Liz and Jack's Favorite Tucson Places
Food scene
Before I lived in Tucson, I would have walked from Rhode Island just for their Mole. This is a venerable, family owned Mexican/Tarascan restaurant with lots of seating, some of it out doors. They make a damn good Margarita, too! This is not a place to go if you are in a rush. It's popular and the food is made from scratch.
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La Indita
722 N Stone AveBefore I lived in Tucson, I would have walked from Rhode Island just for their Mole. This is a venerable, family owned Mexican/Tarascan restaurant with lots of seating, some of it out doors. They make a damn good Margarita, too! This is not a place to go if you are in a rush. It's popular and the food is made from scratch.
This little gem features homemade salsas and some of the best Mexican food in Tucson. Inexpensive, outdoor dining in South Tucson.
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Rollies Mexican Patio
4573 S 12th AveThis little gem features homemade salsas and some of the best Mexican food in Tucson. Inexpensive, outdoor dining in South Tucson.
This is one of the most enjoyable places to stop for a snack, a meal or a beverage in Tucson. It's close to the museums as well.
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LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court AveThis is one of the most enjoyable places to stop for a snack, a meal or a beverage in Tucson. It's close to the museums as well.
This is a great scene on the weekends, especially when the flea market is open (Second Sundays of the month from October through May). Not only is the flea market lots of fun (guess where the cute sconces in the bedrooms came from?), but if you are hungry you can go inside for coffee or breakfast. No need to venture inside to get food--you can enjoy your food in the outdoor seating spaces. I really like Seis KItchen for their Burritos.
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Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoThis is a great scene on the weekends, especially when the flea market is open (Second Sundays of the month from October through May). Not only is the flea market lots of fun (guess where the cute sconces in the bedrooms came from?), but if you are hungry you can go inside for coffee or breakfast. No need to venture inside to get food--you can enjoy your food in the outdoor seating spaces. I really like Seis KItchen for their Burritos.
These are the best tortillas in Tucson and that is saying something. You will never waste your time again with a commercially made tortilla again after your trip to Tucson.
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Anita Street Market
849 N Anita AveThese are the best tortillas in Tucson and that is saying something. You will never waste your time again with a commercially made tortilla again after your trip to Tucson.
This is a little gem of a place, especially nice for vegetarians, AND you can walk there.
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Zemam's Too
119 E Speedway BlvdThis is a little gem of a place, especially nice for vegetarians, AND you can walk there.
The food is wonderful and generously portioned. There is outdoor seating and there is a beautiful cocktail lounge inside.
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Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th AveThe food is wonderful and generously portioned. There is outdoor seating and there is a beautiful cocktail lounge inside.
Really good burros, iced teas, pastries and breads. Get yourself a cold agua Jamaica on a hot day and give thanks for the joys of real Mexican cuisine and culture. It’s fun to go to the Mercado Flea Market on second Sundays (October through April) and enjoy some good food outdoors at Seis Kitchen.
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Seis Kitchen
1765 E River RdReally good burros, iced teas, pastries and breads. Get yourself a cold agua Jamaica on a hot day and give thanks for the joys of real Mexican cuisine and culture. It’s fun to go to the Mercado Flea Market on second Sundays (October through April) and enjoy some good food outdoors at Seis Kitchen.
Taqueria Pico De Gallo
2618 S 6th AveIt’s the real deal taqueria. One of my favorites.
Take it easy and have an Eegee... a local sandwich chain with the signature frozen "eegee" made from real fruit. Sandwiches are quick and easy--perfect for when you are in a hurry. There is one located on 6th and Speedway.
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eegee's
7102 E Broadway BlvdTake it easy and have an Eegee... a local sandwich chain with the signature frozen "eegee" made from real fruit. Sandwiches are quick and easy--perfect for when you are in a hurry. There is one located on 6th and Speedway.
Excellent and authentic Mexican cooking. Great choices for vegetarians and vegans.
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La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StExcellent and authentic Mexican cooking. Great choices for vegetarians and vegans.
My favorite places in Tucson for nightlife
Absolutely pitch perfect hospitality, good food, lots of live music, tons of patio space, the heart of downtown nightlife for many locals. There is an outdoor stage, a club, and a listening room.
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Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StAbsolutely pitch perfect hospitality, good food, lots of live music, tons of patio space, the heart of downtown nightlife for many locals. There is an outdoor stage, a club, and a listening room.
Super local, super cool, best dive with daily happy hours and some outdoor space. Music on the back patio on the weekends.
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Che's Lounge
350 N 4th AveSuper local, super cool, best dive with daily happy hours and some outdoor space. Music on the back patio on the weekends.
