Best Root Beer Floats in Tucson

Guide

Best Root Beer Floats in Tucson

by Matt SternerAug 6, 2024Updated Mar 18, 20253 min read
Root beer floats are a treasure — a fizzy and creamy combination that's just as fun to slurp as it is to burp. I made a beer float once but it just wasn't the same. Root beer floats are the perfect way to bring out your inner child, transporting you back to simpler days, when your biggest worry was a brain freeze. It's also not as easy as it used to be to find a Root beer float, but here's a list of a few of our favorites in Tucson. Also, if you're looking for more local ice cream shops in Tucson (Root Beer Floats or not), check out our other cool guide.
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11 spots

Bella's Gelato Shoppe

2648 E Speedway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

Bella’s Gelato Shop is known for its artisanal gelato, made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients. They also make a bodacious root beer float. If you're looking for dairy-free, get it with one of their vegan gelatos and vegan whipped cream. Hey, even actor John Lithgow loves Bella's.

Bread & Butter Cafe

4231 E 22nd StMidtown

It’s argued that the best seat in the house is right at the counter/bar. It’s the perfect opportunity to spark up a conversation with the staff, to catch a whiff of whatever’s being made on the griddle, and to sip on a classic root beer float. It's found in the "Desserts" section of the menu (as it should be) and pairs nicely with a slice of pie.

Little Anthony's Diner

7010 E Broadway BlvdEastside

From Big Bopper Milkshakes to banana splits and the epic Wipe Out Sundae, Little Anthony’s Diner is a dessert hub here in Tucson. A lot of folks get a root beer float at the diner when it's their birthday but it isn't required — any day with a root beer float is a special occasion.

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Luna Cafe

14075 W Kirby Hughes RdMarana

Over the years, the Marana Stockyards has had a cafe located inside of the building named The Feedlot Cafe and Cattleman’s Cafe. Now, Luna Cafe has taken over and you better believe they have a root beer float on the menu! It's under $5, too.

Pinnacle Peak

6541 E Tanque Verde RdEastside

The steakhouse has its own draft rootin' tootin' root beer on tap. Throw it on top of some vanilla ice cream and call it a float! Oh, and just don't wear a tie to the restaurant. If you do it’ll be snipped and hung from the ceiling, alongside the thousands of others they’ve collected over the years.

(Photo courtesy of RoadHouse Cinemas)

RoadHouse Cinemas & Roadies Lanes + Games + Gastropub

4811 E Grant Rd suite 150Midtown

A decade ago, RoadHouse Cinemas opened its doors in Tucson, redefining the movie-going experience with its blend of comfort, in-theater dining, and entertainment.  You’re able to order food and beverages to your seat in the theater, including root beer floats. If you're not a fan of root beer, you can add any other soda they have on tap.

Snakes and Lattes

988 E University BlvdDowntown

Vanilla bean ice cream with Barq's Root Beer! It sounds like a sweet combination when you gather around a board game with some of your favorite friends.

The Screamery

5920 Arizona Pavilions DriveMarana

With multiple locations in Tucson (2545 E. Speedway Blvd., 250 E. Congress St., 50 S. Houghton Rd., and 5920 Arizona Pavilions Dr.), it's pretty easy to snag a root beer float when you're craving one! The Screamery often has deals on their floats, too, like on Father's Day.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 North Alvernon WayMidtown

Stroll down the winding path, and you’ll likely encounter hummingbirds, lizards, and the occasional butterfly. Then, about midway through the Gardens and before you reach The Great Garden Express, a chilly root beer float is waiting for you at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill — made with a good old-fashioned IBC Root Beer.

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Vegan Chinese Chorizo Empanadillas de Roseta 🌹 

Available Oct 30th & 31st at @thekingfishertucson as a collaboration with the @chinesechorizoproject. 

Pipian Verde | Agave-Miso Glazed Broccolini, Mushrooms & Heirloom Carrots | Pepita Garlic Chili Crisp

I got to try this special dish, and it’s incredible! I was rushing between appointments and planned to save most of it for later, but it was so good I ended up staying to eat more.🥰 — @deathfreefoodie 

Make your reservations now before it’s too late. 

2564 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZVegan Chinese Chorizo Empanadillas de Roseta 🌹 Available Oct 30th & 31st at @thekingfishertucson as a collaboration with the @chinesechorizoproject. Pipian Verde | Agave-Miso Glazed Broccolini, Mushrooms & Heirloom Carrots | Pepita Garlic Chili Crisp I got to try this special dish, and it’s incredible! I was rushing between appointments and planned to save most of it for later, but it was so good I ended up staying to eat more.🥰 — @deathfreefoodie Make your reservations now before it’s too late. 2564 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ
@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders.

Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt.

Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes.

Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. 

Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders. Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt. Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes. Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? 

Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day.

🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months.

📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 
📍 6450 E Grant Rd@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day. 🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months. 📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 📍 6450 E Grant Rd
C I Chu’s Mongolian BBQ has permanently closed its doors at 4540 E. Broadway Blvd., ending a run of more than 25 years at the same midtown Tucson address. A handwritten sign posted on the restaurant’s exterior confirmed the closure and noted that owner Calvin Chu can be reached at 520-370-7144 by anyone interested in reopening the business.

“We are sad to say C.I. Chu’s Mongolian BBQ is closed for good,” the sign reads.

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.comC I Chu’s Mongolian BBQ has permanently closed its doors at 4540 E. Broadway Blvd., ending a run of more than 25 years at the same midtown Tucson address. A handwritten sign posted on the restaurant’s exterior confirmed the closure and noted that owner Calvin Chu can be reached at 520-370-7144 by anyone interested in reopening the business. “We are sad to say C.I. Chu’s Mongolian BBQ is closed for good,” the sign reads. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com