On the westernmost end of the path of Tucson’s streetcar, the Sun Link, resides the Mercado District.
The Spanish colonial style Mercado San Agustin and modern shipping container-based MSA Annex feature several eating and drinking options with some of the best outdoor vibes in Tucson.
Whether you want a great happy hour deal, elegant fine dining, or cozy patio dining with live music, Agustin Kitchen has it all. Their fresh oyster selection is also one of the best in town.
The seasonally changing menu proudly highlights sustainable proteins and features global influences from Puerto Rico to Japan and Morocco.
For more information, visit agustinkitchen.com.
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Dolce offers over 20 different recipes for cakes. You can swing by casually for a slice of tres leches or make a special order for an elaborate, elegant cake for your special occasion.
Keep up with Dolce Pastello Cakes on Facebook.
One of the premier Mexican bakeries in Tucson, La Estrella offers a wide range of pan dulce. Swing by for a glazed doughnut (and a package of flour tortillas while you’re at it).
For more information, visit laestrellabakeryincaz.com.
Not only does Presta offer superb coffee, but they also include a bar with wine and beer at their MSA location. You’re also welcome to sit at the bar with a burrito from Seis.
For more information, visit prestacoffee.com.
Seis offers cuisine from a wide variety of Mexican regions. Both their burritos and breakfast burritos are among the best in town but don’t miss out on their fresh fish special and other unique dishes.
For more information, visit seiskitchen.com.
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For raspados, juices, and other Mexican snacks visit Sonoran Sno-Cones. The mangoyada really hits the spot after a Tumamoc Hill hike.
For more information, visit sonoransnocones.com.
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While farmers markets are often a morning affair, Santa Cruz River Farmers Market takes place from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursdays along the east side of Mercado San Agustin. Swing by to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Beaut Burger managed to pull off being one of the best new restaurants in Tucson with a vegan menu. Since the businesses in the MSA Annex operate under the same liquor license, you can bring a cocktail from Westbound to Beaut Burger, or bring fries from Beaut Burger to Westbound.
For more information, visit beautburger.com.
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After working behind the scenes to provide high-quality coffee to wholesale accounts, Hermosa opened a location to the public at the MSA Annex. Their signature Café de Olla features piloncillo, cinnamon, clove, star anise, chocolate, espresso, and milk.
For more information, visit hermosacoffee.com.
Kukai offers a variety of casual Japanese classics such as onigiri, donburi, and hand rolls. A variety of Japanese soft drinks are also available.
For more information, visit eatkukai.com.
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Westbound offers a variety of comfortable climate-controlled seating situations to enjoy their beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. They also have a bottle and can shop with a walk-in fridge, so it’s convenient to grab a six-pack or bottle of mezcal on the way home.
For more information, visit westboundtucson.com.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...
