Heart of Tucson Guidebook
UNESCO-City-of-Gastronomy
Culinary Scene
El Charro Café just celebrated 100 years! It is the longest operating Mexican family run restaurant in the country!
151 locals recommend
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveEl Charro Café just celebrated 100 years! It is the longest operating Mexican family run restaurant in the country!
Anita Street Market
849 N Anita AveThe food is legendary inside a local neighborhood!
There's 2 locations within 10 minutes apart. They have a plant-based Mexican menu and was featured , Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
72 locals recommend
Tumerico
2526 E 6th StThere's 2 locations within 10 minutes apart. They have a plant-based Mexican menu and was featured , Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Casa Molina Del Norte
3001 N Campbell AveMexican restaurant since 1947. A Tucson orginal!
Neighborhood locale with cool decor for Southwestern bistro fare. Original cocktails and local beers! A favorite of ours!
63 locals recommend
Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdNeighborhood locale with cool decor for Southwestern bistro fare. Original cocktails and local beers! A favorite of ours!
A fun place for baked goods, American breakfast and lunch staples and vegan options!
170 locals recommend
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveA fun place for baked goods, American breakfast and lunch staples and vegan options!
Traditional Italian cuisine , plus a bakery, a wine bar and outdoor seating.
32 locals recommend
Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
60 N Alvernon WayTraditional Italian cuisine , plus a bakery, a wine bar and outdoor seating.
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N 4th AveGreat New York Style Pizza ! Get the garlic knots!
Premium burgers made from hormone/antibiotic-free beef and fresh chopped salads. Locally owned and operated!
15 locals recommend
Truland Burgers & Greens
7332 N Oracle RdPremium burgers made from hormone/antibiotic-free beef and fresh chopped salads. Locally owned and operated!
Miss Saigon
1072 N Campbell AveVOTED #1 Vietnamese Cuisine!
Sushi and Ramen Restaurant that innovates both traditional and modern methods ! Patio seating and located downtown.
53 locals recommend
OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E Congress StSushi and Ramen Restaurant that innovates both traditional and modern methods ! Patio seating and located downtown.
Bakery chain known for late-night deliveries and ice cream! Located downtown and open late!
Insomnia Cookies
345 E Congress StBakery chain known for late-night deliveries and ice cream! Located downtown and open late!
Established in 1962, Pinnacle Peak is home to the world famous mesquite-grilled cowboy steak! Located in Trail Dust Town, you can also enjoy their Gun Fights and in town shops after an authentic cowboy dinner!
58 locals recommend
Pinnacle Peak
6541 E Tanque Verde RdEstablished in 1962, Pinnacle Peak is home to the world famous mesquite-grilled cowboy steak! Located in Trail Dust Town, you can also enjoy their Gun Fights and in town shops after an authentic cowboy dinner!
A nontraditional bar featuring gourmet deli sandwiches and bread bowls. Provides menus, gift certificates, map links and a brief history. On Fourth Avenue
28 locals recommend
Bison Witches Bar & Deli
326 N 4th AveA nontraditional bar featuring gourmet deli sandwiches and bread bowls. Provides menus, gift certificates, map links and a brief history. On Fourth Avenue
Mariscos Chihuahua
2902 E 22nd StAuthentic Fresh Seafood! A local favorite!
Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery
2741 N Campbell AveAuthentic Japanese Food! Delicious!
Southwest cuisine! Come taste Tucson and enjoy live music on the weekends! Great staff as well!
Cielos
306 N Alvernon WaySouthwest cuisine! Come taste Tucson and enjoy live music on the weekends! Great staff as well!
El Berraco
2960 N 1st AveFresh Seafood and great drinks!
El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle RdHome to the Sonoran Hot Dog! A must when in Tucson!
Legendary 83 year old cowboy restaurant! famous for their prime rib and tamale pie!
31 locals recommend
El Corral
2201 E River RdLegendary 83 year old cowboy restaurant! famous for their prime rib and tamale pie!
Jun Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
2933 E Grant RdAuthentic Chinese Food!
We are proud to continue serving our local Tucson community during these difficult times by creating dozens of new jobs and eventually providing curbside grocery pickup and to-go food orders.
57 locals recommend
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StWe are proud to continue serving our local Tucson community during these difficult times by creating dozens of new jobs and eventually providing curbside grocery pickup and to-go food orders.
