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Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson

Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson

by Max WingertAug 18, 2023Updated Apr 9, 20268 min read
Breakfast burritos are a hearty way to power you through the day. They're also great as a hangover cure. Whatever you need a breakfast burrito for, Tucson is there for you. Local tortillas? Housemade chorizo? A variety of salsas?  Check, check, and check — and much more. Here are some of the top spots in town to find this local specialty. ¡Buen provecho! This Guide is part of a series that honors Tucson as the home of America’s Best Mexican Food
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17 spots

Amelia's Mexican Kitchen

5851 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen on Oracle Road features warm ambient lighting, exposed brick walls, and decorative tile accents along the bar. Tables line the narrow dining room under a mix of pendant lights and skylights that brighten the space. Chef Jose Contreras, a James Beard semifinalist, leads this Sonoran-inspired kitchen. Regulars rave about quesabirria tacos and margaritas. For an extravagant bowl, the Molcajete Amelia’s towers with steak, shrimp, lobster, cactus, cheese, and onions, served sizzling with tortillas, rice, beans, and guacamole. This is the family's second Tucson location; the original is on Grant Road near Craycroft Road. 

Burrito from Anita Street Market (Photo by Kate Severino)

Anita Street Market

849 North Anita AvenueDowntown

This Tucson institution offers iconic Sonoran-style tortillas with burritos that show off the unique texture. Their hours have been inconsistent as they gradually renovate, but check their Facebook and Instagram for pop-up events.

Barista Del Barrio

1002 North Grande AvenueDowntown

Known for serving some of the best breakfast burritos in town, Barista de Barrio is also prized for its excellent coffee. Instead of a single massive burro, you get two smaller breakfast burritos in each order — perfect for sharing.  The custom-spiced chorizo is the star here, though be warned: It is on the spicier side, as is the salsa. Vegetarian and vegan options are on offer too, plus a wide range of coffee drinks. Heads up: the food is so good that the line gets long quickly on the weekends. Make sure to queue up early!
"Easily the best breakfast burritos I've had in Tucson. Maybe ever. And the best part is they come in twos so when you finish your burrito, there's still one more left!"
Max Wingert’s favorite

Buendia Breakfast and Lunch Café

2530 North 1st AvenueMidtown

A spot of color and cheer on a nondescript First Avenue drag, Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe was voted one of the Top 100 Places to Eat by Yelp readers in 2023. One taste of the breakfast burritos and you'll know why. Creative complements to the eggs in the burros include machaca, nopales, and bacon, as well as chorizo.  With food this good and a sprinkle of "joy" — alegria — on each dish, you can't help but smile at the start of your day.

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Frank's Restaurant

3843 East Pima StreetMidtown

Every morning Frank’s opens its doors, a traditional diner equipped with all the American-style fixings you’d crave. One of those things is Eric's Burro. This monstrous burro is loaded with three scrambled eggs, beans, cheese, salsa, and your choice of bacon, ham, sausage, or chorizo. If you want a lighter option, grab Frank's Veggies Burro, which comes with three scrambled eggs, beans, cheese, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and salsa. Stop by soon and check 'em out for yourself! The diner celebrated its 40 anniversary back in 2022 so they're totally doing it right.

Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120Midtown

Juan Irais Benavides and Michelle Benavides have offered a breath of new life into Lovin’ Spoonfuls. With a wealth of restaurant experience, they’re taking Lovin’ Spoonfuls to new heights. Since 2005, Lovin’ Spoonfuls has built a tight-knit community, treating their employees like family, and both Juan and Michelle are all about preserving that warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“When I stop by Lovin' Spoonfuls, my go-to order is the Southwest Burrito. It features a blend of housemade soy chorizo, green chiles, tofu scramble, and potatoes, all wrapped snugly in a vegan flour tortilla. I like to add guacamole to make it even better.”
Hannah Hernandez’s favorite

Maico Restaurant Mexican Food

835 East 22nd StreetDowntown

Huevos rancheros, wrapped in a tortilla? Yes, please! That's just one of the options that makes the burritos served in the morning at this self-described "fast food" Mexican restaurant a breakfast of champions. The setting may be casual and the food inexpensive, but the ingredients are fresh and the quality high.

