Tanque Verde & East-Side Favorites
The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery
11011 E Tanque Verde Rd , Tucson, AZ 85749
+1 520-600-7570
Local neighborhood favorite just minutes away with great food, cocktails, and lots of indoor/outdoor seating. Family-friendly with outdoor games and a relaxed desert vibe.
Tanque Verde Ranch Restaurant
14301 East Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85748
+1 520-296-6275
Authentic Southwestern ranch dining with mesquite-grilled meats, fresh tortillas, and classic cowboy charm. A true Tucson experience and perfect for out-of-town guests. Book a reservation for the Cowboy Cookout.
El Sur Mexican Restaurant
5602 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711
+1 520-748-1032
Family-run Sonoran Mexican restaurant beloved by locals. Known for enchiladas, carne seca, house-made tortillas, and old-school Tucson flavor.
Rosa’s Mexican Food
1750 E Fort Lowell Rd #164, Tucson, AZ 85719
+1 520-325-0362
Casual, counter-service Mexican spot with a strong east-side following. Excellent tacos, breakfast burritos, and quick, flavorful meals.
Le Buzz Café
9121 E Tanque Verde Rd #125, Tucson, AZ 85749
+1 520-749-3903
A longtime east-side café favorite for breakfast and lunch. Great coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and a cozy neighborhood feel.
Classic Tucson Spots (Worth the Short Drive)
Borderlands Brewing
2500 E 6th St Tucson, AZ 85716
+1 520-222-6061
A locally loved Tucson brewery celebrating border culture with craft beers and Sonoran-inspired bites. Borderlands Brewing Company offers a relaxed, welcoming space with great patio seating and a true Tucson vibe.
El Charro Café
311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
+1 520-622-1922
A Tucson icon since 1922, El Charro Café is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the U.S. Known for Sonoran-style favorites like carne seca, house-made tortillas, and the original chimichanga, it’s a must-visit for authentic local flavor.
The Cork Tucson
6320 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
+1 520-296-1631
A Tucson institution since the 1960s. Classic Southwestern steakhouse known for mesquite-grilled meats, martinis, and old-school charm.
Tito and Pep
6027 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711
+1 520-747-7788
A modern Tucson favorite offering elevated Southwestern and New American dishes with bold flavors and local ingredients. Known for its wood-fired cooking and vibrant atmosphere, Tito & Pep delivers a fresh take on Tucson’s culinary scene.
Tacqueria Pico de Gallo
2618 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
+1 520-623-8775
Best kept taco secret is in this no-frills Tucson classic serving authentic Sonoran-style tacos and Mexican comfort food. Loved by locals for its bold flavors, handmade tortillas, casual prices and atmosphere, Taqueria Pico de Gallo is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Tumerico
2526 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85716
+1 520-240-6947
A beloved Tucson spot known for creative, plant-forward Latin cuisine inspired by Sonoran flavors. With a menu that changes daily, Tumerico delivers bold, fresh, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that appeal to vegan, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Gus Balon’s
6027 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711
+1 520-747-7788
A longtime Tucson favorite serving classic Italian-American comfort food in a cozy, retro setting. Family-run and deeply neighborhood-oriented, Gus Balon’s is known for generous portions, friendly service, and old-school charm.
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
7230 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85710
+1 520-344-8335
A vibrant Tucson favorite blending traditional Mexican dishes with fresh seafood specialties. Known for bold flavors, colorful presentations, and a lively atmosphere, La Frida is a great spot for both classic favorites and coastal-inspired plates.
Casual & Quick Local Bites
Baggin's Gourmet Sandwiches
7233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85715
+1 520-290-9383
A beloved local Tucson sandwich shop with in-house baked bread and fresh ingredients. Don’t miss the tomato soup.
New York Pizza Department
6546 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
+1 520-207-7667
Locally owned and right on Tanque Verde Rd. Great for slices or a full pie — reliable, casual, and host and guest-approved. New York style pizza in Tucson.