Tucson’s Sun Link Streetcar connects multiple districts for locals, visitors, and everyone in between. The nearly four-mile route has 23 stops and there are plenty of restaurants along the way!
Keep in mind that this guide only features 20 restaurants along the route. The Tucson Foodie team picked five spots from each district (Mercado San Agustín, Downtown, Fourth Avenue, and Main Gate Square) to avoid overwhelming you with options.
However, you can explore more downtown restaurants in our other guides:
This quaint deli is an indispensable stop along the Historic Fourth, where every bite of their meticulously crafted sandwiches takes you on a nostalgic journey of familiar yet unique flavors. With their passion for local ingredients and uncompromising quality, 4th Ave Delicatessen not only serves food, it serves slices of Tucson’s heritage, one sandwich at a time.
Anchoring the northwest corner of University Boulevard and Park Avenue, just steps away from the University of Arizona’s main gate in Main Gate Square, the new eatery boasts a menu that celebrates the regional and diverse traditions of Mexico, serving up what its principals call “all the flavors and fun of Mexico in one setting.”
Take the streetcar to its final stop and you will arrive at Agustin Kitchen, a modern American restaurant with classic French techniques. After your meal walk around the Mercado San Agustin courtyard and enjoy the nearby shops.
Bacio offers a diverse menu featuring Italian appetizers, salads, pizzas, calzones, pasta, plates, sandwiches, and desserts! With a blend of Italian-American and traditional Italian influences, Bacio’s specialty lies in its Neapolitan-New York style pizza crust, achieved through the use of high gluten all-purpose flour and a gas oven that provides a steady baking environment.
Jump off at the Cushing Street and Avenida del Convento stop on the Sun Link (Tucson’s streetcar) and you’ll find yourself at the MSA Annex. The businesses and restaurants here are based out of shipping containers. One of which is Beaut Burger, a vegan-friendly eatery specializing in house-made “burgers” made with grains, beans, vegetables, walnuts, and spices. You’ll want a side of sweet potato fries.
BOCA is known for its well-cooked Mexican cuisine, including tasty shrimp tacos, octopus, and bean rice. The restaurant offers a homely atmosphere, allowing visitors to relax after a hard working day, and is praised for its patient staff and unique decor.
Bourbon Bent has a nifty menu inspired by Southern classics such as chicken and waffles, cobbler, and even some bourbon-infused dishes. The head chef at Bourbon Bent is Justin Stewart who formerly worked as head chef at the Wooden Nickel Tavern.
This is a new concept by the Mieja family — owners of El Sur Restaurant on 22nd Street and the Ocean View Hotel and Restaurant, which opened about a year ago in Roatan, Honduras. The dinner menu includes the likes of Mole Poblano, carnitas, molcajete, flautas, Camarones Culichi, Ceviche Tostada, Mexican Street Corn on a Stick, and Tacos de Calabaza — (vegan) three roasted butternut squash tacos.
The Coop specializes in a variety of fried chicken options, from wings and tenders to full chickens, all prepared with recipes handed down from the family’s grandmother. The restaurant emphasizes a family-run, local business vibe!
Ermanos Bar, situated on Fourth Avenue in downtown Tucson, is a gastropub known for its meticulously curated selection of craft beer and wine. Complementing its beverage offerings, Ermanos also serves elevated pub fare that emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, which they also use to feature vegan dishes that always leave an impression.
At Fuku Sushi, Asian culinary artistry takes center stage. From innovated Japanese dishes to a vibrant nightlife scene complete with live DJs and spirited cocktails, their team is set on creating unforgettable experiences. Their Miso Glazed Blackened Cod is a good start!
Gentle Ben’s is a laid-back eatery featuring a covered patio, offering a delightful array of food options, exceptional craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of locally brewed beers on tap. Conveniently situated just steps away from the University of Arizona, it provides a perfect spot for a casual and enjoyable dining experience.
“We’re passionate about what we do. Everything is still made from scratch,” said Gabriel Moreno, owner and chef of Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen. “Everything’s got our entire heart and soul in it, and it will continue that way as long as this brand is alive.” From their pizza and salads to their garlic knots and sauce, we can vouch for the taste of that depth of care.
Kukai, also based at the MSA Annex, opened in February of 2019. If you’ve never had onigiri, you’re going to want to try it here. The traditional Japanese dish is essentially a seaweed-wrapped rice ball that comes with assorted fillings like pork belly, salmon, or, for the adventurous eater, umeboshi (that’s pickled plum).
When it comes to Vietnamese food, Miss Saigon is the place to be. They’ve been dishing out fresh and flavorful meals since 2000, and their service is top-notch. The pho and chicken broth pho with catfish are crowd-pleasers, and the Shrimp Paste Spring Rolls and Orange Chicken are also worth a try.
Run by the same folks who brought us El Charro Café, The Monica is a cool restaurant in downtown Tucson. Their menu is a mashup of family recipes whipped up by a team of ace chefs. It ain’t just Mexican food—think artisanal pizzas, baguettes, and dishes like Albondigas Béchamel and Short Rib Rustico. Plus the open-air bar and indoor/outdoor seating makes it great for just about any time of day!
Seis Kitchen is a renowned destination in Tucson, celebrated for its regionally-inspired Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is well-known for its authentic and delicious birria tacos and its commitment to quality, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being served all day.
Sonora Moonshine is a new concept from the mind of Es Teran and the talented team at Borderlands Brewing Company. While working on opening their second taproom — Borderlands Brewing at Sam Hughes — he was introduced to the available space at 124 E. Broadway Blvd. This is the building across the street from Pueblo Vida Brewing Company.
Plus, there’s a “swanky speakeasy-style bar” in the basement!
Owners Peter and Bree Wilke have created a wonderful spot where folks can find a world of foods and flavors curated with an artful, creative hand set in a lively vibe. Is it a grocery store? A bakery? A wine store? A restaurant? The answer is a resounding yes to all of the above.
The shop is set up like one of the walk-up spots seen in New York City, serving deck-oven slices and large pies. The menu is split into two sections: ClassiC (CC) and Vegan Version (VV). There are six options to choose from but in reality, it’s 12 because each of them can be made “ClassiC” or vegan. It’s a double whammy pizza-lovin’ experience goin’ down at Whole Slvce Pizza!
