Eating Downtown
Performance Dining Downtown
How to navigate your pre- and post-show eating experience
by Emily Ratley
owntown Tucson has plenty of fabulous restaurants where folks can enjoy dining before the theatre, dance or musical performances, but there are few important rules that will make the experience more pleasant.
Our restaurants welcome pre-show guests and want to provide you with the best possible service, so several of them offered suggestions to make your visit seamless, satisfying and timely. The rules are as follows: (1) Make a reservation—Give yourself at least 2 hours to enjoy a relaxing meal and still have time to comfortably make it to the show. See the Eating Downtown section of this paper for locations and phone numbers all Downtown and 4th Avenue restaurants. (2) Allow plenty of time for parking and walking. Several restaurants are located a few blocks from many theatre and music venues and there is ample parking, but you will need to account for one-way streets and a few minutes of walking to your destination. (3) Enjoy your food and remember that nearly everyone sitting around you is on their way to same place, which means that everyone wants their drinks, meals, and bills at the same time. Go easy on your server. If you accomplish the first two rules, there shouldn’t be any problem, but just in case, let your server know that you are on your way to a show.
Barrio Food and Drink
Despite the high ceilings and open floor plan, this restaurant manages to be comfortable and intimate. Perhaps it’s the warm earth tone décor and mural-size desert tree-scape floating across the south wall. Most likely however, it is the friendly reception and the mouthwatering smells that hit you as you walk in the door.
I have many favorites from Barrio’s expansive Southwest style menu including the lean and juicy venison, rubbed with a flavorful spice blend, seared and served atop spicy shoestring potatoes. For a lighter meal, enjoy the soup and one of the outstanding salads. Barrio also features a generous selection of appetizers, pastas and other entrees.
The kitchen stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday so you can return after the show to indulge in chocolate and nightcaps. I strongly recommend the chocolate caramel custard, but don’t try to eat it alone. If you are attending a weekday show, the kitchen closes at 10:00pm, so hurry back if you want dessert.
Café Poca Cosa
Walking into Café Poca Cosa is like walking into Mexico. The vibrant colors, expressive folk art and luscious foliage help transport the diner to another world. You will not have a hard time finding excellent food at this world recognized Tucson landmark, but you may have a hard time choosing from the daily selections of regional Mexican cuisine. That is why I opt for the “Plato Poca Cosa” which features three items of the chef’s choosing. Don’t try to make your own combination. Let the chef surprise you.
For those who are less adventurous or have dietary restrictions you can choose from the daily changing menu which typically includes chicken, beef, fish and vegetarian selections and there are no disappointments. You can also imbibe on one of the best margaritas this side of the border, made up of fresh orange and lime juice, triple sec and tequila. The full bar offers plenty of tequilas to choose from as well as beer and wine selections.
El Charro Café Downtown
El Charro is another landmark Mexican restaurant brought to you by the Flores family and located in the historic Presidio District of downtown. The menu is vast at El Charro so you may want to add a few extra minutes just to look over the array of foods. Every time I have eaten here the meal has been substantial and flavorful, but never too filling. There is a particular attention to fresh ingredients, evident in the nice chile flavor on our cheese crisp, the mildly spicy salsa and the Sopa de Calabaza, a soup thick with squash and corn, lightly topped with cheese and served with tortillas.
El Charro has a lovely patio, perfect for fall dining, and the Toma Bar. My mother and I shared sangria, which is light, refreshing and particularly appropriate before a show. The bartender Tony adds a “secret splash” of something wonderful that makes this sangria a step above most that I have tried. El Charro is on the north end of Downtown and may require driving or a few extra walking minutes to get to your show, but is well worth visiting and very accommodating to pre-performance guests.
Cushing Street Bar and Grill
This beautiful, historic space is located across the street from TCC and just a few blocks from the Temple of Music and Art, making it a perfect for a bite before or after your show. There are tables inside and outside on the courtyard patio where you might enjoy a garden salad, fish tacos, meatloaf, or a cheese platter served with fruit and bread.
