If you’re hungry and hanging around the University of Arizona, you’re in luck.
Don’t worry about chain restaurants at the food court – venture around the perimeter of campus for a variety of eats from around the world.
From Broadway and Euclid to Speedway and Campbell (with a few exceptions), here’s our dining guide to 39 local spots around the University of Arizona.
With 30 rotating drafts and bottles in the fridge, 1702 has one of the largest tap selections of craft beer in town. Come to relax at the bar with a beer or eat a giant slice of pizza.
For more information, visit 1702az.com.
The Italian restaurant at Main Gate Square has been open for less than a week. Stay tuned for menu highlights and a full feature.
Keep up with Bacio Italiano on Facebook.
This quiet coffee shop is a popular study spot. The sandwiches and daily quiche also make it worth the walk.
For more information, visit bentleyscoffeehouse.com.
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Caffe Luce is one of the best coffee roasters to visit in the campus area. Their shaded patio is perfect for studying and light people-watching.
Keep up with Caffe Luce on Facebook.
Many of China Pasta House’s meals hover around $7.99, but some don’t even break a dollar. You can even order a variety of appetizers à la carte without reaching $8. It’s dumpling and noodle heaven for a broke college student.
For more information, visit chinapastahousetucson.com.
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While Dirtbag’s is wildly successful as a bar for sororities and fraternities, it’s easy to forget they have food. Their secret spice blend for their burgers and fries is the key.
For more information, visit dirtbagsbar.com.
While “Dutch” is the name, the restaurant offers plenty of non-Dutch options as well. Come for brunch, comfort food or an elegant dinner.
For more information, visit thedutchtucson.com.
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Hidden in the neighborhood south of Sixth Street, East Coast Super Subs provides a genuine East Coast bar feel — hate for the Dallas Cowboys and all.
For more information, visit tucsoneastcoastsupersubs.com.
Espresso Art is a cozy place to study with a cup of coffee. They also offer hookah and a little speakeasy in the back for cocktails.
For more information, visit espressoartcafe.com.
We haven’t swung by to chat with anyone or eat yet, but we will eventually; stay tuned for updates.
For more information, visit blindpigtucson.com.
Frog’s patio makes it one of the best places to people-watch on University Boulevard.
If you’re here with a crowd, share one of their not-technically-deep-dish-but-still-really-thick pizzas. They also feature a beer club with prizes and almost 200 beers to choose from.
For more information, visit frogandfirkin.com.
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Gentle Ben’s features beer from Barrio Brewing Co. and a large bar food menu with Southwestern influences. The upstairs patio picks up on the weekends with nightlife.
For more information, visit gentlebens.com.
This hidden hole-in-the-wall features a range of traditional Greek dishes with modern American takes as well, such as a Greek burger and fries served with gyro meat. Anything they serve with their signature lemon sauce is highly addictive.
For more information, visit azgreekhouse.com.
Pita and poke are an unintuitive combo, but Jimmy’s manages to do a good job at both. Choose from a wide variety of proteins and sauces for the custom pita or poke bowl of your dreams.
For more information, visit jimmyspitaandpoke.com.
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If you’re craving some afternoon curry
Between classes and in a hurry
Or you want to take time
With a wrap that’s sublime
Eat Kababeque and don’t worry I’m so proud of myself
For more information, visit kababeque.net.
Perhaps Tucson’s most popular Vietnamese restaurant, Miss Saigon, has saved countless hangovers one bowl of pho at a time. But don’t forget about their spring rolls and other noodle dishes.
For more information, visit misssaigontucson.com.
The food truck recently opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Stay tuned for an article.
Keep up with Momo’s Mexican Food on Facebook.
Another joint for prime people-watching along University Boulevard, grab a quick slice at No Anchovies. The patio has more TVs than you can shake your fist at. The menu also offers loaded tots, sandwiches, and more.
For more information, visit noanchoviesaz.com.
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Hidden out of sight upstairs at Main Gate Square, Oriental Express offers cheap Chinese food in a divey setting.
For more information, call (520) 624-5798.
When it comes to Sichuan cuisine, Panda House is the best option around the university. If you’re not adventurous enough for the Sichuan menu, even their lo mein stands out with house-made noodles. They also opened up a coffee and tea house next door.
For more information, visit pandahousetogotucson.com.
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While Pelio Grill offers a wide variety of Greek dishes, try one of their basmati rice bowls with proteins ranging from halloumi to lamb chops or calamari.
Keep up with Pelio Grill Greek Taverna & Catering on Facebook.
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Saigon Pho earned a following for its expansive vegetarian and vegan menu. Banh mi also makes for a satisfying, affordable on-the-go snack.
Keep up with Saigon Pho on Facebook.
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Scented Tea offers a laid back environment to enjoy tea. They offer fine loose-leaf tea for enthusiasts and also fun, unorthodox combinations such as Banana Chocolate Cake Rooibos.
For more information, visit thescentedleaf.com.
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Sinbad’s focuses on Mediterranean and halal cuisine. Their patio and vegetarian options are lovely; order the Foule Muddamas, a delectable combination of garlicky baked fava and garbanzo beans with lemon and olive oil.
Keep up with Sinbad’s Restaurant on Facebook.
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Sushi Cho isn’t for sushi snobs, but the portions for the price make it worth the trip south of campus.
Keep up with Sushi Cho on Facebook.
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Taco Shop is one of Tucson’s few 24-hour joints, so it might be busier at 3 a.m. than it is at lunch. Regardless, they make exceptional breakfast burritos.
Keep up with Taco Shop Co. on Instagram. For more information, call (520) 622-1899.
TEAholic features tea (with boba options) in a plush environment with Prince levels of purple. They also offer a small selection of rice bowls: Mongolian Beef, House Fried Rice (shrimp, chicken, & beef), and Braised Beef.
For more information, visit TEAholic.
Time Market is technically beyond the boundaries specified at the beginning of the article, but it’s still an easy walk.
It would be a sin to omit this foodie’s paradise — cheap large slices of pizza, a market with quality ingredients, a solid coffee, tea and pastry program, a diverse happy hour… the lists goes on and on.
Last but not least, they bake some of the best loaves of artisanal bread in Tucson.
For more information, visit timemarket.xyz.
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Trident Grill offers consistently solid bar food and seafood in a sports bar environment just east of campus. It’s a fun place to meet up with friends for wings or oysters.
For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.
A sister restaurant to Trident Grill, Trident Pizza Pub features brick-oven pizza in a sports bar environment. The pizza chef is also trained in pizza acrobatics, so don’t miss out on the show.
For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.
A hip renovated diner, Welcome Diner is a place you can take your parents to in the morning for brunch and then come back at night with a date for some of the best cocktails in town. They also have some of the best mac and cheese in town.
For more information, visit welcomediner.net.
Perfectly located for Eller students, Wok Fire & Grill offers a wide range of customizable Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Service can slow down when it’s packed, so consider ordering online.
For more information, visit wokfire.com.
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Although the colorful macarons will grab your eye first, don’t neglect the fabulous croissants or rugelach.
For more information, visit bywoops.com.
A heat lamp buffet lunch combo isn’t usually executed well but Zing Zing’s nails it with unique non-bastardized dishes such as braised pork belly. They also feature various Sichuan and Hunan dishes.
This restaurant is for the adventurous eater.
For more information, visit zingzings.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...