The Rialto boasts a lot of big names and is located across the street from Hotel Congress. One caveat: if you plan to see a show here, keep in mind the seats are hellishly close together for tall people, and the floor is slanted which makes it hard to stand near the stage. If you want to sit, try the balcony seats.
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Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress StThe Rialto boasts a lot of big names and is located across the street from Hotel Congress. One caveat: if you plan to see a show here, keep in mind the seats are hellishly close together for tall people, and the floor is slanted which makes it hard to stand near the stage. If you want to sit, try the balcony seats.
I have seen some incredible shows here and it is one of my favorite venues. The outer perimeter has limited seating so plan to go early to get a seat. The bands that play here tend to rock so most likely you will want to be standing and dancing.
191 Toole
191 E Toole AveI have seen some incredible shows here and it is one of my favorite venues. The outer perimeter has limited seating so plan to go early to get a seat. The bands that play here tend to rock so most likely you will want to be standing and dancing.
I think of Monterrey Court as a venue because they have music 365 days a year, but it is really a restaurant that is situated outside in the courtyard of a reimagined vintage motor court on the Miracle Mile. Tables are by reservation, food is good, service can be slow, but the bands are top notch and it's always a nice evening out. Many local bands play there.
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Monterey Court
505 W Miracle MileI think of Monterrey Court as a venue because they have music 365 days a year, but it is really a restaurant that is situated outside in the courtyard of a reimagined vintage motor court on the Miracle Mile. Tables are by reservation, food is good, service can be slow, but the bands are top notch and it's always a nice evening out. Many local bands play there.
Beer Gardens
Awesome vibe with rotating artwork and unusual taps. The back patio is very nice on a winter day. I love the 18th Hour Hazy IPA. Dog friendly, kid friendly, board games.
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Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
228 E 6th StAwesome vibe with rotating artwork and unusual taps. The back patio is very nice on a winter day. I love the 18th Hour Hazy IPA. Dog friendly, kid friendly, board games.
In addition to having a full bar with outdoor seating, The Boxyard also has several little eateries. The entire place is built with shipping crate. More importantly, it is graced by one of the finest murals in Tucson by local treasure Joe Pagac, and if you are there at sunset, the upper deck is a great place to watch it from. Not so great on weekend evenings when it becomes more of a college scene.
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The Boxyard
238 N 4th AveIn addition to having a full bar with outdoor seating, The Boxyard also has several little eateries. The entire place is built with shipping crate. More importantly, it is graced by one of the finest murals in Tucson by local treasure Joe Pagac, and if you are there at sunset, the upper deck is a great place to watch it from. Not so great on weekend evenings when it becomes more of a college scene.
This is a pleasant outdoor spot with plenty of shade. Affiliated with Tap and Bottle, you can find a wide variety of beer.
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Westbound
267 South Avenida del ConventoThis is a pleasant outdoor spot with plenty of shade. Affiliated with Tap and Bottle, you can find a wide variety of beer.
I recommend this place for outdoor music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (the rest of the time, the Hut is more of a college bar). Some of our best local musicians take the stage each weekend. Sometimes it's difficult to discern who is playing or when, so give them call. Their beer taps are temperamental and often there is a crush of people ordering elaborate tropical drinks. Bryan Dean Trio on the patio on a winter afternoon is the reason to go!
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Hut
305 N 4th AveI recommend this place for outdoor music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (the rest of the time, the Hut is more of a college bar). Some of our best local musicians take the stage each weekend. Sometimes it's difficult to discern who is playing or when, so give them call. Their beer taps are temperamental and often there is a crush of people ordering elaborate tropical drinks. Bryan Dean Trio on the patio on a winter afternoon is the reason to go!
Very interesting taps and a great music scene on Sunday afternoons on the patio featuring The Kevin Pakulis Band.
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Borderlands Brewing Co.
119 E Toole AveVery interesting taps and a great music scene on Sunday afternoons on the patio featuring The Kevin Pakulis Band.
LGBTQ
IBT's enjoys a reputation for friendliness and good food. Fourth Avenue/Congress Street in general are especially inclusive and LGBTQ people as well as Black and Brown people, straight or otherwise, can feel comfortable.
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IBT's
616 N 4th AveIBT's enjoys a reputation for friendliness and good food. Fourth Avenue/Congress Street in general are especially inclusive and LGBTQ people as well as Black and Brown people, straight or otherwise, can feel comfortable.
It's right around the corner and is traditionally known as Tucson's leather bar and home bar of Bears Of The Old Pueblo.
Venture-N
1239 North 6th AvenueIt's right around the corner and is traditionally known as Tucson's leather bar and home bar of Bears Of The Old Pueblo.
