🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Guide to Late Night Food in Tucson

Guide

Guide to Late Night Food in Tucson

by Shane ReiserJun 26, 2023Updated Aug 4, 202612 min read
After a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson's late-night scene covers serious ground. Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out.
Learn how we create our guides →
21 spots

(Photo courtesy of Basqueria)

Basqueria

350 East Congress Street #150Downtown

The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the pintxos (bite-sized dishes) found in the Basque country of Northern Spain and Southern France. Before opening the Basqueria, owner Freddy ElMesselmani soaked up the culture and toured the Basque region including Bilbao and the North Spanish coast.

Basqueria’s menu offers cold and hot tapas, pintxos, and paella in several varieties, including a build-your-own option. Mains range from galician octopus and bacalao pil pil to a slow-braised lamb shank, with a brunch menu featuring Basque-style eggs Benedict and an Ibérico chorizo omelet sandwich. The restaurant opens from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 10 p.m. Sunday.

Bison Witches (Photo credit: Mark Whittaker)

Bison Witches Bar & Deli

326 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Bison Witches Bar & Deli centers its menu on a large selection of deli sandwiches, served on white, wheat, or marble rye. Toppings and proteins range from roast beef and corned beef to oven-baked chicken and chunky tuna salad. The menu also includes appetizers, bread bowl soups, and cold salads.

They close midnight Sunday through Thursday, 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

(Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Pizza Company)

Brooklyn Pizza Company

534 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Brooklyn Pizza Company earns acclaim for its New York–style, solar‑powered oven slices on Fourth Avenue. The walk‑up service window and casual interior deliver a lively, casual vibe, popular with college students and locals.

They focus on hand-tossed, New York-style pizza sold by the slice or as 16-inch whole pies. Toppings span a range of veggies and meats, and the menu also includes calzones, subs, pasta, wings, and gelato. The restaurant opens daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with late-night slices served until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Advertisement

Jalapeno Peppers at Elliott's on Congress (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Elliott's on Congress

135 East Congress StreetDowntown

Elliott's on Congress keeps downtown-goers hooked with its contemporary American fare . Whether you're savoring their inventive small plates, indulging in a hearty main course, or sipping on a craft cocktail at the bar, the experience at Elliott's feels like a little celebration. With its central location on Congress Street, Elliott's stands as a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of Tucson's evolving culinary scene in an inviting space. The restaurant is renowned for its pulled duck meat dishes, including the Duck Sliders topped with onion crisps and the BBQ Duck Sandwich with citrus chipotle sauce. Other popular menu items include the Jalapeño Boats, Bacon Rangoons, and the Mediterranean Salad featuring grilled salmon and feta cheese. Elliott’s also offers over 25 house-infused naturally flavored vodkas, enhancing their cocktail offerings and providing a unique dining experience.

Gentle Ben's Brewing

865 East University BoulevardDowntown

Gentle Ben’s features an industrial vibe with an open layout that flows to a shaded rooftop deck with city views and casual patio seating. The venue buzzes with energy from local college crowds and live sports on big screens, transforming into a club vibe on busy nights. The Lizzy Salad with chicken, bacon, gorgonzola and honey‑basil vinaigrette is the longtime local favorite. Pork also has its following with the house Carnitas Tacos and Pulled Pork Sandwich with beer‑battered fries.

Omar's Hi-Way Chef at the Triple T (Photo credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Hi-Way Chef Restaurant

5451 East Benson HighwaySouth Side

Hi-Way Chef Restaurant serves classic diner comfort food with a retro roadside atmosphere that reflects its longtime Tucson roots. The interior features counter seating, vinyl booths and vintage signage that create an old school café feel.

Favorites include the chicken fried steak and pies. They close at 11 p.m. daily.

Tucson Urban Burger at HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery (Photo by Stephanie Shirley)

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

266 East Congress StreetDowntown

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with its blend of historic and modern design elements. The interior features exposed brick walls, high ceilings with visible ductwork, and warm wood accents, creating a cozy yet contemporary dining space.

They serve elevated American comfort food, ranging from starters like pretzel knots and cheese curds to mains such as ricotta gnocchi, seared salmon, short rib ravioli, and a grilled petit filet. Lunch and brunch options include sandwiches, a pot pie, and brûléed French toast, while a dedicated ice creamery offers scoops and baked desserts. The restaurant opens Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

(Photo courtesy of Karamelo King)

Karamelo King

3749 East Grant RoadMidtown

“Everything is glued together with the cheese. Everything is hot and fresh. It’s one of the most beautiful things ever. These caramelos are a work of art!” -Mark Wiens, Travel for Food

A dependable late evening option midtown, food truck Karamelo King now offers indoor seating in the former piñata store.

