Guidebook for Tucson
Food Scene
Tucson is an amazing place to eat and drink, especially in the downtown area. We are the first city in the U.S. to be named a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" ! These are but a few of our favorites, most of which are within easy walking distance from the Downtown Dream House. Please feel free to contact us for customized recommendations tailored to your interests.
Time Market is our neighborhood go-to for eat-in or take-out dining, beer and wine, coffee, basic groceries, and a wonderful selection of mostly local produce. Their bread, baked daily in the brick oven, rivals some of my favorite boulangeries in France. Time Market has a patio that's perfect most of the year, and it's a great spot to take in the street culture of West University. There's also a street car stop right in front, if you want to head deeper into downtown, or take a quick jaunt over to the University. Right around the corner on University Blvd, or cut through the driveway across from the house to be there in a minute.
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Time Market
444 E University BlvdTime Market is our neighborhood go-to for eat-in or take-out dining, beer and wine, coffee, basic groceries, and a wonderful selection of mostly local produce. Their bread, baked daily in the brick oven, rivals some of my favorite boulangeries in France. Time Market has a patio that's perfect most of the year, and it's a great spot to take in the street culture of West University. There's also a street car stop right in front, if you want to head deeper into downtown, or take a quick jaunt over to the University. Right around the corner on University Blvd, or cut through the driveway across from the house to be there in a minute.
Family-owned for generations, La Indita is right around the corner on 4th Ave. This Tucson classic serves authentic Sonoran style cuisine, using time-honored recipes. It's not a flashy place, but but the food, service, and prices can't be beat. Off the beaten tourist track, but worthy of a visit for visitors who want to sample local food.
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La Indita
722 N Stone AveFamily-owned for generations, La Indita is right around the corner on 4th Ave. This Tucson classic serves authentic Sonoran style cuisine, using time-honored recipes. It's not a flashy place, but but the food, service, and prices can't be beat. Off the beaten tourist track, but worthy of a visit for visitors who want to sample local food.
EXO Roast is garnering national attention for their coffee, and you can enjoy their offerings in a beautifully repurposed old building with fantastic character. Walk through the neighborhood, or down 4th Avenue, to get a feel for the area on your way to EXO. Next door to Tap & Bottle, a great spot for beer, wine, and local music.
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Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th AveEXO Roast is garnering national attention for their coffee, and you can enjoy their offerings in a beautifully repurposed old building with fantastic character. Walk through the neighborhood, or down 4th Avenue, to get a feel for the area on your way to EXO. Next door to Tap & Bottle, a great spot for beer, wine, and local music.
Innovative and traditional tacos, with a rotating offerings of salsas. The house margarita is one of the best I've had. Everything is super fresh, and thoughtfully prepared. It can be noisy inside at peak times, but the side patio is a great alternative and a nice spot to dine outdoors, right on 4th Ave.
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BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th AveInnovative and traditional tacos, with a rotating offerings of salsas. The house margarita is one of the best I've had. Everything is super fresh, and thoughtfully prepared. It can be noisy inside at peak times, but the side patio is a great alternative and a nice spot to dine outdoors, right on 4th Ave.
Late-night or breakfast, Tallboys is a hoppin' place for good grub. My favorite is the Tallboy tots, though the corn cakes come in a close second. Friendly staff, sometimes loud music, vibrant scene. And booze.
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TallBoys
201 N Court AveLate-night or breakfast, Tallboys is a hoppin' place for good grub. My favorite is the Tallboy tots, though the corn cakes come in a close second. Friendly staff, sometimes loud music, vibrant scene. And booze.
One of our casual go-to places, right around the corner. My favorite meal at the B Line is breakfast, but go too for the amazing pastry case, lunch, or dinner. Sit at the window counter for 4th Avenue people-watching. Beer and wine offered.
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The B Line
621 N 4th AveOne of our casual go-to places, right around the corner. My favorite meal at the B Line is breakfast, but go too for the amazing pastry case, lunch, or dinner. Sit at the window counter for 4th Avenue people-watching. Beer and wine offered.
Agustin Kitchen is a favorite for weekend brunch or a relaxed bistro-style dinner. Its located in the Mercado Agustin, which is a great destination in and of itself, with several interesting, locally-owned shops. While you're in the area, check out the Mercado Annex, where there's even more to explore. You can get there by streetcar from one of the nearby stops, or drive over.