The Food Conspiracy is committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and related products to our members and the greater Tucson community
82 locals recommend
Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N 4th AveThe Food Conspiracy is committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and related products to our members and the greater Tucson community
Popular counter-serve cafe supplying coffee & pastries, local live music & a dog-friendly patio.
74 locals recommend
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AvePopular counter-serve cafe supplying coffee & pastries, local live music & a dog-friendly patio.
Tortilleria Doña Esperanza
2432 S 4th AveAuthentic Tortillas! The best!
Taquería la Esquina
Scratch Kitchen and Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant
Family owned and old family recipes. Mole is amazing! Vegan options
Local sustainable restaurant serving delicious food!
92 locals recommend
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone AveLocal sustainable restaurant serving delicious food!
Welcome to the bakery! Located in the Broadway Village shopping center, Barrio Bread is a true neighborhood bakery that showcases the art and science of Don Guerra’s passion for baking and his commitment to community. Barrio Bread is dedicated to exceptional quality ARTisan bread, created with centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains. Barrio Bread loaves are known for a chewy interior and amazing crusts. pre-order online!
52 locals recommend
Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AveWelcome to the bakery! Located in the Broadway Village shopping center, Barrio Bread is a true neighborhood bakery that showcases the art and science of Don Guerra’s passion for baking and his commitment to community. Barrio Bread is dedicated to exceptional quality ARTisan bread, created with centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains. Barrio Bread loaves are known for a chewy interior and amazing crusts. pre-order online!
El Minuto Cafe
354 S Main AveFamous restaurant dined by past POTUS.
Coronet Restaurant, where classic sensibility meets international cuisine. We care deeply about all of our ingredients and our products. We absolutely love food!
The harmony of inspired collaboration is evident on the plate and on the palate. The meats are all sustainable, the wild game field harvested and always considerately sourced. The seafood is always on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood watch list of best choices. Our menu is seasonally inspired and the fruits and vegetables are local and organic when possible. We have an omnivores gusto, nevertheless many of our dishes can be savored by vegetarians, vegans, and gluten dissidents. There is always a bounty of fruits and vegetables.
78 locals recommend
The Coronet
198 W Cushing StCoronet Restaurant, where classic sensibility meets international cuisine. We care deeply about all of our ingredients and our products. We absolutely love food!
The harmony of inspired collaboration is evident on the plate and on the palate. The meats are all sustainable, the wild game field harvested and always considerately sourced. The seafood is always on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s seafood watch list of best choices. Our menu is seasonally inspired and the fruits and vegetables are local and organic when possible. We have an omnivores gusto, nevertheless many of our dishes can be savored by vegetarians, vegans, and gluten dissidents. There is always a bounty of fruits and vegetables.
5 Points was opened in January 2014 as a direct challenge to the idea that profitability in the service industry necessitates the exploitation of labor, resources, and agriculture.
92 locals recommend
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone Ave5 Points was opened in January 2014 as a direct challenge to the idea that profitability in the service industry necessitates the exploitation of labor, resources, and agriculture.
New American & international dinner menu, plus craft cocktails & wine, in a stylish space.
78 locals recommend
The Coronet
198 W Cushing StNew American & international dinner menu, plus craft cocktails & wine, in a stylish space.
El Charrito
122 W Market StLa Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StTumerico
2526 E 6th StMini Mart on 4th
Barista Del Barrio
1002 N Grande AveCharro Steak
188 E Broadway BlvdBOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveBrooklyn Pizza Company
534 N 4th AveCafé à La C'Art
150 N Main AveCafé à La C'Art
150 N Main AveFrida's Cafe
Sightseeing
A world renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical gardens! 85% of the Museum is outdoors and a walking experience.
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdA world renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical gardens! 85% of the Museum is outdoors and a walking experience.
Walk, Bike, Skate your way around Pima County on the Chuck Huckleberry Loop! Voted BEST RECREATIONAL TRAIL IN THE US BY USA TODAY!
8 locals recommend
The Loop Trail
Chuck Huckelberry LoopWalk, Bike, Skate your way around Pima County on the Chuck Huckleberry Loop! Voted BEST RECREATIONAL TRAIL IN THE US BY USA TODAY!
