the tucson guide
Whether you're a Tucson local or visiting for the first time, you might be wondering, “What are the best outdoor activities in Tucson?” or “Where can I find the best Mexican food in Tucson?” Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve compiled a list of Tucson’s must-see restaurants, bars, and activities to help you make the most of your time in the 520. Use this as your guide on what to do in Tucson whether you're a local or visiting. Bear Down, and have a wonderful time!
Restaurants:
Breakfast & Coffee Shops:
Exo Coffee Roast
Price: $$
Description: Lovely coffee spot, very walkable with nearby shopping. Room to sit and chat but it can get busy quickly. Make note that there's no breakfast options outside of pastries.
Location: Downtown Tucson, https://g.co/kgs/EeayDGj
Cafe a la C’art
Price: $$
Description: Very close to the Tucson Museum of Art, worth making a day of it! Yummy breakfast menu along with a variety of coffee options.
Location: Downtown Tucson, https://g.co/kgs/sWiRDcQ
Blue Willow
Price: $$
Description: Great brunch spot, been around since 1978, usually a long wait time so either get there early or be sure to call and put your name on the waitlist. Great location and it includes a gift shop if you find yourself waiting!
Location: University, https://g.co/kgs/yRzh2W7https://g.co/kgs/sWiRDcQ
Lavernas
Price: $
Description: One of a kind hole in the wall breakfast spot, nothing fancy but unforgettable and authentic food. Good on the wallet too! Definitely worth giving it a go.
Location: University, https://g.co/kgs/U5zF3q6
Sonoran House
Price: $
Description: Brand new coffee shop plus vegan pastries in the heart of town! Super cute desert vibe and they also carry tons of local artisan crafts and goods! It is the perfect place to stop by if visiting from out of town so you can get a good taste of Tucson!
Location: Tucson & Speedway https://g.co/kgs/V1jLyJq
Le Buzz
Price: $$
Description: The most yummy bakery/brunch spot ever! Seat yourself after ordering at the register and enjoy the chill small town vibes. ALL their food is incredible and they have a good variety on the menu!
Location: Midtown and East Side https://g.co/kgs/qWCByY9
Locale Bakery
Price: $$
Description: Where we typically stop after our DRSC walk at Reid Park! Order at the register and take your number to a quaint patio table or at any of their modern indoor seating areas. ALL their pastries are incredible and they have a good variety of breakfast items as well.
Location: Mid-town, https://localetucson.com/
Lunch:
Bacio:
Price: $$
Description: Bacio can be a great spot for a lunch or dinner date. Great Italian food to add into your lunch restaurant rotation!
Location: University, https://g.co/kgs/xD7cCaA
The Monica
Price: $$
Description: Great for brekkie, lunch, dinner, and the occasional social hour! Amazing service, atmosphere and food. We love it here!
Location: Downtown Tucson, https://g.co/kgs/FBDFNCi
Rollies
Price: $
Description: Amazing local Mexican food. They recently opened a new location in the MSA Annex that you MUST try. Vibes are immaculate!
Location: South Tucson & MSA Annex, https://g.co/kgs/rLQm2o3
Seis Kitchen
Price: $$
Description: 10/10 taco joint and honorable mention. Don’t forget to try out their horchata as well. A simple and easy go to spot that never misses the mark!
Location: Downtown, Foothills, Oro Valley, https://g.co/kgs/ipGWif8
Beyond Bread
Price: $$
Description: If you're in Tucson and haven’t yet visited Beyond Bread, you’re missing out on a true local gem! Whether you’re craving a hearty sandwich, fresh-baked bread, or a delectable pastry, this beloved bakery and café has it all.
Location: East side, Midtown, North Side https://www.beyondbread.com/
Dinner:
Coronet & NightJar:
Price: $$$
Description: Reservation strongly recommended, great wine list and seasonal menu, “small plate” style, but worth a try for sure. Occasionally has live music. Great spot for date night!
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/1Sncg3X
Bata:
Price: $$$
Description: Lovely wine and date night spot, mixed reviews on “pretentiousness” but very elegant vibe and good food. Depending on what you're looking for, this could be the spot for you! “Small plate style”
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/bXDXHyD
El Charro:
Price: $$
Description: The nation's oldest continuously-run Mexican restaurant. An oldie but a goodie as we like to say. Great authentic Mexican food without fail.
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/y2EWvv3
DoughBird:
Price: $$
Description: Casual sit down spot, great pizza and chicken dishes!
Location: University Area; https://maps.app.goo.gl/o9cgcojjXFbaKfHc9
Locale
Price: $$
Description: Super cool spot with incredible Italian food! Can sit inside or outside and feels very homey and chill. They also have bocce ball you can play! The bakery has a different entrance and serving style. This is a solid sit down restaurant to frequent!
