“Why you goin’ to the airport? Flyin’ somewhere?”
– Lloyd Christmas
Tucson International Airport (TIA) isn’t the largest or busiest airport in the land, but you might as well eat something tasty if you’re going to spend a good amount of time there.
Therefore, drinking a beer at Thunder Canyon Brewery often leads to conversations with out-of-towners, and snacking on one of Beyond Bread’s sandwiches can be an easy way to avoid high-altitude stomach grumbles.
Here’s a list of what the airport has to offer (in alphabetical order) before you hit the skies. Some of these spots are before you hit TSA — perfect for those picking up travelers.
Arbuckle’s Coffee
Near Baggage Claim
You’ll find Arbuckle’s near the “A Concourse Welcome Lounge” serving coffee, other beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. It’s a great destination for those waiting for picking up friends and family (or any travelers in general) being that it’s before TSA.
Barrio Brewing Company
Ticketing Area
Barrio Brewing at the airport is found before the security check-in area, offering a local take on ice-cold beer and bites. Barrio is Arizona’s oldest brewery and is now the state’s very first 100% employee-owned brewing company. The beer menu often rotates and for food, they offer a handful of appetizers, salads, and handhelds like a Southwest Chicken Panini and the Reuben’s High on Rye.
Beyond Bread
A Gates • B Gates
Beyond Bread, a local bakery and restaurant, takes pride in creating everything from scratch. Enjoy the flavors of their hand-crafted breads, sandwiches, warming soups, refreshing salads, and pastries.
Learn more: A Gate Location or B Gate Location
Bruegger’s Bagels
B Gates
This national chain serves up New York-style bagels and sandwiches along with a selection of hot and cold coffee. It may be the perfect little pick-me-up if you’ve got an early flight.
BUILT Custom Burgers
B Gates
Indulge in burger bliss with two options: build your own burger, or eat a chef-designed burger from the “Built for Me” selection. They also offer a burger bowl, chicken sandwiches, and some vegan options. Don’t forget the fries!
El Charro Café
B Gates
El Charro Café has been delighting Tucsonans with Mexican cuisine for more than 100 years now. Whether you prefer to unwind in their cozy sit-down restaurant before your flight or opt for a scrumptious meal to go, they’ve got you covered. Plus, they’re open super early at 4 a.m. — the perfect time for a margarita if you’re pulling an all-nighter.
Empire Pizza
A Gates
If you’re flying in from New York, you’ll feel right at home with Empire Pizza’s menu. Pizzas are prepared from scratch and hand tossed from dough that is prepared fresh daily. Try the Elote Pizza — a rich and tangy combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chipotle mayo on pizza with mozzarella.
The Maverick
A Gates
If you’ve ever gotten your boot-scootin’ boogie on at the Tanque Verde Road location then you’re familiar with this spot. The Maverick at the airport is a scaled-down version of the country club and they’re serving nifty bar food, draft beer, and music to get your toes tapping.
Sir Veza’s Taco Garage
A Gates
Now the sole location in Tucson, Sir Veza’s is another tacos-and-beer combo at the Tucson International Airport. They’re also serving up hamburgers and fries — there are plenty of dishes to hopefully satisfy the entire family.
Thunder Canyon Brewery
B Gates
As mentioned earlier, sometimes the best conversations happen at an airport, on an airplane, or just while traveling. Thunder Canyon is a great spot to sip on a beer and meet someone new — likely someone you’ll never see again. Cherish the moments and enjoy your flight.
Here’s a map of the airport if you need extra guidance while walking around. Tucson International Airport also provides online ordering at select restaurants.
Where to Eat While Visiting
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.
