Planning To Check Out Tucson Jazz Festival? Here’s Where To Eat Near Each Venue

Jan 14, 20164 min read

As the second annual Tucson Jazz Festival kicks off, our thoughts turn to all things jazz. And food, of course.

The line up for this year’s festival is hot, and nearby restaurants are ready to welcome jazz fans with even warmer drinks and delicious eats.

Enjoy the festival even more by slipping into one of the following places to enjoy a full meal or a quick bite to eat.

Centennial Hall

1020 E. University Blvd.

Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour performs on Sunday, January 17, with Raul Midon, Nicholas Payton, Ravi Coltrane, Gerald Clayton, Joe Sanders and Justin Brown.

Nearby restaurants:

Boca Tacos y Tequila
Caffe Luce
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
Illegal Pete’s
Paso Kitchen & Lounge
Red’s Smoke House
Wilko

Club Congress

311 E. Congress St.

Hotel Congress Tucson's Craft Beer Weekend — Hotel Congress Tucson’s Craft Beer Weekend

Join the “Through the Badlands” CD release party on January 17, with Arthur Vint & Associates, including bassist Ian Stapp and saxophonist Brice Winston.

On Tuesday, January 19, Haboob, a 4-5 piece jazz/rock combo, performs, although this performance is not officially connected to the festival.

Nearby restaurants:

BATCH Cafe + Bar
Cup Cafe
Diablo Burger
Empire Pizza & Pub
Fired Pie,Good Oak Bar
HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
HighWire Lounge
Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery
Independent Distillery
Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
OBON Ramen + Sushi + Bar
Pizzeria Bianco
Playground Bar and Lounge
R Bar
Thunder Canyon Brewery
World of Beer

Crowder Hall

1017 N. Olive St.

Jon Weber performs “115 Years of Piano Jazz” on Wednesday, January 20. The UA Jazz Ensemble opens.

Nearby restaurants:

Boca Tacos y Tequila
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
Illegal Pete’s
Pasco Kitchen & Lounge
Red’s Smoke House
Wilko

Fox Tucson Theatre

17 W. Congress St.

Kicking off the festival on January 14 is Jimmy Heath & The Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Band, with the Kenny Werner Trio.

Enjoy Poncho Sanchez, one of the most influential conga players in Afro-Cuban jazz, with La Voz de Tres opening on Thursday, January 21.

On Friday, The Rad Trads and Arthur Migliazza perform.

Nearby restaurants:

47 Scott
Cafe Milano
Cafe Poca Cosa
Elliot’s On Congress
Reilly Pizza & Pub

MLK Day Downtown Jazz Fiesta

Fifth Avenue Between Toole & Broadway

This free event on Monday, January 18, features Jazz on two stages, local Latin jazz bands and smaller jazz ensembles. Don’t forget to bring canned goods for the Community Food Bank donation tent. Food trucks, beer, and wine will be available.

Nearby restaurants and bars:

BATCH Cafe + Bar
Cafe 54
Cup Cafe
Diablo Burger
Empire Pizza & Pub
Fired Pie
HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
HighWire Lounge
Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery
Independent Distillery
Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
OBON Ramen + Sushi + Bar
Pizzeria Bianco
Playground Bar and Lounge
R Bar
Thunder Canyon Brewery
World of Beer

Merci Gallery

630 E. 9th St.

Merci Gallery, a venue dedicated to art, music and champagne, is hosting an after hours champagne party with the Jazz Festival and KXCI. Featured performances include Mark Rosenbaum (Jazz Sundae) and Corbin Dooley, Toby Roberts, Ian Williams (Electric Feel).

Nearby restaurants: