Guidebook for Tucson
Food Scene
Incredible seafood and creative specials in a cozy atmosphere. They make the best dry martinis and old fashioneds.
78 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kingfisher
2564 E Grant RdIncredible 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Culinary Dropout
2543 E Grant RdYou 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Jun Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
2933 E Grant RdBest 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bobo's Restaurant
2938 E Grant RdThis 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Frank's & Francisco's Denoche Restaurant
3843 E Pima StBobo'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 RdA 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveYou 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery
2741 N Campbell AveExcellent 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Miss Saigon
1072 N Campbell AveFantastic 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveBest 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 AveWe 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.
77 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cartel Coffee Lab
2516 N Campbell AveThis 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
TallBoys
201 N Court AveThey 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveSuch 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th AveExcellent 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Falora Pizza
3000 E Broadway BlvdThis 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bay Horse Tavern
2802 E Grant RdFavorite 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Sidecar
139 S Eastbourne AveClassy, 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Tap & Bottle - Downtown
403 N 6th AveThe 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
IBT's
616 N 4th AveThis 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.
Revel
416 E 9th StIncredible wine selection and intimate atmosphere.
Creative beers on tap, lots of outdoor patio space, and dog friendly.
27 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N Dodge BlvdCreative 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Casa Video
2905 E Speedway BlvdThis 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Вина Руна
3969 AZ-82There 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Музей пустыни Аризона-Сонора
2021 N Kinney RdThis "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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Маунт Леммон
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.
320 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Национальный парк Сагуаро
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Сабино-Каньон
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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pima Canyon Trail
Pima Canyon TrailThis 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.
220 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Trader Joe's
4209 N Campbell AveBest 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Whole Foods Market
3360 E Speedway BlvdWhile 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Natural Grocers
3016 E Broadway BlvdThis 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Loft Cinema
3233 E Speedway BlvdTucson'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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc
330 S Toole AveThis 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 BlvdFantastic 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 StDance 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Yoga Oasis
2631 N Campbell AveYoga 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bookmans Midtown Entertainment Exchange
4841 E Speedway BlvdA 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 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Antigone Books
411 N 4th AveThis sweet independent local bookstore is stocked by bookworms with excellent taste. You can also find journals, locally-made jewelry, and other cute gift items.