Insider's Guide to Tucson

Kathy
Insider's Guide to Tucson

Food scene

Locals love this vegan place and it is within walking distance of the Ironwood House.
72 recommandé par les habitants
Tumerico
2526 E 6th St
72 recommandé par les habitants
Locals love this vegan place and it is within walking distance of the Ironwood House.
Rumored to have invented the chimichanga.
151 recommandé par les habitants
El Charro Café
311 N Court Ave
151 recommandé par les habitants
Rumored to have invented the chimichanga.
Best Indian food in town. Great take-out game.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Sher-e-Punjab
853 E Grant Rd
22 recommandé par les habitants
Best Indian food in town. Great take-out game.
Great sandwiches! My personal favorite is the Brad's Beef.
91 recommandé par les habitants
Beyond Bread
3026 N Campbell Ave
91 recommandé par les habitants
Great sandwiches! My personal favorite is the Brad's Beef.
I've been going to El Minuto for more than 20 years.
40 recommandé par les habitants
El Minuto Cafe
354 S Main Ave
40 recommandé par les habitants
I'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.
31 recommandé par les habitants
El Corral
2201 E River Rd
31 recommandé par les habitants
Prime 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.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Rocco's Little Chicago
2707 E Broadway Blvd
28 recommandé par les habitants
Great pizza, great wings (really!), great sign out front with rotating, pithy sentiments.
My son's favorite.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Raijin Ramen
2955 E Speedway Blvd
35 recommandé par les habitants
My son's favorite.
Regular, Sam Hughes neighborhood burger joint. Sports on TVs. Walking distance from Ironwood House. Fun place to watch a game.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Bob Dobbs
2501 E 6th St
11 recommandé par les habitants
Regular, 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.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Mariscos Chihuahua
2902 E 22nd St
6 recommandé par les habitants
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.
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
79 recommandé par les habitants
El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle Rd
79 recommandé par les habitants
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
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.
30 recommandé par les habitants
Postino Grant
2500 E Grant Rd
30 recommandé par les habitants
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.
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.
70 recommandé par les habitants
Vivace Restaurant
6440 N Campbell Ave
70 recommandé par les habitants
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.
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.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Roma Imports
627 S Vine Ave
10 recommandé par les habitants
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.
People stand in line for this outstanding, award-winning bread. There are other restaurants and shops in the same historic plaza worth exploring.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne Ave
52 recommandé par les habitants
People 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.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway Blvd
63 recommandé par les habitants
This 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 St
Absolutely 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!
87 recommandé par les habitants
Tap & Bottle - Downtown
403 N 6th Ave
87 recommandé par les habitants
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!
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.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Anita Street Market
849 N Anita Ave
16 recommandé par les habitants
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.
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.
57 recommandé par les habitants
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th St
57 recommandé par les habitants
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.
Lovely ambiance in Barrio Historico. Food is great, too. Before or after dinner, stroll through the neighborhood for some fantastic architectural examples.
78 recommandé par les habitants
The Coronet
198 W Cushing St
78 recommandé par les habitants
Lovely ambiance in Barrio Historico. Food is great, too. Before or after dinner, stroll through the neighborhood for some fantastic architectural examples.
Great food and located in the historic Hotel Congress.
111 recommandé par les habitants
Cup Cafe
311 E Congress St
111 recommandé par les habitants
Great 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.
Slightly spendy, never disappoints.
78 recommandé par les habitants
Kingfisher
2564 E Grant Rd
78 recommandé par les habitants
Slightly 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).
13 recommandé par les habitants
Contigo Latin Kitchen
3770 E Sunrise Dr
13 recommandé par les habitants
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).
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.
Two words: quesabirria tacos
El Taco Rustico
Two words: quesabirria tacos
Patries including donuts and empanadas. Been around for decades.
LeCave's Bakery
3950 E 22nd St
Patries including donuts and empanadas. Been around for decades.

