The dining scene in Tucson has come a long way over the past decade. Every year, new restaurants and lounges (such as the first three spots highlighted below) enliven the city’s hospitality sector and keep the proprietors of more established locations (such as the last two places on our list) on their proverbial toes. For gem showgoers, the competition has bred a lively dine-out atmosphere marked by fresh, locally sourced cuisine and fun, delicious drinks. We’ll raise a glass to that!
Taqueria La Esquina
What began as a successful taco truck serving Sonoran street food has blossomed into a festive corner restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired art and authentic Mexican street food. Located in front of the historic rodeo grounds on the corner of 6th and Irvington, Taqueria La Esquina serves traditional truck fare such as carne asada and achiote pollo tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, queso fundido, and pork belly bites. But it’s also got a full bar pouring south-of-the-border classics. 4876 S. 6th Ave., 520-373-5207
Flora’s Market Run
As a dual market/restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, Flora’s Market Run has you covered no matter when you want to escape the gem shows. From sandwiches and hearty grain and salad bowls in the daytime to charcuterie, pasta, wood-fired pizzas, oysters, and cocktails in the evening, the menu is fresh, inventive, and very seductive! 2513 E. 6th St., 520-771-9141
The Jackrabbit Lounge
Located at the historic south end of Oracle Road, The Jackrabbit Lounge offers both food and drink options with a surprising twist. Whether it’s the Polynesian chicken skewers or roasted veg sammies, the frozen date shake (bourbon, date syrup, house-made ice cream), or the signature Rabbit Hole cocktail (mescal, butterscotch, Borghetti, dry Curaçao, and Guinness), the offerings at this retro-inspired lounge are designed with nocturnal revelry in mind (closing time is 2 a.m.). Plus, there’s plenty of free parking! 2000 N. Oracle Rd., 520-372-2032
Agustín Kitchen
Walking distance from the Tucson Convention Center, just west of the Santa Cruz River, lies Mercado San Agustin, a charming open-air courtyard lined with shops and eateries with an upscale, artisan-made vibe. At its heart sits Agustín Kitchen, a brasserie focused on sustainable ingredients made and grown in southern Arizona, including local and organic produce, olive oils, breads, flour, beef, and cheeses paired with local wines, artisan brews, and cocktails. 100 South Avenida Del Convento, Ste. 150, 520-398–5382
Owls Club
Don’t let the macabre setting dissuade you from enjoying a cocktail or five at Owls Club, a former funeral home–turned–groovy cocktail lounge in downtown Tucson’s historic Armory Park neighborhood. With its beautiful stained glass and chandeliers, the 1920s building that houses the bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a tipple from the menu’s extensive whiskey selection, old-world wine list, well-curated spirits collection, and modest beer program. 236 S. Scott Ave., 520-207-5678
Top: The signature figurine that decorates drinks at The Jackrabbit Lounge in Tucson (photo courtesy of The Jackrabbit Lounge)
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