With the news that Starbucks is opening in the iconic Chicago Music Store downtown, we thought it might be a good time to remind you of two things:
Tucson Foodie focuses all of our guides and articles on locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars, artisans, and more. It’s core to our underlying mission and purpose. After all, we’re an independent locally-owned business, too. When you read our content, join Insiders, buy a Passport, or attend our dinners and festivals, you not only support us, you directly support all the locally-owned food and beverage businesses in Tucson that quite literally make Tucson, Tucson. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Barista Del Barrio might be a little too far to walk from Congress, but it’s one of my favorite spots. There’s a reason there’s a line 30 people deep at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. Their drinks warm your heart and their breakfast burritos are arguably the best in Tucson. Barista Del Barrio sits in a historic house that’s very Tucson, full of adorable seating areas and random murals to explore.
Venturing just a few minutes from downtown by car or a nice walk through historic Armory Park is American Eats Co., a food court with lots of yummy options including Café con Leche. I recommend the Mexican Mocha Latte and a donut.
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 Tucson Foodie core team can often be seen meeting here. The baristas are kind, the Matcha Latte is fantastic, the music is great, and — unlike Starbucks — you can always find a seat. Bonus: go when Penelope Pizza is open and grab one of the best pizzas in town.
My personal go-to. The service is truly the best in town. I love everyone who works here. The atmosphere is so cute I could squeeze it if it were more… tangible. I love grabbing a coffee and a pastry and sitting in the almost-tropical courtyard or snuggling up in their booth rooms to get some work done or catch up with a friend.
Why not take a stroll through downtown, across El Presidio Plaza, past the Tucson Museum of Art, and over to Dandelion Cafe? Run by the amazing women behind Ceres and Noodies, Dandelion feels like visiting a friend’s house. I like to go here alone.
Hop on the streetcar, get off at the MSA Annex, and grab a cup of coffee at Decibel. The outdoor area at the Annex is great all year. The chance you’ll bump into someone you know at the Annex exceeds 100%. Decibel also has a serious breakfast and lunch menu, plus soft-serve ice cream.
An often overlooked but very cute coffee shop smack dab in the middle of downtown Tucson, Eleven Cafē is a great spot to grab an espresso. I’ve never waited in line here and the guy behind the counter is quick and kind. It might be the closest thing to one of those espresso spots in Italy where you walk up, toss a euro on the counter, and slam an espresso shot next to a few businessmen in fancy Italian suits. Although I don’t think they accept foreign currency…
Exo is a surefire place to take both locals and visitors. Their newer spot on Simpson is nestled inside one of the most beautiful historic homes in the barrio I’ve ever seen. Doug and his team at Exo have adorned the place with an amazing collection of mid-century and western furniture and home items, many of which are for sale. Their coffee game is focused on sustainable and ethically-sourced beans and, as you’ll experience, each drink is hand-crafted with love by their wonderful baristas. At night, Exo turns into Crisol Bar, a mezcal bar that also has a limited food menu — that menu is not to be understated. It has provided me with one of the best meals I’ve had in Tucson.
Five to Oh is a walk-up counter inside the Pima County Historic Courthouse. The courthouse’s patio is a great place for a meeting or to just sit and read in a quiet urban setting. I’ve enjoyed sipping coffee from Five to Oh while exploring the Southern Arizona Visitors & Heritage Center and the University of Arizona Gem & Mineral Museum.
HeeMee is just adorable. Seoul-native HeeMee Kim bakes at the cafe with her daughter Angela Kim. HeeMee’s pastries are the result of researching countless Korean, French, and Japanese recipes and adjusting them to her liking. The interior is a modern, minimalist aesthetic featuring white walls with pastel pink and peach-colored accents. Artwork from family and a Los Angeles friend adorn the walls. Go get yourself a coffee and a bingsoo, a Korean dessert made with shaved ice and milk.
Oralia rotates local roasters. They’ve got all the mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, and simple drip coffee you want, but I recommend ordering a Honey Vanilla Matcha, which is made with ceremonial-grade matcha consisting of antioxidants and l-theanine, giving you the energy boost you want without the jitters.
Inside beautiful Mercado San Agustin is one of Presta’s locations. If you’re me, you grab a donut from La Estrella and a short Americano from Presta and enjoy both while people-watching in the Mercado’s beautiful courtyard.
Roadrunner Coffee Co. is a hidden gem in Tucson, Arizona, known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s a perfect spot to get some work done, with ample seating and reliable wifi. Their coffee is locally roasted and the menu is full of delicious options, but the standout is their signature Roadrunner Mocha, a delightful blend of chocolate and espresso that will keep you energized for hours.
Savaya is serious about quality. All of their coffee beans are organic, single origin, and fair trade. Savaya baristas are trained in all aspects of the seed-to-cup coffee process, but also given creative freedom.
Talega is just one block off Congress down historic and tree-heavy Scott Avenue. It’s a cute spot with a cute lobby run by a couple of super nice guys. Enjoy your coffee inside or in nearby Owls Club’s courtyard.
