Sarah's Guidebook
Food Scene
Did you know? Tucson is an UNESCO recognized City of Gastronomy! We have lots of amazing places to eat, but here are some of our favorites.
(Tucson-dot-cityofgastronomy-dot-org)
Authentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
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Zemam's Too
119 E Speedway BlvdAuthentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
Street tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
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BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveStreet tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
Pizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
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Magpies Gourmet Pizza 4th Ave.
605 North 4th AvenuePizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
Located in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
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Charro Vida
7109 N Oracle RdLocated in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
Mexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
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La Indita
722 N Stone AveMexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
DDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
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Tumerico
2526 E 6th StDDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
The latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
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Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StThe latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
Tumerico's sister restaurant with expanded menu options for meat eaters
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La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StTumerico's sister restaurant with expanded menu options for meat eaters
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
2990 N Campbell AveTucson's OG vegan restaurant
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
5071 East 5th StreetNewer vegan deli in midtown
eHotPot
243 East Speedway BoulevardNewer restaurant specializing in Hot Pot - it's delicious!
Tuk Tuk Thai - Thai street Food
2990 North Campbell AvenueTasty thai food just up the road
From James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
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Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AveFrom James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
Oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court AveOldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
Update 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
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Zemam's
2731 E Broadway BlvdUpdate 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
Karuna's Thai Plate
1917 E Grant RdWalking distance from our neighborhood!
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
こんにちは！Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
Maru Plus - Japanese Ramen, Onigiri, Sushi, Curry, Donburi Rice Bowl & More
こんにちは！Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
This is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
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Guilin Chinese Restaurant
4445 E Broadway BlvdThis is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
Great food that is shareable with great friends and great wine!
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Postino Grant
2500 E Grant RdGreat food that is shareable with great friends and great wine!
I don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
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Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant
1138 N Belvedere AveI don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Nearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
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Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveNearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.
Seis Kitchen
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.
Sightseeing
Beautiful desert hikes, but not pet friendly.
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadBeautiful desert hikes, but not pet friendly.
Parco Statale di Catalina
11570 North Oracle RoadCheck their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
Check their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
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Collina Tumamoc
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
Parco Sentinel Peak (Montagna “A”)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd STucson's "A" mountain
Runners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
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Himmel Park
1000 N Tucson BlvdRunners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
Tucson's central park - with dog park, duck pond, golf course, and zoo
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Reid Park
Tucson's central park - with dog park, duck pond, golf course, and zoo
Fun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
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Apple Annie's You-Pick Orchard
2081 Hardy RdFun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
Large park with sculpture garden and dog park
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Parco commemorativo Brandi Fenton
3482 E River RdLarge park with sculpture garden and dog park
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
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Monte Lemmon
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
Iconic mission—the one you've probably seen on postcards.
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Missione San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdIconic mission—the one you've probably seen on postcards.
Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
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Parco Statale delle Grotte di Kartchner
2980 AZ-90Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park East
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park West
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Mercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route.
Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!
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Mercato San Augustin
100 South Avenida del ConventoMercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route.
Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!
Neighborhoods
My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Jefferson Park
My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Blenman-Elm Historic District
Nearby historic district
Sam Hughes
Nearby historic district
Barrio Viejo
Historic neighborhood downtown
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
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Summerhaven
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays
Winterhaven
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays
City/town information
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
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Elgin
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
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Sonoita
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
Museums
Outdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
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Museo del Deserto Arizona-Sonora
2021 N Kinney RdOutdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
Check their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory
527 N National Championship DrCheck their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
Decommissioned missile silo from the cold war era
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Museo del Missile Titan
1580 W Duval Mine RdDecommissioned missile silo from the cold war era
Eclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
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Ignite Sign Art Museum
331 S Olsen AveEclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
Huge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
University of Arizona Mineral Museum
115 North Church AvenueHuge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
The University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
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Centro per la fotografia creativa
1030 N Olive RdThe University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
1601 E University BlvdCheck their website for tour information.
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Kitt Peak National Observatory
Check their website for tour information.
Free entrance the first Thursday evening of each month.
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Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveFree entrance the first Thursday evening of each month.
AZ Wine Country
Deep Sky Vineyard
124 Elgin RdMead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
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The Meading Room
3470 AZ-82Mead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
Los Milics Vineyards
Vini Rune
3969 AZ-82Twisted Union Wine Company
Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
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Arizona Hops e Vines
3450 AZ-82Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery
342 Elgin Canelo RdElgin Distillery
Coffee
Great local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
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Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveGreat local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
Multiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.
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Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del ConventoMultiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.