Insider's Guide to Tucson
Food scene
Locals love this vegan place and it is within walking distance of the Ironwood House.
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Tumerico
2526 E 6th StLocals love this vegan place and it is within walking distance of the Ironwood House.
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveRumored to have invented the chimichanga.
Sher-e-Punjab
853 E Grant RdBest Indian food in town. Great take-out game.
Beyond Bread
3026 N Campbell AveGreat sandwiches! My personal favorite is the Brad's Beef.
El Minuto Cafe
354 S Main AveI've been going to El Minuto for more than 20 years.
Prime Rib! Be sure to order the onion bread and have a salad tossed tableside. Not fancy, but fun.
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El Corral
2201 E River RdPrime Rib! Be sure to order the onion bread and have a salad tossed tableside. Not fancy, but fun.
Great pizza, great wings (really!), great sign out front with rotating, pithy sentiments.
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Rocco's Little Chicago
2707 E Broadway BlvdGreat pizza, great wings (really!), great sign out front with rotating, pithy sentiments.
Raijin Ramen
2955 E Speedway BlvdMy son's favorite.
Regular, Sam Hughes neighborhood burger joint. Sports on TVs. Walking distance from Ironwood House. Fun place to watch a game.
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Bob Dobbs
2501 E 6th StRegular, Sam Hughes neighborhood burger joint. Sports on TVs. Walking distance from Ironwood House. Fun place to watch a game.
Seafood in the desert? Yes! This is a must-visit if you like Mexican-style seafood. They bring it up fresh from Mexico. You have to order the shrimp culichi or the bucanero. Micheladas also hit the spot on a hot summer day. Best ceviche in town. Go to the one on Grande. It's my fave.
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Mariscos Chihuahua
2902 E 22nd StSeafood in the desert? Yes! This is a must-visit if you like Mexican-style seafood. They bring it up fresh from Mexico. You have to order the shrimp culichi or the bucanero. Micheladas also hit the spot on a hot summer day. Best ceviche in town. Go to the one on Grande. It's my fave.
If you've never had a Sonoran Hot Dog, this is the place to go to set things right. Recently included in Travel Magazine’s “10 Best Hot Dogs in the U.S.” list
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El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle RdIf you've never had a Sonoran Hot Dog, this is the place to go to set things right. Recently included in Travel Magazine’s “10 Best Hot Dogs in the U.S.” list
Great happy hour and open-air seating options, small plates to share and great wine and beer selection. It's a Phoenix import, but we don't hold that against them.
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Postino Grant
2500 E Grant RdGreat happy hour and open-air seating options, small plates to share and great wine and beer selection. It's a Phoenix import, but we don't hold that against them.
Outstanding food and service. I've never had a bad experience here ever! Do yourself a favor and order the breaded chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes. Caesar salad is also a standout, but you can't go wrong with anything you order. Reservations recommended.
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Vivace Restaurant
6440 N Campbell AveOutstanding food and service. I've never had a bad experience here ever! Do yourself a favor and order the breaded chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes. Caesar salad is also a standout, but you can't go wrong with anything you order. Reservations recommended.
Pick up a quiche, a lasagna, or some standout tiramisu to take home. Fresh bread. Small cafe in back serving sandwiches and such. Definitely a hidden gem in an industrial part of town but not far from Ironwood House.
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Roma Imports
627 S Vine AvePick up a quiche, a lasagna, or some standout tiramisu to take home. Fresh bread. Small cafe in back serving sandwiches and such. Definitely a hidden gem in an industrial part of town but not far from Ironwood House.
People stand in line for this outstanding, award-winning bread. There are other restaurants and shops in the same historic plaza worth exploring.
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Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AvePeople stand in line for this outstanding, award-winning bread. There are other restaurants and shops in the same historic plaza worth exploring.
This hip place is somewhat new and everyone loves it. They even have a drink called the Sam Hughes.
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Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdThis hip place is somewhat new and everyone loves it. They even have a drink called the Sam Hughes.
Absolutely no-frills Mexican food that is absolutely delicious. Best huevos rancheros in town, hands down.
Birrieria Guadalajara
304 E 22nd StAbsolutely no-frills Mexican food that is absolutely delicious. Best huevos rancheros in town, hands down.
Belly up to the bar or visit their bottle shop for great beers to take home. Owners Rebecca and Scott are friends of mine and super nice people!
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Tap & Bottle - Downtown
403 N 6th AveBelly up to the bar or visit their bottle shop for great beers to take home. Owners Rebecca and Scott are friends of mine and super nice people!
