Melinda & Steven's Guide to Tucson
Food scene
We eat at this Tucson treasure at least once a month. Their mole enchiladas are excellent. Look on the roof, they dry their own carne seca onsite. Claim to fame: inventors of the chimichanga.
151 locals recommend
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveWe eat at this Tucson treasure at least once a month. Their mole enchiladas are excellent. Look on the roof, they dry their own carne seca onsite. Claim to fame: inventors of the chimichanga.
Cafe A La Carte is a nice walk from the casita located in the historic 1865 Steven’s house. This quaint cafe offers a delightful breakfast and lunch menu and desserts to die for.
Wonderful garden patio too!
27 locals recommend
Café à La C'Art
150 N Main AveCafe A La Carte is a nice walk from the casita located in the historic 1865 Steven’s house. This quaint cafe offers a delightful breakfast and lunch menu and desserts to die for.
Wonderful garden patio too!
Best local vegan and vegetarian Latin inspired dishes.
Al Pastor tacos are my favorite!
72 locals recommend
Tumerico
2526 E 6th StBest local vegan and vegetarian Latin inspired dishes.
Al Pastor tacos are my favorite!
Family run since the 1930's!. Best Sonoran style cuisine in Tucson!
40 locals recommend
El Minuto Cafe
354 S Main AveFamily run since the 1930's!. Best Sonoran style cuisine in Tucson!
Caruso's
434 N 4th AveClassic Italian in downtown Tucson! We love dining on the patio.
Our favorite pizza place in all of Tucson. The wood fired sourdough crust is to die for! The Verde pizza is my favorite.
27 locals recommend
ANELLO
222 E 6th StOur favorite pizza place in all of Tucson. The wood fired sourdough crust is to die for! The Verde pizza is my favorite.
A downtown gem. This local favorite is arguably the best place in town for Mexican breakfast and lunch.
49 locals recommend
The Little One
151 North Stone AvenueA downtown gem. This local favorite is arguably the best place in town for Mexican breakfast and lunch.
Best tortillas in Tucson. This is Mexican comfort food. They make great no nonsense tacos and burros. The Birria burro is killer.
16 locals recommend
Anita Street Market
849 N Anita AveBest tortillas in Tucson. This is Mexican comfort food. They make great no nonsense tacos and burros. The Birria burro is killer.
We love Maynard's seasonal menu and the patio is lovely when the weather is nice. Located in Tucson's historic train depot and a nice walk from the casita.
83 locals recommend
Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole AveWe love Maynard's seasonal menu and the patio is lovely when the weather is nice. Located in Tucson's historic train depot and a nice walk from the casita.
Walk from the casita and enjoy the beautiful outdoor courtyard for dining al fresco!
101 locals recommend
LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court AveWalk from the casita and enjoy the beautiful outdoor courtyard for dining al fresco!
The Coronet at Cushing Street. Old Tucson charm! 160 year old adobe in Historic Barrio Viejo. Wonderful old world dining experience.
78 locals recommend
The Coronet
198 W Cushing StThe Coronet at Cushing Street. Old Tucson charm! 160 year old adobe in Historic Barrio Viejo. Wonderful old world dining experience.
The best ceviche in Tucson!
15 locals recommend
Mariscos Chihuahua Mexican Seafood Restaurant Tucson Best Mexican Tucson Authentic Ceviche
1009 N Grande AveThe best ceviche in Tucson!
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StA nice spot for a little nosh and a yummy cocktail.
Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StLove to walk to The Cup Cafe. Nestled in the Historic Hotel Congress!
Tito and Pep
4122 E Speedway BlvdA Tucson midtown favorite contemporary Southwestern bistro!
Great Latin inspire meat, vegan and vegetarian dishes. I love the spicy adobo pastor tacos with jackfruit or beef!
16 locals recommend
La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress StGreat Latin inspire meat, vegan and vegetarian dishes. I love the spicy adobo pastor tacos with jackfruit or beef!
