Where to eat Southwestern food in Tucson: The Best Restaurants and Bars

December 15, 2019 Tonie Szymanski

Reviews on Southwestern food in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Things to do in Tucson

10. Cafe Poca Cosa

100 E Pennington St Ste 100, Tucson, AZ 85701-1508 Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, Contemporary Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 520-622-6400 http://cafepocacosatucson.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1806 reviews

Cafe Poca Cosa

Reviewed By Ballywizard

I've been here three times, and I had the three-dish combination each time, so I've tried a fairly broad swath of the menu.. Outside is a challenging neighborhood, but the inside is cozy, welcoming and sophisticated. Its one of the few Tucson restaurants where you may actually need a reservation.They don't have a printed menu, and won't accommodate much deviation from what's written on the day's blackboard. For example, they serve chips and salsa, but refuse to make pico de gallo. In my experience, the menu includes one type of chicken, beef and fish, each with three sauces, for a total of nine or so entrees. The chicken is a boneless skinless breast, the beef is an economy cut like skirt, and the fish is something common like cod, all priced at $25. Usually the protein is baked or stewed, and there are a variety of sauces, including a couple moles. For an additional $4, you get three dishes selected by the chef from the menu. The portions are huge, with lots of rice and beans topped off with a salad. Overall, I've been a little disappointed. Nothing has been bad, but the protein selection and presentation is bland, and the sauces are routine. Topping the hot main dish with a cold salad detracts from both items. The only desert I've had is the flan, which is cut from a sheet and has a pasty texture.

9. Poco & Mom's Diner

1060 S Kolb Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710-4944 Mexican, Southwestern Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, Serves Alcohol, Drive Thru +1 520-325-7044 http://pocoandmoms.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 290 reviews

Poco & Mom's Diner

Reviewed By dapinca

Didn't go seeking this site out, but wow. Authentic as it gets-- good margaritas and the food is genuine & great. Loved the kicked up flavors, featuring hatch chiles. While not a huge place, it forces closeness. Pork stew was fantastic. Hot salsa. Has been added to my list of local favorites.

8. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol

5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718-5122 American, Southwestern, Contemporary, International Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Television, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Ac [email protected] +1 520-529-3500 http://www.haciendadelsol.com/dining/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1110 reviews

The Grill at Hacienda del Sol

The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is a AAA Four Diamond dining establishment and one of Arizona's top restaurants. Breathtaking mountain and city views are captured from The Grill's dining room where you will be treated to Hacienda del Sol's "Spirited Southwe

Reviewed By Cowboybilly101

The service is outstanding. The food is a culinary delight! The scienery is beautiful! The staff is friendly!Thank you for your review, I will certainly pass on your comments to my staff. We have just started a new menu. Please stop by and see, your thoughts are valuable to us. Thanks Again.Lee GregoryCertified Sommelier/Assistant Restaurant [email protected]

7. La Cocina

201 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1003 Mexican, American, Southwestern, Bar, International Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Reservations, Live Music [email protected] +1 520-622-0351 http://lacocinatucson.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 360 reviews

La Cocina

Reviewed By Maggie_NHam

Pleasant setting in gardens with trees and covered with sail-like tarpaulins. There's 2 main areas, a patio as you come in where you can just have drinks and nibbles. The central area with the pond and live music is reserved for meals and drinks. There's a range of local draught beer, wines by the glass and cocktails. The menu is fairly typical Mexican fayre. The La Cocina specialty Meatloaf was not on the menu. So I had the Chile Rolleno, sort of stuffed large pepper with other sauces and roasted courgettes, I asked for it slightly spicier, and it was fine. Looking at neighbour's dishes, the fried Artichoke bits looked very tasty too. There was a musician on, without wishing to be unkind, as a singer he was a good guitarist ... Service was pleasant and friendly. The place seems very family friendly, at late lunchtime.

