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Tucson Restaurants To Find (and Buy) Local Art

Guide

Tucson Restaurants To Find (and Buy) Local Art

by Max WingertJul 31, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20266 min read
I like my art like I like my coffee -- fresh, handmade, and available for purchase at my favorite cafe. Museums never let me take anything home. "It's not for sale," they say. "Please don't touch that," they tell me. "STOP! GIVE THAT BACK!" they keep yelling after me as I run. I don't know about you, but if I'm going to admire the talent of painters and sculptors, I'd rather do it while eating a nice meal, drinking a tasty beverage, or waiting in line to ask what the Wi-Fi password is. This guide covers all the restaurants, cafes, and bars that support local Tucson artists by displaying and selling their art.

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18 spots

5 Points

756 South Stone AvenueDowntown

A market, restaurant, and, as of July 1st, 2023, a collaborative exhibit for local artists to strut their stuff! These art displays will rotate every month, giving you the opportunity to chat with talented Tucsonans and perhaps even purchase an original work directly from them!
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on Resy ↗
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Ate Kei's Filipino Treats

"Rather than a restaurant featuring art, this is a Museum now featuring food, drinks, and music! The museum is hosting a series of events called First Thursday / Primer Jueves, where you can enjoy free admission to the museum, live music, food trucks, cash bar and art activities from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month The museum also hosts an annual Fall Artisans Market in November, where you can shop for original artwork, crafts, pottery, glass, jewelry and more from over 100 local artists and artisans."
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Cartel Roasting Co.

2516 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

This cafĂŠ is renowned for its unique blend of locally sourced coffee, and the ambiance is further enhanced by the rotating exhibits of local art, creating a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. Don't miss out on their delectable pastries, particularly the almond croissant, which pairs perfectly with their artisanal brews.
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(Photo Courtesy of Catalina Craft Pizza)

Catalina Craft Pizza

15930 North Oracle RoadCatalina

This spot offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and more, all made with fresh ingredients and gluten-reduced crusts. They've got a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and an array of photographs and paintings to admire from artists within the community, including landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and more. Don't hesitate to buy one if it catches your eye!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Crooked Tooth Brewing Company (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company

228 East 6th StreetDowntown

A brewery and bar that offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and snacks in downtown Tucson. The spot features local art on its walls -- perfect for admiring and ambiance while also enjoying live music, trivia nights, comedy shows and other events.
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The Deposition (Photo courtesy of Cup Cafe)

Cup Cafe

311 East Congress StreetDowntown

Tucked inside the Hotel Congress is the Cup Cafe -- known for their eclectic fare of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, this spot has been a Tucson staple since 1980. They've long featured local artist's on the walls that changes every month, all of which is for sale if anything catches your eye!
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(Photo courtesy of Gallery of Food)

Gallery of Food

2522 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

"Gallery of Food is a contemporary and creative catering company and neighborhood market, offering offers farm-to-table catered gatherings, a bodega and online store, where you can find locally-sourced products and grab-and-go meals. They boast a commitment to local Tucson artistry, displayed on their walls and website alike, which includes everything from cards and prints to kitchen pottery and small sculptures, all featuring various styles and themes and all available for purchase!"
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Gourmet Girls (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro

5845 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

BreakfastBrunchGluten Free
A bakery and restaurant that offers a variety of gluten-free baked goods, breakfast and lunch items. You can find treats like cupcakes, cookies, and pies, as well as dishes like pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads and soups -- all gluten-free and delicious. Add to that a divine display of Tucson creativity for display and sale on the walls? Just magical.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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(Photo Courtesy of Gusto Osteria)

Gusto Osteria

7153 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

A cozy and inviting restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine, including dishes like Chicken Giovanni, Pollo Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, and daily fresh seafood entrees, paired with excellent wines from Italy and beyond. The restaurant also features local art on its walls, The restaurant features original artwork on its walls, created by local artists, that adorn the walls of the restaurant -- or your own home, if you like!
Website ↗Instagram ↗

Hotel McCoy Mural (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Hotel McCoy

720 West Silverlake RoadDowntown

"Hotel McCoy is a mid-century modern art hotel that offers retro charm and local culture -- The hotel features murals, paintings, photographs and other artworks by local Tucson artists. In fact, it has an onsite art gallery and a commission-free art program, where guests can purchase original artworks from the artists directly. The hotel also hosts art-centric events, such as live music, art workshops, wine tastings, and movie screenings!"
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120Midtown

Vegan
A vegan restaurant that serves comfort food with a healthy twist. You can find dishes like sesame chicken salad, spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese, burgers, wraps and more, all made with plant-based ingredients. Plus, the restaurant features paintings and photographs by local artists on its walls, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Monterey Burger & sweet potato fries at Monterey Court (Photo credit: Isaac Stockton)

Monterey Court Cafe

505 West Miracle MileMidtown

Monterey Court is a historic motor court that has been transformed into a courtyard music venue with a cafe, full-service bar, and artisan marketplace. They have 12 artisan businesses including glass & jewelry artists, tattoo artists, musical, poster, crystal and paper art galleries, hair salons, and unique women’s fashion!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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(Photo courtesy of Historic Fourth Avenue)

Mr. Head's Art Gallery & Bar

513 North 4th AvenueDowntown

A funky and eclectic bar that showcases local art and music in the heart of 4th Ave. You can admire the paintings, sculptures, jewelry and purses by Tucson artists, or purchase them as unique gifts. You can also enjoy a wide selection of draft beers, spirits and cocktails, as well as live music and karaoke nights.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Screwbean Brewing Company (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Screwbean Brewing

103 North Park AvenueDowntown

A new brewery and coffee house that offers a variety of drinks and snacks in a historic building. You can enjoy freshly brewed coffee from Provision Coffee, housemade hard seltzer cocktails, wine and craft beer made on-site. The brewery also features local art on its walls and a playful mural on its facade, painted by local Tucson artist Ashley White.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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(Photo courtesy of Sky Bar on Facebook)

Sky Bar

536 North 4th AvenueDowntown

A solar powered cafe by day and an astronomy bar by night, offering live telescope viewings of the stars and planets. You can also enjoy live music, karaoke, comedy shows, fire performers and more. The bar features local art on its walls, creating a colorful and cosmic atmosphere!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Johnny Steak & Frites plus shrimp at the Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

6453 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

CocktailsComfort FoodDessertsSpirits
This Southern gastropub doesn't just offer a delicious blend of food from Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona -- they've been displaying local art for over 10 years. The pieces are created by local artists and often include works by students at Arts for All, a nonprofit organization. Best of all, the pieces they display are for sale!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Blue tamale at Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro

7366 North Paseo Del NorteOro Valley

The Garden Bistro offers Southwestern-inspired fare and unparalleled views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Moreover, it is connected to Tohono Chul, a breathtaking botanical garden that covers more than 49 acres and that has an art gallery showcasing local talent and southwestern heritage as a whole.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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Tough Luck Club (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tough Luck Club

101 East Pennington StreetDowntown

A stylish and cozy basement bar that specializes in a range of craft cocktail including drinks like the Spezzatura, the Crow Moon, the Suntory Old Fashioned, and more. The bar features paintings and photographs by local artists on its walls and ceiling -- all for sale, so you can support the local art scene while sipping your drink!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
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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