Guidebook for Tucson
Food Scene
Less then a mile away. Vero Amore (meaning “true love” in Italian) was certified as Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria #250 by Italy’s world-renowned Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Academy (VPN), which requires strict traditional Neapolitan pizza making standards. While being a certified Neapolitan pizzeria means a whole lot of diligent care – handmade mozzarella; imported ovens, tomatoes, and flour; training in Italy; careful measurements of pizza thickness; the requirement of particular pizza topping options – it is meticulous preparation that makes Vero Amore pizzas, and dishes in general, unique and absolutely delicious.
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Vero Amore - Swan
2920 N Swan RdLess then a mile away. Vero Amore (meaning “true love” in Italian) was certified as Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria #250 by Italy’s world-renowned Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Academy (VPN), which requires strict traditional Neapolitan pizza making standards. While being a certified Neapolitan pizzeria means a whole lot of diligent care – handmade mozzarella; imported ovens, tomatoes, and flour; training in Italy; careful measurements of pizza thickness; the requirement of particular pizza topping options – it is meticulous preparation that makes Vero Amore pizzas, and dishes in general, unique and absolutely delicious.
A legacy restaurant marked by a concrete bull and radiant sun etched in the a solid wood door, its softly aging walls enclose pure Mexico for the aficionado. Once inside the door you will be met by one of the Molina family. Since 1947 Casa Molina has been serving traditional Sonoran Mexican food on the east side of Tucson.
Casa Molina Mexican Restaraunt
6225 E Speedway BlvdA legacy restaurant marked by a concrete bull and radiant sun etched in the a solid wood door, its softly aging walls enclose pure Mexico for the aficionado. Once inside the door you will be met by one of the Molina family. Since 1947 Casa Molina has been serving traditional Sonoran Mexican food on the east side of Tucson.
Looking for a milkshake and Certified Angus burger. Zinburger perfects both every day. Hand-cut zucchini, sweet potato, and truffle fries encourage a selfish need to order all three.
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Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar
6390 E Grant RdLooking for a milkshake and Certified Angus burger. Zinburger perfects both every day. Hand-cut zucchini, sweet potato, and truffle fries encourage a selfish need to order all three.
The restaurant highlight local ingredients from the Rillito Park Farmers Market and the Thursday Farmers Market at Mercado San Agustin. They’ll also serve local coffee from Exo Roast Co., Yellow Brick Coffee, and Presta Coffee Roasters.
The menu changes regularly and is a real local taste.
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Tumerico
2526 E 6th StThe restaurant highlight local ingredients from the Rillito Park Farmers Market and the Thursday Farmers Market at Mercado San Agustin. They’ll also serve local coffee from Exo Roast Co., Yellow Brick Coffee, and Presta Coffee Roasters.
The menu changes regularly and is a real local taste.
In 1929, John and Helen Murphey created Hacienda del Sol; a desert retreat. The property was originally a "home away from home" ranch school for the daughters of society's elite families. The prestigious school's roster boasted names such as Vanderbilt, Pillsbury, Maxwell, Westinghouse, and Campbell, to name a few. In the late 1930's, renowned architect Josias Joesler was commissioned to rebuild and redesign sections of the ranch, adding his notable signature to many architectural details. The restaurant is great for special events and a night out.
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The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol RdIn 1929, John and Helen Murphey created Hacienda del Sol; a desert retreat. The property was originally a "home away from home" ranch school for the daughters of society's elite families. The prestigious school's roster boasted names such as Vanderbilt, Pillsbury, Maxwell, Westinghouse, and Campbell, to name a few. In the late 1930's, renowned architect Josias Joesler was commissioned to rebuild and redesign sections of the ranch, adding his notable signature to many architectural details. The restaurant is great for special events and a night out.
