50 Best American Restaurants in Tucson

“The Salmon was amazing! Perfectly cooked!“

“*A favorite outdoor coffee/breakfast spot - I’ve only visited the cafe, not the restaurant*

This little cafe is one of my favorite spots to sit outside with a friend for a breakfast treat. Really the outdoor seating is the highlight here. I love sitting under the shade of the old olive tree and it’s so refreshing when they turn on the misters.

It’s also a treat to see the quality locally made goods they curate for sale. It’s very thoughtfully picked and they have exquisite taste that doesn’t feel at all intrusive. The location is also perfect for grabbing a refreshing drink, then walking around the historic neighborhood to see the shops and art galleries. It’s a wonderful way to spend a chill day walking around Tucson.

The food is decent with high-quality ingredients, but not memorable (I possibly have higher standards coming from Portland). In my opinion, it’s highly priced for the quantity and quality of what they deliver, so, while I appreciate the space, I’ve chosen not to order meals here anymore and stick to just coffee and a breakfast sandwich if it’s available. Their baked goods always look delicious, but all three times I’ve tried them, they’ve been dry and disappointing. Overall, I still love this little place for the atmosphere and find it to be one of the most enjoyable cafes to sit outside with a friend. I do wish the prices were more reasonable and the food/baked goods were good enough to keep me dreaming of my next visit.“

“Wonderful golf course with beautiful scenery and views. No cookie-cutter homes on this course! Fantastic food, and the coolest bar on the east side.“

“Excellent meal. Mushroom soup intensely flavored and supremely delicious, scallops perfectly seared, bone marrow was perfect, king salmon was amazing. Great wine selection. Professional yet friendly staff. Can't wait for my next visit!“

“Great hotel just across street from Main Campus“

“Dear Tito and Pep, Please refresh the menu. you are so talented ,passionate ,and creative with your food. Please share with us ( your Tucson)what other excellent culinary creations are in your heart, mind and soul. We love your foods and the story. So ,what is the next page in this beautiful Sonoran gastronomic adventure ? Go for it Chef!“

“It’s been 13 years since I last dined at the Flying V Bar & Grill at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, and my recent return was both a nostalgic trip and a delightful rediscovery. The restaurant’s ambiance has only become more spectacular over time—walk through the elegant wooden doors and you’re greeted by a warm, Southwestern-inspired interior, with rustic wooden beams, earth-toned walls, and glowing pendant lights that create an inviting lodge-like feel. Just beyond lies the terraced deck, where you can sip your cocktails while gazing out over a serene lake, the well-manicured golf course, and the breathtaking Catalina Mountains and the Tucson city lights in the distance. It’s a magical setting that showcases the desert’s natural beauty in all its twilight glory.

We began our evening with two signature cocktails: the PICANTE COWBOY and the CROWN JEWEL. The PICANTE COWBOY—featuring Maker’s Mark, Ancho Reyes Verde, ginger agave, lemon, and hellfire bitters—offered a bold, smoky flair underpinned by a subtle peppery kick. The ginger agave added a pleasant sweetness, balancing the tang of the lemon and spice from the bitters perfectly. Meanwhile, the CROWN JEWEL—mixed with Patron Reposado, pineapple turbinado, and orange bitters—delivered a tropical fruitiness that was neither saccharine nor overpowering. Both drinks were impeccably balanced and showcased thoughtful mixology, though at a premium price point. Sipping these alongside a basket of fresh artisan bread and a luxuriously whipped butter “concoction” felt like a quintessential Southwest indulgence.

For dinner, we shared the GRILLED PRAWNS—a dish composed of leche de tigre, cucumber, serrano, coconut milk, cilantro, and confit squash. The flavors dazzled with their bright acidity, creamy coconut undertones, and fresh herbal notes. My only critique was the portion—three sizable prawns made it awkward to share, and we found ourselves playfully vying for the “odd one out.” Moving on to our main course, we opted for the CHILEAN SEABASS. Presented in a pool of walnut consommé with kabocha squash and a dusting of pistachio matcha, the fish was expertly cooked to a buttery, flaky finish, seasoned just enough to enhance without overwhelming its natural richness. Curiously, both dishes arrived with the same slice of undercooked squash. While flavorful in theory, the squash’s firm texture left parts of it inedible. It was a minor misstep but noticeable given the otherwise refined execution of the plates.
Service throughout the evening was prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable—servers appeared at just the right moments, kept our glasses filled, and were eager to answer any questions. The romantic atmosphere, panoramic views, and the warm glow from the interior’s rustic décor all contributed to a memorable night.

