10 Delicious Places to Eat in Downtown Tucson

Are you looking for some of the best places to eat in downtown Tucson? I was in Tucson for TravelCon (such a great experience!), and in between sessions and sightseeing, I made it my mission to eat as well as possible. Spoiler: mission accomplished.

I kept things low-key the entire time. Everywhere I went was casual, welcoming, and totally fine for dining alone.

Here’s a roundup of where I ate in three area neighborhoods: Downtown Tucson, Barrio Viejo, and The Mercado & San Agustin District.

Places to Eat in Downtown Tucson

Did you know that Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US? Me neither! Had I known this before I went, I think I would have planned an extra day or two just to eat!

El Charro Café

If you only eat at one place while you’re in Tucson, make it El Charro Café. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a piece of history. Opened in 1922 by a woman, it’s the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. that’s still run by the same family.

Yes, it gets busy, but I only needed a table for one and got seated quickly. I snagged a window seat and was even serenaded by mariachi singers while munching on free chips and salsa.

I asked my server what I had to try, and she didn’t even hesitate when she recommended Carne Seca enchiladas. The beef is air-dried in a cage on the roof (seriously), and it’s packed with flavor. I added a prickly pear margarita to round things out. When in Tucson, right?

Raptor Canyon Café

Raptor Canyon Cafe is the kind of spot that feels like it belongs to the locals. It’s family-owned, diner-style, and opens bright and early (7 a.m.!), which is rare for downtown. Heads up: they’re closed on weekends.

I ordered the bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, and oh my gosh that was one of the best biscuits I’ve had in ages. Flaky, buttery, and the bacon was actually crisp (hallelujah).

Extra kudos to them too for having flavored creamer for the coffee and never letting my cup get empty.

Caffe Luce

Caffe Luce has total “cool coffee shop” vibes. Think big windows, an upstairs loft, and a mix of metal and wood accents. There’s even an old Wurlitzer stereo tucked in the back corner!

I went for the Mexican mocha latte (just the right amount of spice) and the house-made granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. So simple, so good. I was just a little disappointed the coffee was served in a paper cup. Not sure the reason for that. Maybe the size?

La Estrella Bakery

I randomly found this little family bakery inside the Home2 Suites hotel and… wow. La Estrella makes fresh Mexican pastries daily, and they’re all ridiculously affordable. Like $1 or $2 each.

Photo credit: laestrellabakeryincaz.com

I didn’t know what most of the pastries were, so I just picked a couple that looked good (pro tip: this method never fails).

One was a pumpkin empanada, the other had a creamy filling that reminded me of cannoli. Both were gone before I even got back to my room.

Places to Eat in Downtown Tucson:  Barrio Viejo Neighborhood

This neighborhood is full of charm, colorful adobe homes, local shops, and seriously good food. I walked over from downtown and made a few delicious stops:

The Coronet Cafe

Right near the convention center, this charming little spot opens early which is perfect if you’re an early riser like me. While the Coronet Cafe kitchen doesn’t fire up until 8 a.m., you can still grab coffee and pastries starting at 7 a.m.

I wish I could’ve stayed for brunch (the menu looked so good), but I sipped my latte in the courtyard for a bit before heading back to kick off a full day of conferencing.

5 Points Market & Restaurant

Just a 10-minute walk from downtown, right beneath the giant five steel arches at the intersections of 6th, Stone, and 18th you’ll find 5 Points Market and Restaurant. The vibe is fresh and a little hipster, but in a good way. You’ll find lots of light, local ingredients, and friendly service.

Inside there’s a cute little market where you can pick up local gifts or food items. It’s a great little distraction if you have to wait a few minutes for a table.

I ordered the huevos rancheros and a chai latte, and honestly? I’m still thinking about that breakfast. Why didn’t anyone tell me huevos rancheros could be that good?

Ruiz Hot Dogs

One of the conference days, I had to break away from all the people-ing and just go for a walk. I headed towards 5 Points and kept walking down 6th Ave. until I found the Ruiz food truck with…Sonoran hot dogs! 

I had heard about these hot dogs but had yet to try one. A Sonoran hot dog is a bacon-wrapped hot dog tucked inside a grilled bolillo bun, topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce. Weird, right?

Let me tell you, I’m not even a big hot dog person, but I devoured it! If I had to pick one thing that you need to eat when you visit Tucson it’s this!

Places to Eat in Downtown Tucson: Mercado & San Agustin District

These two areas are just down the street from each other and are packed with boutique shops, great food, and shaded courtyards. The easiest way to get here is to take the free streetcar and get off at the last stop heading west.

Here’s where I ate:

Seis Kitchen at the Mercado

I actually ate at Seis Kitchen twice because it was that good. Everything’s made from scratch, bursting with flavor, and their “dining room” is a beautiful open courtyard.

Just be prepared to wait if it’s busy. It’s worth it. And don’t even try to grab a table before ordering. No having one person in your party try to save a table either. Order at the window, then you get a table.

I ordered their mini chimis which were crispy, just the right size, and came with guac and fresh greens. Also, chips and salsa are free, which always makes me happy. I paired mine with their house-made horchata…cool, creamy, and perfectly sweet.

La Estrella Bakery at the Mercado

Photo credit: laestrellabakeryincaz.com