For a small upcharge, get your Sonoran hot dog bun toasted with melted cheese inside. But save room for the carne asada tacos or namesake Karamelo, a quesadilla with chopped carne asada.

Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

4625 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

​Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge offers a retro Polynesian atmosphere that transports guests to a tropical paradise. The interior features bamboo-lined walls, carved wooden tikis, fishing nets, and vintage tiki memorabilia, creating a nostalgic and immersive dining experience. This combination has made Kon Tiki a local institution since its opening in 1963. The menu showcases a variety of popular dishes, including the Kon Tiki Combo Plate — a sampler of Polynesian BBQ ribs, Hawaiian fried shrimp, and crab puffs. Kon Tiki also offers a selection of tiki-inspired cocktails, such as the Scorpion Bowl and Mai Tai.

Miramonte interior (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Miramonte

3352 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

Miramonte presents itself as a stylish midtown spot blending midcentury design with a contemporary dining approach. Warm lighting and wood accents highlight the sleek bar in one room, while tall ceilings give the space an airy feel in the main dining area. The kitchen is open until 11 p.m. every day except for Monday, when the restaurant is closed.

They serve scratch-made American cuisine, with starters like five onion dip, steak tartare, and jumbo shrimp alongside a soup and salad section and house specialties such as pan-seared salmon, baby back ribs, and a center-cut filet. Sandwiches, burgers, and pasta round out the mains, while desserts include Marianne’s Key Lime Pie, Oreo chocolate pie, Baked Alaska, and a vegan apple crisp. The restaurant opens from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

(Photo courtesy of Pockets Pool & Pub)

Pockets Pool & Pub

1062 South Wilmot RoadMidtown

Pockets Pool & Pub draws crowds as a billiards hall, pairing 17 Diamond pool tables with a full bar and kitchen. Rows of tables stretch across a spacious, no-frills room that feels welcoming to both regulars and first-timers.

Pockets offers a wide-ranging menu with Southwestern and American influences, spanning appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and boards. Standout items include birria fries, birria tacos, a Sonoran burger, and a goat cheese and bacon burger. The menu also features shareable boards, house-made dips, chicken wings, and a lemon ricotta cheesecake for dessert. The kitchen closes at 1 a.m.

Andy’s Junkyard Burger at Red Garter Bar & Grill (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Red Garter Saloon Bar & Grill

3143 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Red Garter Saloon Bar & Grill has operated as a locally owned neighborhood institution since 1969, drawing regulars with its easygoing, old-school bar character. Pool tables split across smoking and non-smoking areas, and multiple HD TVs anchor the space as a go-to for sports viewing. The kitchen builds its burgers from 100% fresh Angus beef, hand-pressed and cooked to order. The Gauntlet Burger, a double half-pound patty stacked with four types of cheese and four strips of bacon, draws especially enthusiastic praise for its size and juiciness. Kitchen hours run 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sisters Restaurant & Bar

800 North Country Club RoadUniversity & 4th Ave

Sisters Restaurant & Bar serves Italian-leaning comfort food in a colorful, counter-service space attached to the La Rosa music venue. Hand-painted murals cover the walls, and warm lighting creates a lively atmosphere that draws a late-night crowd. The open, airy layout suits both solo diners grabbing a quick slice and groups settling in for the full bar menu. The menu includes Italian-leaning comfort food, such as pizza by the slice or whole pie, pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. The menu also features specialty pizzas, a meze plate, organic soft serve, and a full bar. The restaurant opens 5-11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. See our visit here.

Surly Wench Pub

424 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Surly Wench Pub exudes a gothic and eclectic ambiance with its black-painted walls, taxidermy, chandeliers , and a mounted goat’s head named Peter adorned with accessories. The bar features black leather booths, a leg lamp reminiscent of “A Christmas Story,” and artwork from local artists. Established in 2004, Surly Wench has become a haven for Tucson’s alternative culture, hosting events like burlesque shows, goth nights, and 80s dance parties.

They keep their kitchen menu short and focused, centering on hand-formed beef burgers, soft-shell tacos with a choice of proteins, and bar snacks like mozzarella sticks and grilled cheese. The kitchen operates from 6 p.m.-midnight Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. -10 p.m. Sunday.