Our dinner was light so we could order the rich chocolate mousse, a homemade recipe, and the pastel de tres leches (three milk cake) from La Cave bakery in South Tucson. Both were outstanding. The mousse was decadent and creamy with a definitive dark chocolate flavor. The pastel was light and reminiscent of birthday cake, but more moist due to the milk that saturates the cake after cooking. The Cushing street kitchen is open until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday and 10:00pm Tuesday-Thursday.
The Cup Café
This charming café is located in the historic Hotel Congress that marks the Eastern gateway into downtown. The menu takes a global approach with flavors from the Mediterranean, India, Mexico, and the Southwest among others. There is something for everyone, including a brightly lit revolving pastry display with far too many homemade options to choose just one. The Cup is open until 11pm on weekdays and midnight Friday and Saturday. Go before the show for dinner and stop back after for dessert and people watching.
The Cup, like El Charro is a few blocks farther (10-12 instead of 5-6) to TCC and the Temple of Music and Art than some other restaurants. You can walk, but may require practical shoes and a few extra minutes. There is parking all around the building and across Toole where the old train depot is being restored.
These are just a few of the great Downtown and 4th Avenue dining establishments. Check out the restaurant list that follows for a comprehensive view of what is available and come join us downtown before your next show. 
A complete listing of Downtown, 4th Avenue, and University area restaurants and cafés.
Downtown
Alejandro’s 31 N. Scott Ave., 623-3277. 8:00am-2:30pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Fajitas, enchiladas, carne asada tacos, chicken burritos, ground beef tacos. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Arizona Bagel and Deli 177 N. Church Ave., 623-3300. 7:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Soups, wraps, bagels, muffins, scones, coffee.
Baggins SW Corner of Church/Pennington, 792-1344. 10:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts.
Barrio Food and Drink 135 S. 6th Ave., 629-0191. 11:00am–10:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00am –12:00am Friday, 5:00pm–12:00am Saturday, 5:00pm–9:00pm Sunday, closed Monday. Upscale American Cuisine: beef, fish and soup specials nightly. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Bruegger’s Bagels 1 W. Congress St., 206-0002. 5:30am–3:00pm Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm Saturday, 7:00am–3:00pm Sunday. Bagels, bagel sandwiches, juices, sodas, coffee, soups, cookies.
Bus Stop Restaurant 47 N. 6th Ave./Ronstadt Transit Center, 623-9856. 7:00am–4:30pm Monday–Thursday, 7:30am–3:00pm Friday, closed weekends. Breakfast & lunch: burgers, pizza, sandwiches.
Café a la C’Art Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Ave., 628-8533. 11:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday. A variety of sandwiches & salads, beverages, house-made pastries, lb burgers.
Caffé Milano 47 W. Congress St., 628-1601. 8:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Hot Italian sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks, muffins, danishes, yogurt, omelets.
Café Poca Cosa (“little”) 20 S. Scott Ave., 622-6400. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Non-traditional Mexican: menu changes twice daily; chicken, beef, vegetarian.
Café Poca Cosa 88 E. Broadway Blvd. at the Clarion Inn, 622-6400. Upscale Mexican.
Café Q 121 E. Broadway Blvd., 622-4210. 8:00am–10:00pm Monday–Friday, 8:00am–12:00am Friday & Saturday, 8:00am– 10:00pm Sunday. Soups, salads, sandwiches. Breakfast served all day! Coffee and house made pastries.
Chris’ Café La Placita Village 110 S. Church Ave., 882-9050. 7:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Pizza, pasta, salads, subs, homemade desserts and candies. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Coffee X-Change 407 W. Congress St., 320-0302. Specialty coffees.
Cup Café at Hotel Congress 311 E. Congress St., 798-1618. 7:00am–10:00am Sunday–Thursday, 7:00am–12:00pm Friday & Saturday. American Cuisine: chicken, steak, sandwiches, burgers, nachos, appetizers, sodas.
Cushing Street Cafe & Bar 198 W. Cushing St. next to the TCC, 622-7984. 11:00am–11:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 11:00am–12:00am Friday, 5:30pm–12:00am Saturday, closed Sunday & Monday. Southwest Bistro including salads, steaks, sandwiches, grilled seafood, & desserts.