Established in 1922 by Monica Flin, El Charro Café of Tucson, Arizona is The Nation’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Monica, a true entrepreneur and burgeoning chef, came to Tucson via France in the 1800’s when her father Jules, a famous stone-mason, was commissioned to build the city’s pristine St. Augustine Cathedral. Jules, whose signature work can be seen throughout Tucson’s Historic District, also built the families residence in 1896. This same building is now home to the Original Downtown El Charro Café location on Court Avenue.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court AveEstablished in 1922 by Monica Flin, El Charro Café of Tucson, Arizona is The Nation’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Monica, a true entrepreneur and burgeoning chef, came to Tucson via France in the 1800’s when her father Jules, a famous stone-mason, was commissioned to build the city’s pristine St. Augustine Cathedral. Jules, whose signature work can be seen throughout Tucson’s Historic District, also built the families residence in 1896. This same building is now home to the Original Downtown El Charro Café location on Court Avenue.
The bakery smells like memory—like the first kitchen you remember; the first restaurant where you earned your first paycheck. It smells like bread, of course, but what does bread really smell like? Yeast and Sunday; honey and home.
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Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne AveThe bakery smells like memory—like the first kitchen you remember; the first restaurant where you earned your first paycheck. It smells like bread, of course, but what does bread really smell like? Yeast and Sunday; honey and home.
The Sonoran hot dog is like no other. The frank is wrapped in bacon and grilled until it’s crispy. It’s then stuffed into a split-top roll called a bolillo (pronouced boh-lee-yoh) — often made in Mexican bakeries — and topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, grilled and raw onions, mayonnaise, mustard and jalapeño salsa. A roasted chile güero (a pale pepper) is typically served on the side. (they won a James Beard Award in 2018)
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El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle RdThe Sonoran hot dog is like no other. The frank is wrapped in bacon and grilled until it’s crispy. It’s then stuffed into a split-top roll called a bolillo (pronouced boh-lee-yoh) — often made in Mexican bakeries — and topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, grilled and raw onions, mayonnaise, mustard and jalapeño salsa. A roasted chile güero (a pale pepper) is typically served on the side. (they won a James Beard Award in 2018)
North Italia is a love letter to Italy—a place that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped off a charming side street to discover a culinary gem. Every day, the chefs start from scratch to create dishes like Strozzapreti with Bloomsdale spinach or supple ribbons of tagliatelle for our Bolognese.
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North Italia
2995 E Skyline DrNorth Italia is a love letter to Italy—a place that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped off a charming side street to discover a culinary gem. Every day, the chefs start from scratch to create dishes like Strozzapreti with Bloomsdale spinach or supple ribbons of tagliatelle for our Bolognese.
A standout for classic American cuisine, Kingfisher has an emphasis on fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels, but the kitchen does baby back ribs and steak with equal success. Try the delicately battered fish 'n' chips or the clam chowder on the late-night menu, served from 10pm to midnight daily. Bright panels of turquoise and terra-cotta, black banquettes, and neon lighting make for a chic space in the main dining room, or sit in the cozy bar area with locals who appreciate a good meal with their cocktails.
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Kingfisher
2564 E Grant RdA standout for classic American cuisine, Kingfisher has an emphasis on fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels, but the kitchen does baby back ribs and steak with equal success. Try the delicately battered fish 'n' chips or the clam chowder on the late-night menu, served from 10pm to midnight daily. Bright panels of turquoise and terra-cotta, black banquettes, and neon lighting make for a chic space in the main dining room, or sit in the cozy bar area with locals who appreciate a good meal with their cocktails.
Chef Massimo Tenino’s cuisine pays homage to the rustic recipes of Northern Italy taught to him by his grandmother. The menu features fresh, handmade pastas, signature pizzas, rotisserie meas cooked in the Tuscan style.
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Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E Skyline DrChef Massimo Tenino’s cuisine pays homage to the rustic recipes of Northern Italy taught to him by his grandmother. The menu features fresh, handmade pastas, signature pizzas, rotisserie meas cooked in the Tuscan style.
Mi Nidito was opened by Ernesto and Alicia Lopez on the corner of 4th Avenue and 29th Street in historic South Tucson in 1952. The restaurant is now owned by Ernest Lopez Jr. and wife Yolanda. Sons Jimmy and Ernie III help run the family business. The name Mi Nidito, which means "My Little Nest", was given to the restaurant because of its original small size. It has been a stop for dignitaries and presidents.
