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Cafe Botanica Now Open Select Evenings for Summer

Cafe Botanica Now Open Select Evenings for Summer

Jun 24, 20161 min read

Cafe Botanica, the restaurant located inside the Tucson Botanical Gardens at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, is offering evening hours and summer dining specials.

On Thursdays and Fridays, guests can join Cafe Botanica and the Gardens for Twilight Thursdays and Al Fresco Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The regular menu will be available, in addition to two or three “farm to the table” specials and a prix fixe dinner. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own bottles of wine or beer to enjoy.

The cost of dinner ranges from $13 to $15 for special entrees, and $7-$9 for special appetizers.

Reservations are required to attend Twilight Thursdays and Al Fresco Fridays, but admission to the Botanical Gardens is complimentary with a dinner reservation. If you just want to explore the Gardens for the night, admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children.

Twilight Thursdays will continue until September 29, and Al Fresco Fridays will continue until September 3. However, the Gardens may be looking to extend the hours permanently.

The restaurant is also offering an updated menu for the summer, which includes lamb empanada, a hummus board, corn gorditas, and seasonal salads.

To beat the heat, both the Botanical Gardens and Cafe Botanica open at 6:30 a.m. on weekends. Until September 30, guests can bring their dogs for a walk through the Gardens and a seat on Cafe Botanica’s patio. Cafe Botanica will have organic handmade dog biscuits and a bowl of water waiting for you.

Admission to the Gardens is free from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on weekends.

To make reservations for Twilight Thursdays or Al Fresco Fridays, call 520-326-9686, ex. 37. To view Cafe Botanica’s full summer menu or for more information, visit tucsonbotanical.org.

Article written by:

Gloria Knott

Gloria Knott

More about Gloria
Gloria Knott was Tucson Foodie's 2016 journalism and social media intern. In October 2025, she founded Tucson Love Letter, a community-first publication that helps you explore the magic of Tucson.

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Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair a day of Tucson sightseeing with a prix fixe meal. Since the Old Pueblo packs desert trails, historic missions, art districts, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation into one metro area, visitors can easily build a full day around any interest and land near a Restaurant Week stop when it’s time to eat. Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.
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Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
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Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
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