Inexpensive Tucson AZ RestaurantsBargain Bites Abound in Diverse Tucson Restaurant Scene
We love a gourmet meal as much as anyone but sometimes we just want a quick bite without a lot of fuss. A decade ago, Tucson dining choices were limited. But since then, the diversity of restaurants in Tucson has exploded and we're happy to say that many of them are bargain bites. We're not fans of typical American fast food joints, so we're always on the look out for delicious food that is economically-priced and of good quality. Below are some of our favorite inexpensive Tucson AZ restaurant finds, organized by their location in town: Tucson AZ Restaurants on 4th Avenue
B Line Café Inside, a large four-piece painting of a freight train runs along three walls paying homage to the train tracks that run nearby. This is one of several good Tucson AZ restaurants on 4th Avenue and we like it for its hip interior, creative food and its pies. A bright and airy space with hardwood floors, artsy paintings and bar-like seating that looks out to the street make this a comfortable spot for lingering over breakfast and people watching. Service is quick: just order from the counter, grab a seat and the food will be brought to your table. The fare is American diner with a gourmet twist and some dishes have a Southwest influence. This is a popular Tucson breakfast spot for their pancakes, egg and biscuit sandwiches and breakfast burritos. At lunch and dinner, stop in for hearty sandwiches, big salads, quesadillas, burritos and pasta. They also have 13 microbrews on tap. Most entrées are $10 and under although a few such as the pan-seared salmon salad and the fish tacos are a bit more. What the B Line Café is really known for is pies, which are homemade and stuffed high with fresh fruit in a flaky, buttery crust and topped with real whipped cream. If pies aren’t your thing, they also have cakes, cookies and ice cream. Address: 621 N. 4th Ave, Tucson AZ 85705
Maya Quetzal Tucked in among the colorful shops of 4th Avenue, Maya Quetzal is a little family-run restaurant serving authentic Guatemalan food. For those not familiar, Guatemalan cuisine is similar to Mexican food but has its own unique style. Typical ingredients include corn, masa, chiles, tomatillos, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and spinach. The large menu has vegetarian dishes and many appetizers. Popular items include pupusas, quesadillas and pollo en pepian – pumpkin seed-crusted chicken. Entrées come with a side of black beans, Spanish style rice and a simple lettuce and tomato salad. Jeff loves the tortas de espinanca, which are similar to spinach-filled enchiladas. Paula always orders the chile rellenos, stuffed with Monterey jack cheese, spinach and walnuts, because they are the best she has ever had. Don't miss the aguas frescas beverages. Paula loves the Jamaica, made from hibiscus flowers. Rice-based horchata is scented with cinnamon and vanilla. The Tamarindo is made with boiled pods from the tamarind tree with sugar. The interior has simple tables and chairs and colorful Guatemalan handmade textiles decorate the walls. There is covered patio seating in the back that is needed on busy weekends. Address: 429 N. 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Worldwide Wrappers Made with real fruit, there are several smoothies to choose from. If smoothies aren't your thing, fresh squeezed juices, Italian sodas, teas and lemonade will quench your thirst. We also like it as a good Tucson lunch spot as their wraps are large and delicious. Start by choosing the kind of low-fat tortilla that you want - white, whole wheat, spinach, tomato or jalapeno. Then pick one of 21 different fillings that are as diverse as the U.N. Assembly and include Cajun, Caribbean, Teriyaki, Santa Fe, BBQ, Greek and Tuscany. They have vegetarian wraps too including Caribbean, Teriyaki, Mexican and Bombay veggie. You may also compose your own wrap. These same items are also available without the tortilla in a rice bowl. Desserts are simple: cookies and baklava. This may be one of the smaller Tucson AZ restaurants, with only a few tables, but it's big on healthy and tasty food. Address: 500 N. 4th Ave #7, Tucson AZ 85705 Tucson AZ Restaurants in Midtown
Beyond Bread This large bakery café, one of two in town, got its start selling wonderful, fresh-baked breads. The long and diverse list includes ancho chile, chipotle & white cheddar, cranberry pecan and parmesan & herb. Although they are a big Tucson lunch spot, they now also serve breakfast too. The menu includes a wide variety of hot sandwiches like the Maya’s Market with havarti cheese, basil pesto & artichokes, cold sandwiches such as Pablo's Pavo with Southwest turkey salad, soups and huge salads. Breakfast specialties include cinnamon raisin French toast, made-to-order omelets & pastries. Order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table. The sandwiches are delicious, but what really stood out at our dinner was the butternut squash soup. The portions are large and the prices are affordable. The big menu, tempting desserts and busy scene may make it difficult to order your first time, but there are plenty of reasons to come back to practice ordering again and again. Address: 3026 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson AZ 85719.
