5 Points features exposed brick walls, globe pendant lighting, and a large indoor tree that brings greenery to the dining space. Shelves lined with natural wines and pantry staples reflect the café’s market-meets-dining concept.

Although the restaurant established its reputation and a brunch spot, it expanded with a dinner service with its own seasonal menu. Signature dishes include the Smoked Beet Sandwich and the Huevos Rancheros — crispy corn tortillas layered with eggs, beans, cheddar, avocado, and ranchero sauce.

Take the streetcar to its western edge and arrive at Agustin Kitchen with its sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere with its modern brasserie-style interior.

Relish over a seasonally changing menu of hearty-yet-refined bistro fare inside or on their courtyard patio. After your meal, walk around the Mercado San Agustin courtyard and enjoy the nearby shops.

Meaning “joy” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, Café Desta offers a journey into the culinary heritage of East Africa. Here, patrons are treated to an array of Ethiopian dishes, from tikil gomen — a mix of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots — to expertly prepared fish, and lamb and beef tips seared in a buttery kibe sauce.

For the full experience, consider sharing a combo plate to sample a medley of flavors and textures.

At Coronet Cafe, the driving force remains a deep love for food and creating memorable experiences. Serving up meticulously sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability showcase the dedication of their staff, the collaborative genius of this team is evident on the plate and in the environment they create, where everyone is cared for as they savor intentional — and tasty — food and drinks. There are always a few vegan options on the menu, but be sure to ask for specials, and don’t think twice about trying their Shakshuka.

Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson offers a blend of historic charm and modern flair. The interior features large windows, vintage tile floors, and eclectic decor that reflects the building’s 1919 origins. Outside, the expansive patio is shaded by string lights and greenery, providing a relaxed setting for dining and live music. This inviting atmosphere has earned Cup Cafe recognition as one of OpenTable’s “Top 100 Neighborhood Gems in America.”

The signature dish is the Cast Iron Baked Eggs with poached eggs, ham, leeks, and gruyère cheese. And check out the rotating dessert case.

El Charro Café, located in downtown Tucson, offers a vibrant and historic atmosphere with its colorful walls, traditional Mexican decor, and charming courtyard. Established in 1922, it is recognized as the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. The interior features sombreros hanging from the ceiling, rustic wooden furnishings, and a warm, inviting ambiance that reflects its rich heritage.

The signature carne seca is marinated beef dried in the Sonoran sun on the roof, shredded for filling dishes such as the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that El Charro claims to have accidentally invented

El Minuto Café, located just south of the Tucson Convention Center, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its pink adobe exterior and colorful murals. Inside, the restaurant features traditional Mexican decor, including vibrant artwork and rustic furnishings, creating a cozy dining environment. Established in 1939, El Minuto has been a family-owned establishment for four generations, maintaining its commitment to authentic Sonoran-style cuisine.

The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, such as the Shredded Beef Chimichangas, Cheese Enchiladas with rich red sauce, and the El Minuto Special combination plate featuring a chicken taco, beef tamale, cheese enchilada, and chile con carne. Guests also enjoy the Cheese Crisp with green chiles and the Carne Seca Chimichanga for their flavorful profiles. Desserts like the flan and sopapillas provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

“We’re passionate about what we do. Everything is still made from scratch,” said Gabriel Moreno, owner and chef of Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen. This even includes the meatballs, sausage, and chicken sausage. Furthermore, they grind their cheeses in house and hand-pull their mozzarella too.

(05/27/2024 note: they are closed for the summer and plan on reopening in August)

La Chaiteria offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that reflects its cultural roots. The interior features colorful murals, including one of Anthony Bourdain and one of Kristen Stewart wearing a Tumerico shirt and eating a taco. The space also includes a salsa bar and a selection of retail Mexican items.

With the blackboard menu changing often, find specials ranging from mahi mahi tacos to vegan Cuban tacos. Its westside location makes it a convenient destination after a Tumamoc Hill hike. La Chaiteria also offers a selection of unique lattes, such as Mole, Mazapan, Saffron, and Chai.

[Note: Maynards is temporarily closed for Summer 2025. “We will reopen at the end of August and look forward to welcoming our customers back.” Keep up with Maynards on Instagram for updates.]

Maynards offers an elegant dining experience within the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The interior features a polished bar and arched windows beneath a painted ceiling, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy views of the herb garden, patio, and passing trains, adding to the restaurant’s unique charm.

The menu showcases standout dishes like the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with mustard butterscotch, pork belly pastrami, and Marcona almonds. Another guest favorite is the Blue Crab Spaghetti, prepared with squid ink pasta, Calabrian chile, lemon cream sauce, and basil crumb. Maynards also offers a selection of craft cocktails and an extensive wine list, rounding out a refined and memorable dining experience.

The MSA Annex offers a few culinary experiences housed in repurposed shipping containers. Start your day at Decibel Coffee Works (coffee and pastries), head over to Beaut Burger (vegan burgers), Rollies (tacos, quesadillas, and more), or Kukai (authentic Japanese dishes) for lunch or dinner. Then, unwind at Westbound, a covered/outdoor bar offering a fun selection of beers, wines, and signature cocktails on tap.

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen offers a sleek, modern atmosphere with a blend of industrial and minimalist design elements. The interior features polished concrete floors, exposed ceilings, and a long sushi bar. The outdoor patio provides additional seating for guests a prime view for downtown people-watching.

The menu showcases a variety Asian dishes — don’t miss out on the Bird Bao Bun. OBON also offers a selection of classic cocktails with an Asian twist, such as the Black Tea Old Fashioned and the Pineapple Thai Chili Margarita.

Perche’ No is an Italian bistro that seamlessly blends the charm of traditional recipes with the excitement of contemporary creations. The menu is a testament to the chefs’ passion, featuring a mix of timeless favorites and innovative specials that never fail to delight. Among the standout dishes are the Ravioli di Zucca and the Penne al’Alce. The name Perche’ No, which means “Why Not” in Italian, reflects the owners’ journey back into the culinary world, driven by an irresistible opportunity and a longing for the joy that sharing food brings.

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria features exposed brick walls and vintage Chicago memorabilia for a nostalgic yet lively dining space. The expanded layout offers booth and table seating, while nods to Windy City sports and license plates adorn the walls.

Rocco’s is best known for its Chicago-style pizzas and some of the best wings in town. Favorites include the hearty “Heart Attack,” piled with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and jalapeños, and the earthy “Fungus Humongous,” loaded with mushrooms.

Seis Kitchen at Mercado San Agustín offers a vibrant open-air atmosphere. The setting combines rustic charm with modern touches in a shaded courtyard.

The restaurant’s menu draws from six culinary regions of Mexico, with standout favorites like the breakfast Chilaquiles —two fried eggs over red chile-soaked tortillas, roasted green chile, pico de gallo, and crema. Crispy Avocado Tacos, with breaded avocado slices and chipotle crema, are another must-try.