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Part of the art gallery at Claire's Cafe (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Tucson Restaurants To Find (and Buy) Local Art

Updated March 5, 2024

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.

Learn how we create our guides here.

(Photo courtesy of Cafe Maggie on Facebook)

Cafe Maggie

Maggie’s got all the cafe classics from pastries to sandwiches, salads to teas, and of course, coffee. On top of that, they’ve added some cool new stuff, including gluten-free and vegan goodies. But best of all they’re all about supporting local artists. They host art shows and let artists hang their stuff for free to help get their work out there!

Local Art on display at Cartel on Broadway (Photo credit: Max Wingert)

Cartel Roasting Co.

This cafĂ© 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.

(Photo Courtesy of Catalina Craft Pizza)

Catalina Craft Pizza

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!

Claire’s Cafe & Gallery (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Claire’s Cafe & Gallery

A cozy and friendly spot that serves breakfast and lunch, including favorites like lox and bagel, cheese blintzes, burgers, sandwiches, and more! The cafe also doubles as an art gallery, featuring paintings, photography, jewelry and hand crafts by local artists. You can admire the artworks while you dine, or purchase them as souvenirs.

a picture of two beers being poured
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company

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.

Cup Cafe

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!

5 Points Markety & Restaurant (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

5 Points Market & Restaurant

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!

(Photo courtesy of Gallery of Food)

Gallery of Food

“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!”

a plate of food on a table
Gourmet Girls (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro

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.

(Photo Courtesy of Gusto Osteria)

Gusto Osteria

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!

Hotel McCoy Mural (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Hotel McCoy

“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!”

a close up of a sandwich and fries on a plate
Banh Mi Chikn sandwich (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

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.

a picture of a burger and sweet potato fries on a plate
Monterey Burger & sweet potato fries at Monterey Court (Photo credit: Isaac Stockton)

Monterey Court Cafe

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!

a picture of the line outside a bar
(Photo courtesy of Historic Fourth Avenue)

Mr. Head’s Art Gallery & Bar

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.

Screwbean Brewing Company (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Screwbean Brewing

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.

a picture outside a bar
(Photo courtesy of Sky Bar on Facebook)

Sky Bar

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!

Mesquite Smoked Salmon Salad at The Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

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!

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro

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.

a picture of cocktails
Cocktails at TLC (Photo courtesy of Tough Luck Club)

Tough Luck Club

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!

(Photo Courtesy of Tucson Museum of Art)

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

“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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