Blue Willow Located in a converted 1930 adobe house, the atmosphere is casual and homey. If the weather is nice, we recommend sitting out on the patio that’s surrounded by walls and lush plants. Blue Willow's menus are eclectic. The day menu has breakfast specialties such as huevos rancheros and tofu scramble. Lunch items include salads, soups, sandwiches, meatloaf and salmon cakes. The dinner menu, beginning at 5pm, is also diverse with tostadas, vegetarian stir fry, a hummus plate and shrimp scampi. At one dinner, Jeff picked the unusual menu item of chicken and broccoli crepes with cheddar cheese sauce. Afterwards, he regretted feeling experimental. Paula's three cheese spinach lasagna, however, was a delight. The in-house bakery creates its own homemade desserts. You have to go through a gift shop to enter and pay for your meal on the way out where its easy to get diverted by the unique and fun collection of greeting cards, jewelry and kitchen accessories. Note: Blue Willow serves breakfast all day and a gluten-free menu is available. Address: 2616 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson AZ 85719
El Mezon Del Cobre Don't let the simple exterior and location put you off. Inside you'll find good Mexican food and a colorful interior at this family-owned and operated Tucson AZ restaurant. El Mezon Del Cobre has the typical Sonoran fare of chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas and tacos. However, seafood is the real specialty here with over 20 fish and shrimp dishes on the menu. Their dishes may include a wide variety of ingredients, such as spinach, corn, chiles, black beans, peanuts, tomatillos, tomatoes or pumpkin seeds. The lunch menu features 24, low-priced lunch specials. For dinner, "Camaron al Mojo de Ajo" features tender plump shrimp sautéed in fresh garlic and butter and served with rice. Another dinner highlight is "Enchiladas a la Mezon Del Cobre" with soft corn tortillas dipped in spiced red enchilada sauce, layered with shredded chicken breast, avocado slices, melted cheese, sour cream, garnished with shredded lettuce and tomato. There is live Mariachi music on Friday and Saturday nights. Address: 2960 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson AZ 85719
Guadalajara Grill This family-run eatery has become one of the most popular Mexican Tucson AZ restaurants in part for the fresh salsa made tableside. Not long after we were seated, a woman known as a Salsera wheeled a cart to our table and proceeded to prepare salsa to our taste. She used a traditional stone mortar and pestle called a molcajete to hand grind a choice of 3 different chilies (she’ll make it as mild or hot as you like), baked red plum tomatoes, green tomatillos, fresh chopped garlic, cilantro, onions and salt that became the salsa for dipping our tortilla chips or slathering on everything else. Our good friends brought us to Guadalajara Grill in part just to see the salsa making. This event at the beginning of our meal set the tone that this Jalisco-style eatery is different from other Mexican restaurants in Tucson. It's not just the tasty salsa; everything is fresh and full of flavor. Even the tortillas are hand pressed and rolled fresh daily. The menu is extensive with fajitas, combination plates, burritos, huaraches, and seafood specialties. Guadalajara Grill services breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a full bar. Every table was filled when we've had dinner and we enjoyed the Mariachi group that plays nightly. In 2008, Guadalajara Grill moved down the street to a larger venue. It is easy to see why they needed more room. Address: 1220 E. Prince Road, Tucson AZ 85719.