Deb’s Coney Café, La Placita Village 110 S. Church Ave., 624-5027. 7:30am–2:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Gourmet hot dogs, chicken, salads, sandwiches.
Dizzy G’s, 75 E. Pennington St. 622-1000. 7:00am–4:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. American Diner: burgers, sandwiches, fries, shakes, malts.
Di Maggio’s Subterranean Café 2 E. Congress St./Bank One Plaza, 670-1909. 6:00am–2:00pm, Monday–Friday, closed weekends. American.
El Minuto Café 345 S. Main Ave., 882-4145. 11:00am–10:00pm Sunday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Mexican, desserts, drinks.
El Charro Café Downtown 311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday– Thursday, 11:00am–10:00pm Friday, 10:00am–9:00pm Saturday & Sunday. Traditional Mexican: carne seca, full-service bar, coffee shop, desserts. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Garcia’s 419 W. Congress St., 628-1956. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Friday, 11:00am–11:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–9:00pm Sunday. Mexican.
Grill 100 E. Congress St., 623-7621. Always open. American Diner: burgers, sandwiches, pastas, bagels, shakes, pie.
Himalayas 17 N. Stone Ave., 623-7866. 10:30am–5:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Chinese: rice and noodle combinations, egg rolls, crab puffs, drinks.
Iguana Café 210 E. Congress St., 882-5140. 10:00am–8:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Sandwiches, subs, coffee, bar.
Ike’s Coffee and Tea 100 N. Stone Ave. #111, 792-1800. 7:00am–6:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, desserts, pastries.
Irene’s Peruvian Cuisine 254 E. Congress St., 206-9385. 12:00pm–2:00pm Friday, 6:00pm–1:00am Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Peruvian food, ceviche, full bar.
Italian Kitchen 27 W. Congress St., 623-0744. 9:00am–7:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Pizza, sandwiches, pastas, salads, desserts, juices, beer.
La Cocina Restaurant, Old Town Artisans201 N. Court Ave., 622-0351. 11:00am–2:00pm Sunday–Saturday, 4:00pm–9:00pm Friday happy hour with all you can eat Mexican buffet, chicken fajitas, layered enchiladas, chips and salsa, rice and beans. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Mongelli’s 47 N. Scott Ave. 798-3663. 7:00am–3:00pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Sandwiches, veggie burgers, soups, fries, salads, desserts, sodas.
Please see advertisement in this issue.
Mykonos Restaurant 151 N. Stone Ave., 624-8188. 7:00am-2:00pm Monday-Friday. Greek, Italian, American breakfast and lunch.
Not Just Java 33 N. Stone Ave. @ Pennington St., 624-8852. 7:00am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Coffee drinks, muffins, pastries, chips, peanuts, shakes, fruit drinks.
Oasis Vegetarian Eatery 375 S. Stone Ave., 884-1616. 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:00pm–9:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Vegetarian: home made veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, coffee/juice bar. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Rachel’s Downtown Market 100 N. Stone, 882-0808. 9:00am-5:15pm Monday-Friday. Fresh fruit, produce, sandwiches, snacks, and gift baskets. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Radisson Rosewood Room 181 W. Broadway Blvd., 624-8711. 6:00am–2:00pm, 5:00pm–10:00pm Monday–Sunday. Pastas, steaks, salads, sandwiches, full bar.
Samaniego Place 222 S. Church Ave., 623-0313. 11:00am–3:00pm Wednesday–Sunday, closed Monday & Tuesday. Chimichangas, salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts.
Scooters Cafe, La Placita Village 110 S. Church Ave., 620-1116. 7:00am–2:30pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Specialty beverages, gourmet coffee, sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and desserts.
Simply Convenient, 25 N. Stone Ave., 979-1877. 8:00am-5:00. Deli serving sandwiches, subs, soups, salads.
Tamalez at La Placita Village 110 S. Church Ave., 798-3697. 8:00am–2:00pm Monday–Friday. Mexican.
Toma 311 N. Court Ave, 622-1922. 3:00pm-10:00pm Monday-Thursday, 3:00pm-1:00am Friday-Saturday.
