Guidebook for Tucson

Emily
Guidebook for Tucson

Food Scene

Incredible seafood and creative specials in a cozy atmosphere. They make the best dry martinis and old fashioneds.
78 místní doporučují
Kingfisher
2564 E Grant Rd
78 místní doporučují
Incredible seafood and creative specials in a cozy atmosphere. They make the best dry martinis and old fashioneds.
You can dine on mussels and absinthe cocktails, or drink cheap beer from a paper bag while gossiping on the bleachers. They have games (bag toss, ping pong) and good burgers--it's a block party and restaurant combined.
97 místní doporučují
Culinary Dropout
2543 E Grant Rd
97 místní doporučují
You can dine on mussels and absinthe cocktails, or drink cheap beer from a paper bag while gossiping on the bleachers. They have games (bag toss, ping pong) and good burgers--it's a block party and restaurant combined.
Best Chinese restaurant in the city, hands down. This place really needs no other introduction!
14 místní doporučují
Jun Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
2933 E Grant Rd
14 místní doporučují
Best Chinese restaurant in the city, hands down. This place really needs no other introduction!
This place is probably the most popular greasy spoon in Tucson--you'll see lines in the morning every day of the week. Head to Frank's when the lines are too long (it's a bit further away, but my personal favorite).
38 místní doporučují
Bobo's Restaurant
2938 E Grant Rd
38 místní doporučují
This place is probably the most popular greasy spoon in Tucson--you'll see lines in the morning every day of the week. Head to Frank's when the lines are too long (it's a bit further away, but my personal favorite).
Bobo's Restaurant gets more traffic (and it's walking distance from our place), but Frank's has my heart for great waffles, cheap eggs, fluffy biscuits, and southwest omelettes.
30 místní doporučují
Frank's & Francisco's Denoche Restaurant
3843 E Pima St
30 místní doporučují
Bobo's Restaurant gets more traffic (and it's walking distance from our place), but Frank's has my heart for great waffles, cheap eggs, fluffy biscuits, and southwest omelettes.
A convenient Mexican spot with traditional Sonoran offerings. Get the California burrito: carne asada, potatoes, cheese, and pico de gallo. Or try the pambazo, a kind of torta sandwich with chorizo and cubed potatoes. Yum!
Benny's Mexican Restaurant
2702 E Grant Rd
A convenient Mexican spot with traditional Sonoran offerings. Get the California burrito: carne asada, potatoes, cheese, and pico de gallo. Or try the pambazo, a kind of torta sandwich with chorizo and cubed potatoes. Yum!
You MUST go here, because in addition to kickass coffee and an excellent cubano espresso, they make the best scones in the UNIVERSE. They each contain about a half pound of butter, unless you get the vegan version, made with coconut oil (and equally delicious). Plus, they have a lovely patio for enjoying your treats any day of the year.
74 místní doporučují
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell Ave
74 místní doporučují
You MUST go here, because in addition to kickass coffee and an excellent cubano espresso, they make the best scones in the UNIVERSE. They each contain about a half pound of butter, unless you get the vegan version, made with coconut oil (and equally delicious). Plus, they have a lovely patio for enjoying your treats any day of the year.
Excellent traditional Japanese dishes, and super fresh sushi. They also curate a tasty selection of sake. They have so many options (including gluten free and vegetarian), they give you three menus when you come in. Plus they have adorable Japanese gifts.
26 místní doporučují
Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery
2741 N Campbell Ave
26 místní doporučují
Excellent traditional Japanese dishes, and super fresh sushi. They also curate a tasty selection of sake. They have so many options (including gluten free and vegetarian), they give you three menus when you come in. Plus they have adorable Japanese gifts.
Fantastic Vietnamese food, including pho, bun noodle dishes, and bubble tea. So good it's packed most nights of the week.
45 místní doporučují
Miss Saigon
1072 N Campbell Ave
45 místní doporučují
Fantastic Vietnamese food, including pho, bun noodle dishes, and bubble tea. So good it's packed most nights of the week.