Fancy Schmancy Cocktails
When you want magical potions
They only use fresh squeezed juices, essences, syrups and top shelf liquor. They pour Whiskey Del Bac (from Tucson) as well as local tequilas. Very cozy but no outdoor seating.
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Good Oak Bar
316 E Congress StThey only use fresh squeezed juices, essences, syrups and top shelf liquor. They pour Whiskey Del Bac (from Tucson) as well as local tequilas. Very cozy but no outdoor seating.
I loved getting a drink here on a cool winter evening because it’s dark and cozy inside--just what you would expect from a repurposed funeral chapel. They now have outdoor patio seating as well which is very pleasant on warm evenings
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Owls Club
236 S Scott Ave I loved getting a drink here on a cool winter evening because it’s dark and cozy inside--just what you would expect from a repurposed funeral chapel. They now have outdoor patio seating as well which is very pleasant on warm evenings
Portal Cocktails
220 North 4th AvenueThe interior design is stunning and worth checking out.
Outdoor Gear
Army/Navy surplus AND lots of essentials for camping/hiking such as Camelback, Coleman, TEVA. Super handy location and locally owned.
Miller's Surplus
406 N 6th AveArmy/Navy surplus AND lots of essentials for camping/hiking such as Camelback, Coleman, TEVA. Super handy location and locally owned.
Serious climbers, hikers and campers go here before they go to REI. The staff know the area really well and can help you pick routes, trails, and camping spots depending on your skills and time. If you are buying boots or backpacks, the staff will fit you.
Summit Hut
5251 E Speedway BlvdSerious climbers, hikers and campers go here before they go to REI. The staff know the area really well and can help you pick routes, trails, and camping spots depending on your skills and time. If you are buying boots or backpacks, the staff will fit you.
Outdoor Fun
Even if you don't step out of your car, the 24 mile ride to the top will enchant you. Loads of hiking, picnicking, camping and rock climbing opportunities. It is fascinating to observe the changes in flora and fauna as you go up in altitude. At the bottom you will see cactus and at the top, you might see snow! Tucson is a favorite place for pro cyclers to train in winter, so you will see lots of riders cruising up to the top. Lots of hiking opportunities all year around. Please note Marshall Gulch—one of the cooler trails at about 9000’ (as in temperature) and therefore a natural choice for warm season hiking , has a pretty intense burn scar from the Bighorn fire in 2020
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Mount Lemmon
Even if you don't step out of your car, the 24 mile ride to the top will enchant you. Loads of hiking, picnicking, camping and rock climbing opportunities. It is fascinating to observe the changes in flora and fauna as you go up in altitude. At the bottom you will see cactus and at the top, you might see snow! Tucson is a favorite place for pro cyclers to train in winter, so you will see lots of riders cruising up to the top. Lots of hiking opportunities all year around. Please note Marshall Gulch—one of the cooler trails at about 9000’ (as in temperature) and therefore a natural choice for warm season hiking , has a pretty intense burn scar from the Bighorn fire in 2020
The west side district is usually more popular because it is in the dramatic Tucson Mountains and has lots of great hikes, but the east district is stunning as well. I love them both, but they are best enjoyed during the cooler times of year
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Saguaro National Park
The west side district is usually more popular because it is in the dramatic Tucson Mountains and has lots of great hikes, but the east district is stunning as well. I love them both, but they are best enjoyed during the cooler times of year
About an hour's drive south to the trailheads. Higher elevation makes for different flora and fauna, a good choice for warmer weather hiking. If you do the Old Baldy/Super Trail hike up to Josephine's saddle during the winter, be prepared for it to be cold at the top.
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Madera Canyon
About an hour's drive south to the trailheads. Higher elevation makes for different flora and fauna, a good choice for warmer weather hiking. If you do the Old Baldy/Super Trail hike up to Josephine's saddle during the winter, be prepared for it to be cold at the top.
I only list this specific trail because it is accessible for most fitness levels--short and sweet--with a glorious pay off at the end. The entire trail up is fascinating and beautiful with swaths of pink rocks and abundant wild flowers. You can walk quite a way on the spine once you summit. The best time to hike it is just before sunset or on cooler days with lots of clouds because you are in the Sonoran Desert and there is no shade. Be sure to bring a camera and allow yourself enough twilight to get down before dark. Enjoy!
Brown Mountain Trail
Brown Mountain TrailI only list this specific trail because it is accessible for most fitness levels--short and sweet--with a glorious pay off at the end. The entire trail up is fascinating and beautiful with swaths of pink rocks and abundant wild flowers. You can walk quite a way on the spine once you summit. The best time to hike it is just before sunset or on cooler days with lots of clouds because you are in the Sonoran Desert and there is no shade. Be sure to bring a camera and allow yourself enough twilight to get down before dark. Enjoy!