Nestled inside Hotel Congress resides Cup Cafe — a spot that’s been providing food and drinks for decades to those exploring downtown and taking a peek inside the historic building. Back in 2021, it was recognized nationally by the website OpenTable, naming it one of the 100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.
As any Cup Cafe regular knows, the menu doesn’t change much, whether that’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most dishes are so beloved that tampering with anything might upset too many. But small tweaks happen often, specials, and promotions, too. However, this is a new era and The Cup has introduced a handful of new dishes.
Speaking of new dishes, there’s a new fall menu on deck, and here are a few of the cafe’s highlights.
New Menu Highlights
Vegetarian Black Bean Meatballs
Duxelle black bean meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, and garlic bread
Sana Cruz Flank Steak
Sana Cruz chili marinated flank steak, chimichurri vinaigrette, calabacitas, and sweet potato chips
Pistol Grip Pasta
Mussels, andouille sausage, linguini pasta, housemade red sauce, parmesan cheese, basil, and garlic bread
Short Rib Osso Buco
Short rib osso buco style, parsnip polenta, pickled roasted beats, and a citrus demi au jus
Dillinger Duck Stew
Crispy skin duck breast, duck confit, drop biscuits, onion celery, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, housemade duck gravy, and pickled onions
The Cup Cafe is located inside the historic Hotel Congress at 311 E. Congress St. For more information, including menu and contact information, visit hotelcongress.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