Best Bloody Marys ever: they use stone ground rosemary mustard, spicy tomato mix, and they serve it with a coffee stout beer back and a "breakfast snack" with salami, cheese and pickle. They also have the most creative French toast specials (once made with zucchini bread!) and duck confit for breakfast. If you go between 9-11am, expect to wait an hour for a table (but it's worth it).
170 místní doporučují
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell Ave
170 místní doporučují
Best Bloody Marys ever: they use stone ground rosemary mustard, spicy tomato mix, and they serve it with a coffee stout beer back and a "breakfast snack" with salami, cheese and pickle. They also have the most creative French toast specials (once made with zucchini bread!) and duck confit for breakfast. If you go between 9-11am, expect to wait an hour for a table (but it's worth it).
We traveled in Italy and didn't come across better gelato than this. The owner is from Lake Como in northern Italy, and he has two (two!) degrees from a Gelato University. Try all the unique flavors: saffron is my favorite.
Pistacchio Gelato Naturale Italiano
446 N Campbell Ave
We traveled in Italy and didn't come across better gelato than this. The owner is from Lake Como in northern Italy, and he has two (two!) degrees from a Gelato University. Try all the unique flavors: saffron is my favorite.
This is the place to go to study and work; you can join the ranks of people with their laptops at the long communal tables. They have delicious coffee roasted locally, and beer, wine and whiskey when you're off the clock.
78 místní doporučují
Cartel Coffee Lab
2516 N Campbell Ave
78 místní doporučují
This is the place to go to study and work; you can join the ranks of people with their laptops at the long communal tables. They have delicious coffee roasted locally, and beer, wine and whiskey when you're off the clock.
They make a breakfast poke bowl (yummm) and tots with cheese, bacon, green chile and crema. It's a funky iconic Tucson diner atmosphere, and open til 2am.
13 místní doporučují
TallBoys
201 N Court Ave
13 místní doporučují
They make a breakfast poke bowl (yummm) and tots with cheese, bacon, green chile and crema. It's a funky iconic Tucson diner atmosphere, and open til 2am.
Such incredible tacos, with so many fillings to choose from, from puerco verde (green chile pork) to calabacitas (squash) to octopus. They serve creative salsas alongside them in a rotating selection. Beautiful patio for late summer nights.
70 místní doporučují
BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th Ave
70 místní doporučují
Such incredible tacos, with so many fillings to choose from, from puerco verde (green chile pork) to calabacitas (squash) to octopus. They serve creative salsas alongside them in a rotating selection. Beautiful patio for late summer nights.
Excellent wine list and great beer selection, plus good gourmet eats. Their happy hour is fantastic: $6 glasses of wine before 6pm, every day.
54 místní doporučují
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th Ave
54 místní doporučují
Excellent wine list and great beer selection, plus good gourmet eats. Their happy hour is fantastic: $6 glasses of wine before 6pm, every day.
This place has true Napoli-style pizza, with a fluffy thin crust and choice toppings featuring local farm ingredients. The owner had a wood-fire oven delivered from Naples, which makes for a stunning and cozy atmosphere; it always smells amazing in there. Simplicity rules the menu, and one of my favorite items is just the bread: it's the pizza dough baked into a loaf, and served with lovely peppery olive oil and aged basalmic vinegar. Absolutely divine.
32 místní doporučují
Falora Pizza
3000 E Broadway Blvd
32 místní doporučují
This place has true Napoli-style pizza, with a fluffy thin crust and choice toppings featuring local farm ingredients. The owner had a wood-fire oven delivered from Naples, which makes for a stunning and cozy atmosphere; it always smells amazing in there. Simplicity rules the menu, and one of my favorite items is just the bread: it's the pizza dough baked into a loaf, and served with lovely peppery olive oil and aged basalmic vinegar. Absolutely divine.