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Mi Nidito
1813 S 4th AveMi Nidito was opened by Ernesto and Alicia Lopez on the corner of 4th Avenue and 29th Street in historic South Tucson in 1952. The restaurant is now owned by Ernest Lopez Jr. and wife Yolanda. Sons Jimmy and Ernie III help run the family business. The name Mi Nidito, which means "My Little Nest", was given to the restaurant because of its original small size. It has been a stop for dignitaries and presidents.
In Cafe Poca Cosa, chef/owner Suzana Davila has placed her imaginative Mexican cuisine within the lively confines of a truly upscale, yet casual, urban bistro setting. Davila’s cuisine, which draws upon the wide range of flavors and ingredients indigenous to her native country, provides the ideal opportunity for diners to indulge in a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
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Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington StIn Cafe Poca Cosa, chef/owner Suzana Davila has placed her imaginative Mexican cuisine within the lively confines of a truly upscale, yet casual, urban bistro setting. Davila’s cuisine, which draws upon the wide range of flavors and ingredients indigenous to her native country, provides the ideal opportunity for diners to indulge in a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
Instantly transporting yet comfortably familiar, Maynards Kitchen offers an authentic dining experience using local ingredients in an inventive way. With a modern take on traditional techniques this restaurant, described by the New York Times as “dark and handsome”, masterfully creates seasonal dishes in an evocative and elegant atmosphere that is uniquely Maynards.
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Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole AveInstantly transporting yet comfortably familiar, Maynards Kitchen offers an authentic dining experience using local ingredients in an inventive way. With a modern take on traditional techniques this restaurant, described by the New York Times as “dark and handsome”, masterfully creates seasonal dishes in an evocative and elegant atmosphere that is uniquely Maynards.
The Cup Cafe is located in the historic Hotel Congress and serves classic American food. The restaurant and hotel have been featured in countless newspapers including the New York Times.
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Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StThe Cup Cafe is located in the historic Hotel Congress and serves classic American food. The restaurant and hotel have been featured in countless newspapers including the New York Times.
Tito & Pep is a bright venue in Midtown Tucson providing delicious food and beverage and exceptional service in a convivial, upbeat atmosphere. Head chef and owner John Martinez wanted to open a restaurant that reflected Tucson’s diverse cultural influences. After living in New York working for renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten Martinez returned to tucson Tito and Pep is the result.
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Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdTito & Pep is a bright venue in Midtown Tucson providing delicious food and beverage and exceptional service in a convivial, upbeat atmosphere. Head chef and owner John Martinez wanted to open a restaurant that reflected Tucson’s diverse cultural influences. After living in New York working for renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten Martinez returned to tucson Tito and Pep is the result.
Drinks & Nightlife
A Classic Dive Bar - Tucson's only 60's retro lounge, featuring classic and modern martinis and cocktails. Check out the swank scenery, cool music, classic movies, and friendly mixologists.
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The Shelter Cocktail Lounge
4155 E Grant RdA Classic Dive Bar - Tucson's only 60's retro lounge, featuring classic and modern martinis and cocktails. Check out the swank scenery, cool music, classic movies, and friendly mixologists.
Open Since 1961, with much of the original decor still in place, this is a rare surviving authentic tiki lounge known for the Scorpion.
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Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge
4625 E Broadway BlvdOpen Since 1961, with much of the original decor still in place, this is a rare surviving authentic tiki lounge known for the Scorpion.
