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Playground to debut its brand-new Sunday Brunch (MENU)

Playground to debut its brand-new Sunday Brunch (MENU)

Mar 24, 20233 min read

Back in November 2022, Playground reopened its doors to downtown visitors with a new executive chef, new menu items, and revamped indoor and outdoor seating. Now, they’re diving back into the Brunch department on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hangover Sandwich at Playground (Photo by SWOON Media)

One of the notable changes for Playground’s crew is that the kitchen doubled in size since it’s been open again. The new space has really opened up opportunities for new cocktails, dishes, and now Brunch.

Speaking of which, the Brunch menu is something many can enjoy, whether it be the early risers or those waking up from partying at Playground the evening before. They’ll have bottomless mimosas, drink specials, music from a live DJ, and the rooftop will be open.

Chicken and Waffle Cone at Playground (Photo by SWOON Media)

Some of the standout dishes include Chicken and Waffle Cone (fried chicken strips, Sriracha honey, and a bacon-rimmed waffle cone) and the Sonoran AM Corndog, which comes with scrambled eggs, a bacon-wrapped beef hot dog in green chili batter, avocado cream, and chipotle cream.

Then there’s the Unicorn Pancake Skewer. This meal is for anyone but especially intriguing to those who may have spent hours playing Dungeons & Dragons the night before. This petite pancake stack is loaded with maple whipped cream and Fruity Pebbles — consider your sweet tooth satisfied.

Unicorn Pancakes at Playground (Photo by SWOON Media)

Playground’s Brunch Menu

Food
  • Chicken and Waffle Cone – fried chicken strips, Sriracha honey, and bacon-rimmed waffle cone ($12)
  • Sonoran AM Corndog – with scrambled eggs, a bacon-wrapped beef hot dog in green chili batter, avocado cream, and chipotle cream ($11)
  • Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Sticks – Cinnamon Toast Crunch crusted Texas Toast, local honey, maple whipped cream, and blueberry sauce ($11)
  • Unicorn Pancake Skewer – petite pancake stacks, maple whipped cream, and Fruity Pebbles ($10)
  • Hangover Sandwich – two eggs any style, sharp cheddar, charred onions, crispy potatoes, brown sugar peppered bacon, and onion Kaiser ($12)
  • Pan-Dog – pancake battered jumbo sausage and maple syrup ($9)
  • Breakfast Burrito – roasted peppers and onions, eggs, sharp cheddar, poblano cheese sauce, chorizo or soyrizo, and crispy hashbrowns ($12)
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Parfait – peanut butter granola, fresh berries, maple whipped cream, and blackberry marmalade in a waffle cone ($11)
Sonoran AM Corndog (left) & Pan-Dogs (right) at Playground (Photo by SWOON Media)
Basic Batches
  • Bottomless Mimosas – with rotating fresh juice and fruit bar ($45)
  • Tableside Mimosa Bottles – house sparkling wine ($30) or Chandon, Veuve, and Moet ($50)
  • Old School Bloody Mary – vodka and house bloody mary mix ($9)
  • Get Loaded Bloody Mary – bacon, pickled veggie skewer, Tajin chamoy rim ($15). Add a shrimp skewer ($21)
  • Gimme Michi – Clamato with a Tajin chamoy rim. Choice of Corona, XX Lager, or Modelo Especial ($9)
  • Aguacaliente – Bacanora, Ancho Reyes Verde, house bloody mary mix, chamoy, and aquachile ($14)
Boozy Batches
  • Rose Bomb – rose sparkling wine, gin, passion fruit, and a scoop of sorbet ($14)
  • Sunday Morning Samba – cachaca and a berry limeade blend ($13)
  • Derby Track Shoes – bourbon whiskey, mint, berries, and lemon soda ($14)

And again, the Brunch menu will only be available on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The weekly hours of operation are 4 – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. on Thursday – Saturday, brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 – 10 p.m. on Sunday, and closed Monday and Tuesday.

Playground is located at 278 E. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 396-3691 or visit playgroundtucson.com. Playground is a part of the Tucson-based Loveblock Partners. Other Loveblock businesses include AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown, Good Oak Bar, HUB Ice Cream, HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, Little Love Burger, and more. 

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Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

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@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

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The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

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From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

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