Drinks & Nightlife

Favorite dive bar of most locals, this place has shuffleboard, cheap beer, and an oversized wooden chair like the kind Paul Bunyan would have sat in (you have to hoist yourself up!). The friendly barflies are pretty much guaranteed to eavesdrop on you.
9 místní doporučují
Bay Horse Tavern
2802 E Grant Rd
9 místní doporučují
Favorite dive bar of most locals, this place has shuffleboard, cheap beer, and an oversized wooden chair like the kind Paul Bunyan would have sat in (you have to hoist yourself up!). The friendly barflies are pretty much guaranteed to eavesdrop on you.
Classy, cozy, swanky--this is my favorite bar for dates and catching up with girl friends. The Rye Hanky Panky, made with cardamom rye, will knock your socks off, though the Josias (a spin on an old fashioned) is my favorite. The Cosmonaut is bright and fruity with celery bitters, and the Thyme & Tonic tastes like a midnight garden.
34 místní doporučují
Sidecar
139 S Eastbourne Ave
34 místní doporučují
Classy, cozy, swanky--this is my favorite bar for dates and catching up with girl friends. The Rye Hanky Panky, made with cardamom rye, will knock your socks off, though the Josias (a spin on an old fashioned) is my favorite. The Cosmonaut is bright and fruity with celery bitters, and the Thyme & Tonic tastes like a midnight garden.
The prime hipster hangout, this local bar has an extensive selection of unique beers (geek moment: they carry all the Ancient Ales from Dogfish Head. These beers are recreated from anthropological evidence, and they're hard to find).
87 místní doporučují
Tap & Bottle - Downtown
403 N 6th Ave
87 místní doporučují
The prime hipster hangout, this local bar has an extensive selection of unique beers (geek moment: they carry all the Ancient Ales from Dogfish Head. These beers are recreated from anthropological evidence, and they're hard to find).
This LGBT-focused bar is the best place to go for late-night dancing. They also host drag shows and standup comedy, and they have two main rooms and a back patio when you need a change of scene.
13 místní doporučují
IBT's
616 N 4th Ave
13 místní doporučují
This LGBT-focused bar is the best place to go for late-night dancing. They also host drag shows and standup comedy, and they have two main rooms and a back patio when you need a change of scene.
Incredible wine selection and intimate atmosphere.
10 místní doporučují
Revel
416 E 9th St
10 místní doporučují
Incredible wine selection and intimate atmosphere.
Creative beers on tap, lots of outdoor patio space, and dog friendly.
27 místní doporučují
Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N Dodge Blvd
27 místní doporučují
Creative beers on tap, lots of outdoor patio space, and dog friendly.
This awesome independent video store almost went under until they added a bar with craft brews on tap. Now it's a fantastic place to hang out with friends and watch movies at the bar (if you're a regular sometimes the staff will even play your requests). There are food trucks outside most days to satisfy your munchies, and there's free popcorn in the video store.
21 místní doporučují
Casa Video
2905 E Speedway Blvd
21 místní doporučují
This awesome independent video store almost went under until they added a bar with craft brews on tap. Now it's a fantastic place to hang out with friends and watch movies at the bar (if you're a regular sometimes the staff will even play your requests). There are food trucks outside most days to satisfy your munchies, and there's free popcorn in the video store.
There are dozens of wineries in the Chiricahuan desert grasslands around Sonoita, but this is by far my favorite. I couple of renegade thirty-somethings built their own tiny wine tasting room to be completely off the grid, and it sits on a stunning open vista looking out to the Mustang Mountains. Their wines are incredible and showcase the unique palate of this area. They even produce some of their wines from wild yeast, making them totally estate-created.
23 místní doporučují
Rune Wines
3969 AZ-82
23 místní doporučují
There are dozens of wineries in the Chiricahuan desert grasslands around Sonoita, but this is by far my favorite. I couple of renegade thirty-somethings built their own tiny wine tasting room to be completely off the grid, and it sits on a stunning open vista looking out to the Mustang Mountains. Their wines are incredible and showcase the unique palate of this area. They even produce some of their wines from wild yeast, making them totally estate-created.