Location: Mid-town (Alvernon and Broadway) https://localetucson.com/
Reilly’s Craft Pizza
Price: $$
Description: Amazing Italian restaurant! They showcase a variety of pastas and pizzas that’ll be sure to blow you away. Rumor has it, the basement used to be a morgue in the mid 1900s and now it's a speakeasy.
Location: Downtown https://g.co/kgs/R3t1fn9
Trattoria Pina
Price: $$
Description: Incredible Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Foothills! They have amazing food along with one of a kind views of the mountains. Definitely worth a visit!
Location: Foothills https://g.co/kgs/rAKPY41
Bars:
Portal Cocktails:
Price: $$
Description: Speakeasy vibes, very moody and intimate, excellent cocktails. With one of a kind ambience, Portal is a great place to go before a night out, dinner or just as a nightcap.
Location: 4th Ave; https://g.co/kgs/SxXnTXd
Unicorn Zebra:
Price: $$
Description: South African inspired cocktail bar, excellent cocktails and wine selection. They recently opened up their doors in a historic building in Tucson. A little loud so hard for big groups but great vibes.
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/rbzwnzX
The Moonstone
Price: $$
Description: Awesome rooftop bar on the top of the Graduate Hotel on University! Chill vibes, great views, indoor or outdoor seating but might be hard to get into on a weekend during peak hours.
Location: University https://g.co/kgs/pAFpWeS
Reilly’s Downtown
Price: $$
Description: Awesome speakeasy underneath Reilly’s Craft Pizza! Rumor has it the place used to be a morgue in the mid 1900s. Chill vibes, cute bar area and fun entrance!
Location: Downtown https://g.co/kgs/Fm1pWVy
Food Truck/Random Eats:
Espressoul:
Price: $$
Description: Coffee shop food truck, they move around so follow them on instagram to see where their truck will be for a fun little adventure!
Whole Slice:
Price: $$
Description: Great spot for a meal on-the-go, excellent pizza. Head over to the MSA Annex after for a beer and live music
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/TWVF1Ey
The MSA Annex:
Price: $$
Description: Outdoor area with tons of food & drink options if you're unsure what you want. You can walk around and see shopping options along with a bike shop and even a tattoo parlor!
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/Juq7ZQ8
Ensenada street food
Price: $
Description: Offering Mexican street food with a down-to-earth style atmosphere.
Location: South Tucson, https://g.co/kgs/1MKZih61602 S Park Ave
Activities:
Museums:
14 Best Museums in Tucson:
Workout Studios:
Sweat House:
Price: $
Description: Looking for a HIIT, boxing OR barre workout? Sweat House has got you covered! We love it here!
Location: University, https://g.co/kgs/YUyGEzp
Friday Pilates:
Price: $$
Description: Newly opened reformer pilates studio. Fan fav among the founding members of DRSC. Need to book in advance if you plan to go. Sign up for a class and you’ll probably see some of us!
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/w3t6fzR
Lets Sweat:
Price: $
Description: Right next to Friday Pilates, great spot if you're looking to do spin or strength training. Need to book in advance if you plan to go.
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/H4JWQ7F
Yoga pod
Price: $$
Description: Known for its hot yoga, head to yoga pod for options like sculpt, restorative, yin and more. We’ve taken many Barre classes here!
Location: St. Phillips Plaza, https://g.co/kgs/SnNe44h
Sessions yoga
Price: $$
Description: Sessions Yoga is your classic hot vinyasa, stop by for a sweaty workout!
Location: Sam Hughes Area, https://g.co/kgs/5WrVEQ7
Outdoors:
Corbetts - Pickleball (featuring outdoor and indoor courts)
Price: $$
Description: Great spot if you're looking for a friendly round of pickleball. We host monthly events here and strongly recommend it! They have great drinks and food to munch on while you play. They also typically have something fun going like trivia, country night, live music and much more.
Location: Downtown Tucson; https://g.co/kgs/xGjXgF1
Tanque Verde Falls:
Price: Free, may be a parking fee
Description: This trail is worth it but some may call it challenging and technical. The trail has waterfalls, pools, rock climbing, creek crossings, and slippery rocks. Make sure you review the trail beforehand to see what you can handle. Always bring extra water!
Location: East Tucson; https://www.tucsontopia.com/tanque-verde-falls/
Sabino canyon:
Price: Free, may be a parking fee
Description: Great hiking spot! Mildly challenging, be sure to review the trail beforehand to see what you can handle. Always bring extra water!
Location: North east Tucson
Live Music:
Here is a link with a breakdown of current live music spots in Tucson. When in doubt, head to Hotel Congress, they always have someone good playing there!