Fourth Avenue
Athens on 4th Ave. 500 N. 4th Ave., 624-6886. 5:00pm–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Greek: lamb, fish, salads, spinach dishes, pork chicken, calamari, soups, desserts, full bar.
B Line 621 N. 4th Ave., 882-7575. 7:30am–10:00pm Tuesday–Saturday, 7:30am– 8:00pm Sunday, closed Monday. Burritos, soup, salad, pasta, beer and wine.
Bison Witches Bar and Deli 326 N. 4th Ave., 740-1541. 11:00am–1:00am Monday–Sunday. Sandwiches, soups, full bar.
Brooklyn Pizza Co. 534 N. 4th Ave. 622-6868. 11:00am–11:00pm Monday–Saturday, 12:00pm–10:00pm Sunday. Pizza, Italian ice, Gelato, sodas, beer. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Caruso’s Restaurant 434 N. 4th Ave., 624-5765. 4:30pm–10:00pm Tuesday–Thursday, 4:30pm–11:00pm Friday, 4:00pm–11:00pm Saturday, 3:00pm–10:00pm Sunday. Italian.
Casbah Tea House 628 N. 4th Ave., 740-0393. 9:00am–2:00pm, 6:00pm–11:00pm Sunday & Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00am–2:00pm, 6:00pm–1:00am Friday & Saturday, closed Monday. Vegetarian and vegan salads, soups, sandwiches, stews, baked goods.
Chocolate Iguana 500 N. 4th Ave., 798-1211. 7:00am–8:00pm Monday–Thursday, 7:00am–10:00pm Friday, 8:00am–10:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–6:00pm Sunday. Sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks, deserts.
Common Grounds Espresso 327 E. 7th St., 770-9270.
Delectables Restaurant & Catering 533 N. 4th Ave., 884-9289. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Quiche, sandwiches, salads, pastas, chicken, beef, desserts, full bar. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Epic Café 745 N. 4th Ave., 624-6844. 6:00am–12:00am Monday–Sunday. Sandwiches, pasta/chicken salad, soups, omelets, bagels, scones, pies, pastries.
ITL Coffee Shop 415 N. 4th Ave., 624-4411. 9:00am–7:30pm Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–9:30pm Friday & Saturday, 10:00am–6:00pm Sunday. Coffee drinks, espresso, bagels, pastries.
La Indita 622 N. 4th Ave., 792-0523. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Friday, 6:00pm– 9:00pm Saturday, 9:00am–9:00pm Sunday. Mexican: enchiladas, carne asada, steak ranchero, chicken mole, tacos, desserts, beer and wine.
Lucky Chinese 431 N. 4th Ave., 628-1650. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 12:00am–9:30pm Saturday, closed Sundays. Sesame chicken, orange chicken, chow mein, sodas. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Magpie’s Gourmet Pizza 605 N. 4th Ave., 624-8775. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday, 11:00am–10:00pm Sunday. Specialty pizzas, salads, calzones, pasta, breadsticks, desserts, beverages.
Maloney’s 213 N. 4th Ave., 388-9355. 10:00am–1:00am Monday–Sunday. Burgers, chicken filets, pizza, wings, cheese steaks, salads, full bar.
Maya Quetzal 429 N. 4th Ave., 622-8207. 11:30am–2:00 pm, 5:00pm–9:00pm Monday–Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11:30am–9:00pm Guatemalan.
O’Malley’s 247 N. 4th Ave, 623-8600. 11:00am–1:00am Monday–Sunday. Sandwiches, burgers, pizza, appetizers, desserts, full bar.
Cafe Jinx 344 N. 4th Ave.
Rainbow Planet Coffee House 606 N. 4th Ave., 620-1770. 8:00am–9:00pm Sunday – Thursday, 8:00am–11:00pm Friday & Saturday. Sandwiches, soups, croissants, coffee.
Rod’s KC BBQ 601 N. 4th Ave, 623-0182. 11:00am–4:00pm, 6:30pm–8:00pm Tuesday–Friday, 12:00am–8:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday & Monday.
World Wide Wraps 500 N. 4th Ave., 884-7076. Variety of wraps from around the world.
