Can't Miss Local Spots When You Visit Tucson
- leslie051
- Mar 9, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10, 2022
New to Tucson? Visiting for a few days?
Want a taste for what life's like here in The Old Pueblo?
We share our favorite local eateries, shops, and night life spots as well as some can't miss Tucson specialties. We'll break things down by areas of town, and by category to make things a little easier, and then throw in some extra Tucson treats that either started here, or are local legends.
First thing's first!
Tucson was built on the territories of the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. We love our city and want to acknowledge that we weren't the first folks to call it home. While you're here feel free to learn a little about the history of this land.
MAP
DOWNTOWN / WEST SIDE
DINING
614 N Grande Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745
201 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
533 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
4573 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
1439 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
Photo by: Jackie Tran
SHOPPING
N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ
100 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
NIGHTLIFE
Hotel Congress is a historic haunted hotel featuring Cup Cafe, bars, nightclub, music venues, and events venue in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona.
311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
236 S Scott Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
350 E Congress St #110, Tucson, AZ 85701
CENTRAL / NORTH
DINING
4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
Notable: Union Public House, Reforma Modern Mexican, Proof Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, St. Philips Plaza Market
2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718
Notable: Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, North Italia, RA Sushi
60 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
SHOPPING
2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718
Notable: Attic Salt, Creative Kind, Tucson Rescue Now
NIGHTLIFE
4605 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
2543 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
4155 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
Tucson's only 60's retro lounge, featuring classic and modern martinis and cocktails. Check out the swank scenery, cool music, classic movies, and friendly mixologists.
EASTSIDE
DINING
11011 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749
4901 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
5602 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
SHOPPING
7063 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85715
Instrumental Music Center has been serving the needs of musicians and teachers for over 20 years in Tucson, Arizona. Our stores are fully-stocked with student to professional lines of band, orchestra, drums, guitars, basses, keyboards, accessories, and more. We've built our reputation on our honesty, friendly service, and knowledge of our products.
NIGHTLIFE
6622 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
FAVORITE HIKES & SCENIC SPOTS
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750
Tumamoc Hill Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745
6400 W. Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
TUCSON STAPLES
2510 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
(but you'll see them all over town)
In 1971 Edmund Irving and Robert Greenberg pooled their resources and bought a used vending truck. In the beginning, Ed or Bob served their lemon Eegee's frozen drink in front of high schools, at sporting events, and at concerts. Over the years, the vending trucks were retired as they turned their business into a growing restaurant chain in Southern Arizona.
Eegee's is a must while you're in Tucson. It takes like the childhood of Tucson natives, and provides some much needed cooling off in the Tucson heat.
We recommend: A half lemon, half strawberry Eegee or the Flavor of the Month. Don't forget to grab some ranch fries while you're there!
Bookmans is the largest used book retailer based in Arizona. It was founded in 1976 by Bob Oldfather. Besides books, the store also sells magazines, CDs, DVDs, electronics, video games, and musical instruments.
Bookmans is where you take your used books, games, movies, tchotchkes, and more to get credit or cash to spend in-store. As a kid in Tucson it's a magical place to get lost in the stacks. As an adult it's a great place to save and find unique items.
2001 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
In 1974 Kerstin and Spencer Block opened the first Buffalo Exchange in Tucson, Arizona. Kerstin, hailing from Sweden, thought the word “Buffalo” sounded very American, and since they were introducing the idea of a fashionable clothing “Exchange,” the name was born.
Much like Bookmans, Buffalo Exchange is a great place for locals to take their used and vintage clothes with the opportunity to find something new for their collection. You might have a Buffalo Exchange in your city, but it's a Tucson born shop we're proud of.
BONUS
SONORAN HOT DOGS
There are a TON of conflicting stories about where the Sonoran Hot Dog originated, but the one thing meat eating Tucsonan's can all agree on: They. Are. Awesome.
Sonoran Hot Dogs are typically a hot dog wrapped in bacon that's grilled and served on a bolillo-style hot dog bun (similar to a little boat instead of a typical folding bun). They're topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and a other condiments usually including mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa.
Make sure to grab one while you're in town! We particularly love visiting these two restaurants to grab one:
2480 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
2680 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