Sightseeing

This "museum" is more like a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum rolled into one, and it displays all the unique flora, fauna, and geology that the Sonoran Desert has to offer. Plus, the drive out there is beautiful! Go in the morning when the animals are most active; they nap through the heat of the day. Look for the special Raptor Free Flight show and witness birds of prey flying over your head in the open desert. And be sure to get a ticket for the Stingray Touch exhibit (yes--stingrays in the desert! The Sea of Cortez flows through the Sonoran Desert, and there are special parts of the museum dedicated to this special part of the ocean).
670 místní doporučují
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney Rd
670 místní doporučují
This "museum" is more like a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum rolled into one, and it displays all the unique flora, fauna, and geology that the Sonoran Desert has to offer. Plus, the drive out there is beautiful! Go in the morning when the animals are most active; they nap through the heat of the day. Look for the special Raptor Free Flight show and witness birds of prey flying over your head in the open desert. And be sure to get a ticket for the Stingray Touch exhibit (yes--stingrays in the desert! The Sea of Cortez flows through the Sonoran Desert, and there are special parts of the museum dedicated to this special part of the ocean).
From the bottom of Catalina Highway to the top of Mount Lemmon, you cross seven different biomes, from desert to oak grassland to mixed conifer forest. You can get the Mount Lemmon Science Tour App to play a guided tour as you drive up the mountain. Be sure to stop at all the vistas and walk around, and at the top of the mountain, visit the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven for a slice of pie in the pines.
485 místní doporučují
Mount Lemmon
485 místní doporučují
From the bottom of Catalina Highway to the top of Mount Lemmon, you cross seven different biomes, from desert to oak grassland to mixed conifer forest. You can get the Mount Lemmon Science Tour App to play a guided tour as you drive up the mountain. Be sure to stop at all the vistas and walk around, and at the top of the mountain, visit the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven for a slice of pie in the pines.

Parks & Nature

This is an excellent spot to go to walk among old-growth Saguaros. In the spring, the King Canyon trail gets carpeted in yellow poppies (and you can see petroglyphs!). The Yetman trail is an easy favorite that goes out to an old stone house with gorgeous views. Starr Pass is an excellent scenic drive.
321 místní doporučují
Národní park Saguaro
321 místní doporučují
This is an excellent spot to go to walk among old-growth Saguaros. In the spring, the King Canyon trail gets carpeted in yellow poppies (and you can see petroglyphs!). The Yetman trail is an easy favorite that goes out to an old stone house with gorgeous views. Starr Pass is an excellent scenic drive.
This stunning canyon is incredibly popular with locals and tourists because of its access: there's a short paved road going partway into the canyon, and a tram that gives guided tours. You'll see lots of local runners and hikers on their daily routines. It also has a few water holes that are great to splash around in. In summer you can take the blistering hike out to Seven Falls and be rewarded with beautiful waterfalls and cool-water swimming.
212 místní doporučují
Sabino Canyon
212 místní doporučují
This stunning canyon is incredibly popular with locals and tourists because of its access: there's a short paved road going partway into the canyon, and a tram that gives guided tours. You'll see lots of local runners and hikers on their daily routines. It also has a few water holes that are great to splash around in. In summer you can take the blistering hike out to Seven Falls and be rewarded with beautiful waterfalls and cool-water swimming.
This is my favorite trail because it's in a deep canyon for most of the way, so the views constantly fluctuate between expansive vistas and narrow corridors punctuated by rock monoliths.
7 místní doporučují
Pima Canyon Trail
Pima Canyon Trail
7 místní doporučují
This is my favorite trail because it's in a deep canyon for most of the way, so the views constantly fluctuate between expansive vistas and narrow corridors punctuated by rock monoliths.
At the top of Mount Lemmon, you can access this area by the popular Marshall Gulch trail, which is always busy when locals are escaping the heat. But stick it out for a couple miles of trail, and you'll come to a smaller, lesser-used path that dives down into a beautiful wilderness: a maze of rock domes cut by rugged streams.
Wilderness of Rocks
At the top of Mount Lemmon, you can access this area by the popular Marshall Gulch trail, which is always busy when locals are escaping the heat. But stick it out for a couple miles of trail, and you'll come to a smaller, lesser-used path that dives down into a beautiful wilderness: a maze of rock domes cut by rugged streams.

