Tucson Restaurants

  1. Bison Witches

    Dive into a bread bowl at this lively hangout for college students and sports fans. The draw? Mongo sandwiches (with potato chips) served up on mini cafeteria trays. The music is boisterous, there are myriad TVs, and drinks are served till .

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  2. Café Poca Cosa

    This award-winning downtown bistro serves Nuevo-Mexican to rabidly rave reviews. A bilingual Spanish-English chalkboard menu circulates between tables because the dishes change twice daily. The excellent food incorporates many regions of Mexico, and it's freshly prepared, innovative and beautifully presented. Try the chef's choice; it changes with each plate and features three different entrees. The mole (classic Mexican chocolate sauce) and margaritas are also superb.

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  3. El Charro Cafe

    This is the oldest place in town (they say it's been in the same family since 1922), with a charming courtyard patio. Its carne seca (dried beef) used to be dried on the roof in the old days. Today the Mexican food is innovative, mouth-watering and fresh, making it popular with tourists and locals alike.

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  4. Grill at Hacienda del Sol

    Sunsets are the best time to appreciate the superb views of Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains from this formal dining room. An extensive wine list draws from a 20,000-bottle cellar, and the first-class American fare changes seasonally. Reservations required for dinner.

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  5. Taqueria Pico de Gallo

    A cheap and popular south-side institution, with huge burros (burritos) and mouth-watering shrimp tacos. The Paleteria Diana popsicle shop beckons just across the parking lot, with dozens of fruity Mexican favorites like guayaba and tamarind (around US$2 ).

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  7. Terra Cotta

    This restaurant gets consistently high ratings for its wood-fired pizza, spicy pork tenderloin and other upscale Southwestern fare. The small-plate starters sound so appetizing that many people order two and forgo a main dish.

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  8. Yoshimatsu

    Billing itself as a 'healthy Japanese eatery,' Yoshimatsu uses no MSG and offers lots of vegetarian and vegan options, including fish-free soup stock. Order a bento box, rice bowl or curry at the counter and eat in the casual wooden dining room, or get table service at the separate and more intimate sushi bistro.

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