George Martin's Tucson Recommendations

Kathe
George Martin's Tucson Recommendations

eats in barrio viejo

these are all within easy walking distance from george's.
one of our favorite places for breakfast (and it got a mention in the ny times). we—and half of downtown tucson, it seems—are here practically every weekend for our fix of breakfast salad or huevos rancheros. cuisine could be described as hipster-new american—feel free to wear your flip flops and cut off shorts. if you go before 9am on the weekend, you will likely get immediate seating—anytime after that and you’ll be waiting, though it’s usually not too bad. note: they also have a small market with essentials such as fresh fruit, milk, butter, etc. good if you need a little something.
92 lokale anbefaler
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone Ave
92 lokale anbefaler
one of our favorite places for breakfast (and it got a mention in the ny times). we—and half of downtown tucson, it seems—are here practically every weekend for our fix of breakfast salad or huevos rancheros. cuisine could be described as hipster-new american—feel free to wear your flip flops and cut off shorts. if you go before 9am on the weekend, you will likely get immediate seating—anytime after that and you’ll be waiting, though it’s usually not too bad. note: they also have a small market with essentials such as fresh fruit, milk, butter, etc. good if you need a little something.
next door to 5-points—in the same building. we’re not huge fans of ethiopian cuisine, but we ate here once years ago and it was good. lots of people love it, so if you like Ethiopian (and are looking for vegan), it’s definitely worth a go.
53 lokale anbefaler
Cafe Desta
758 S Stone Ave
53 lokale anbefaler
next door to 5-points—in the same building. we’re not huge fans of ethiopian cuisine, but we ate here once years ago and it was good. lots of people love it, so if you like Ethiopian (and are looking for vegan), it’s definitely worth a go.
this is our little neighborhood mexican place. it’s not amazing, but it’s good—especially the cheese crisps. décor is, well, what you remember from your neighborhood mexican place (floral tablecloths and strings of hot chile lights, etc.). but if you’re looking for a casual burrito or enchiladas, it’s a nice, close option.
40 lokale anbefaler
El Minuto Cafe
354 S Main Ave
40 lokale anbefaler
this is our little neighborhood mexican place. it’s not amazing, but it’s good—especially the cheese crisps. décor is, well, what you remember from your neighborhood mexican place (floral tablecloths and strings of hot chile lights, etc.). but if you’re looking for a casual burrito or enchiladas, it’s a nice, close option.
we are THRILLED that The Coronet (which used to be on 4th ave.) has moved into what used to be the Cushing Street Bar & Grill. excellent new American/French inspired cuisine and great cocktails now all in great, old adobe on the edge of the barrio. the bar area is terrific, and they have a lovely outdoor patio. don't miss this one, though be sure to check that they're open ahead of time (in grand euro tradition, they have a tendency to be rather eccentric about hours).
78 lokale anbefaler
The Coronet
198 W Cushing St
78 lokale anbefaler
we are THRILLED that The Coronet (which used to be on 4th ave.) has moved into what used to be the Cushing Street Bar & Grill. excellent new American/French inspired cuisine and great cocktails now all in great, old adobe on the edge of the barrio. the bar area is terrific, and they have a lovely outdoor patio. don't miss this one, though be sure to check that they're open ahead of time (in grand euro tradition, they have a tendency to be rather eccentric about hours).
this little sister cafe to The Coronet is at the back of the complex, and serves Mexican-inspired dishes for breakfast and lunch. lovely patio seating, and the food is delicious!
Fonda La Hermanita
198 W Cushing St
this little sister cafe to The Coronet is at the back of the complex, and serves Mexican-inspired dishes for breakfast and lunch. lovely patio seating, and the food is delicious!

groceries

so you can load up on your usual staples.
small-ish, but within walking distance and they have pretty much anything you need—they do a good job of covering all the bases. there’s also a deli where you can get both breakfast as well as sandwiches for lunch. and a huge salad bar.
36 lokale anbefaler
Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market
11 S 6th Ave
36 lokale anbefaler
small-ish, but within walking distance and they have pretty much anything you need—they do a good job of covering all the bases. there’s also a deli where you can get both breakfast as well as sandwiches for lunch. and a huge salad bar.
it's a safeway. ;-) closest, best large standard-issue grocery store to our house. you'll need a car to get there.
130 lokale anbefaler
Safeway
1940 E Broadway Blvd
130 lokale anbefaler
it's a safeway. ;-) closest, best large standard-issue grocery store to our house. you'll need a car to get there.
a somewhat abbreviated whole foods, but a whole foods nonetheless. closest one to our house.
186 lokale anbefaler
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway Blvd
186 lokale anbefaler
a somewhat abbreviated whole foods, but a whole foods nonetheless. closest one to our house.