6. Poco & Mom's Cantina

7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715-5325 Mexican, Southwestern Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 520-296-9759 http://www.pocoandmomscantina.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 285 reviews

Poco & Mom's Cantina

Reviewed By Smothergoose

Love love The Huevos Rancheros soooo good. Loved the chili relleno best we have ever had. And the green sauce you must try it.

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5. Tucson Tamale Company

7159 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716-5303 Mexican, Southwestern Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +1 520-298-8404 http://tucsontamale.com/locations/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 882 reviews

Tucson Tamale Company

Reviewed By osimajorusaf

We drive through Tucson a couple of times per year and always eat at Tucson Tamale Company. This was our first stop at the location on Tanque Verde Road and we were not disappointed. The tamales were great, the service timely and friendly, the price was very reasonable.

Where to Eat in Tucson: The Best Restaurants and Bars

4. Canyon Cafe

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort 7000 North Resort Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750 American, Southwestern, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Live Music +1 520-615-5496 http://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon/dining
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 290 reviews

Canyon Cafe

Relax as you admire stunning views of the Catalina Mountains—from Canyon Café’s indoor dining room or refreshing outdoor terrace. This casual spot serves modern American cuisine with Southwestern soul, and heart-healthy options that are anything but borin

Reviewed By richiel747

Had a great breakfast at the Canyon Cafe. The breakfast buffet had a good amount of choices including an omelet bar that will fry you a couple of eggs as well if that is what you want. Lots of choices for an omelet including the option of having made with egg whites.

Best Bar food near Tucson, Arizona, United States

3. Flying V Bar & Grill

7000 N Resort Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750-1341 American, Southwestern, Bar, Contemporary Drinks, Dinner Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 520-615-5495 http://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon/dining/restaurant
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 831 reviews

Flying V Bar & Grill

Executive Chef Ken Harvey has created a delicious menu for you to savor indoors in our rustic dining room, in front of the cozy fireplace—or outdoors on our patio, surrounded by magnificent views. Indulge in our famous table-side guacamole, made to order

Reviewed By curtissteinhoff

Everything about our dining experience at the Flying V was memorable. Our evening started with the made-at-your-table guacamole, which was some of the best we've ever tasted. Our service team was attentive, without being distracting, and the design and layout of the facility was appealing.We tried a range of entrees, from rack of lamb (cooked perfectly) to sea scallops to filet. The lamb was best, but all were fantastic.We skipped dessert, but the menu looked tempting. If you're looking for a nice night out with a standard but satisfying menu, check out the Flying V. And don't forget the guac!

Most Popular Pub food in Tucson, Arizona, United States

2. Baja Cafe of Tucson

7002 E Broadway Blvd Ste A, Tucson, AZ 85710-2827 American, Southwestern, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Outdoor Seating [email protected] +1 520-495-4772 http://www.bajacafetucson.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 346 reviews

Baja Cafe of Tucson

Reviewed By amr9212018

My sister in-law was in town. Took her here and she loved it. They had a Moscow mule special and it was delicious. I will definitely be back. Great customer service.

Top 10 American food in Tucson, Arizona, United States

1. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol

5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718-5122 American, Southwestern, Contemporary, International Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Television, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Ac [email protected] +1 520-529-3500 http://www.haciendadelsol.com/dining/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1110 reviews

The Grill at Hacienda del Sol

The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is a AAA Four Diamond dining establishment and one of Arizona's top restaurants. Breathtaking mountain and city views are captured from The Grill's dining room where you will be treated to Hacienda del Sol's "Spirited Southwe

Reviewed By Cowboybilly101

The service is outstanding. The food is a culinary delight! The scienery is beautiful! The staff is friendly!Thank you for your review, I will certainly pass on your comments to my staff. We have just started a new menu. Please stop by and see, your thoughts are valuable to us. Thanks Again.Lee GregoryCertified Sommelier/Assistant Restaurant [email protected]

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