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(Photo by Lucas Allmann)

Where to Eat Near the Tucson Jazz Festival

Updated January 17, 2025

The Tucson Jazz Festival invites you to explore the heart and soul of the annual event from Friday, January 17 – Saturday, January 25. Actually, and similar to previous years, there are multiple stages! Curated by Executive and Artistic Director Khris Dodge, the 11th annual event offers nine days of some of the greatest jazz talents in the world throughout Downtown Tucson.

Keep scrolling to see special menus available during the Tucson Jazz Festival!

If you’re looking for a meal or a drink before or after a show, here’s a list of restaurants near the downtown venues.

Visit tucsonjazzfestival.org to learn more about the festival and purchase tickets to other shows on the event calendar.

(Photo courtesy of Basqueria)

Basqueria

Located in the heart of downtown Tucson – At Basqueria, you will find an entire counter full of various authentic & homemade pintxos (pinchos), delicious Spanish dishes with a modern twist in a warm atmosphere of the quintessential Spanish taqueria.

FOOD SPECIALS THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:

Holiday Board-Mortadella, andouille sausage, sharp cheddar, and gorgonzola, with bread and nuts escargot-snails sautéed in a white wine garlic butter sauce, with parsley (Gluten-free).

Jambalaya-Chicken, andouille sausage, rice, scallions, onions, and garlic in gluten-free tomato-based sauce (Gluten-free).

Crawfish Etouffee- Crawfish sautéed with onions and garlic in a tomato sauce, served over rice. (Gluten-free).

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:

Winter spiced sangria- Red sangria with cinnamon and clove spiced simple syrup, brandy, and triple sec, garnished with strawberries, apples, and oranges.

Beyond Bread (Campbell Avenue)

Locally owned & operated since 1998, we offer a variety of hand-crafted breads, delicious sandwiches, house-made soups, fresh salads, & decadent pastries.
FOOD SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
King CakeLIVE MUSIC
1/24 – 5pm-7pm – Chelsee Hicks Duo
A photo of the interior of The Century Room cocktail lounge
The Century Room (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)

The Century Room

Borderlands Jazz Club located in the historic Hotel Congress offers live music, craft cocktails, and regional beer and wine.
DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
High Society – Scotch, Brandy, Borghetti, and Fernet Branca.Music Daily.
A photo of a steak and lobster combo plate
Surf and Turf (Photo courtesy of Charro Steak & del Ray on Facebook)

Charro Steak & Del Rey

Get ready to discover one heck of a culinary duo. Owned and operated by the Flores family of El Charro restaurants, the sister and neighboring concepts — Charro Steak & Del Rey — make it easier than ever to experience quality flavors of the sea and local meats with their ranch-to-table, eco-friendly approaches to surf and turf.

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Jazz-a-Ritas made with Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila.
a group of people sitting on a bench in front of a store
CORBETT'S (Photo by SWOON Media)

CORBETT’S

CORBETT’S stands as a dynamic fusion of restaurant, pickleball destination, music venue, and beer garden—a Megazord of entertainment nestled in downtown Tucson, offering a hangout for families, college students, travelers, and beyond.

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
The Grey Gatsby

Carne Seca Burrito at El Charro Cafe (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

El Charro Café Downtown

With a history dating back to 1922, El Charro holds the title of the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Steeped in tradition, this beloved establishment offers a menu that pays homage to authentic Sonoran cuisine, featuring timeless classics like carne seca and the iconic chimichanga.

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Jazz-a-Ritas made with Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila.

(Photo courtesy of Gallery of Food)

Gallery of Food

Gallery of Food is a small catering company, market, and eatery, locally owned by Kristine Jensen. Since 1991 we have been serving up great, hand-crafted food.
Gallery of Food Greatest Hits • Jazz & Dinner in the Garden
Saturday, January 18, 2025 • Grazing Buffet
STARTERS
Eggplant Roulade with Compari Tomatoes & Basil Pesto (vegan & gluten-free)
Empanadas de Elote with Cilantro Crema (vegetarian)
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos stuffed Manchego & Urban Grove Dates (gluten-free)
Honeynut Squash with Brown Butter & Sage garnished with Pepitas & Barrio Croutons (vegetarian & gluten-free without the croutons)
Merchant Garden & Blue Sky Farms Green Salad with Marinated Shaved Fennel Slaw dressed with Walnuts & Feta with a Sherry Vinaigrette (gluten-free & vegan without the fetaMAIN COURSE
Frida’s Corn Pudding with Slivered Peppers & Tomatillo Crema (vegetarian & gluten-free
Winder Vegetable Platter with Baby Carrots, Acorn Squash, Roasted Shallots, Broccoli Rabe, Spiced Cauliflower with Creamy Dill & Sweet Pepper Sauce (gluten-free & vegan without the creamy dill sauce)
Bodega Mesquite Kolaches with Feng’s Desert Pearl Mushroom Chorizo served with Tamarind Sauce (vegan)
Grilled and Roasted Beef Picanha with Limequat Chimichurri (gluten-free)
Top Knot Shredded Duck Empanadas with Spicy Chile Sauce (dairy & gluten-free)

SWEET TABLE
An array of our favorite treats with some vegan & some gluten-free
All House made and All Delicious

Photo Courtesy of Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

HUB seamlessly fuses modern American cuisine and an upbeat atmosphere, making it a favorite for both residents and out-of-towners alike. The relatable menu includes hearty burgers and shareable dishes and you’ll want to be sure to leave room for their ice cream creations.

