It’s hard to complain about the weather in a city that gets a whopping 300-ish days of sunshine each year. Just ask Midwesterners, they’ll tell you. But even the most optimistic person might find themselves on the grumpy side of the spectrum by mid-summer in Tucson — when their tolerance for the heat starts to run out of steam.
Thankfully, these 15 patio spots around town have invested in ways to keep you able to dine outdoors with lessened fear of heatstroke. Read on and plan your outings accordingly.
Café à la C’Art, nestled within the historic 1865 Stevens House on the Tucson Museum of Art grounds, offers a serene dining experience. The Monet-inspired garden patio, adorned with lush greenery and mosaic tile accents, provides a tranquil setting. Inside, the café features a cozy ambiance with colorful décor and natural light, making it a favorite spot for brunch and lunch.
The menu boasts popular dishes like the Salmon Cake Benedict and the Café Burger, topped with smoked pepperwood bacon and avocado mash. Guests also rave about the Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake, a signature dessert crafted by the in-house pastry chef. With its combination of cuisine and charming atmosphere, Café à la C’Art has earned accolades, including being listed among the top ten museum restaurants in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine.
Casa Marana crushes it when it comes to variety, offering 600 different bottled and canned beers, 30 beers and eight wines on tap, and an extensive list of spirits. With an emphasis on Arizona products and a menu consisting of appetizers, paninis, and in-house brick oven Neo-Neapolitan-style pizzas, you really can’t go wrong.
We mustn’t forget to mention the views from their patio — another delicious part of the package. With much of their patio covered and misters cranked on warmer days, you can savor every layer of craft-loving sweetness even during the summer months.
Nestled in The Coronet’s beautiful courtyard, Coronet Cafe (formerly known as Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile) sets a tone for extraordinary coffee breaks and sustainably-sourced meals in quite the sanctuary of a space, which it shares with The Coronet restaurant and Nightjar cocktail lounge.
With strong wifi, ample outlets, and free coffee refills, they support the growing community of remote workers. Dog lovers at heart, you can share peaceful time with friends of the human and fur-having variety alike. The on-site mercantile is stocked with locally-made home and pantry wares. And regardless of your reason for stopping by, you can stay cool with overhead misters and plenty of shade thanks to strategically placed umbrellas and lush, natural landscape.
Kick back at Crooked Tooth’s cool patio, decked out with quirky hand-built furniture and wine barrel tables. Each table was crafted to include an umbrella, and their overhead misting system is top-tier — perfect for chillin’ and sippin’ on their exquisite sours or delicious micheladas.
In addition to beer, Crooked Tooth Brewing. serves up beautifully crafted charcuterie boards on-site, or you can step across the alley to order a tasty pizza or pretzel from Anello.
JoJo’s Restaurant, located at 76 W. Washington St. in Tucson, offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere in the heart of the Historic Presidio District. The restaurant features a spacious courtyard adorned with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and a tranquil pond, creating an inviting outdoor dining experience. Inside, the Monsoon Room provides a cozy lounge setting with dark green walls and vintage lamps, perfect for intimate gatherings. Live music performances enhance the lively ambiance, making JoJo’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The menu at JoJo’s showcases a fusion of Southwestern and international flavors, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include JoJo’s Francesinha, a Portuguese-inspired sandwich featuring smoked birria, bacon, Manchego, and a fried egg, all smothered in a rich tomato and beer sauce. Other popular items are the Tallboy Tots, The Bentley “Burger”, and Patatas Bravas. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, such as mushroom chorizo tacos and cauliflower wings.
Nook is your go-to spot for a chill brunch or lunch in Tucson. The vibe on their patio is upbeat and just bright enough to make your food photos pop. Plus, it’s right downtown, so you’re in the heart of the action while enjoying some pretty killer contemporary American dishes.
Who can say no to mimosas and benedicts under the Tucson sun?
Where do sushi and ramen lovers go in downtown Tucson? They typically go to OBON. Nestled in the heart of Tucson’s entertainment district, they add a sleek yet casual vibe to Congress Street. Featuring a variety of shareable appetizers, ramen, and sushi all sided with their imaginative drink menu, your options are vast, to say the least.
If you’re one to dig people-watching as part of your night out, their patio is the perfect spot. And with their perma-canopy shading and misters to keep you cool, even on these warm summer nights, OBON will help you set the stage for a successful evening.
Poco & Mom’s patio is the perfect spot for soaking up Tucson’s vibes. Poco & Mom’s delivers a menu full of ways for you to try out Hatch chiles. Whether you’re out to watch a game, get a cold one with pals, or sample their Hatch chile-packed New Mexican-style food, their cantina was designed with fun in mind.
Make sure to grab a table in their beautiful courtyard — with generous shading and misters to boot, you can stay cool even when you’re feeling (and eating) the heat!
This is the place to be if you’re all about those mountain views. Their patio looks out over the Rincon Mountains and has all the gear to keep you comfy, no matter the weather. Shade, misters, heaters — they’ve thought of everything. The food’s amazing too — they have some of the best ribs in Tucson, and their chicken enchiladas are top-tier as well. Plus, cocktails and a huge selection of craft beers to wash it all down
Picture yourself chilling in a stunning courtyard while enjoying some of the best Mexican food in Tucson. That’s Seis Kitchen for you. Located within Mercado San Agustin alongside Agustin Kitchen, and a short stroll away from the MSA Annex, Seis Kitchen offers some of the best Mexican food and one of the best restaurant patios in Tucson. Their flautas and tacos al pastor are unbelievably fresh, and you can’t leave without trying their refreshing pineapple and cucumber agua fresca.
Like the food, the courtyard changes seasonally — it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter!
Teaspoon has a knack for taking your favorite breakfast and lunch classics and giving them a global twist. From Hong Kong bubble waffles and gluten-free Challah Vanilla Bean French Toast to steak au poivre and Buddha bowls, their menu has something for nearly everyone.
Bring your buddies, your besties, and your fur babies to the shaded, misted patio — it’s a great place to spend a warm Arizona day!
Tucson Hop Shop has great outdoor seating for knocking back a cold one (or two or three). They share space with a few other spots, including Ciao Down Pizza Studio, so you can grab a slice to go with your brew.
Add to that live music and a pet-friendly beer garden, and you’ve got yourself an evening!
Westbound is a cool outdoor bar located within the labyrinthian courtyard of the MSA Annex. They’ve got an awesome drink selection, including cocktails and 20 beers on tap, so you’re bound to find something you like
Plus there’s a mess of adjacent food and outdoor seating options amongst the other shipping containers, including Beaut Burger, Kukai, and Decibel Coffee Works. Grab a bite and a beverage, and find yourself a shady seat!