Classic Dive Bar - The Bay Horse Tavern, one of Tucson's oldest taverns. Dating back to the Nineteen-Fifties
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Bay Horse Tavern
2802 E Grant RdClassic Dive Bar - The Bay Horse Tavern, one of Tucson's oldest taverns. Dating back to the Nineteen-Fifties
COWPONY
6510 E Tanque Verde RdIts a southwest classic
Parks & Nature
Sabino Canyon’s history is as diverse as it is fascinating. The Santa Catalina mountain range began its formation over 12 million years ago, 7 million years before the earliest known human being walked the face of the earth. In around 5 million B.C., the mountains ceased formation around the Tucson area, setting the stage for future ecological action. Plant life first appeared between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago, and some of the earliest predominant human occupants of Sabino Canyon were the Hohokam people. An earthquake centered in northern Mexico in 1887 dislodged an array of massive boulders lining the canyon walls, which crashed down and came to rest in the valley below. In 1905, the Fores
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadSabino Canyon’s history is as diverse as it is fascinating. The Santa Catalina mountain range began its formation over 12 million years ago, 7 million years before the earliest known human being walked the face of the earth. In around 5 million B.C., the mountains ceased formation around the Tucson area, setting the stage for future ecological action. Plant life first appeared between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago, and some of the earliest predominant human occupants of Sabino Canyon were the Hohokam people. An earthquake centered in northern Mexico in 1887 dislodged an array of massive boulders lining the canyon walls, which crashed down and came to rest in the valley below. In 1905, the Fores
Bridal Wreath Hike: This is one of the easy ones and provides a nice leisurely trip for all ages through the eastern portion of Saguaro National Park from a trailhead at the end of Speedway Boulevard. If you want to get outside, wear uncomplicated footwear, be among the surprising amount of green and hopefully finish with a running waterfall at the end of your walk, Bridal Wreath is for you. The Douglas Springs trail that you'll take almost the entire way is well marked
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Saguaro-Nationalpark
Bridal Wreath Hike: This is one of the easy ones and provides a nice leisurely trip for all ages through the eastern portion of Saguaro National Park from a trailhead at the end of Speedway Boulevard. If you want to get outside, wear uncomplicated footwear, be among the surprising amount of green and hopefully finish with a running waterfall at the end of your walk, Bridal Wreath is for you. The Douglas Springs trail that you'll take almost the entire way is well marked
With lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination. Madera's hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson.
Southeastern Arizona, with Madera Canyon at its heart, is rated the third best birding destination in the United States. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Flame-colored Tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 specie
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Madera Canyon
South Madera Canyon RoadWith lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, seasonal streams, and an amazing variety of plants and wildlife, Madera Canyon has become a popular recreational destination. Madera's hiking trails are applauded throughout the Southwest, and vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson.
Southeastern Arizona, with Madera Canyon at its heart, is rated the third best birding destination in the United States. With fifteen species of hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Flame-colored Tanager, 36 species of wood warblers, and over 256 specie
With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated Wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between Tucson and Phoenix, the Wilderness and surrounding public and private land conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to protect its essential wilderness character and fragile environment while providing the visitor with a world class opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation.
Expect the wild! There are
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated Wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. Located in southeast Arizona, roughly between Tucson and Phoenix, the Wilderness and surrounding public and private land conserve a vital ecosystem for future generations.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness to protect its essential wilderness character and fragile environment while providing the visitor with a world class opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation.
Expect the wild! There are
Romero Pools Hike: It's no secret that water is rare in the desert. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why the reliable oasis at the end of this hike is so popular. Others might include the spectacular views, the ease of access, and the varied terrain, from vast plains to rocky canyons.
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Catalina State Park
11570 North Oracle RoadRomero Pools Hike: It's no secret that water is rare in the desert. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why the reliable oasis at the end of this hike is so popular. Others might include the spectacular views, the ease of access, and the varied terrain, from vast plains to rocky canyons.
The Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood has been called a microcosm of Southwest history because of the many cultures that are a part of is past. A historic district lies within its boundaries; ancient Hohokam dwellings and artifacts are recorded and interpreted in Fort Lowell Park; Mormon aqueducts still cary water and harbor wildlife; ruins of Fort Lowell are preserved and interpreted by the Arizona HIstorical Society Branch Museum; descendants of Mexican settlers of El Fuerte (The Fort) still reside in the adobe homes of their ancestors.
Fort Lowell Park
2900 N Craycroft RdThe Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood has been called a microcosm of Southwest history because of the many cultures that are a part of is past. A historic district lies within its boundaries; ancient Hohokam dwellings and artifacts are recorded and interpreted in Fort Lowell Park; Mormon aqueducts still cary water and harbor wildlife; ruins of Fort Lowell are preserved and interpreted by the Arizona HIstorical Society Branch Museum; descendants of Mexican settlers of El Fuerte (The Fort) still reside in the adobe homes of their ancestors.