Located in the same historic property as The Coronet and Meyer Avenue Cafe. Charming old world pub. Order the Nightjar, one of our favorites!
Nightjar
347 South Meyer AvenueLocated in the same historic property as The Coronet and Meyer Avenue Cafe. Charming old world pub. Order the Nightjar, one of our favorites!
Ceres Pasta has really yummy handcrafted homemade pasta, pastries and espresso! Don’t forget to order the gelato for dessert it’s one of our favorites. Walking distance from the casita too!
CERES Pasta
Ceres Pasta has really yummy handcrafted homemade pasta, pastries and espresso! Don’t forget to order the gelato for dessert it’s one of our favorites. Walking distance from the casita too!
Shopping
We love this boutique! Tucson’s original vintage clothing store. Start here if you are looking for some fun vintage clothes,jewelry and accessories for men and women.
Great prices too!
8 locals recommend
How Sweet It Was Vintage
424 E 6th StWe love this boutique! Tucson’s original vintage clothing store. Start here if you are looking for some fun vintage clothes,jewelry and accessories for men and women.
Great prices too!
Our favorite shop for vintage and new Mexican folk art. The ceramic Mexican tree of lives are just stunning!
10 locals recommend
Arte de la Vida
37 N Tucson BlvdOur favorite shop for vintage and new Mexican folk art. The ceramic Mexican tree of lives are just stunning!
Tucson's outdoor marketplace an addition to the Mercado San Austin is a unique shopping and dining experience. All locally owned in modified shipping containers.
68 locals recommend
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoTucson's outdoor marketplace an addition to the Mercado San Austin is a unique shopping and dining experience. All locally owned in modified shipping containers.
La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrAn outdoor luxury shopping center in North Tucson.
Located in the El Presidio Historic District you'll find fine art and crafts from local and regional artist. A nice short walk from the casita. Some shops have limited hours or are temporally closed so please call ahead.
56 locals recommend
Old Town Artisans
201 N Court AveLocated in the El Presidio Historic District you'll find fine art and crafts from local and regional artist. A nice short walk from the casita. Some shops have limited hours or are temporally closed so please call ahead.
Fantastic shop specializing in 20th century Modern design from furniture, art, jewelry and much more. I just love this shop!
Sunshine Shop
2934 E Broadway BlvdFantastic shop specializing in 20th century Modern design from furniture, art, jewelry and much more. I just love this shop!
Vitnage
44 E 16th StWonderful curated vintage shop!
Love this boutique! Hand crafted Jewelry, leather goods and home accents by independent designers.
20 locals recommend
Mast
100 South Avenida del ConventoLove this boutique! Hand crafted Jewelry, leather goods and home accents by independent designers.
One of our favorite places to shop for eclectic home decor, gifts and wonderful Mexican imports and so much more!
18 locals recommend
Lost Barrio
200 S Park AveOne of our favorite places to shop for eclectic home decor, gifts and wonderful Mexican imports and so much more!
Wooden Tooth Records
426 E 7th StWonderful locally owned shop to look for used and new vinyl!
Sightseeing
For a cultural experience stroll on over to the Tucson Museum of Art.
The Latin American folk art is my favorite!
181 locals recommend
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveFor a cultural experience stroll on over to the Tucson Museum of Art.
The Latin American folk art is my favorite!
Museum of Contemporary Art
265 S Church AveCheck their website for latest art exhibitions.
A must see for first time visitors to Tucson. Immerse yourself in the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. You can't go wrong with the East side or the West side!
320 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park
A must see for first time visitors to Tucson. Immerse yourself in the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. You can't go wrong with the East side or the West side!
This Arizona treasure is a must-see for all. In the beautiful Catalina foothills!
96 locals recommend
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdThis Arizona treasure is a must-see for all. In the beautiful Catalina foothills!
Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass RdEnjoy a beautiful scenic drive through Gates pass!
Beautiful museum to learn about the Sonoran Desert and it’s wild life.
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdBeautiful museum to learn about the Sonoran Desert and it’s wild life.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon WayUrban oasis in the heart of Tucson!
An outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture also known as “The White Dove of the Desert”
329 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdAn outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture also known as “The White Dove of the Desert”
Wonderful Southwest gallery featuring 19th and 20th century photography and contemporary fine art photography.
21 locals recommend
Etherton Gallery
340 S Convent AveWonderful Southwest gallery featuring 19th and 20th century photography and contemporary fine art photography.
Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del NorteOne of the worlds greatest botanical gardens!
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive RdSite of Tucson’s original presidio. A great place to learn the history of Tucson.
15 locals recommend
Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
196 N Court AveSite of Tucson’s original presidio. A great place to learn the history of Tucson.
Markets
Our favorite Italian Deli and market. We love the homemade take and bake lasagna. Grab a baguette and tiramisu and you are ready for a lovely night in.
10 locals recommend
Roma Imports
627 S Vine AveOur favorite Italian Deli and market. We love the homemade take and bake lasagna. Grab a baguette and tiramisu and you are ready for a lovely night in.
Great deli and market and within walking distance from the casita.
36 locals recommend
Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market
11 S 6th AveGreat deli and market and within walking distance from the casita.
Wonderful market with fresh bread, yummy pizza, coffee and sandwiches. Close to the U of A.
148 locals recommend
Time Market
444 E University BlvdWonderful market with fresh bread, yummy pizza, coffee and sandwiches. Close to the U of A.
Community owned grocery store and kitchen. Voted best organic market in Tucson. Located in the Historic Fourth Ave district. A little over a half mile from the casita.
82 locals recommend
Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N 4th AveCommunity owned grocery store and kitchen. Voted best organic market in Tucson. Located in the Historic Fourth Ave district. A little over a half mile from the casita.
Services
Sparkle Cleaners - Drachman
16 W Drachman StFor wash and fold drop your laundry at Sparkle Cleaners.
coffee shop
Wonderful little spot in Barrio Hollywood. The horchata cold brew is my favorite and the breakfast burritos are really good. Expect to stand in line on the weekend but its worth the wait.
22 locals recommend
Barista Del Barrio
1002 N Grande AveWonderful little spot in Barrio Hollywood. The horchata cold brew is my favorite and the breakfast burritos are really good. Expect to stand in line on the weekend but its worth the wait.
Great local coffee shop! We love the atmosphere and the Mesquite cold brew is so delicious! little less than half a mile from the casita.
104 locals recommend
Exo Roast Co
403 N 6th AveGreat local coffee shop! We love the atmosphere and the Mesquite cold brew is so delicious! little less than half a mile from the casita.
Tucson's original locally owned coffee-drive-thru. A must stop for me on my way to work!
15 locals recommend
Coffee Times Drive-Thru Espresso
3401 E Speedway BlvdTucson's original locally owned coffee-drive-thru. A must stop for me on my way to work!
Hiking
3.1 mile paved heavily trafficked out and back trail. Beautiful city views is your reward for making it to the top!
60 locals recommend
Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
Tumamoc Hill Road3.1 mile paved heavily trafficked out and back trail. Beautiful city views is your reward for making it to the top!
Madera Canyon is 25 miles South of Tucson and great spot for a day hike and a picnic. Best area for birding too!
81 locals recommend
Madera Canyon
South Madera Canyon RoadMadera Canyon is 25 miles South of Tucson and great spot for a day hike and a picnic. Best area for birding too!
Our go to hiking spot. Great place to get out in nature. Nice place for a shorter or longer hike. Pick your trail!
11 locals recommend
Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead
1300 South Clearwell RdOur go to hiking spot. Great place to get out in nature. Nice place for a shorter or longer hike. Pick your trail!