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Best Root Beer Floats in Tucson

Guide

Best Root Beer Floats in Tucson

by Matt SternerAug 6, 2024Updated Aug 4, 20263 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 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 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 East 22nd StreetMidtown

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 East Broadway BoulevardEastside

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 West Kirby Hughes RoadMarana

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 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

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 East Grant Road #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.

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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An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us THIS SATURDAY, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way.

🌿SWIPE TO SEE OUR WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventAn evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us THIS SATURDAY, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿SWIPE TO SEE OUR WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
@vegantucsonnightmarket returns September 5th from 6–10pm with over 60 vendors!

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

🐖 FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

Check out the vendor list in our bio✨

Thank you to our sponsors: @semperfi_heatingandcooling, @tucsonprimeleaf and @trulieveaz_ 

Photos by @astra1wanderer 
#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal@vegantucsonnightmarket returns September 5th from 6–10pm with over 60 vendors! Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 🐖 FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ Check out the vendor list in our bio✨ Thank you to our sponsors: @semperfi_heatingandcooling, @tucsonprimeleaf and @trulieveaz_ Photos by @astra1wanderer #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
“Indian food represents many different regions and cooking styles, featuring far more than the curries that it is popularly known for — though those are certainly found in abundance at Tucson’s Indian restaurants. For religious reasons, beef and pork are not common in the Indian diet, but carnivores can enjoy plenty of chicken, lamb, and seafood dishes. Most Indian restaurants have large sections of their menus devoted to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, too.

Kitchens are almost always accommodating about adjusting spice levels but as a rule of thumb, the hottest dishes are the vindaloos, while the mildest are the kormas and biriyanis.” — @ediebjarolim 

Find @ediebjarolim’s guide on Tucsonfoodie.com“Indian food represents many different regions and cooking styles, featuring far more than the curries that it is popularly known for — though those are certainly found in abundance at Tucson’s Indian restaurants. For religious reasons, beef and pork are not common in the Indian diet, but carnivores can enjoy plenty of chicken, lamb, and seafood dishes. Most Indian restaurants have large sections of their menus devoted to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, too. Kitchens are almost always accommodating about adjusting spice levels but as a rule of thumb, the hottest dishes are the vindaloos, while the mildest are the kormas and biriyanis.” — @ediebjarolim Find @ediebjarolim’s guide on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Berrygreensacai is closing its original downtown Tucson location at 245 E. Congress St. after seven years.

The University Boulevard location near the University of Arizona will remain open, with the team shifting its full focus there. Berry Greens says it will announce a reopening date for the University location soon.

“After much thought and consideration, we have decided to close down our downtown Congress St location after 7 amazing years. We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support, loyalty and for allowing us to be a part of your community for so long.”

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#downtowntucson #uofa@Berrygreensacai is closing its original downtown Tucson location at 245 E. Congress St. after seven years. The University Boulevard location near the University of Arizona will remain open, with the team shifting its full focus there. Berry Greens says it will announce a reopening date for the University location soon. “After much thought and consideration, we have decided to close down our downtown Congress St location after 7 amazing years. We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support, loyalty and for allowing us to be a part of your community for so long.” Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #downtowntucson #uofa