These three trails offer access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range, famous for its deep canyons and soaring ridges. When traveled as a loop, they form a long but rewarding day-trip that offers memorable views and access to the riparian environments they shelter. A trip along either trail or around the entire loop will treat you to good views of the high ridges and peaks of the Front Range and, at sunset, of the city of Tucson with its lights framed by the black silhouette of surrounding mountains.
457 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadThese three trails offer access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range, famous for its deep canyons and soaring ridges. When traveled as a loop, they form a long but rewarding day-trip that offers memorable views and access to the riparian environments they shelter. A trip along either trail or around the entire loop will treat you to good views of the high ridges and peaks of the Front Range and, at sunset, of the city of Tucson with its lights framed by the black silhouette of surrounding mountains.
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is perhaps Tucson's best-known historic landmark. Established in 1692 by the Spanish missionary Father Kino, 16.09 kilometers (10 miles) south of what is now downtown Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the finest examples of Mexican folk baroque architecture.
329 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdThe Mission San Xavier del Bac is perhaps Tucson's best-known historic landmark. Established in 1692 by the Spanish missionary Father Kino, 16.09 kilometers (10 miles) south of what is now downtown Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the finest examples of Mexican folk baroque architecture.
Hidden high in the southern Arizona Mountains with its endless Sonoran Desert vistas, rich history, and authentic Wild West vibe, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a destination for the adventurous at heart. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the 2400 acre park and ranch feature: • Guided Cave Tours • Hiking and Biking Trails • Horseback Rides • Petting Zoo and Butterfly Garden • Camping and Picnic Areas • Terrace Café (food & spirits)
131 locals recommend
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E Old Spanish TrailHidden high in the southern Arizona Mountains with its endless Sonoran Desert vistas, rich history, and authentic Wild West vibe, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a destination for the adventurous at heart. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the 2400 acre park and ranch feature: • Guided Cave Tours • Hiking and Biking Trails • Horseback Rides • Petting Zoo and Butterfly Garden • Camping and Picnic Areas • Terrace Café (food & spirits)
A WESTERN EXPERIENCE at Old Tucson is open to the public Thursday thru Sunday, 10:30am to 5:00pm from Jan. 26 to May 7, 2023. Tickets are available for purchase here on our website or at the door when arriving. We strongly advise that guests purchase tickets in advance as capacity is limited on popular seasonal dates.
Old Tucson
A WESTERN EXPERIENCE at Old Tucson is open to the public Thursday thru Sunday, 10:30am to 5:00pm from Jan. 26 to May 7, 2023. Tickets are available for purchase here on our website or at the door when arriving. We strongly advise that guests purchase tickets in advance as capacity is limited on popular seasonal dates.
For almost a century, Saguaro National Park near Tucson has helped protect and preserve its namesake while attracting visitors from around the world to view these natural "Kings of the Sonoran Desert."
Saguaro National Park West
For almost a century, Saguaro National Park near Tucson has helped protect and preserve its namesake while attracting visitors from around the world to view these natural "Kings of the Sonoran Desert."
The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers guided tours of telescope facilities, public-observing events, exhibits and presentations o astronomy and the Tohono O'odham culture.
95 locals recommend
Kitt Peak National Observatory
The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers guided tours of telescope facilities, public-observing events, exhibits and presentations o astronomy and the Tohono O'odham culture.
Exploring Nearby Towns!
Go back to the 1800s, when cowboys and outlaws spun their spurs and horses whinnied at the first sniff of a gunfight. It’s not that hard: The central street of downtown Tombstone, Allen Street, retains much of the historic character that made it famous all those decades ago. At the O.K. Corral in The Streets of Tombstone Theater, actors playing the Earps and Doc Holliday rapidly re-create a long-simmering feud against the Cowboys—cementing 30 seconds of history in hundreds of visitors' minds every week. Some have said it’s the most famous shootout of the American Wild West, and Tombstone keeps it top-of-mind.
332 locals recommend
Tombstone
300 N Sumner StGo back to the 1800s, when cowboys and outlaws spun their spurs and horses whinnied at the first sniff of a gunfight. It’s not that hard: The central street of downtown Tombstone, Allen Street, retains much of the historic character that made it famous all those decades ago. At the O.K. Corral in The Streets of Tombstone Theater, actors playing the Earps and Doc Holliday rapidly re-create a long-simmering feud against the Cowboys—cementing 30 seconds of history in hundreds of visitors' minds every week. Some have said it’s the most famous shootout of the American Wild West, and Tombstone keeps it top-of-mind.