The Jackrabbit Lounge (Photo credit: Mark Whittaker)

The Jackrabbit Lounge

2000 North Oracle RoadMidtown

The Jackrabbit Lounge offers a retro-inspired atmosphere with moody lighting, plush velvet booths, dance pole, and vintage décor. The interior features neon-lit accents and a speakeasy feel, creating an intimate yet upbeat environment. The menu offers playful takes on a wide range of influences, including the Spicy Korean Style Meatballs, Parmesan Herb Fries, and Polynesian Chicken Skewers. Other favorites are the Creamy 4 Cheese Mac & Cheese, Kara-Age Chicken Sandwich, and the house-made Cheesecake. The cocktail menu highlights house creations like the smoky mezcal-forward Jackrabbit and the cucumber basil gimlet, balancing seasonal flavors and spirit-forward blends. Classics like the Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini round out a list that caters to both adventurous and traditional palates.

Trident Grill

2033 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Trident Grill offers a classic sports bar atmosphere. The space features dark wood furnishings, multiple flat-screen TVs broadcasting various sports events, and a lively bar area.

They offer a seafood-forward menu featuring fish and chips, clam chowder, shrimp dishes, gumbo, and fish tacos alongside burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Speedway location opens from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday.

Steak Frites at UnCork'd Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Jackie Tran)

UnCork'd Kitchen & Cocktails

6300 East Tanque Verde RoadMidtown

UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails serves a gastropub-style menu and craft cocktails in a casual-elevated space on Tucson’s east side. The interior blends moody lighting with faux-croc leather booths and a sleek bar, creating a relaxed but stylish vibe. The kitchen is open until 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Highlights include the Steak Frites, served with hanger steak and mushroom cream sauce over triple-cooked fries, Nom Nom Balls, which are mushroom risotto fritters with porcini powder and black garlic aioli, and Fish and Chips, featuring beer-battered walleye with green goddess coleslaw.

Union’s Veggie Burger (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Union Public House

4340 North Campbell AvenueFoothills

Union Public House features exposed brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and a spacious bar area. Located in St. Philip's Plaza, the restaurant also boasts a sizeable patio. Their made-from-scratch American gastropub fare includes a house-ground burger with bacon jam, sandwiches, salads, comfort mains, and a weekend brunch. The bar stocks 30 beers on tap, a massive whiskey selection, and a full cocktail menu. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday through Sunday, closing at 2 a.m. daily.

Gyro at Urban Pita (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Urban Pita

345 East Congress StreetDowntown

With a wide range of options in a fast-casual environment, Urban Pita, service is fast enough for a quick work-week lunch but inviting enough for a dinner out.

Menu options include appetizers, pockets and puffs, Mediterranean salads such as fattoush and tabouli, sandwiches such as gyros and shawarma, and a variety of combo plates. They close at midnight daily.

(Photo courtesy of Wooden Nickel Tavern)

Wooden Nickel Tavern

1908 South Country Club RoadMidtown

Wooden Nickel Tavern has operated as a neighborhood fixture since 1947, earning a devoted following as a laid-back sports bar and wing destination. The interior centers on 12 flat-screen TVs and a covered outdoor smoking patio. Dark wood paneling, neon beer signs, and a classic bar setup give the space a warm dive bar character. Wings star in 10 flavors. The menu also covers burgers, cheesesteaks, fish tacos, sandwiches, salads, and a full lineup of shareable starters. Kitchen hours run 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

Frequently asked questions

Tucson offers late-night dining at taco shops, bars, diners, pizza spots, and local restaurants across downtown, Fourth Avenue, and nearby neighborhoods.

Follow @TucsonFoodie134.1K followers
Located at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos.

Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson.

Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel.

In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comLocated at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos. Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson. Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel. In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ 

Tickets in bio.
MENU👇🌲

AMUSE:
Forest Floor
Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs

FIRST COURSE: 
Desert Oasis
Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint

SECOND COURSE: 
Campfire Embers
Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla

THIRD COURSE: 
Juniper Ridge
Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños

PALATE CLEANSER:
Aspen Breeze
House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint

FOURTH COURSE: 
Granite Peak
Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot

DESSERT: 
Summer on Mount Lemmon
Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile

#tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmon
LE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️

Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location.

🍒Tiki Cold Brew
Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam

🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam

🎂Birthday Cake Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam

And the food specials are just as tempting:

• Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries

• Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg

Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger.

2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130

Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodLE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️ Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location. 🍒Tiki Cold Brew Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam 🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam 🎂Birthday Cake Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam And the food specials are just as tempting: • Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries • Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger. 2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130 Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

❤️Restaurant owners: Applications close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 ❤️Restaurant owners: Applications close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona