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When dining out, weekend breakfast often falls into three main categories: greasy spoon diner, mimosa and Bloody Mary’s, and the ultra-luxurious buffet.
For a roundup of our favorite diners, check out 34 Essential Tucson Breakfast Diners. For the classiest breakfast spots, mosey on over to Feasts, Views & Mimosas: 6 Fancy Sunday Brunch Buffets.
The restaurants below hang out in the middle and offer breakfast and brunch on both weekends and weekdays.
So read on, fellow foodie, below are our current picks for the best casual brunch restaurants in Tucson.
Busy yet relaxed, 5 Points highlights local ingredients prepared in ways that foodies truly appreciate. The Huevos Rancheros and Smoked Salmon Benedict are among the best in town. But don’t hesitate to order anything off the menu. While they don’t have any alcohol, enjoy the fresh juices and shrubs.
For more information, visit 5pointstucson.com.
Baja Cafe is the local champion of pancakes and crafty eggs Benedicts. The Snickerdoodle Pancake is the popular favorite, but creative specials for both pancakes and Benedicts are introduced regularly. The lists of sauces and toppings in each Benedict seem overwhelming at a glance, but make glorious sense once you taste them.
For more information, visit bajacafetucson.com.
Open since 1978, Blue Willow has one of the best patios in town. The menu features American classics in a comfortable environment influenced by Julia Child and a touch of the Southwest. Don’t miss out on their desserts.
For more information, visit bluewillowtucson.com.
Home of the famous, award-winning Cast Iron Baked Eggs, Hotel Congress features a balanced brunch menu with custom omelets, daily-changing quiches, and more. Try not to get too distracted by the mesmerizing rotating dessert case.
For more information visit hotelcongress.com.
Since 1992, Ghini’s has served as an intimate neighborhood cafe with a pet-friendly patio. Owner-chef Coralie Satta (a.k.a. Ghini) is usually on site. The Eggs Provencal is the most famous dish but do try the Croque Madame and Roasted Garlic & Brie Omelette. Stop by La Baguette Bakery next door. Operated by by Ghini’s father, the small bakery is great for dessert or something to-go.
For more information, visit ghiniscafe.com.
While Nook offers an eclectic range of brunch options with a touch of Hawaiian influence, it’s hard to say no to their hanger steak options. Grab a seat outside if you can — their updated urban patio and small garden is fabulous.
For more information, visit nookdowntown.com.
Prep & Pastry is one of the busiest brunch restaurants in town. And for good reason. They have the whole package down with a fun vibe, wide selection of mimosas, and assorted dishes and pastries you’ll find yourselves craving by dinner time.
Bonus tip — if you don’t want to wait for a table on Sunday, check out sister restaurant Commoner & Co. for Sunday brunch.
For more information, visit prepandpastry.com.
Welcome Diner’s tongue-in-cheek brunch cocktail menu is the main draw with simple cocktails executed well. Fresh juice mimosas and the Cajun Mary are safe go-to options, but check out the El Sorber with tequila añejo, chile ancho liqueur, cinnamon, and cold brew. The Three Sisters Burrito is a staff pick.
For more information, visit welcomediner.net.
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...