Spend some time in this Spanish Presidio turned artist colony, where creativity is as present in the galleries and shops as it is in restaurant kitchens.
152 locals recommend
Tubac
Spend some time in this Spanish Presidio turned artist colony, where creativity is as present in the galleries and shops as it is in restaurant kitchens.
Sip local wines and explore the sights of southern Arizona from Sonoita-Elgin, a warm, picturesque wine-growing region.
56 locals recommend
Sonoita
Sip local wines and explore the sights of southern Arizona from Sonoita-Elgin, a warm, picturesque wine-growing region.
Bisbee has transformed from a booming mining town to a hippie haven to an arts and culture community — over only the past century or so. The result? A free-spirited Southern Arizona community with a welcoming attitude for all.
79 locals recommend
Bisbee
Bisbee has transformed from a booming mining town to a hippie haven to an arts and culture community — over only the past century or so. The result? A free-spirited Southern Arizona community with a welcoming attitude for all.
Visitors to this biodiverse Sky Island are delighted by the hiking, skiing and rock climbing — just an hour from Tucson, Arizona.
Mount Lemmon offers an escape from the city for metropolitan Tucsonans. An average of 30 degrees cooler and just an hour away, this special place is a haven in the summer and an outdoor playground in the winter.
9 locals recommend
Mount Lemmon
Visitors to this biodiverse Sky Island are delighted by the hiking, skiing and rock climbing — just an hour from Tucson, Arizona.
Mount Lemmon offers an escape from the city for metropolitan Tucsonans. An average of 30 degrees cooler and just an hour away, this special place is a haven in the summer and an outdoor playground in the winter.
Neighborhoods
Looking for somewhere funky, weird, artsy, delicious, loud, crazy and colorful? You've come to the right place.
22 locals recommend
North 4th Avenue
North 4th AvenueLooking for somewhere funky, weird, artsy, delicious, loud, crazy and colorful? You've come to the right place.
LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL
The MSA Annex houses a unique collection of locally-owned retail and dining options within modified shipping containers. Among the businesses, are three food options
68 locals recommend
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoThe MSA Annex houses a unique collection of locally-owned retail and dining options within modified shipping containers. Among the businesses, are three food options
The goal is to be a reflection of the community we love, Tucson.The open-air courtyard is lined with shops, restaurants, and services that embody the Tucson vibe. Eat, drink, shop, relax & enjoy the many special events such as our Thursday afternoon farmers market and weekend brunch.
160 locals recommend
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoThe goal is to be a reflection of the community we love, Tucson.The open-air courtyard is lined with shops, restaurants, and services that embody the Tucson vibe. Eat, drink, shop, relax & enjoy the many special events such as our Thursday afternoon farmers market and weekend brunch.
5 Points was opened in January 2014 as a direct challenge to the idea that profitability in the service industry necessitates the exploitation of labor, resources, and agriculture.
We pay a living wage, provide health insurance, and prioritize local & sustainable agriculture, always. What can’t be sourced locally is vetted and sourced organically & regionally.
92 locals recommend
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone Ave5 Points was opened in January 2014 as a direct challenge to the idea that profitability in the service industry necessitates the exploitation of labor, resources, and agriculture.
We pay a living wage, provide health insurance, and prioritize local & sustainable agriculture, always. What can’t be sourced locally is vetted and sourced organically & regionally.
Feeling Lucky!
Casino Del Sol, Southern Arizona's premier entertainment and gaming destination, offers nearly 1000 slot machines, live blackjack, poker and bingo. There are 6 restaurants and three bars, live entertainment Thursday - Saturday nights and world-class entertainment at AVA Amphitheater.
81 locals recommend
Casino Del Sol
5655 W Valencia RdCasino Del Sol, Southern Arizona's premier entertainment and gaming destination, offers nearly 1000 slot machines, live blackjack, poker and bingo. There are 6 restaurants and three bars, live entertainment Thursday - Saturday nights and world-class entertainment at AVA Amphitheater.