🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
13 Essential Breakfast Diners To Try In Tucson (Volume Two)

13 Essential Breakfast Diners To Try In Tucson (Volume Two)

Nov 12, 20153 min read

After the overwhelming response to Essential Breakfast Diners To Try In Tucson Volume One, creating volume two was the only reasonable next step.

Tucsonans loves their breakfast diners. And there are a lot of them. Here are 13 more.

Ajo Cafe

3132 E Ajo Way

Ajo Cafe Facade (Credit: Theresa Delaney)
Ajo Cafe Facade (Credit: Theresa Delaney)

Don’t let the exterior fool you.

Just off I-10 on Ajo Way, the Ajo Cafe is serving up all the homemade comfort food that is signature to any breakfast diner.

For more information, visit Ajo Cafe on Facebook.

Alice’s Restaurant

5416 E Pima Street

Alice's Restaurant (Credit: Alice's)
Alice’s Restaurant (Credit: Alice’s)

At Alice’s, don’t let the interior fool you. The place is decked out with Coca-Cola memorabilia, but…they serve Pepsi. They also have old-school diner cuisine and an assortment of breakfast classics.

For more information, visit Alice’s on Facebook.

All the Buzz Cafe

12985 N Oracle Road

Waffle Sandwich at All the Buzz Cafe (Credit: All the Buzz)
Waffle Sandwich at All the Buzz Cafe (Credit: All the Buzz)

Friendly staff, homemade baked goods and interesting decor. What more could you ask for from a local breakfast diner?

For more information, visit allthebuzzcafe.com.

Bisbee Breakfast Club

4131 W Ina Road

The Big Kahuna at Bisbee Breakfast Club (Credit: Bisbee Breakfast Club)
The Big Kahuna at Bisbee Breakfast Club (Credit: Bisbee Breakfast Club)

The Bisbee transplant has quite a fan base in Tucson, particularly when it comes to the potato pancakes and seasonal waffle specials. The Big Kahuna, pictured above, includes a Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries, bananas, toasted coconut, whipped cream and shark cookies.

For more information, visit bisbeebreakfastclub.com.

Claire’s Cafe and Art Gallery

16140 N Oracle Road

Cheese Blintzes at Claire's (Credit: Claire's Cafe & Art Gallery)
Cheese Blintzes at Claire’s (Credit: Claire’s Cafe & Art Gallery)

Claire’s is hailed for its warm and welcoming environment, fostered by the friendly and gracious owner. Guests can enjoy all day breakfast while surrounded by original art.

For more information, visit clairescafe.net.

Crying Onion Cafe

3684 W Orange Grove Road

Crying Onion Cafe Facade (Credit: Theresa Delaney)
Crying Onion Cafe Facade (Credit: Theresa Delaney)

For sweet potato pancakes and a slice of homemade coffee cake with your meal, the Crying Onion is your northside spot.

For more information, visit Crying Onion Cafe on Facebook.

The Egg Connection

3114 E Fort Lowell Road

Egg Connection (Credit: Tim S. on Yelp)
Egg Connection (Credit: Tim S. on Yelp)

Proudly proclaiming themselves “Tucson’s Premier Breakfast Establishment”, Egg Connection begins welcoming guests at 6am to enjoy a traditional diner breakfast. Including eggs, of course.

For more information, visit theeggconnection.com.

Good Day Cafe

5683 E Speedway Boulevard

Bacon Omelette at Good Day Cafe (Credit: John Paul P. on Yelp)
Bacon Omelette at Good Day Cafe (Credit: John Paul P. on Yelp)

Though perhaps better known for their burger selection, the Good Day Cafe offers up hefty portions of your favorite breakfast classics.

For more information, visit Good Day Cafe on Facebook.

Happy Rooster

1114 S Sarnoff Drive

Breakfast at Happy Rooster (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
Breakfast at Happy Rooster (Credit: Adam Lehrman)

Regulars rave about the chicken fried steak, large pancakes and assortment of starchy sides. Take your pick from thick sourdough toast, grits, tater tots, hash browns or home fries.

For more information, visit Happy Rooster on Facebook.

Joe’s Pancake House

2532 S Kolb Road

Joe's Pancake House (Credit: Joe's)
Joe’s Pancake House (Credit: Joe’s)

A true American diner, you can expect to walk out of Joe’s with a satisfied stomach, a full wallet and a friendly wave.

For more information, visit Joe’s Pancake House on Facebook.

Laverna’s Coffee Shop

220 S Plumer Avenue

Pancakes at Laverna's (Credit: David)
Pancakes at Laverna’s (Credit: David)

Giant portions and hugely popular pancakes. This theme may be common amongst Tucson’s diners, but Laverna’s carries it well. A wide-selection of add-ins, like pecans, cinnamon sugar, and bananas, for the pancakes sets Laverna’s apart, and means you can get creative with your breakfast choice.

For more information, visit Laverna’s Coffee Shop on Facebook.

Old Times Kafe

1485 W Prince Road

Old Times Facade (Credit: Rosalyn)
Old Times Facade (Credit: Rosalyn M. on Facebook)

If you find yourself at Prince and I-10 before 2pm, with a desperate need for a big breakfast, Old Times Kafe has you covered.

For more information, visit Old Times Cafe on Facebook.

Sahuaro Cafe

12142 N Rancho Vistoso Boulevard

Sahuaro Cafe (Credit: May A. on Yelp)
Sahuaro Cafe (Credit: May A. on Yelp)

Okay, technically Sahuaro Cafe is an Oro Valley joint, but everyone needs options. Also, Churro French Toast. Need I say more?

For more information, visit sahuarocafe.com.

Article written by:

Theresa Delaney

Theresa Delaney

More about Theresa
Theresa is a copywriter, food explorer and pursuer of all things creative. Find her at theresadelaney.com.

Advertisement

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Follow @TucsonFoodie134.6K followers
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

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
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 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 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!”
3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!