Essentials

Best and least expensive groceries--and they always have new snacks and culinary experiments to tempt you. They also have the best selection of wine (that you can find at a grocery store) for one-stop shopping.
221 místní doporučují
Trader Joe's
4209 N Campbell Ave
221 místní doporučují
Best and least expensive groceries--and they always have new snacks and culinary experiments to tempt you. They also have the best selection of wine (that you can find at a grocery store) for one-stop shopping.
While this is the most expensive grocery option, it's also the closest, and right next to Bookmans, a large and amazing used bookstore.
186 místní doporučují
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway Blvd
186 místní doporučují
While this is the most expensive grocery option, it's also the closest, and right next to Bookmans, a large and amazing used bookstore.
This health-food oriented grocery store carries great options for alternative diets, as well as nice produce. They're tucked in a cute historic plaza that was put up in the 1930s, with good shops and a cashew ice cream place nearby (Cashew Cow).
24 místní doporučují
Natural Grocers
3016 E Broadway Blvd
24 místní doporučují
This health-food oriented grocery store carries great options for alternative diets, as well as nice produce. They're tucked in a cute historic plaza that was put up in the 1930s, with good shops and a cashew ice cream place nearby (Cashew Cow).

Entertainment & Activities

Tucson's local independent movie theater has great taste in movies, from documentaries to indie films and cult favorites. You can get beer and pizza in addition to regular movie snacks, and their cult classics usually draw a rowdy crowd.
140 místní doporučují
The Loft Cinema
3233 E Speedway Blvd
140 místní doporučují
Tucson's local independent movie theater has great taste in movies, from documentaries to indie films and cult favorites. You can get beer and pizza in addition to regular movie snacks, and their cult classics usually draw a rowdy crowd.
This great crowded rock gym is an perfect place to learn new skills or perfect the creative lines that the route setters put up. It gets crowded around 6-7pm, when all the locals come to train, and though it's hard to find an empty spot to get on at this time, it's an excellent time to meet fellow climbers if you're looking for a partner.
14 místní doporučují
Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc
330 S Toole Ave
14 místní doporučují
This great crowded rock gym is an perfect place to learn new skills or perfect the creative lines that the route setters put up. It gets crowded around 6-7pm, when all the locals come to train, and though it's hard to find an empty spot to get on at this time, it's an excellent time to meet fellow climbers if you're looking for a partner.
Fantastic dance classes in all styles, from lyric to modern to hip hop. Their DJ Dance Cardio class is easy for newbies to join, but has incredible energy from the instructor and owner, Todd. I started this class as a very self-conscious person who didn't dance much, but Todd gets so into the music that I can't help rocking out.
BreakOut Studios
5811 E Speedway Blvd
Fantastic dance classes in all styles, from lyric to modern to hip hop. Their DJ Dance Cardio class is easy for newbies to join, but has incredible energy from the instructor and owner, Todd. I started this class as a very self-conscious person who didn't dance much, but Todd gets so into the music that I can't help rocking out.
Dance and fitness styles of all kinds, from capoeira, to folkloric dance, to acro yoga, to west coast swing.
Movement Culture
2512 E 9th St
Dance and fitness styles of all kinds, from capoeira, to folkloric dance, to acro yoga, to west coast swing.
Yoga Oasis is a strong community of excellent teachers and dedicated students (and full disclosure, I teach there, because it's awesome!). There are classes for nearly any time of day, every day, with ability levels from total newbie to advanced practitioner.
49 místní doporučují
Yoga Oasis
2631 N Campbell Ave
49 místní doporučují
Yoga Oasis is a strong community of excellent teachers and dedicated students (and full disclosure, I teach there, because it's awesome!). There are classes for nearly any time of day, every day, with ability levels from total newbie to advanced practitioner.

Shopping

A large used bookstore with a nicely curated selection, thrifty knicknacks and instruments. I always go in looking for one book and walk out with a library in my arms.
27 místní doporučují
Bookmans Midtown Entertainment Exchange
4841 E Speedway Blvd
27 místní doporučují
A large used bookstore with a nicely curated selection, thrifty knicknacks and instruments. I always go in looking for one book and walk out with a library in my arms.
This sweet independent local bookstore is stocked by bookworms with excellent taste. You can also find journals, locally-made jewelry, and other cute gift items.
41 místní doporučují
Antigone Books
411 N 4th Ave
41 místní doporučují
This sweet independent local bookstore is stocked by bookworms with excellent taste. You can also find journals, locally-made jewelry, and other cute gift items.