Located in tiny Barrio Anita, this is THE place locals go for tortillas. Order the gorditas. They also serve Mexican food. This is a beloved local institution.
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Anita Street Market
849 N Anita AveLocated in tiny Barrio Anita, this is THE place locals go for tortillas. Order the gorditas. They also serve Mexican food. This is a beloved local institution.
The new kid on the block: One side of Flora's is a market offering wine, cheese bread, flowers and everything you would expect a small upscale market to have. The other side is a first-rate restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Walking distance from the Ironwood House.
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Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StThe new kid on the block: One side of Flora's is a market offering wine, cheese bread, flowers and everything you would expect a small upscale market to have. The other side is a first-rate restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Walking distance from the Ironwood House.
Lovely ambiance in Barrio Historico. Food is great, too. Before or after dinner, stroll through the neighborhood for some fantastic architectural examples.
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The Coronet
198 W Cushing StLovely ambiance in Barrio Historico. Food is great, too. Before or after dinner, stroll through the neighborhood for some fantastic architectural examples.
Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StGreat food and located in the historic Hotel Congress.
Order the Birria Pizza. You will not be sorry. I wish the atmosphere was a little better, but the food is excellent.
Zio Peppe
Order the Birria Pizza. You will not be sorry. I wish the atmosphere was a little better, but the food is excellent.
Kingfisher
2564 E Grant RdSlightly spendy, never disappoints.
Very good South American-inspired food with great views. Prices are better than normal resort prices. Owners also own a restaurant in mid-town called Locale (Italian).
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Contigo Latin Kitchen
3770 E Sunrise DrVery good South American-inspired food with great views. Prices are better than normal resort prices. Owners also own a restaurant in mid-town called Locale (Italian).
Great neighborhood spot for a beer and a nosh. Within walking distance to Ironwood House.
Borderlands Brewing Sam Hughes
Great neighborhood spot for a beer and a nosh. Within walking distance to Ironwood House.
El Taco Rustico
Two words: quesabirria tacos
LeCave's Bakery
3950 E 22nd StPatries including donuts and empanadas. Been around for decades.
Sightseeing
Many locals have never even been here but it's magical.
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DeGrazia-Galerie im Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdMany locals have never even been here but it's magical.
Outstanding example of mission architecture. Renovations done by the same folks who worked on the Sistine Chapel.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdOutstanding example of mission architecture. Renovations done by the same folks who worked on the Sistine Chapel.
Fantastic bar and cafe. Beautiful Pueblo Deco architecture. I've spent way to many nights at this place.
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Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StFantastic bar and cafe. Beautiful Pueblo Deco architecture. I've spent way to many nights at this place.
Madera Canyon
Close and great hiking.
If you like gigantic caves with multiple rooms, this is a must-see.
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Kartchner Caverns State Park
2980 AZ-90If you like gigantic caves with multiple rooms, this is a must-see.
Spectacular scenery. You can take the tram up and hike back down to the parking lot.
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Chiricahua National Monument
12856 E Bonita Canyon RdSpectacular scenery. You can take the tram up and hike back down to the parking lot.
This museum features a great permanent collection and first-class rotating exhibits. The gift shop is fantastic and Cafe a la C'Art next door is a local favorite. Sit outside if you can.
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Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveThis museum features a great permanent collection and first-class rotating exhibits. The gift shop is fantastic and Cafe a la C'Art next door is a local favorite. Sit outside if you can.
Ride the tram or walk through gorgeous desert scenery. Parts are paved and people love to walk for exercise here. Many trails to choose from if you want something more challenging
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadRide the tram or walk through gorgeous desert scenery. Parts are paved and people love to walk for exercise here. Many trails to choose from if you want something more challenging
World-class photography museum never disappoints.
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Zentrum für kreative Fotografie
1030 N Olive RdWorld-class photography museum never disappoints.
Sadly, I've never been. Tell me how it is if you go!
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
Sadly, I've never been. Tell me how it is if you go!
Saguaro National Park West
The bomb.
Saguaro National Park East
Also the bomb.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon WayA peaceful spot for oogling cacti.
Another hidden gem that some locals don't even know about. Worth the drive (an hour or less). If time allows, head to Benson and dine at Mi Casa. You won't be sorry
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Amerind Museum
2100 N Amerind RdAnother hidden gem that some locals don't even know about. Worth the drive (an hour or less). If time allows, head to Benson and dine at Mi Casa. You won't be sorry
Loved by locals and visitors alike! More of a natural zoo than a regular museum. Check the website and be sure to be there for the Raptor Experience.
