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There’s something special about enjoying a cup of coffee, smoothies, or small bites in the cozy atmosphere of a cafe. Whether you’re there to catch up with friends, read a book, or simply people-watch, the following spots offer a sense of community and comfort. When creating this guide, we focused on cafes serving coffee or tea — usually both — with a selection of pastries or a light breakfast menu.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle take it easy at one of these local cafes!
“With hearty breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes big enough to feed a crowd, owner Kim Scanlan strives to make your first meal of the day fun, creative, and filling. The original Baja Cafe opened on Broadway back in March of 2014 and the restaurant has been keeping folks on their toes ever since.”
At Baja Cafe, breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day, and they serve generous and filling breakfast and lunch dishes.
“An unassuming James Beard Award nominated chef serving up some of the best and correctly-sized grilled breakfast burritos in Tucson. Worth waiting in whatever line you encounter.”
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. Vegetarian and vegan options are on offer too, plus a wide range of coffee drinks.
Cafe a la Cart is all about eggs — scrambles and omelets and frittatas, oh my! You gotta try their Portobello Omelet or the Frittata Florentine with spinach and bacon. And if you’re feeling adventurous, their Southwestern Avocado Toast and Chilaquiles are the bomb!
“Countless vegan options and one of the best dirty chai’s in town!”
This spot is a cool little hangout on Historic Fourth Ave. They’ve got killer espresso, healthy breakfast options, wicked sandwiches, and sweet pastries that have been a hit in Tucson since they opened in 2020.
“Best hidden outdoor patio to work at. Good wifi, plenty of outlets, and lots of shade.”
Bringing people together is a passion and core value for Jenny Rice, owner of Cafe Passe. Part of her vision for the cafe’s next chapter is seeing people use the space to commune, create, and collaborate in new ways.
Just steps from the Chicago Music Store, Caffe Luce is an excellent spot to get some work done in a quiet space right within the heart of downtown Tucson. It’s one of my go-to selections for meetings. Their tea selection is just as good as their coffee, their food game always is on point, and the smiles from the staff are the biggest in town.
The perfect place to stop after hiking at Tanque Verde Falls, Coffee X Change has great coffee and a full food menu (try the tomato soup and grilled cheese). If you’re in the mood for something smooth, check out their smoothies. You might have to ask for their “Hush Hush Menu,” which features fun smoothies like the Pina Colada Smoothie, the Chunky Monkey, and the Orange You Dreamin.
“My favorite place to get a quiche and a coffee and chill on a patio.”
The Coronet Cafe focuses on fresh vibrant food that looks to local and always has sustainable ingredients. Plus, this is one of the best patios in town — plenty of shade and greenery to absorb.
It’s easy to fall in love with Cup Cafe! Located inside Hotel Congress, the restaurant has, for decades, served as a mainstay and unofficial gateway to downtown Tucson. As any Cup Cafe regular knows, the menu doesn’t change much, whether that’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most dishes are so beloved that tampering with anything might upset too many.
“Where both locals and visitors want to be (like all the time). Turns into a mezcal bar at night with some of the best home-cooked Mexican food I’ve ever had.”
At both Exo locations (the other is found at 403 N. Sixth Ave.) it’s all about delicious roasts, friendly staff, a sense of local, and baked bites that make you feel warm inside.
“Super cute, fresh pastries every day, amazingly kind staff, and a full breakfast and lunch menu to boot.”
HeeMee serves fresh pastries and cakes in downtown Tucson, handmade daily from scratch (the Red Bean Donuts and Korean Corn Dogs are outstanding!) providing a delightful pairing to your coffee.
Le Buzz’s menu is decidedly French, with quiche and tartines among their most popular items. The burritos and pastries are other must-try experiences, and their scones are baked fresh every day — they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.
“One of my favorite spots to grab a pastry in town! The patio is perfect for great conversations and it’s fun to mingle with the staff, too.”
If you’ve ever dreamed of fresh authentic pastries, just like on your last European vacation — or the one you are looking forward to — then look no further, Locale Bakery & Café has you covered.
Owner and bicycle enthusiast, Curtis Zimmerman, purposely opened up each of the three locations in an area that’s convenient for cyclists to navigate. However, a bicycle isn’t needed to enjoy their pastries and coffee, which is made from a rotating selection of freshly sourced, locally roasted beans.
Raging Sage’s warm and eclectic ambiance, complete with local artwork adorning the walls and a charming outdoor patio, offers a welcoming space to enjoy your morning cup o’ joe, afternoon pick-me-up, or evening tea. Known for their crew’s dedication to both the craft of coffee and the Tucson community, Raging Sage has become a go-to spot for coffee and pastry enthusiasts as well as those simply seeking a comfy place to relax while you create or hang with pals.
“Some of my favorite folks to visit in Tucson! Also, the smoothies are awesome.”
The space features a modern aesthetic with round white ceiling lamps and shiny metallic accents. Framed La Marzocco Italian prints on the wall highlight a combination of espresso gear and nature themes. The menu features a variety of drinks, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
“Makes you feel like you live in a bigger city. Get a freshly baked cookie.”
Time Market is the very definition of a neighborhood market, complete with a full slate of wine and beer, organic produce, freshly baked bread and viennoiserie, salads and sandwiches, and outstanding pizzas.
Located in the Lost Barrio, Tooley’s Cafe isn’t just a place to grab a bite — it’s a vibrant community hub where food, art, and culture converge. Known for its inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering comfort fare, from its legendary shredded turkey tacos and burritos to their fluffy chocolate chip cookies and corn cakes, each dish is crafted with care and celebrates the flavors of the Southwest.
“I know this isn’t food-related but I admire how many power outlets there are spread throughout the cafe — it’s a great place to work remotely! Actually, I guess this is food-related because I end up sticking around longer and order an additional smoothie or pastry.”
Stop by Yellow Brick Coffee and enjoy their menu of tasty in-house pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, salads, and coffee. All of their coffee drinks are of course made with their own signature roasts which can also be purchased online.
