The trendy Hotel Congress has a happening little cafe that serves what many consider to be the best breakfast around. All the familiar favorites are offered, along with some more creative options such as the Boom Boom (scrambled eggs, cheese and roasted red potatoes piled on a toasted baguette), Eggs and Gunpowder (a bowl of roasted red potatoes topped with eggs, turkey chorizo and jack cheese), and Bennie's Burrito (a tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, spicy black beans, sprouts, jack cheese, diced green chiles, black olives, sour cream and fresh salsa). Lunch and dinner tend to be more international in scope, but the food is equally wonderful.
Recommended for Lunch because: Cupe Cafe is the hip cafe located at The Hotel Congress, featuring a full bar, dining room and plaza seating with lots of good people-watching.
Patricia's expert tip: It's worth saving space for the dessert carrousel, which featrues a changing assortment of house-baked cakes and pies.
Inspired by the colorful streets of Tepatitlan, Jalisco in Mexico, Calle Tepa is Tucson's latest and greatest Mexican cafe. In a city full of great Mexican food, Calle Tepa manages to stand out from the pack for its great take on Jalisco street food, fresh ingredients, and attention to detail. Here is everything you would want from a fast-casual Mexican food cafe: homemade recipes, made-from-scratch salsas, and pillowy tortillas cooked in front of you. There is even an al pastor juicing on a rotating spit. Brought to you by the folks behind Tucson's Guadalajara Grill, Calle Tepa offers a homespun take on great Mexican food.
Recommended for Lunch because: Calle Tepa is a fast-casual Mexican food restaurant in midtown known for its fresh, gourmet take on Mexican classics like tortas and tacos.
Patricia's expert tip: The restaurant offers a popular happy hour that takes place every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offers $5 margaritas.
Prep and Pastry opened in 2013, announcing itself as a "craft" breakfast, lunch and brunch destination in central Tucson. Essentially, this means dishes are made from scratch and crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast menu is one of the most unique and sophisticated in town. Highlights include the Chef Omelette, which changes daily and is served with a side of the house hash. Another stand-out is the A.M. Relleno, a savory mix of eggs, pico, queso fresco, poblano pepper, corn tortilla strips, and a rich mole sauce. The duck confit hash is another gourmet breakfast specialty, made with shallots, spinach, chardonnay braised golden raisins, goat cheese mousse, and an over easy egg.
Recommended for Lunch because: Stylish, gourmet comfort food in hipster-approved digs make Prep & Pastry a good option for lunch any day.
Patricia's expert tip: Prep & Pastry also has an afternoon tea, poured every week day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Roma Imports celebrates the spirit of the traditional Italian deli by staying true to its roots. The small shop carries a huge selection of Italian food goods, including high quality imported meats and cheeses. The menu features a large assortment of hot and cold deli sandwiches, including a classic caprese made with fresh basil and the "Ultimate Roma," made with capocolla, genoa salami, fresh mortadella, provolone, and roasted red peppers. On the hot side of the menu, you can't beat the "Roma Signature," a slow roasted pork shoulder marinated with mustard and beer, then topped with a crunchy slaw. The deli also carries an assortment of salads and hot pasta dishes.
Recommended for Lunch because: Craving a classic Italian deli lunch in Tucson? You'll find everything from classic cold cuts to hot pasta dishes at Roma Imports.
Patricia's expert tip: If you're looking for good value, check out the daily-changing menu of lunch specials, which may include house specialties like the Tuscan pork loin sandwich or beef ravioli with homemade marinara sauce.
This charming downtown cafe, located at the historic Stevens House at the Museum of Art, offers an assortment of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Fine art hangs on the walls, providing the perfect ambiance for enjoying the down-home breakfast plates and lunch options. The coffee is excellent. Try the house macchiato, or for something slightly different, the lachino (a wet cappuccino with less foam and more milk) is great. Salads, sandwiches and artistan breads are also on the eclectic menu. Don't leave without trying one of the cafe's famous desserts, which include plenty of gluten free options. There is a great brick patio for al fresco dining.
Recommended for Lunch because: Cafe a la C'art, located in Tucson's historic El Presidio neighborhood, is a charming downtown lunch spot that won't break the budget.
Patricia's expert tip: Please note that Cafe a la C'Art has limited hours during the summer. Please confirm seasonal hours with the cafe.