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Sonoran Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney RoadLoved by locals and visitors alike! More of a natural zoo than a regular museum. Check the website and be sure to be there for the Raptor Experience.
Shops, restaurants, bakeries, etc. in an a setting that includes stellar architecture and an inviting interior courtyard.
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Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoShops, restaurants, bakeries, etc. in an a setting that includes stellar architecture and an inviting interior courtyard.
City/town information
Bisbee
Quaint, Victorian mining town less than two hours' south of Tucson.
Funky little town south of Tucson. Some good restaurants and walking trails.
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Patagonia
Funky little town south of Tucson. Some good restaurants and walking trails.
Tubac
Artsy little village south of Tucson.
Escape the heat and head to the pines. The locals do. Great hiking year-round. Restaurant at the top.
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Mount Lemmon
Escape the heat and head to the pines. The locals do. Great hiking year-round. Restaurant at the top.
Neighborhoods
Great architecture, restaurants such as El Charro and La Cocina, The Tucson Museum of Art, and more. So much to explore.
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El Presidio Historic District
Great architecture, restaurants such as El Charro and La Cocina, The Tucson Museum of Art, and more. So much to explore.
Close to the University of Arizona, this neighborhood features great architecture and local favorite--Himmel Park, with tennis and pickleball courts, seasonal pool, playgrounds for kids, a library, and lots of room to roam. Great bird watching, too.
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Sam Hughes
Close to the University of Arizona, this neighborhood features great architecture and local favorite--Himmel Park, with tennis and pickleball courts, seasonal pool, playgrounds for kids, a library, and lots of room to roam. Great bird watching, too.
For Sonoran style architecture, this is the place. Be on the lookout for murals and shrines.
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Barrio Viejo
For Sonoran style architecture, this is the place. Be on the lookout for murals and shrines.
Live Music and Theater
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W Congress StHotel Congress
311 E Congress St191 Toole
191 E Toole AveHigh-quality productions of favorites and lesser-known works.
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Arizona Theatre Company - Temple of Music and Art
330 S Scott AveHigh-quality productions of favorites and lesser-known works.
The Century Room
Jazz Club and bar located in the historic Hotel Congress.
Nightlife
The Jackrabbit Lounge
Great bar, pool tables, karaoke, dim lighting. I've heard the food is good.
Located downtown in a former mortuary, this intimate bar features low lighting and occasional live music.
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Owls Club
236 S Scott AveLocated downtown in a former mortuary, this intimate bar features low lighting and occasional live music.
Coffee by day, killer drinks by night, all in a historic adobe in one of Tucson's coolest neighborhoods—Barrio Historico.
Bar Crisol/Exo
Coffee by day, killer drinks by night, all in a historic adobe in one of Tucson's coolest neighborhoods—Barrio Historico.
I love this historic hotel and the lobby bar and Tap Room are also fabulous. Also a live music venue.
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Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StI love this historic hotel and the lobby bar and Tap Room are also fabulous. Also a live music venue.
Great outdoor seating area. Just started serving pizza. Sometimes they have live music outside.
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Motosonora Brewing Co
1015 S Park AveGreat outdoor seating area. Just started serving pizza. Sometimes they have live music outside.
Sidecar
139 S Eastbourne AveThey make a very good Old Fashioned. Outside seating, too.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
115 E Broadway BlvdI like their beer.
Shopping
Pop Cycle
422 N 4th AveQuirky, original gifts and home decor items. Very Tucson.
Mid-century modern, American crafts, jewelry, art. Well curated and locally focussed. Great prices, too.
Sunshine Shop
2934 E Broadway BlvdMid-century modern, American crafts, jewelry, art. Well curated and locally focussed. Great prices, too.
A hidden enclave of fantastic shops mostly centered on home furnishings and accessories. Tooley's Tacos located in the middle of it all for a quick refuel.
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Lost Barrio
200 S Park AveA hidden enclave of fantastic shops mostly centered on home furnishings and accessories. Tooley's Tacos located in the middle of it all for a quick refuel.
Quaint and quirky shops plus outdoor dining at La Cocina. All in the historic neighborhood of El Presidio. Occasional live music in the courtyard.
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Old Town Artisans
201 N Court AveQuaint and quirky shops plus outdoor dining at La Cocina. All in the historic neighborhood of El Presidio. Occasional live music in the courtyard.
High-end outdoor shopping destination with all the usual suspects. If you go, I recommend lunch at North.
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La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrHigh-end outdoor shopping destination with all the usual suspects. If you go, I recommend lunch at North.
Bon Boutique
760 S Stone AveWell-curated and fancy.
Ampersand Old & New
2527 East 6th Street