University
Bentley’s House of Coffee & Tea 1730 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-0338. 7:00am–11:00pm Monday–Friday, 7:00am–12:00am Saturday, 8:00am–11:00pm Sunday. Salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, quiche, desserts.
Café Paraiso 800 E. University Blvd., 624-1707. 7:00am–5:00pm Monday–Sunday.
Chen’s Café 922 E. University Blvd., 882-7888. 11:00am–6:30pm Monday–Friday, closed weekends. Chinese.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, 905 E. University Blvd., 628-7967. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Sunday. Gourmet burritos and tacos.
East Coast Super Subs 1820 E. 6th St., 882-4005. 11:00am–5:00pm Monday–Sunday. Sandwiches.
Fat Tuesday 800 E. University Blvd., 798-3287.
Frog & Firkin 874 E. University Blvd., 623-7507. 11:00am–1:00am Monday–Sunday. Pizza and pub fare, full bar.
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co. 865 E. University Blvd., 624-4177. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday. Burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, desserts, full bar. Please see advertisement in this issue.
Greasy Tony’s 828 E. Speedway Blvd., 622-9089. 10:00am–1:00am Monday–Sunday. Cheese steaks, hoagies, pizza, beer.
Jersey Joe’s 1628 E. 6th St., 740-0461. 10:00am–9:00pm Monday–Friday, 3:00pm–
9:00pm Saturday, 3:00pm–8:00pm Sunday. Italian: marinara, steaks, seafood, fish, pasta, desserts, beer & wine.
Johnny Rockets, 825 E. University Blvd., 622-2245. 11:00am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, 11:00pm–9:00pm Sunday. Burgers, hot dogs, shakes, malts, floats.
Lucky Chinese Fast Food, 1027 N. Park Ave., 791-3887. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 12:00pm–9:30pm Saturday & Sunday. Teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, kung pao chicken, egg rolls, crab puffs, sodas. Please see advertisement in this issue.
No Anchovies 870 E. University Blvd., 623-3333. 11:00am–9:30pm Monday–Friday, 11:00am–10:30pm weekends. Pizza, sandwiches, pastas, salads, appetizers, full bar.
Pei Wei Asian Diner 845 E. University Blvd., 884-7413. 11:00am–9:00pm Monday–Sunday. Lo mein, Mongolian beef, spicy beef and broccoli, sodas.
Samurai Sam’s 994 E. University Blvd., 792-0404. 10:30am–3:00pm, Monday-Friday. Japanese.
Silver Mine Subs 760 N. Tyndall Ave., 620-6400. 10:00am–3:00pm Monday–Sunday. Subs, chili, broccoli & cheese soup, desserts.
Sinbad’s Restaurant 810 E. University Blvd, 623-4010. 11:00am–8:00pm Monday–Wednesday, 11:00am–9:00pm Thursday & Friday, 12:00pm–9:00pm Saturday, closed Sunday. Middle Eastern: falafel, Greek salads, babaganush, desserts.
Starbucks Coffee 802 E. University Blvd., 620-9344. 5:30am–10:00pm Monday–Saturday, 6:00am–10:00pm Sunday. Coffee drinks, pastries, muffins, bagels.
Time Market Deli & Gatsby’s Pizza 444 E. University Blvd., 622-0761. 7:30am–10:00pm Monday–Sunday. Deli, pizza, gourmet grocery store, beer and wine.
Two Pesos Mexican Café 811 N. Euclid Ave, 620-0306.
Zachary’s Pizza 1028 E. 6th St., 623-6323. 11:00am–10:30pm Monday–Thursday, 11:00am–11:30pm Friday & Saturday, 3:00pm–9:30pm Sunday. Deep dish pizza, thin crust pizza, salads, garlic toasts, beer & wine bar.
Other Nearby
The Garland Restaurant 199 E. Speedway, 792-4221. 8:00am–9:00am Monday–Thursday, 8:00am–10:00pm Friday & Saturday, 8:00am– 9:00pm Sunday. Vegetarian, salads, sandwiches, pasta.
If you don’t see your Restaurant or Café listed here, please contact us at 547-3338 or info@downtowntucson.org.