Paradise Bakery & Cafe Located in the Main Gate Square area next to the University of Arizona campus, this Scottsdale-based restaurant chain has managed to maintain a level of quality and service that is well above the usual corporate fare. The large menu offers quiches, soups, salads and sandwiches, all with a homemade taste. As an added bonus, all lunches come with a chocolate chip cookie. Their fresh baked items include cookies, muffins, brownies, croissants and breads. Ordering is quick and easy at the walk-up counter. The atmosphere is comfortable and casual plus there is free Wi-Fi and a covered patio. The food is served quickly, however, it is a good place to slow down and enjoy a meal. Address: 845 N. Park Ave., #125, Tucson, AZ 85719, just west of the University of Arizona. Tucson AZ Restaurants in Northwest Tucson
Of all the Tucson AZ restaurants, the Tea Room offers a tranquil oasis that's a respite from the daily grind of life. Set among the beautiful 49 acres of gardens and preserved desert of Tohono Chul Park, the Tea Room is one of our favorite spots for a hearty breakfast or a delicious lunch. But as its name suggests, you can order a full afternoon tea, too. The menu is Southwestern and American style including sandwiches, salads, soups and even enchiladas. All seating options - by the courtyard fountain, in the brick-walled dining room or in the hummingbird garden - are perfect spots to sip a delicious prickly pear lemonade and retreat from the busy world for awhile. Click on the link above to read our full review. Address: 7366 N. Paseo del Norte Dr., Tucson AZ 85704 Tucson AZ Restaurants on the Eastside
Le Buzz Caffe Bistro Just by chance, we stopped in here before a day trip up nearby Mt. Lemmon. Once inside we could see that Le Buzz was a popular spot as hikers, cyclists and everyone else flocks to this café conveniently located near some of Tucson's popular recreation areas. At breakfast, home-baked pastries including galettes and a full espresso bar keeps the morning crowd busy. For lunch, choose from large salads, hearty sandwiches and soups. The menu is eclectic and includes Southwestern dishes such as the Sonoran Chicken Salad, made with grilled chicken breast, fresh tomato, ripe avocado, crunchy jicama, black beans, Asiago cheese, tortilla strips and poblano lime vinaigrette. Or try the tasty sandwiches, served on their housemade panini rolls or bread from Los Angeles' famous La Brea Bakery, including chipotle chicken, grilled veggie and turkey avocado. There are also five different types of homemade quiches made daily. Address: 9095 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Suite 125, Tucson AZ 85749. There is plenty of parking because Le Buzz is located in a shopping center by Walgreen’s at the intersection of the Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde Rd.
Dolce Vita Located in a shopping center on the east side of town, it isn't much to look at from the outside. We might never have noticed the place if some friends hadn’t taken us there for dinner. After our visit, we can say that the friendly staff, casual family atmosphere and good Italian American food at Dolce Vita are worth a visit for locals and tourists alike. The menu includes familiar standards such as spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, pizza, linguini, pizza and eggplant parmigiana. Mussels, shrimp scampi, calamari and linguini with clam sauce are some of the seafood dishes to try. Their shrimp-stuffed salmon special was delicious. Hearty diners take note, plates and portions are large. We were so stuffed after dinner we had to skip dessert. The restaurant is known for its tiramisu, so we'll have to save room for dessert next time. Address: 7895 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson AZ 85710 Tucson AZ Restaurants in the Foothills
El Charro Café Ventana We've eaten at the original El Charro Café in downtown Tucson numerous times and we always enjoy our meals there. They now have 5 restaurants (including one in Sahuarita). El Charro Café Ventana is in the foothills near Ventana Canyon Resort. The new brick building may not have the historic character of the original El Charro, but the classic Sonoran style dishes are still the same high quality. El Charro's Sonoran style menu includes salads, soup, carne seca, enchiladas charras, combination plates, tortas, burros, chimichangas, tacos, fajitas and tamales. Paula is especially fond of their chiles rellenos. Jeff enjoys having the rolled chicken tacos. Even with the expansion to catering and wholesale foods, El Charro's high quality has remained. Read our full review of the original, downtown El Charro Restaurant Tucson AZ. Address: 6910 E. Sunrise, Tucson AZ 85750
AJ's Fine Foods However, we think it's a great place to grab a quick meal or pick up picnic supplies. AJ's Fine Foods is an upscale grocery store that’s part of the Basha’s grocery chain. Their impressive deli is well-stocked with everything from imported meats and cheeses to fine pastries and breads. The array of prepared-to-order and ready-made foods will please even the finickiest eater and includes sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta, a salad bar and even sushi. They also have a great breakfast bar in the morning with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and French toast. If you're looking for something sweet, stop by the dessert case where you’ll find some incredible cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, pies and cookies. We’ve often taken our meals to go but when we have the time, we enjoy eating out on the covered, front patio. Address: 2805 E. Skyline Dr., Tucson AZ 85718, on the corner of Skyline and Campbell in the La Encantada shopping center. Pricing Key: ($) Inexpensive: entrées $10 and under ($$) Moderate: $11 -$15 ($$$) Expensive: $16 - $25 ($$$$) Very Expensive: Over $25 Note: This Tucson AZ restaurants information was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with each of these Tucson AZ restaurants before making reservations and/or dining plans. Return to Tucson Arizona Destination Guide page from Tucson AZ Restaurants
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