With the fall season upon us, a few favorites come out of the woodwork, namely, cooler weather, an overload of pumpkin spice, and our favorite classic theater performances. If you love the drama of The Phantom of the Opera or the whimsy of Annie, you don’t want to miss out on the upcoming theater season.
Below is a list of dining options near four Tucson theaters. So don your finest garb, enjoy a sit-down dinner just a walk or short drive away from an evening of fantasy, elaborate costumes, and unforgettable music.
3 Spots Near Centennial Hall
1020 E. University Blvd
Centennial Hall, built in 1937 stands tall with its iconic red brick and circular archways just seconds from University Blvd. It is rumored that a few ghosts still reside in the historical theater, so don’t be alarmed by a few footsteps or murmurs. This historical venue offers an extensive variety of Broadway musicals, classical music, jazz, ballet and modern dance.
For more information, please visit UA Present’s Centennial Hall.
Wilko
943 E. University Blvd
Wilko offers a warm, rustic atmosphere just a hip, hop and a step away from Centennial Hall. The eatery features fresh gastropub fare with an extensive wine, cheese and cured meats menu.
Must-trys:
- Heirloom Melon & Spec–Smoked prosciutto, mint, lemon
- Risotto –Roasted onion, summer squash
- Spring Hen–Half of a chicken, charred okra panzanella, pickled watermelon
For more information, please visit Wilko.
Pasco
820 E. University Blvd
Looking for reimagined comfort food with fresh local ingredients and outdoor seating? Then Pasco is your place. Make sure to try one of their craft cocktails before heading to the venue.
Favorites:
- Crispy Pork Belly Bruschetta–Sweet onions and cabernet strawberry jam
- Goat Cheese with Herbed Panko & Roasted Beets–Organic spring mix, chive vinaigrette, red pepper coulis, grilled red onions, poached farm fresh egg
- House-Made Tagliatelle–Wild Mushrooms, peas, light parmesan sauce
For more information, please visit Pasco.
Arizona Inn
2200 E. Elm St
A slightly farther trek from campus, (an eight minute drive to be exact) delivers a dining experience fit for Bette Davis and Cary Grant. Take advantage of the Arizona Inn’s tranquil courtyards, sprawling lawns and undeniable elegance.
Standouts:
- Local Willcox Tomato Gazpacho
- Ahi Tuna–Soy gelee and ginger scallion crème brûlée
- Duck Breast–Forbidden rice, sugar snap pea sauté, sweet beet puree, orange gastrique and citrus slaw
For more information, please visit Arizona Inn.
4 Spots Near The Fox Theatre
17 W. Congress St
Fox Theater transports show-goers to the grandeur and elegance of the 1930’s with gold gilded paneling, and mosaic ceiling. Sit upon the ascended loft, and you are sure to feel like royalty while enjoying everything from comedy shows to music performances. You won’t miss the gleaming marquee spelling F-O-X in the heart of downtown, with plenty of dining options close by.
For more information, please visit Fox Tucson Theatre.
Caffé Milano
46 W. Congress St
Right next door from the theater, Caffé Milano offers a menu of classic Italian dishes with a quaint, romantic atmosphere. End your meal with a sweet bite of tiramisu or panna cotta.
Go-to’s:
- Scaloppine al Limonei–Veal scaloppine sauteed in white wine, lemon, capers
- Gnocchi–Homemade potato dumplings with a fondue sauce of Fontina cheese
- Fragole al Limoncello –Strawberries with limoncello and ice cream or whipped cream
For more information, please visit Caffe Milano.
47 Scott
47 N. Scott Ave
47 Scott brings vibrant flavor to a menu of mussels, pan-seared rainbow trout, and pork belly with blueberry reduction. Enjoy a romantic dinner in the eatery’s back courtyard under strings of twinkling lights and trees.
Standouts:
- Spinach & Frisee–Bacon, pears, strawberries, honey mustard vinaigrette
- Mussels–PEI mussels, white wine, garlic clam broth, house-made fennel sausage, grilled baguette
- Pork Chop–Beeler’s all-natural pork, mustard seed caviar, chive spaetzle, brussel-kraut, thyme pan jus
For more information, please visit 47 Scott.
Cafe Poca Cosa
11o E. Pennington St
Cafe Poca Cosa offers an evolving menu of regional Mexican cuisine that changes twice throughout the day. Stop by to see what the chef and owner Suzana Davila is serving up.
For more information, please visit Cafe Poca Cosa.
Reilly Craft Pizza + Drink
101 E. Pennington St
Just a few blocks from Fox Theater, this is the perfect spot to enjoy elevated pizza and appetizers. If you have time to spare before the show, grab a drink in the eatery’s basement bar, filled with old school style and whimsy.