Chorizo Breakfast Burrito at Paco’s Mexican Food (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Paco's Mexican Food

5563 East Grant RoadMidtown

Popular and affordable, this place is a hot spot for authentic Mexican grub, and the breakfast burritos are a big deal. Literally. They're massive. House-made tortillas and generous portions of all the usual fixings may have you skipping lunch. If you don't want to change out of your sweat pants but still want a baller breakfast burrito, head to the drive-thru, and pick chorizo or machaca.

Red Captain Coffee

4004 North Stone AvenueMidtown

Red Captain Coffee's breakfast burritos, crafted for both vegans and omnivores, feature the option of soyrizo or chorizo, making them an exceptional way to kickstart your morning or afternoon, depending on your waking habits. Whether you rise with the sun or embrace the day closer to noon, the delights of Red Captain Coffee, including its beverages, treats, and spacious patio, are all worthy of appreciation.

Salsa Verde

210 North Pantano RoadEastside

Salsa Verde isn’t your typical burrito joint with a drive-thru. For starters, the family-owned-and-operated restaurant prepares everything from scratch: the tortillas, tortilla chips, desserts such as ChocoFlan and cheesecake, and even the aguas frescas.
"The burritos at Salsa Verde are the best way to start the day if you ask me. I usually opt for the chorizo burro (no eggs, sub potatoes) — and don't forget the salsa verde to slather on!"
Addie Ibarra’s favorite

Seis Kitchen

6530 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

For a leisurely start to your day, settle down on the shady patio of the Mercado's gracious Spanish-style courtyard with one of Seis Kitchen's breakfast burritos. While you can keep it simple with house-made chorizo or center-cut bacon, you can also go extravagant with El Padre, filled with adobo steak, green chile, pico de gallo, eggs, potatoes, and cheese.  It's a religious experience.

St. Mary's Mexican Food

1030 West Saint Marys RoadDowntown

This hugely popular place is takeout only, with a few chairs for you to wait after you order at the counter. This does not deter the many loyal fans who have been coming here for years for the likes of fresh breakfast burritos, served all day by an always friendly staff. Fillings include carne seca and chorizo, as well as such traditional American staples as bacon, sausage, and ham — cross-cultural cuisine at its best.

Tania's Flour Tortillas

2856 West Drexel RoadSouthwest

Named for the granddaughter of one of the founders and open for more than 40 years, Tania's Flour Tortillas is a simple, down-home spot to grab a great Mexican meal on the southwest side of Tucson. As you might expect from the name, the tortillas used for the breakfast burritos are fresh and flaky and the fillings such as machaca and eggs are, well, filling.

Tanias 33

614 North Grande AvenueDowntown

This Barrio Hollywood institution may have the largest selection of vegan breakfast burritos in town, with meatless versions of machaca and chorizo as well as carrot tocino (carrots fried bacon style). The breakfast burritos are served all day long and come in regular, large, and extra-large sizes, thus catering to all appetites as well as to a variety of dietary preferences.

Taqueria El Pueblito (Photo by Melissa Stihl)

Taqueria El Pueblito

1800 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

Taqueria El Pueblito features bright papel picado, Mexican flags, and tile-lined counters with casual counter service.

They earned their following with its Zacatecas burrito, a classic carne asada burrito ramped up with the simple addition of bacon. But their breakfast burritos and menudo also earned loyal followings.

Tooley's Cafe

299 South Park AvenueDowntown

In 1989, Ron Schwabe purchased the building that would become both Peach Properties and Tooley’s Cafe. Tooley’s is the namesake for Ron’s college dog, Tooley.
"Tooley's burritos are best when eaten out on the patio — no matter what the weather conditions are. I usually go for the turkey and jalepeno burrito but the potato, egg, and cheese burrito is just as pleasant. The homemade salsa is a spicy icing on the cake, I mean, burrito."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Urban Fresh

73 East Pennington StreetDowntown

Urban Fresh is a family-run restaurant that focuses on community, sustainability, nutrition, local, and organic ingredients. Everything is made in-house in Tucson. The menus are surprisingly extensive given their small kitchen and the fact that everything is housemade.
“I'm so excited that Urban Fresh brought their breakfast menu back, and I couldn't be happier about their stuffed breakfast burrito. Whatever you do, don't miss out on the salsa!”
Hannah Hernandez’s favorite

Frequently asked questions

Tucson offers standout breakfast burritos at local taquerías, cafes, and neighborhood spots. Many focus on fresh tortillas, well-seasoned fillings, and made-to-order preparation.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

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