nature

this is THE place to go to start experiencing the sonoran desert. great exhibits, a small hiking trail (you can see javelinas), a humming bird aviary, and more. a 30-40 minute drive west of town, well worth the trip.
670 lokale anbefaler
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney Rd
670 lokale anbefaler
this is THE place to go to start experiencing the sonoran desert. great exhibits, a small hiking trail (you can see javelinas), a humming bird aviary, and more. a 30-40 minute drive west of town, well worth the trip.
tucson is bookended by saguaro national park on the east and west (i do believe it may be the only national park split in two this way). both are well worth a visit, though saguaro west is much closer to our house--only about 30 minutes away. you'll see stunning vistas of saguaros, and there are hikes galore. spring, in particular, can mean bursts of desert wildflowers.
26 lokale anbefaler
Saguaro National Park Tucson Mountain District (West) Besøgscenter
2700 N Kinney Rd
26 lokale anbefaler
tucson is bookended by saguaro national park on the east and west (i do believe it may be the only national park split in two this way). both are well worth a visit, though saguaro west is much closer to our house--only about 30 minutes away. you'll see stunning vistas of saguaros, and there are hikes galore. spring, in particular, can mean bursts of desert wildflowers.
sabino canyon is a perennial favorite. you can either just ride the tram in and out and see the sights, or hop off and do some hiking on your own.
457 lokale anbefaler
Sabino Canyon rekreativt område
5700 North Sabino Canyon Road
457 lokale anbefaler
sabino canyon is a perennial favorite. you can either just ride the tram in and out and see the sights, or hop off and do some hiking on your own.
this is the classic tucson spot to go and see the sun set over the saguaro-studded mountains. there's also a well-marked nature trail off the parking area if you fancy a short hike.
127 lokale anbefaler
Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass Rd
127 lokale anbefaler
this is the classic tucson spot to go and see the sun set over the saguaro-studded mountains. there's also a well-marked nature trail off the parking area if you fancy a short hike.

bars and clubs

all within walking distance. though the owl's club is listed towards the end, i highly recommend it for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. it's on your way downtown.
hipster cool, with a row of cosy booths across from the bar. they have a nice, rotating selection of craft wines and beers, and tasty menu of light snacks.
20 lokale anbefaler
Good Oak Bar
316 E Congress St
20 lokale anbefaler
hipster cool, with a row of cosy booths across from the bar. they have a nice, rotating selection of craft wines and beers, and tasty menu of light snacks.
great for the under-40 set. one of the more happening lounges downtown, and they have a second, rooftop bar upstairs that has a great view of congress.
46 lokale anbefaler
Playground Bar & Lounge
278 E Congress St
46 lokale anbefaler
great for the under-40 set. one of the more happening lounges downtown, and they have a second, rooftop bar upstairs that has a great view of congress.
owned by the rialto theater, and located across the alley from the theater’s side entrance. the entire place was done in blood red by a design team that lives in the barrio, and it has a too cool laser-cut metal silhouette of downtown tucson/barrio scenes. it’s become a popular spot, and you may even catch some of the musicians hanging there after shows.
12 lokale anbefaler
R Bar
350 E Congress St
12 lokale anbefaler
owned by the rialto theater, and located across the alley from the theater’s side entrance. the entire place was done in blood red by a design team that lives in the barrio, and it has a too cool laser-cut metal silhouette of downtown tucson/barrio scenes. it’s become a popular spot, and you may even catch some of the musicians hanging there after shows.
the heart of tucson’s indie music scene. check their website for upcoming artists coming in—or just check out the frequently changing murals on the side of the building. you won’t be disappointed.
92 lokale anbefaler
Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress St
92 lokale anbefaler
the heart of tucson’s indie music scene. check their website for upcoming artists coming in—or just check out the frequently changing murals on the side of the building. you won’t be disappointed.
funky, hip bar with craft cocktails and bartenders with just enough attitude who know their stuff. in a former funeral home to give it just the right about of weird-tucson-vibe.
52 lokale anbefaler
Owls Club
236 S Scott Ave
52 lokale anbefaler
funky, hip bar with craft cocktails and bartenders with just enough attitude who know their stuff. in a former funeral home to give it just the right about of weird-tucson-vibe.
so this is a pizza and pasta place (see mention in downtown eats). but there's also a HUGE beer garden in the back. and in the basement: The Tough Luck Club, one of Tucson's hidden bars. seriously, i've met people who live in this town who've never heard of it (that said, quite a few have since it's often packed). it's in the former morgue, so you can lift one to mortality. ;-)
79 lokale anbefaler
Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E Pennington St
79 lokale anbefaler
so this is a pizza and pasta place (see mention in downtown eats). but there's also a HUGE beer garden in the back. and in the basement: The Tough Luck Club, one of Tucson's hidden bars. seriously, i've met people who live in this town who've never heard of it (that said, quite a few have since it's often packed). it's in the former morgue, so you can lift one to mortality. ;-)