Juniper Negroni Swizzle (Photo credit: Shane Reiser)

Juniper

A member of the Iron John’s Brewing Company family, Juniper is a full-service bar and lounge specializing in gin-based cocktails.
DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Wake-up Bix
a display in a store filled with lots of different types of food
(Photo courtesy of Le Macaron French Pastries)

Le Macaron French Pastries

Le Macaron isn’t just a charming bakery; it’s a journey into the artistry of French pastry-making, right in the heart of Tucson. The aroma of freshly baked goods plus the cozy ambiance create the perfect setting for indulgence and enticing your senses with an abundance of flavors, flaky croissants, and other tempting treats.

FOOD SPECIALS THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:

The Standard: Our top 6 macarons: Salted Caramel, Madagascar Black Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Pistachio, Tiramisu and Raspberry.

The Gold Standard: Our top 6 macarons: Salted Caramel, Madagascar Black Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Pistachio, Tiramisu and Raspberry plus our top 6 chocolates.

Django Jam Session: Cassis, Mango, Raspberry and Strawberry Key Lime macarons plus a single scoop of dairy-free sorbet (raspberry almond milk latte).

The Black Venus: 2 Champagne macarons, 1 chocolate coconut tart and 2 boozy chocolates (suggested drink: Double espresso).

Parisian Zaz: Double Affogato with Caramel and Coffee Gelato topped with a Pistachio Macaron.

LIVE MUSIC
1/17 & 1/18 – 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. – Adam Gay
1/25 – 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. – Matt Mitchell

a close up of a plate of food and glasses of wine
(Photo courtesy of The Leo Kent Hotel)

St Cruz (at The Leo Kent Hotel)

Discover elevated Southwestern cuisine at St. Cruz — the chef-driven restaurant and bar open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. St. Cruz Restaurant features a delectable menu inspired by local flavors, offering dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the Southwest.
Photo Courtesy of Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar

Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar

Mojo features an authentic line-up of Cuban comforts like ropa vieja, empanadas, fried yuca, mojo chicken, and the quintessential Cubano sandwich.

1/17 – THREE-COURSE MEAL

STARTER
FRITURAS DE MAIZ
Golden-brown corn fritters with sautéed onions and bell peppers, served with a zesty pomegranate dipping sauce with a hint of chili flakes

ENTRÉE
Choose One
RABO ENCENDIDO
Succulent oxtail slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with white wine, peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. Served with rice, black beans and maduros

TROPICAL CRAB CAKES
Tender crab meat, finely diced bell peppers, cilantro, onion, and a touch of lemon. Pan-seared to golden perfection and crowned with a refreshing pineapple salsa. Served with rice and black beans

TASTE OF HAVANA
Sample of Ropa Vieja, Mojo Chicken, and Lechón Asado served with rice, black beans and maduros

DESSERT
Choose One
TARTA DE CHOCOLATE
Rich dark chocolate, creamy, saffron infused orange custard, on a Marie Cookie crust. Garnished with house made candied orange.
or
BAKERY ITEM OF CHOICE

$45 – PER PERSON
Vegan and Gluten Free Options Available

LIVE MUSIC
1/24 – 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Amilcar Guevara

a store inside of a building
(Photo courtesy of The Monica)

The Monica

Rooted in scratch cooking and cherished family recipes, The Monica aims to bring a diverse range of flavors to your table. With a passionate team of chefs and food enthusiasts backing this Si Charro, a unique dining experience that reflects the rich culinary tapestry of Tucson is what you can expect visit after visit.

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Jazz-a-Ritas made with Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul Tequila.

National (Photo by Clay Lyon)

The National

Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, and Bar in a beautiful historic building.
DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
“Midnight Cruiser” Gin, Fernet and Zucco
a picture of a bar
(Photo courtesy of Owls Club)

Owls Club

Nestled inside a 1920s structure decorated with beautiful stained glass and chandeliers, the Owls Club provides warmth and elegance to the neighborhood bar experience.
DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
“Midnight Cruiser” Gin, Fernet and Zucco
a picture of pub grub and drinks on a bartop
Playground Bar & Lounge (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground Bar & Lounge

More than just a rooftop bar, Playground feels like an adult playground for the senses, boasting an array of craft cocktails, shareable bites, and an atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Smoky Sazerac

a bowl of food on a table
Spinach Dip at The Red Light Lounge (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

The Red Light Lounge at the Downtown Clifton

The Red Light Lounge is a neighborhood bar tucked inside a neighborhood hotel. We feature local and regional beer, wine and spirits, and contemporary Tucson cuisine that honors our borderland roots.

a cup of coffee on a table
(Photo courtesy of Talega Coffee Co.)

Talega Coffee Co.

Come for a handcrafted coffee beverage or to purchase small-batch sustainable coffee beans. Roasts for sale include beans from Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, and a Latin Blend. Indoor and patio seating is available.
DRINK SPECIAL THROUGH THE FESTIVAL:
Cafe Brulot
Westward Look (Photo courtesy of The Lookout Bar & Grille)

The Lookout Bar & Grille – Westward Look

Delight in the mouth-watering cuisine offered at our on-site restaurant, The Palm Restaurant. Enjoy delicious poolside treats and cool, refreshing drinks at Oasis Pool Bar & Grill. You can also remain in the peaceful retreat of your guest room and order room service.
LIVE MUSIC
1/18 – 5 – 8 p.m. Redhouse Family Jazz Band
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