Guide · 15 spots
Foodie 15: Best Spots for Games, Food, and Drinks in Tucson
Tucson’s food scene is more than just great food and drinks — there are quite a few local places where you can challenge your friends to a game of pinball, cornhole, bocce ball, Pac-Man, or even a round of giant Connect Four. Heck, a couple of these spots even have batting cages.
Here are 15 of the best locally owne
Matt Sterner·Jan 29, 2025
Guide · 19 spots
The Best Cafes in Tucson
There's something special about enjoying a cup of coffee, smoothies, or small bites in the cozy atmosphere of a cafe. Whether you’re there to catch up with friends, read a book, or simply people-watch, the following spots offer a sense of community and comfort. When creating this guide, we focused on cafes serving coff
Matt Sterner·Jul 17, 2024
Guide · 31 spots
Where to Eat & Drink While Exploring Tucson's Haiku Hike
Oh, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, and downtown is blossoming with haikus. No, a haiku isn't something you can eat — it's a poem of 17 syllables in three lines of five, seven, and five.
The annual Haiku Hike , presented by the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) and the University of Arizo
Matt Sterner·Mar 19, 2024
News
“It’s a Small World” welcomes small bites, drinks & entertainment
It may be a small world, but Tucson’s flavors are huge. The Junior League of Tucson is hosting “It’s a Small World” at St. Philip’s Plaza from 6 – 10 p.m. on […]
Matt Sterner·Feb 23, 2020
News
The Century Room is now serving small bites with all that jazz (MENU)
The Century Room at Hotel Congress has been spreading its melodies downtown for the past few months and is now rearin’ up for a fun spring and summer jam session. […]
Matt Sterner·May 16, 2022
News
The Century Room has a new ‘Small Bites’ menu to go with all that jazz
After celebrating its first anniversary in February, Tucson’s downtown jazz club, The Century Room, has been jammin’ in March with a full roster of performances. “One year ago we started […]
Sam Jump·Mar 9, 2023
News
Beer Flights & Small Bites with Chef Chic & Catalina Brewing Company
Beer flights and bites, but not necessarily in that order. Catalina Brewery Company is offering five beer flights as Chef Chic creates small food tastings from […]
Matt Sterner·Aug 1, 2018
Guide · 8 spots
Best Fried Pickles in Tucson
November 14 is National Pickle Day. While fresh pickles are arguably the pickliest, fried pickles counterbalance the tart freshness with some good ol' heavy crunch. Here's a few picks for the best fried pickles in Tucson.
Learn how we create our guides here.
Jackie Tran·Nov 14, 2025
Guide · 25 spots
Sports Bars in Tucson: Beer, Bites & Plenty of TVs
Nothing says “sports” like being surrounded by multiple televisions, eating fried food, hearing hoots and hollers from people nearby, drinking cold beer, and then getting the food and beer stains out of your shirt the following day.
Here’s a list of locally owned and operated sports bars in the Old Pueblo to catch t
Matt Sterner·Mar 12, 2025
News
Downtown Tucson’s Penca adds lunch service & 3 for $33 happy hour
[Editor’s note 06/11/2026: this article contains photographs from a comped meal] Downtown Tucson’s Penca has expanded its hours and offerings this summer, launching a new lunch menu and a revamped […]
Jackie Tran·Jun 11, 2026
News
Daniel Scordato Brings Speakeasy Emerald 29 Downtown June 11
On Thursday, June 11, Tucson chef Daniel Scordato unveils Emerald 29, a hidden speakeasy tucked beneath The Treasury 1929 at 2 E. Congress St. The lounge opens from 8 p.m. […]
Jackie Tran·Jun 2, 2026
Guide · 57 spots
New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson 2025
It's safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling. From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it's without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth.
Here's our guide to new local restaurants,
Jun 30, 2023
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Basqueria
350 East Congress Street · Downtown
The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the pintxos (bite-sized dishes) found in the Basque country of Northern Spain and Southern France. Before opening the Basqueria, owner Freddy ElMesselmani soaked up the culture and toured the Basque region including Bilbao and the North Spanish coast.
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Penca
50 East Broadway Boulevard · Downtown
Penca downtown offers a warm, rustic-yet-elegant atmosphere with exposed brick walls and vintage accents. The dining room features industrial-chic elements and large windows that fill the space with natural light during the day. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining on the sidewalk patio.
Their menu features refined e
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Postino
2500 East Grant Road · University
Postino blends a relaxed atmosphere with a passion for style, which is noticeable in the design, music, and menus. Known for its commitment to creating a fun experience, whether you're in the mood for a cozy spot to sip on a glass of wine or a vibrant setting for a special occasion, Postino invites you to savor their c
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Tinajas Wine & Beer
6960 East Sunrise Drive · Foothills
Tinajas Wine & Beer boasts a sleek, contemporary interior with plush white barstools, dramatic lighting, and lush greenery tucked into wall niches. Bold accents like a glowing purple logo add modern flair. A vertical wine rack and glass chandeliers enhance the space's upscale, curated feel.
The menu offers an extensive
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Emerald 29
East Congress Street · Downtown
Emerald 29 is a hidden speakeasy tucked beneath The Treasury 1929, a historic 1929 bank building at 2 E. Congress St. in downtown Tucson. The 80-seat lounge opens when a green light glows from the Congress Street entrance, Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Deep emerald walls, secret alcoves, sultry ban
Spot
LemonShark Poke
2501 East Grant Road · University
LemonShark Poke was founded by guitarist Tobi Miller of rock band The Wallflowers and race car driver Richard Gottlieb. The Tucson location serves signature poke bowls and hot plates such as Sticky Pineapple Chicken, Chicken Katsu, and Coconut Shrimp. Small bites range from Potstickers to Spam Musubi.