art

tucson's art scene is smallish, but not without its charms. basically it consists of the museums (and etherton gallery) downtown, the UA campus art museum and the CCP, and the warehouse arts district at 6th and 6th.
the design is post-modern (alas), and it's relatively small. that said, they do a good job of curating the current exhibits--well worth seeing what might be there--and the permanent collections are also worth a gander.
181 lokale anbefaler
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main Ave
181 lokale anbefaler
the design is post-modern (alas), and it's relatively small. that said, they do a good job of curating the current exhibits--well worth seeing what might be there--and the permanent collections are also worth a gander.
who could talk about the arts/museum scene in tucson and not talk about the CCP? ansel adams was a founder, and this is one of the premiere photography institutions in the u.s. while much of their activities take place behind the scenes, they have a small, rotating exhibit space. on the university of arizona campus.
41 lokale anbefaler
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive Rd
41 lokale anbefaler
who could talk about the arts/museum scene in tucson and not talk about the CCP? ansel adams was a founder, and this is one of the premiere photography institutions in the u.s. while much of their activities take place behind the scenes, they have a small, rotating exhibit space. on the university of arizona campus.
across from the center for creative photography. so while you're on campus checking out the ccp, don't forget to also go to the art museum. they bring in excellent exhibitions, and the permanent collections are also good.
27 lokale anbefaler
University of Arizona Museum of Art
1031 N Olive Rd
27 lokale anbefaler
across from the center for creative photography. so while you're on campus checking out the ccp, don't forget to also go to the art museum. they bring in excellent exhibitions, and the permanent collections are also good.
this is about four blocks away from us, in a former fire-station. the building has been nicely done, though the exhibit space is TINY. there are no permanent collections (or at least very few pieces)--instead they house rotating exhibits.
66 lokale anbefaler
Museum of Contemporary Art
265 S Church Ave
66 lokale anbefaler
this is about four blocks away from us, in a former fire-station. the building has been nicely done, though the exhibit space is TINY. there are no permanent collections (or at least very few pieces)--instead they house rotating exhibits.
tucon's best art gallery. the focus is on fine art photography.
21 lokale anbefaler
Etherton Gallery
340 S Convent Ave
21 lokale anbefaler
tucon's best art gallery. the focus is on fine art photography.

shopping

these are a few of my favorites, but there's plenty more places to pop into, especially on 4th ave.
tucson's iconic second-hand clothing store. you'll need a car to get there, but if you're into vintage, it's sort of an obligatory trip.
9 lokale anbefaler
Buffalo Exchange
2001 E Speedway Blvd
9 lokale anbefaler
tucson's iconic second-hand clothing store. you'll need a car to get there, but if you're into vintage, it's sort of an obligatory trip.
a wee boutique of frenchy (one of the owners is married to a parisian) décor items and clothing. great for post-prandial browsing after a meal at 5-Points (see restaurants).
15 lokale anbefaler
Bon Boutique
760 S Stone Ave
15 lokale anbefaler
a wee boutique of frenchy (one of the owners is married to a parisian) décor items and clothing. great for post-prandial browsing after a meal at 5-Points (see restaurants).
located in the mercado san augustin complex, a great little eclectic boutique with lots of handmade jewelry.
20 lokale anbefaler
Mast
100 South Avenida del Convento
20 lokale anbefaler
located in the mercado san augustin complex, a great little eclectic boutique with lots of handmade jewelry.
a fun and funky little shop on 4th ave. with tons of unique items made by local artists. great for browsing.
33 lokale anbefaler
Pop Cycle
422 N 4th Ave
33 lokale anbefaler
a fun and funky little shop on 4th ave. with tons of unique items made by local artists. great for browsing.
a lovely little collection of shops selling various local, vintage and fine art items.
68 lokale anbefaler
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del Convento
68 lokale anbefaler
a lovely little collection of shops selling various local, vintage and fine art items.

getting around

walking is one of our favorite modes of transportation in the neighborhood and downtown. but there's also a very convenient street car system. city bikes are also a great option, and you can, of course, always catch an uber if you tire of walking/street car-ing/biking.
the closest TUGO, or Tucson Bike Share station. you can pay on site with a kiosk or download the app.
TUGO Station
the closest TUGO, or Tucson Bike Share station. you can pay on site with a kiosk or download the app.
tucson has light rail that runs from the university of arizona, through the main gate area, along 4th avenue, to downtown and then out to the mercado district. the stop nearest our house is 10 minutes away. it's inexpensive, easy to use, and the best way to get around as parking in all of those locations with the exception of the beginning and ending of the lines is a bear. you can buy tickets from machines at each stop. DOWNLOADING the GOTucson Transit app is the easiest way to buy tickets, though there are kiosks at each stop as well.
Sun Tran Tucson Special Services Transit
35 W Alameda St
tucson has light rail that runs from the university of arizona, through the main gate area, along 4th avenue, to downtown and then out to the mercado district. the stop nearest our house is 10 minutes away. it's inexpensive, easy to use, and the best way to get around as parking in all of those locations with the exception of the beginning and ending of the lines is a bear. you can buy tickets from machines at each stop. DOWNLOADING the GOTucson Transit app is the easiest way to buy tickets, though there are kiosks at each stop as well.
i admittedly don't know where all of the stops are, but no doubt there's an app for that. :-) just know that it's an option.
Zipcar
East 1st Street
i admittedly don't know where all of the stops are, but no doubt there's an app for that. :-) just know that it's an option.