlights include the raptor flights, and the hummingbird garden where you might be lucky enough to see how incredibly tiny a hummingbird nest/egg/baby actually is. Also, ask someone to point out the easily-missed, to-scale, life-on-earth-timeline, which puts into perspective just how short a time humans have inhabited the earth relative to dinosaurs and single-cell organisms, as you walk along a short path.
You may have noticed all those things were outdoors activities. If it's raining, or you're into the unusual, the Mini Time Machine is a really cool little spot.
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The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
4455 E Camp Lowell DrYou may have noticed all those things were outdoors activities. If it's raining, or you're into the unusual, the Mini Time Machine is a really cool little spot.