Foodie 15: Get your munch on at these vegan brunch spots

Do you love a variety of coffee blends, smothered tamales, and endless pancakes?

You’re in luck! Tucson’s local coffee, breakfast, and brunch scene never cease to amaze. Whether you live down the street or visiting from out of town, here are 15 vegan-friendly places you must not miss out on.

Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant

3073 N. Campbell Ave.

Thursday’s just got more exciting for Tucson’s vegan breakfast lovers. Del Cielo now offers a sweet and savory all-you-can-eat vegan breakfast buffet every Thursday from 9 – 11 a.m.

Load your plate with fluffy pancakes, steamy tamales, crispy potatoes, creamy beans, and more. Enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee with your meal. You’ll have multiple sugar choices and a personal favorite — Silk vegan creamer. If you’re not available to stop by for the Thursday buffet, The Vegan Breakfast Plate is always available, fresh to order.

Tooley’s Cafe

299 S. Park Ave.

Stop by Tooley’s Cafe for breakfast and lunch at any time of the day. Thick protein-filled burritos, pozole, and tofu scramble. Drizzle sweet jalapeño syrup over savory corn cakes topped with Cholula butter. Whether you’re into Latte’s or Americano’s, Tooley’s has you covered.

Café Maggie

745 N. Fourth Ave.

From the classic Americano to the semi-sweet dirty chai, Café Maggie will meet all of your caffeine needs.

The smell of freshly baked goods will greet you upon walking in. Many of the delicious baked goods are gluten-free and vegan. Grab a menu and choose from a selection including soft biscuits covered with gravy, melt-in-your-mouth vegan pancakes, spicy breakfast burritos, and more. Order breakfast any time of the day. Enjoy your meal inside surrounded by beautiful art, or relax on the comfy seating outside.

Red Captain Coffee

4004 N. Stone Ave.

Local soyrizo, potatoes, onion, and vegan cheese folded up in a crispy grilled tortilla.

Red Captain Coffee Company covers all the bases with their impressive coffee selection, delicious Houlden’s Rise Above treats, and flavorful breakfast burritos.

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro

7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

There’s something special about enjoying a meal outdoors surrounded by nature.

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro’s gorgeous patio is perfect for just that. Sink your teeth into a crunchy Blue Corn Vegan Tostada, and drink your coffee in the shade. Their menu changes seasonally based on what local, organic ingredients are available.

Urban Fresh

73 E. Pennington St.

Nourish yourself with a Maca Java smoothie at Urban Fresh. Sip blended coffee, cacao, maca, dates, cinnamon, and almond milk. This all-vegan restaurant has a wide range of brunch and lunch items that are both tasty and healthy.

Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe

2530 N. First Ave.

On the north side of town sits the family-owned Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe. A beautiful space with friendly staff and food made with love. Their sweet cinnamon tea and Café de Olla are perfect every time. Enjoy nopales tacos and burritos, potato empanadas, and Poblano pepper “Rajas” tacos.

Coffee Times Drive-Thru

3401 E. Speedway Blvd.

Drive-thru or walk up to make your Coffee Times order.

You’ll find vegan menu options ranging from flavored lattes, teas, nutritious smoothies, Sriracha Hummus Wraps, and hummus bagels. Add some of Houlden’s Rise Above and Cal’s Bakeshop treats to your order to complete your morning meal.

Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120

Lovin’ Spoonfuls wraps their tofu-packed breakfast burritos in locally made flour tortillas, their French toast and pancakes are available whole wheat or gluten-free, and their tofu scrambles are all organic.

Pro-tip for sweet and savory fans: Order the French Toast Deluxe with a side of Tempeh Bacon. Grab a cup of hot tea or coffee and savor your breakfast Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday until 3 p.m.

Bubbe’s Bagels

1101 N. Wilmot Rd. • 1745 E. River Rd.

Coffee and a bagel (or two) is one of the most comforting morning combos. Bubbe’s bagels are all vegan except for their jalapeño cheddar. Ask for vegan cream cheese on your bagel and oat milk in your coffee, and your vegan order is all set.

My Bubbe’s order: Bagel sandwich with avocado, tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Bagel with vegan cream cheese and a hot coffee with creamy oat milk.

Cup Cafe

311 E. Congress St.

Listen to the sounds of downtown Tucson over coffee on Cup Cafe’s outdoor patio or admire the gorgeous indoor dining space.

Breakfast or brunch, you’re all set with the Vegan Breakfast Tamale and the Barrio Toast plate. El Charro’s hemp tamale, vegan bean purée, vegan poblano cashew crema, tofu scramble, and pico de gallo make up the Vegan Breakfast Tamale. Substitute tofu scramble to replace eggs on the Barrio Toast plate to make it vegan.

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

Charro Vida’s plant-filled “Brunch Baby” menu is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Enjoy Hola Hemp Tamale Hash, red & green Chilaquiles, Brunch Burritos, and Apple Pan Pancakes, to name a few. You can even add vanilla bean vegan ice cream to your pancakes to up the sweet level. Order a semi-sweet Hola Hemp Horchata Cold Brew or one of the many other refreshments available.

Espressoul Café

7707 E. 22nd St.

Eris, the owner of Espressoul, regularly creates exciting new recipes. The majority of beverages that she offers are vegan or can be made vegan upon request. Chai whipped cream/soft top is one of the recent creations that Eris has mastered, and it’s all vegan and organic. It’s great over espresso or any drink of choice.

Find this art-covered truck at Rozet Nursery Thursday – Sunday. Persian Barbari bread and bagels are coming soon, so make sure you’re following along.

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market

5071 E. Fifth St.

Bring your grocery list and reusable bags on your next midtown trip. Midtown Vegan Deli & Market creates vegan takes on breakfast classics such as French Toast with Berries, the Simple Sammy, and the T-Town Breakfast Burrito. Breakfast is available all day. Order a coffee or tea and enjoy free refills to sip on throughout your meal.

Barista Del Barrio

1002 N. Grande Ave.

Tamales, burritos, sweets, and coffee are a great way to start your morning.

Wake up and walk up to Barista Del Barrio. Order your coffee or tea with your plant-based milk of choice. Customize your breakfast burrito or bowl with potatoes, soyrizo, beans, or a vegan hemp tamale. Always add Cal’s vegan Pull-A-Parts to your order when they’re available for a fluffy treat.