Foodie 15: Vegan eats in downtown Tucson

They say that variety is the spice of life, and downtown Tucson’s food scene offers just that in its dining options for vegans, vegetarians, and those simply wanting to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

This guide includes creative restaurant dishes ranging from creamy pasta to vegan poke, burgers, and desserts. So buckle up, and add some variety to your life as you eat your way through the heart of Tucson any time of the day.

4th Avenue Delicatessen

425 N. Fourth Ave.

This shiny little gem on Fourth Avenue recently added a vegan menu, and they went all out with a variety of stacked sandwiches and smothered hot dogs. The “Vegan Hot Dog” menu includes Chicago, N.Y.C., Chili, and more. The garlicky pesto spread and savory veggies on the Sundance Kid sandwich will have you falling in love with veggies if you’re not a fan of them already. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.

Ermanos Bar

220 N. Fourth Ave.

Ermanos Bar offers quality vegan options from brunch to late night. On the brunch menu, Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., ask for the vegan version of the Fleetwood Hash with tots and sautéed veggies. Midday to late at night, choose the creamy Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo or the buttery Cashew Curry served with Basmati rice and grilled garlic naan. Outdoor seating is available, along with the gorgeous Portal cocktail lounge.

For more information, visit ermanosbrew.com. 

The Boxyard

238 N. Fourth Ave.

This casual outdoor space offers multiple eateries housed in repurposed shipping containers, comfortable seating, a solid cocktail selection, and misters to keep you cool.

Stop by Spice Box for Veg Samosas, Chana Masala, Garlic Naan, and more. Visit Nhu Lan Vietnamese and order a Banh Mi Dau Hu (tofu French style soft sandwich) and tofu spring rolls with peanut sauce. Los Perches offers packed Beyond Burritos and we’ll-dressed Veggie Hotdogs on toasted buns.

For more information, visit theboxyardtucson.com. 

Magpies Gourmet Pizza

605 N. Fourth Ave.

Magpies will not only top your pizza with vegan cheese upon request, but they’ll also add vegan cheese to their fluffy garlic cheese sticks. Order one of the many veggie pizzas on their menu, sub your preferred cheese, and you’re all set. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

For more information, visit magpiespizza.com. 

Arte Bella On 4th Ave.

340 N. Fourth Ave.

Eat, drink, smoke, and paint in this 420-friendly space. Scoop up refreshingly acidic Tofu Ceviche with tortilla chips, get your greens in a Buddha Bowl, or grab a Sonoran Tofu Dog topped with a creamy avocado sauce. Don’t miss out on Taco Tuesdays! You can substitute shredded jackfruit for meat on any item.

For more information, visit artebellaon4th.com. 

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery • HUB Ice Cream Parlor

266 E. Congress St. • 245 E. Congress St.

Grab a seat indoors or out on the patio and enjoy a loaded vegan burger and your choice of fries or tater tots. Across the street, you’ll find HUB Ice Cream Parlor. Walk into the dreamy parlor for tart, sweet, and creamy hand-crafted ice creams. Rotating vegan selections are always available and made only with the best natural ingredients.

For more information, visit hubdowntown.com and thehubicecream.com.

Little Love Burger

245 E. Congress St. #159

Take in the views of Congress from one of Little Love Burgers’ open window seats. Customize an Impossible Burger with your favorite veggie toppings and sauces. Frenchie Fries or Too Hot to Tots for a side, and endless “Love Potions” to sip on.

For more information, visit littleloveburger.com. 

Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink

101 E. Pennington St.

Doesn’t matter if you’re casually wandering downtown or wanting to add romance to your date night; Reilly’s warm ambiance and light dishes will be a great addition to your day. Start your visit with their house-made bread (ask for no butter to make it vegan). Garlic, mushroom, eggplant, peppers, and onion top the crispy Vegan Pizza. Add nutritional yeast to make it cheesy.

For more information, visit reillypizza.com. 

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen

350 E. Congress St.

Sip a cool drink and enjoy the weather on Obon’s misted patio. Choose from Fresh Veggie Handrolls, Vegan Poke, and two different variations of vegan ramen. Veggie White: mushroom soy milk marinated tofu, scallions, broccolini, enoki, and the Bamboo Veggie Black: red miso beech mushroom, enoki, bean sprouts, onion, scallions, garlic oil, and kombu.

For more information, visit obonsushi.com. 

Lemongrass

344 N. Fourth Ave.

Healthy and hearty comfort food on Fourth Avenue. Freshly prepared organic meals with options for everyone. Are you looking for gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dishes? You’re all set. Decide the level of spice you’re in the mood for, whether or not you’d like some vegan rice pudding for dessert, and grab a seat indoors or out on the spacious patio.

For more information, visit lemongrasstucson.com.

Martin’s Comida Chingona

557 N. Fourth Ave.

Never frozen, never fried. You’ll find endless high-quality vegan options on Martin’s menu. The beans, rice, flour tortillas, salsa, and horchata are all vegan as is. With tacos, tortas, burritos, and tostadas, there’s something for everyone. Dine inside with a ton of entertaining art, or grab a seat outside.

For more information, follow Martin’s Comida Chingona on Facebook. 

Urban Fresh

73 E. Pennington St.

Urban Fresh’s menu is thoughtful, house-made, and 100% vegan. Are you working or wandering downtown on a weekday? Order ahead or walk up Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Burgers, smoothies, fresh juice remedies, and a plentiful selection of gluten-free dishes are available. Eat your meal out in the spacious outdoor seating area.

For more information, visit urbanfreshaz.com. 

Cup Cafe

311 E. Congress St.

Discover the charm of the indoor/outdoor Cup Cafe at the historic Hotel Congress. Offering delightful vegan dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, Cup’s current vegan offerings are El Charro Hemp Tamales, Lettuce Wraps with blackened tofu, soft vegan brownies, and a rich seasonal mango cheesecake. Tuesday – Wednesday from 4 – 9 p.m. and Thursday – Friday from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m, order Falafel Lettuce Wraps from Hotel Congress’ food trailer, Plaza Eats.

For more information, visit hotelcongress.com. 

The Little One

151 N. Stone Ave.

Authentic, home-style Mexican food, daily vegan specials, with indoor/outdoor seating available. The Little One consistently offers creative vegan specials, successfully taking traditional dishes and recreating them without animal ingredients. After your meal, purchase a present for yourself or a loved one at their lovely local gift shop.

For more information, visit thelittleoneaz.com.

Café Maggie

745 N. Fourth Ave.

There’s something extra special about breakfast all day, especially when pancakes are involved. Throw some crispy house potatoes and freshly baked goods in the mix, and you’ll have the recipe for a good time. Cozy up on the outdoor seating, or sit in the art-filled indoor space.

For more information, visit cafemaggieon4th.com.