Located just south of downtown Tucson on historic Stone Avenue, 5 Points Market & Restaurant is a hip, friendly eatery that serves breakfast and lunch. Before or after your meal, be sure to check out the small market, which is well stocked with fresh fruits and veggies, plus locally made food products. The breakfast menu features classics like huevos rancheros and a smoked salmon benedict. For lunch, there's a gourmet grilled cheese, salads, homemade soups, and even meatloaf. The market also has a full coffee menu, plus squeezed-to-order fresh juices for breakfast. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items are also available.
Recommended for Lunch because: For a casual lunch featuring house-made breads and local ingredients, check out this hip eatery just south of downtown Tucson.
Patricia's expert tip: Apart from lunch offerings, 5 Points also has a gourmet coffee, tea and juice bar.
For a quick bite on your way to work or a day of sightseeing, bypass all those fast food chains and stop at Beyond Bread. The cinnamon raisin French toast is unbeatable, but if you like protein in the morning, try a made-to-order omelette, stuffed full of your choice of meats, cheese and veggies. Lighter appetites might prefer a simple croissant, muffin or scone. Later in the day, opt for a cleverly named sandwich or salad, a slice of dark chocolate cake or a massive cookie. Breads range from specials like Ancho-Chipotle-White Cheddar and Brie-Scallion-Chive to more traditional varieties such as challah and baguettes � there are more than 30 breads in the regular schedule, about half of which are available on any given day.
Recommended for Lunch because: Beyond Bread is Tucson's favorite local chain, making hand-crafted breads, sandwiches, soups, fresh salads and exquisite pastries all in a comfortable neighborhood environment.
Patricia's expert tip: Every day the restaurant features a Daily Special sandwich, which comes with your choice of chips, baby carrots or an apple.
Tucson Tamale Company's slogan is "unwrap happiness." Well said. With more than 30 different types of tamales, from meaty and spicy to hearty vegan treats, Tucson Tamale Company is your source for authentic and creative tamales in the Old Pueblo. The menu is eclectic and fun. Try the green corn tamales, a house favorite, or the Arizona, which is stuffed with chipotle beef. The Tucson Tamale Company has something to please every palate, including a large selection of vegetarian and vegan tamales. There are also delicious breakfast and dessert tamales so you can start your morning--and finish your meal--just right.
Recommended for Lunch because: The Tucson Tamale Company's huge selection of gourmet tamales will appeal to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
Patricia's expert tip: Take a dozen--or two dozen--tamales home with you. The Tucson Tamale Company specializes in special orders too.
People don't simply talk about Feast, they enthuse. The concept seems simple enough: excellent gourmet food (but nothing too experimental), reasonable prices, and the option to dine in or take out. The menu changes every month â" call ahead or check their website to see what's available â" but virtually every dish is a knockout. You might encounter a savory cheesecake with artichoke hearts, zesty sweet potato chilaquiles, perfect parmesan risotto, a fennel and garlic-rubbed pork chop, or chicken masala over basmati rice and fresh sautéed spinach. Desserts are all exceptional and prepared in-house, including the ice cream, but the chocolate truffle cookies are sublime. If you're going for take out, you can also select a bottle of wine to go.
Recommended for Lunch because: Feast is Tucson's venerable gourmet carry-out restaurant, offering diner's exquisite meals for either dining in or taking out.
Patricia's expert tip: Feast's menu changes on the first Tuesday of each month, so expect something new on the always-evolving, seasonally-driven menu.
The Little One is the sister to the award-winning Cafe Poca Cosa on Pennington Street. It might be smaller, but it certainly doesn't play second fiddle. Located on the corner of Alameda and Stone in downtown Tucson, the popular Mexican cafe revels in a fun, loud and homespun ambiance. Service is strictly first come, first serve. The music is always loud, children are welcome and no credit cards are accepted. Plus, the friendly staff make certain that every patron leaves with a hug and a kiss. Ambiance aside, the food at Little Poca Cosa is quite good. Try the pork in smoked poblano sauce--it'll melt in your mouth. Breakfast and lunch only. If you come for take-out, the restaurant encourages you to bring your own plate to stay green.
Recommended for Lunch because: The Little One is the place to go in downtown Tucson when you're looking for a quick yet nourishing Mexican meal.
Patricia's expert tip: Not sure what to order? Open-minded guests may want to order the "Plato Surprise," featuring three items off the menu hand-picked by the chefs.