Favorites:
- Brussel Sprouts–Sherry vinegar, house hot sauce, pecan brittle crumbs
- Goat Cheese Mezzaluna–Summer squash, browned butter, thyme, pecorino
- Meatball & Ricotta Pizza–Ricotta sauce, mozzarella, basil
For more information, please visit Reilly Pizza + Drink.
3 Spots Near Temple of Music and Art
S. Scott Ave
Nestled in downtown’s historic district, this venue is filled with charm and distinct character. The theater hosts a variety of off the beaten path performances, and is known for its provocative and creative plays. Disgraced, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play is set to begin in October and is “about the stories we tell our friends, the secrets we tell our lovers, and the lies we tell ourselves.”
For more information, please visit Arizona Theatre.
Casa Vicente
375 S. Stone Ave
Chock full of lively music and Spanish style, Casa Vincente offers a variety of tapas menu items sure to satisfy all your cravings. Nosh on small plates rich with flavor, before a quick three minute stroll to the Temple of Music and Art.
Highlights:
- Sopa Pescador–A saffron seafood soup made from rich fish fumé
- Paella del Campo–Chicken, rabbit, Iberian chorizo, and vegetable
- Chuletas de Cordero–Small lamb chops sautéed in a rosemary, wine reduction
For more information, please visit Casa Vincente.
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S. 6th Ave
Janos Wilder brings artistic style and global inspiration to the dishes at Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails. Within walking distance of all three downtown venues, this might just be the go-to spot this theater season.
Must-trys:
- Cucumber, Pistachio +Yogurt Salad –Preserved lemon, red flames, mint, pomegranate molasses
- Clay Pot Fish Stew–Catfish, shrimp, chicken, bacon, mushrooms, chinese cabbage, ginger, rice wine, dashi broth
- Caramel Sichuan Peppercorn Ice Cream + Almond Cookies-Chocolate sauce, candied ginger, sichuan peanut brittle
For more information, please visit Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails.
Penca
50 E. Broadway Blvd
Looking for refined Mexican fare and a fun atmosphere, then Penca is your place. Within minutes of Fox Theater, the Tucson Convention Center and the Temple of Music and Art, this is the ultimate pre-theater dining experience.
Standouts:
- Queso Fundido–Warm Oaxacan cheese, house made turkey achiote sausage, roasted poblano rajas, sautéed onions, and flour tortilla
- Pozole–Turkey, hominy, cilantro, radish, green onion, chipotle salsa, lime and flour tortillas
- Pescado de la Casa–Seasoned and grilled swordfish, hominy cafe, black bean puree, seasonal vegetable
For more information, please visit Penca.
3 Spots Near Tucson Convention Center
260 S. Church Ave
Built in 1971, the Tucson Convention Center is a relatively new addition to downtown. Known for holding the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show as well as Comic Con, this venue can certainly pack a punch. The fall season is expected to show Disney on Ice presents Frozen and A Southwest Nutcracker. Before the show, take a walk through the Barrio Viejo neighborhood and take in the colorful adobe architecture.
For more information, please visit TCC.
Cafe Desta
758 S. Stone Ave
If you’re going to Cafe Desta, expect an abundance of flavors, textures and a true taste of Ethiopia. The eatery is just a ten minute walk from the Tucson Convention Center and The Temple of Music and Art.
Go-to’s:
- Shorba–Soup made from red lentil, carrots, potatoes, onion, tomatoes and orzo
- Tikil-Gomen–Cabbage, carrots and potatoes spiced with turmeric
- Lamb Tibs–Cubes of lamb pan seared in clarified butter, onion, jalapeños and fresh rosemary with a garden salad, fosolia, and rice
For more information, please visit Cafe Desta.
Cushing Street Bar
198 W. Cushing St
Right across the street from the Tucson Convention Center, the Cushing Street Bar puts a southwest spin on fine dining with menu items such as the sueño burger and poblano pasta.
Highlights:
- Chèvre, Grapes, Crostini–Goat cheese marinated in olive oil with herbs de Provence
- Cajun meatloaf with Ancho Agave Glaze–Mashed potatoes and roast seasonal vegetables
- Homemade Gingerbread–A dollop of custard and candied lemon peel
For more information, please visit Cushing Street Bar.
El Minuto
354 S. Main Ave
El Minuto offers classic Mexican fare right down the street from the Tucson Convention Center. Enjoy a quick margarita and cheese crisp or a sit-down meal before your show.
Favorites:
- Cheese Crisp–Topped with tomato, onion and green chilies
- Topopo Salad – Bean tosada, chicken, lettuce avocado and cheese
- Breaded Fried Shrimp –Served with rice and beans
For more information, please visit El minuto.
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