Shopping
Bon is a shop in Tucson, Arizona where we—mother and daughter—Bonnie and Crystal Flynt—offer a collection of our favorite things. The two of us share a love of things that are well designed and well made. We like a mix... new and old, rough and refined, dark and colorful, east and west, fun and serious... the beauty is in the way it’s all put together.
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Bon Boutique
760 S Stone AveBon is a shop in Tucson, Arizona where we—mother and daughter—Bonnie and Crystal Flynt—offer a collection of our favorite things. The two of us share a love of things that are well designed and well made. We like a mix... new and old, rough and refined, dark and colorful, east and west, fun and serious... the beauty is in the way it’s all put together.
MAST is an independent, lady-owned, storefront and creative collaboration. Over the years, they have embraced, supported, hustled and prodded one another as they have slowly realized our common vision: a home for their designs supported by a range of other equally passionate independent designers, with a strong local focus.
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Mast
100 South Avenida del ConventoMAST is an independent, lady-owned, storefront and creative collaboration. Over the years, they have embraced, supported, hustled and prodded one another as they have slowly realized our common vision: a home for their designs supported by a range of other equally passionate independent designers, with a strong local focus.
The Desert Vintage aesthetic grew out of our sense of place. Being located where the ancient and the new are forever connected, where history and cultures meet, where landscape is mysterious and magnificent, inspires their creativity and drives their timeless sense of style. Desert Vintage was founded in 1974 on the eclectic boulevard of 4th avenue in Tucson, Arizona. In July of 2012, Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan took over the already established Desert Vintage, with the desire to curate an undeniably stylish and eclectic mix of true vintage items for both men and women. Desert Vintage has come to be known as a great source for excellent, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces of quality and
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Desert Vintage
403 N 6th AveThe Desert Vintage aesthetic grew out of our sense of place. Being located where the ancient and the new are forever connected, where history and cultures meet, where landscape is mysterious and magnificent, inspires their creativity and drives their timeless sense of style. Desert Vintage was founded in 1974 on the eclectic boulevard of 4th avenue in Tucson, Arizona. In July of 2012, Salima Boufelfel and Roberto Cowan took over the already established Desert Vintage, with the desire to curate an undeniably stylish and eclectic mix of true vintage items for both men and women. Desert Vintage has come to be known as a great source for excellent, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces of quality and
B & B Cactus Farm
11550 E Speedway BlvdWonderful collection of desert cactus and succulents.
Morning Star Traders
2029 East 14th StreetNavajo Textiles, fine western art and southwest silver.
Michael Higgins Antique Indian Art
4351 E Grant RdRare mexican colonial antiques.
Fine art and textiles including work by Maynard Dixon and Jack Van Ryder.
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Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
6872 E Sunrise DrFine art and textiles including work by Maynard Dixon and Jack Van Ryder.
Dark Star Leather
Handmade onsite fine western leather goods including wallets, bags and belts.
Antiquarian and collectors books and maps including titles on the Southwest.
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Book Stop
214 N 4th AveAntiquarian and collectors books and maps including titles on the Southwest.
A large variety of western hats from Stetson, Bailey, Resistol, Sun Body, Head n' Home, and Atwood.
Arizona Hatters
2790 N Campbell AveA large variety of western hats from Stetson, Bailey, Resistol, Sun Body, Head n' Home, and Atwood.
Hi Speed Rods & Customs
829 E 17th StIn the market for something rare. Tucson is a mecca of classic cars.
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway BlvdTrader Joe's
4209 N Campbell AveBashas' Supermarket
3275 N Swan RdEntertainment & Activities
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon WayRialto Theatre
318 E Congress StOne of he nations top 50 music venues.
The Loft Cinema
3233 E Speedway BlvdBest Indi movies and programing in the west.
Arts & Culture
Fort Lowell Museum
2900 N Craycroft RdCovers the history of the neighborhood
Zentrum für kreative Fotografie
1030 N Olive RdTucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveUniversity of Arizona Museum of Art
1031 N Olive RdDeGrazia-Galerie im Sun Museum
6300 N Swan Rd