Agustin Kitchen
Agustin Kitchen, located in the Mercado San Agustin Public Market, won us over with picture-perfect design and upscale dinner offerings, like Arizona-raised beef, Nopales Fries, and Elote Chicken Wings. The stylish bar, serving wine, cocktails, and draft beer, opens onto the Mercado San Agustin courtyard, making it the perfect setting for an evening drink.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
Tucson is home to several excellent breweries, but one standout is Pueblo Vida Brewing, located downtown. Run by a husband-and-wife team who met at the University of Arizona, Pueblo Vida sets itself apart with dangerously good craft beer all brewed in-house, stellar design, and a way-cool taproom (pictured here).
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5 Points Market & Restaurant
Five Points Market & Restaurant, on the south end of downtown, is run by a husband-and-wife duo committed to Tucson’s community and agriculture. Located right next to Bon, a favorite Tucson boutique, their breakfast and lunch hours are always busy with people seeking delicious, fresh food and locally roasted coffee. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, we particularly loved the Smoked Beet Sandwich with Jalapeño-Cabbage Slaw on homemade ciabatta, Forbidden Rice Chilled Pudding (pictured here with a freshly made iced tea), and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese.
Hamilton Distillers
Hamilton Distillers has made a name for itself with their Del Bac Whiskeys, single malts brewed in the traditional Scottish method. Unlike most American distilleries, Hamilton does everything in-house, from malting to bottling. What really sets Del Bac apart is the mesquite smoked whiskey, which imparts a uniquely Southwestern flavor and feel. Tours and tastings are available with reservations.
Barrio Bread
Barrio Bread is a beloved neighborhood bakery that uses locally-grown heritage grains and natural leavening to make bread that sells out quickly (so be sure to get there early!). Owner Don Guerra’s bread is the perfect mix of crunchy crust and soft interior. Try the Einkorn, made with the world’s oldest wheats, or the Birote, a traditional Guadalajara-style crusty bread made with beer malt and lemon. Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm or until sold out.
Exo Roast Co. & Bar
Exo Roast Co. is a Tucson mainstay, and for good reason. Opened in 2008, Exo is both a craft roastery, featuring the highest quality beans from around the world, and a coffee shop, serving up classic beverages and breakfast food. Last year, Exo opened a mezcal bar next door, aptly named Exo Bar. The bar features an expertly curated selection of mezcals, a perfectly paired menu of small bites, and nightly live music.
Welcome Diner
A farm-to-table, Southwestern take on the classic eatery, Welcome Diner features cult-favorite dishes like Short Rib Chilaquiles. Come for the food, sourced from local purveyors, and stay for all of the original mid-century modern architecture and decor.
Penca
Housed in a renovated 1920s brick building downtown, Penca Restaurante serves Central Mexican food and premium mezcal, tequila, and Old World wine. We loved the Queso Fundido, Market Catch Ceviche (it sells out!), the stellar taco selection, and of course, the cocktails.
Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress
Locals gather at Cup Cafe for consistently delicious American food, a stellar happy hour, and romantic outdoor seating. While there, be sure to take a look around the historic hotel. Built in 1918, the hotel initially served guests arriving on the newly built Southern Pacific Railroad.
La Cocina
Under the twinkling lights of the Old Town Artisans courtyard, La Cocina is a local favorite in the Presidio District. Known for Southwestern classics, like the Prickly Pear Margarita, Guacamole, and Chile Relleno, it’s the perfect location for a romantic, alfresco dinner on a warm night. This article is sponsored by Visit Tucson.