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Agustin Kitchen
100 South Avenida del ConventoAgustin Kitchen is a favorite for weekend brunch or a relaxed bistro-style dinner. Its located in the Mercado Agustin, which is a great destination in and of itself, with several interesting, locally-owned shops. While you're in the area, check out the Mercado Annex, where there's even more to explore. You can get there by streetcar from one of the nearby stops, or drive over.
5 Points Market is a great place for breakfast or lunch, in a beautifully repurposed old building-- they can be very busy on the weekends, but worth the wait (or plan to arrive on the early end!). A 2015 mention in the NY Times described Five Points Market as "like a bit of Williamsburg dropped into a historic intersection in a funky but fast-developing part of town." Plan to drive or bike over to Five Points Market, and explore the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Barrio Viejo and Armory Park.
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Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone Ave5 Points Market is a great place for breakfast or lunch, in a beautifully repurposed old building-- they can be very busy on the weekends, but worth the wait (or plan to arrive on the early end!). A 2015 mention in the NY Times described Five Points Market as "like a bit of Williamsburg dropped into a historic intersection in a funky but fast-developing part of town." Plan to drive or bike over to Five Points Market, and explore the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Barrio Viejo and Armory Park.
El Charro has been a Tucson classic since 1922. Their margarita menu is impressive. They also have two new sister restaurants downtown, Charro del Rey (serving seafood) and a steakhouse. Much of the meat and produce comes from their family farm.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court AveEl Charro has been a Tucson classic since 1922. Their margarita menu is impressive. They also have two new sister restaurants downtown, Charro del Rey (serving seafood) and a steakhouse. Much of the meat and produce comes from their family farm.
Cafe Poca Cosa is a must-have experience for many visitors to Tucson. Headed by acclaimed chef Susana Davila, Cafe Poca Cosa features a daily chalkboard menu with innovative takes on classical Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is moody and beautiful. You'll want to make a reservation.
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Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington StCafe Poca Cosa is a must-have experience for many visitors to Tucson. Headed by acclaimed chef Susana Davila, Cafe Poca Cosa features a daily chalkboard menu with innovative takes on classical Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is moody and beautiful. You'll want to make a reservation.
Innovative and well-executed sushi and Japanese food, with an outstanding seasonal cocktail menu. Try the Tataki Maki, and whatever the bartender recommends.
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OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E Congress StInnovative and well-executed sushi and Japanese food, with an outstanding seasonal cocktail menu. Try the Tataki Maki, and whatever the bartender recommends.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Downtown Dream House is in the 4th Avenue Arts and Entertainment District. All our "Drinks and Nightlife" recommendations are within easy walking distance, or can be explored via the streetcar.
One of Tucson's two historic downtown theaters, the Rialto has an amazing line-up of national touring musicians, and some great local shows on occasion. It's THE place to see a concert, and within easy walking distance. Check out the adjacent R-Bar before the show.
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Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress StOne of Tucson's two historic downtown theaters, the Rialto has an amazing line-up of national touring musicians, and some great local shows on occasion. It's THE place to see a concert, and within easy walking distance. Check out the adjacent R-Bar before the show.
The Independent Distillery is a small-batch distillery and bar with a convivial atmosphere encompassing both indoor and outdoor spaces. It's in the heart of downtown, but a bit off the beaten track-- feels like a great find to stumble across on the narrow Arizona Avenue, just off of Congress.
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The Independent Distillery
30 S Arizona AveThe Independent Distillery is a small-batch distillery and bar with a convivial atmosphere encompassing both indoor and outdoor spaces. It's in the heart of downtown, but a bit off the beaten track-- feels like a great find to stumble across on the narrow Arizona Avenue, just off of Congress.
Good Oak is a small bar that specializes in Arizona beer and wine. A great stop while strolling Congress.
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Good Oak Bar
316 E Congress StGood Oak is a small bar that specializes in Arizona beer and wine. A great stop while strolling Congress.
Stylish hangout featuring craft beers & wines, plus New American eats & live music in a warm space. Check out the outdoor patio in the back, too.
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Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th AveStylish hangout featuring craft beers & wines, plus New American eats & live music in a warm space. Check out the outdoor patio in the back, too.
Shopping
Super fun shop and the best place to get creative, locally-made souvenirs for friends and family back home. The "Jave-A-Nice-Day" Javelina T shirt will mark you as a Sonoran-savvy visitor. Support local artists!
