Tucson is a culturally rich destination in the Sonoran Desert that manages to perfectly blend American and Mexican culture. But the result isn’t just fusion, it’s its own thing entirely and something any foodie ought to seek out. Here, in the college town of some 550,000 surrounded by cacti and towering mountains, there are some of the very best restaurants in all the land.
Best, you get something here you just can’t anywhere else. From baked goods made with indigenous grains to Sonoran hot dogs, there are one-of-a-kind delectables every direction you turn. Couple that with some amazing agricultural history, stunning scenery, and some clean desert air and you’ve got something truly special in Tucson.
If you’re lucky enough to go, show up hungry. This town’s food culture is so vibrant that UNESCO has designated it as such. Its one of relatively few genuine foodie destinations where the local dishes not only perfectly reflect the surroundings but tell a tantalizing story about the place. There’s terroir in just about everything, sure, but it just hits harder in Tucson.
Here’s where you should go.
BATA
An award-winning eatery with a tremendously cool atmosphere, BATA is known for foraged cuisine cooked in a wood-fire grill. Chef Tyler Fenton is up to some of the most intriguing dishes in the entire culinary realm, blending curiosity with artistry and a fine-tuned palate. The dishes are as delicious as they look and emphasize the vast spectrum of delicious things that grow in the Sonoran Desert.
El Guero Canelo
This counter service classic gets the James Beard approval and specializes in Sonoran hot dogs, among other standouts like burritos and tortas. El Guero Canelo won’t blow you away with ambience but it will satisfy your core with some flavorful cuisine. There’s even a meat market if you want to take some of that goodness with you.
5 Points Market & Restaurant
A great corner market and restaurant with a cool wine list, 5 Points Market & Restaurant is the kind of place you want to be a usual at. The from-scratch menu features items sourced from local Arizona farms and the service is as warm as can be. Start with a deftly-made salad (the little gem salad is wondrous) and look out for entrees like Vera Earl flat iron steak with parsnip puree. You can even pop in during morning hours for great baked goods or join the restaurant’s wine club.
Barrio Bread
Barrio Bread is an award-winning bakery focusing on heirloom grains grown near Tucson. This is easily some of the best bread this writer has ever had, ever-flavorful and inspired by the desert. The place is all about community, from the farmers who grow the grains to the city-dwellers who want to know more about what they’re eating. Just show up early, as a line tends to form outside just before the open sign is flipped.
Borderlands Brewery
Borderlands is a female-led spot downtown that fuses American and Mexican beer traditions. One of the three taprooms is housed in a cool building on the old railroad line (next to BATA) but they’re all worth your time. The brewery launched in 2010 and has been turning heads ever since, making Sonoran-style brews and putting Arizona on the map as a main character in the craft beer movement.
La Chaiteria
This homey spot hass all the Mexican classics, namely barbacoa, birria, and tostados. Fitting that there’s also a giant portrait of Anthony Bourdain, as La Chaiteria is just the kind of place the late culinary great would love. Pop in and escape the heat with a cold Jarritos and daily special. For breakfast, have some Huevos Rancheros and a fresh-made smoothie.
Whiskey del Bac
There’s intrigue abound at Whiskey del Bac. Arizona may not be known for its spirits but this brand is working to change that, utilizing area grains and aging the liquid in local wood like mesquite. The tour is very much worth your time as it breaks down the entire whiskey-making process and includes an expansive tasting. Look out for unique offerings like the Dorado Single Malt and the Fontera, a limited-release aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry botas.
Zio Peppe
Italian and Mexican fusion? I was skeptical too until I found a chair at Zio Peppe. The place is home to dishes like tamale polenta and calamarrones, or calamari with chicharrones. I suggest starting with the elote arancini, which comes with lime crema and queso fresco, before working towards the Green Chile Garganelli Bolognese or Ravioli Sonorese. Local chiles are championed here and make their way into the menu in creative and often delicious ways.
Prep & Pastry
Fueling up in the a.m. is a must and Prep & Pastry is a prime spot to do so. The breakfast items are hearty and set the tone for an active day exploring the city or surrounding mountains. Go healthy with the quinoa-based Bliss Bowl or go Sonoran with some green chile French Toast. There’s even brunch on the weekends.
Other things to do
So much to do so little time. We suggest at least a morning hike in nearby Saguaro National Park. The scenery here is vintage American southwest and full of cool wildlife. Be sure to check out the Mission San Xavier Del Bac, known as the Sistine Chapel of the west. Even if you’re not religious you’ll feel something akin to spirituality near this incredibly architectural feat. Another must is the Mission Garden, which celebrates Tucson’s age-old agricultural pedigree.
Pop over to the University for some inspiration or stop by the Mercado San Augustin for some shopping. Outdoors-y types are encouraged to meander about around Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains at well over 9,000 feet. Oh, and during the heat of the day, be sure to hit an Eegee’s for a namesake smoothie, made with cool flavors that change monthly.
Where to stay
There are some great options in Tucson but in terms of location and an exceptional rooftop pool, The Graduate is hard to top. It’s set right of the U of A campus and boasts some of the coolest decor imaginable (saguaro light fixtures taking top prize). There’s a tasty cocktail menu to peruse near the pool and on top of great rooms, the hotel is within striking distance of lots of attractions including downtown.
Note that due to the summer heat, some establishments do close briefly or have adjusted hours.