Sightseeing

Many locals have never even been here but it's magical.
96 recommandé par les habitants
Galerie DeGrazia du Sun Museum
6300 N Swan Rd
96 recommandé par les habitants
Many 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.
329 recommandé par les habitants
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier Rd
329 recommandé par les habitants
Outstanding 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.
232 recommandé par les habitants
Hotel Congress
311 E Congress St
232 recommandé par les habitants
Fantastic bar and cafe. Beautiful Pueblo Deco architecture. I've spent way to many nights at this place.
Close and great hiking.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Madera Canyon
27 recommandé par les habitants
Close and great hiking.
If you like gigantic caves with multiple rooms, this is a must-see.
216 recommandé par les habitants
Kartchner Caverns State Park
2980 AZ-90
216 recommandé par les habitants
If 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.
58 recommandé par les habitants
Chiricahua National Monument
12856 E Bonita Canyon Rd
58 recommandé par les habitants
Spectacular 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.
181 recommandé par les habitants
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main Ave
181 recommandé par les habitants
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.
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
457 recommandé par les habitants
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon Road
457 recommandé par les habitants
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
World-class photography museum never disappoints.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive Rd
41 recommandé par les habitants
World-class photography museum never disappoints.
Sadly, I've never been. Tell me how it is if you go!
95 recommandé par les habitants
Kitt Peak National Observatory
95 recommandé par les habitants
Sadly, I've never been. Tell me how it is if you go!
The bomb.
80 recommandé par les habitants
Saguaro National Park West
80 recommandé par les habitants
The bomb.
Also the bomb.
99 recommandé par les habitants
Saguaro National Park East
99 recommandé par les habitants
Also the bomb.
A peaceful spot for oogling cacti.
260 recommandé par les habitants
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon Way
260 recommandé par les habitants
A 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
18 recommandé par les habitants
Amerind Museum
2100 N Amerind Rd
18 recommandé par les habitants
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
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.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Sonoran Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney Road
29 recommandé par les habitants
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.
Shops, restaurants, bakeries, etc. in an a setting that includes stellar architecture and an inviting interior courtyard.
160 recommandé par les habitants
Mercado San Agustin
100 South Avenida del Convento
160 recommandé par les habitants
Shops, restaurants, bakeries, etc. in an a setting that includes stellar architecture and an inviting interior courtyard.

City/town information

Quaint, Victorian mining town less than two hours' south of Tucson.
79 recommandé par les habitants
Bisbee
79 recommandé par les habitants
Quaint, Victorian mining town less than two hours' south of Tucson.
Funky little town south of Tucson. Some good restaurants and walking trails.
48 recommandé par les habitants
Patagonia
48 recommandé par les habitants
Funky little town south of Tucson. Some good restaurants and walking trails.
Artsy little village south of Tucson.
152 recommandé par les habitants
Tubac
152 recommandé par les habitants
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.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Mount Lemmon
9 recommandé par les habitants
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.
13 recommandé par les habitants
El Presidio Historic District
13 recommandé par les habitants
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.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Sam Hughes
26 recommandé par les habitants
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.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Barrio Viejo
47 recommandé par les habitants
For Sonoran style architecture, this is the place. Be on the lookout for murals and shrines.

Live Music and Theater

55 recommandé par les habitants
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W Congress St
55 recommandé par les habitants
232 recommandé par les habitants
Hotel Congress
311 E Congress St
232 recommandé par les habitants
191 Toole
191 E Toole Ave
High-quality productions of favorites and lesser-known works.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Arizona Theatre Company - Temple of Music and Art
330 S Scott Ave
13 recommandé par les habitants
High-quality productions of favorites and lesser-known works.
Jazz Club and bar located in the historic Hotel Congress.
The Century Room
Jazz Club and bar located in the historic Hotel Congress.

Nightlife

Great bar, pool tables, karaoke, dim lighting. I've heard the food is good.
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.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Owls Club
236 S Scott Ave
52 recommandé par les habitants
Located 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.
232 recommandé par les habitants
Hotel Congress
311 E Congress St
232 recommandé par les habitants
I 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.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Motosonora Brewing Co
1015 S Park Ave
15 recommandé par les habitants
Great outdoor seating area. Just started serving pizza. Sometimes they have live music outside.
They make a very good Old Fashioned. Outside seating, too.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Sidecar
139 S Eastbourne Ave
34 recommandé par les habitants
They make a very good Old Fashioned. Outside seating, too.
I like their beer.
32 recommandé par les habitants
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
115 E Broadway Blvd
32 recommandé par les habitants
I like their beer.

Shopping

Quirky, original gifts and home decor items. Very Tucson.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Pop Cycle
422 N 4th Ave
33 recommandé par les habitants
Quirky, 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 Blvd
Mid-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.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Lost Barrio
200 S Park Ave
18 recommandé par les habitants
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.
Quaint and quirky shops plus outdoor dining at La Cocina. All in the historic neighborhood of El Presidio. Occasional live music in the courtyard.
56 recommandé par les habitants
Old Town Artisans
201 N Court Ave
56 recommandé par les habitants
Quaint 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.
229 recommandé par les habitants
La Encantada
2905 E Skyline Dr
229 recommandé par les habitants
High-end outdoor shopping destination with all the usual suspects. If you go, I recommend lunch at North.
Well-curated and fancy.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Bon Boutique
760 S Stone Ave
15 recommandé par les habitants
Well-curated and fancy.
Ampersand Old & New
2527 East 6th Street