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Pop Cycle
422 N 4th AveSuper fun shop and the best place to get creative, locally-made souvenirs for friends and family back home. The "Jave-A-Nice-Day" Javelina T shirt will mark you as a Sonoran-savvy visitor. Support local artists!
Antigone Books is one of the country's longest running, independently-owned, feminist bookstores, offering a wide selection of books. And it's solar-powered! Great place to find postcards and little gifts, too.
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Antigone Books
411 N 4th AveAntigone Books is one of the country's longest running, independently-owned, feminist bookstores, offering a wide selection of books. And it's solar-powered! Great place to find postcards and little gifts, too.
Next to Five Points Market (a short drive away), Bon Boutique has a beautifully curated collection of gifts and home goods from France and select US makers.
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Bon Boutique
760 S Stone AveNext to Five Points Market (a short drive away), Bon Boutique has a beautifully curated collection of gifts and home goods from France and select US makers.
Essentials
The Co-Op is a Tucson icon, recently updated and three blocks from the house. Organic produce, groceries, prepared foods, and sandwiches are on offer. Don't miss the BEST bagels in Tucson, a well-kept secret. You don't have to be a member to shop. Find reusable cloth bags to take with you in the drawer under the microwave in the kitchen, as they've moved to a bagless system.
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Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N 4th AveThe Co-Op is a Tucson icon, recently updated and three blocks from the house. Organic produce, groceries, prepared foods, and sandwiches are on offer. Don't miss the BEST bagels in Tucson, a well-kept secret. You don't have to be a member to shop. Find reusable cloth bags to take with you in the drawer under the microwave in the kitchen, as they've moved to a bagless system.
Just around the corner, 4th Avenue Yoga offers a variety of classes in different styles of yoga. Classes are just $5!
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4th Avenue Yoga
413 East 5th StreetJust around the corner, 4th Avenue Yoga offers a variety of classes in different styles of yoga. Classes are just $5!
Arts & Culture
On the west end of the University of Arizona campus, within easy walking distance-- check out their season for traveling Broadway shows, concerts, and cultural events.
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Centennial Hall
1020 E University BlvdOn the west end of the University of Arizona campus, within easy walking distance-- check out their season for traveling Broadway shows, concerts, and cultural events.
The Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona, is recognized as one of the world's finest academic art museums and study centers for the history of photography. Get there on foot in about 20 minutes.
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Centro per la fotografia creativa
1030 N Olive RdThe Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona, is recognized as one of the world's finest academic art museums and study centers for the history of photography. Get there on foot in about 20 minutes.
Sightseeing
Southern Arizona is a birder's paradise! Learn more at the Tucson Audubon Society, just two blocks away from the Downtown Dream House.
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University BlvdSouthern Arizona is a birder's paradise! Learn more at the Tucson Audubon Society, just two blocks away from the Downtown Dream House.
The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium. 85% of the Desert Museum experience is outdoors-- plan your footwear and sun protection accordingly! To reach the museum, you'll drive over Gates Pass, affording stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Getting there is half the fun! Highly recommended for all who wish to learn about and experience the extremely unique Sonoran Desert.
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Museo del Deserto Arizona-Sonora
2021 N Kinney RdThe 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium. 85% of the Desert Museum experience is outdoors-- plan your footwear and sun protection accordingly! To reach the museum, you'll drive over Gates Pass, affording stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Getting there is half the fun! Highly recommended for all who wish to learn about and experience the extremely unique Sonoran Desert.
Saguaro National Park has two parts: one on the west side of town, and the other, on the east side. Saguaro National Park West is on the way to or from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and is worth a stop (or a drive through). Signal Hill is the site of ancient petrolgyphs, and is an easy walk from the Signal Hill parking lot.
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Parco nazionale dei Saguaro
Saguaro National Park has two parts: one on the west side of town, and the other, on the east side. Saguaro National Park West is on the way to or from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and is worth a stop (or a drive through). Signal Hill is the site of ancient petrolgyphs, and is an easy walk from the Signal Hill parking lot.
Neighborhoods
With some of the most photographed streets in the country, Barrio Viejo has an old-world feel and so much character.
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Barrio Viejo
With some of the most photographed streets in the country, Barrio Viejo has an old-world feel and so much character.
The Downtown Dream House is located within the West University neighborhood, known for its concentration of Craftsman homes mainly built in the early 20th century.
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West University
The Downtown Dream House is located within the West University neighborhood, known for its concentration of Craftsman homes mainly built in the early 20th century.