Though portion sizes were on the modest side—particularly for the price—the overall experience of dining at the Flying V Bar & Grill remains elevated by the quality of the cuisine, the captivating setting, and the attentive service. After 13 years away, I’m delighted to report that Flying V continues to shine as one of Tucson’s most distinctive and enjoyable dining venues.

JS ;-)“

“Smells like rotten meat as soon as you enter the establishment, so I did not have food there. Service was terrible. Server was rude and didn't make eye contact or connection. Just staring at the hand held order device. had to repeat myself 4 times to order a "double jack splash of coke on the rocks." I received soda and a splash of jack but was billed for a double. Atmosphere is less than desirable. I've been in dive bars with cleaner bathrooms. Terrible experience all around.“

“My wife and I went last night for the first time. Best steak I have had in Tucson in a long time. Highly recommend!!“

“Wonderful experience for our dinner tonight,and our waiter Santi was great. Manager Monica was on it with our rewards and looking up our information.This will be our new location for Dennys“

“I really did enjoy your southwest grilled chicken wraps and your French fries. My aunt, my uncle,my grandma and I both enjoyed it. it was our first time trying out your restaurant.“

“My husband & I wanted to getaway for the night tho we're locals & this hotel was well worth the stay. Great customer service from check in, pool, restaurants to the door man. Very relaxing property, quiet rooms, surrounded by nature & close to city. We'll definitely be staying again.“

“Loved harvest vegetable burger“

“If you’re craving an authentic Sonoran hot dog in Tucson, Dany Hot Dogs is the spot! 🌭 We tried both the classic Sonoran and the Chipilón hot dog—and they were absolutely delicious. The fresh bun, perfectly grilled hot dog, creamy beans, and toppings like pico, jalapeños, and that drizzle of mayo and mustard came together perfectly.

The Chipilón had an extra kick of flavor and quickly became one of our favorites. Friendly service, great portions, and true Tucson flavor make this place a must-visit.

If you’re searching for the best hot dogs in Tucson or want to taste a real Sonoran street food classic, Dany Hot Dogs is worth the stop!“

“Man, good fried chicken, friendly staff, and an owner/chef who clearly knows his stuff. All this and walking distance from the house. This is a great addition to 5 Points and the surrounding barrios/neighborhoods. One of those places you for sure want on speed dial for those coming home from work late day dinners. It’s not fancy but it sure is good food. No catsup, mustard, ranch, or pickles if the absence of any of those is a deal breaker for you. Damn that fried chicken is good!!!“

“Good food great service, love the ambience!“

“Loved the experience! Delicious food. Will be back again!“

“I am not from the area where any Culver's are, however when I spent time in Tucson I got famliar with the chain. I would highly recommend any concrete mixer and the reubens are prob. some of the best ive ever had in my life. this place rocks“

“We love Kingfisher so much that we had our wedding there 4 years ago. So of course we celebrated our anniversary there last night! New owner Jackie and her wonderful staff saw to it that we had a wonderful meal, including a very special dessert. When Murph and his partner retired we were concerned about how the place would change but our subsequent visits have been wonderful. Highly recommend this place to anyone who appreciates great food and fabulous service!“

“The staff is Great..Reana? Our waitress is the best . The fish is the best ever Definitely coming back“

“great food, delicious shake's 😋😋 very friendly staff!“

“Amazing food, drinks, and ice cream“

“The Diablo burger! Zinburger on Grant Rd in Tucson. Full bar and large area for dining! Most burgers are $14 with the option for fries or side for another $2.50. We had the Zucchini fries for an appetizer. You could easily come in and just eat those, they are that good. I had the Diablo burger, (see photo). It was fantastic! Grilled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. It was perfection on a bun. Most everyone’s burgers soaked their buns to the point the buns were falling apart from the juice. The buns were brioche and to me the only option for a burger. The staff was very friendly and the entire experience left me hoping my digestive system works overtime so I can come back sooner. Check out Zinburger on Grant Rd in Tucson, you may not go anywhere else!“

“Wow we had bday brunch this am. it was amazing. great service. great food and drink. xander was wonderful and helpful. He needs a promotion and a raise. It was not my first time but it was my best time thanks. I will be back. I recommend“

“1st time was just two weeks ago, two friends that I haven’t seen in 20 years invited me to enjoy the food and atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the special food was but also the fabulous wings. I live in northwest Tucson but I will definitely make this one of my favorites. Keep up the good job.“

“People were raving about how good and delicious the hot dogs were, so me and my coworker had to stop and try it out! And let me tell you they were the best hot dogs I have ever had! Be coming here more often! Thank you Lupita! Excellent customer service and awesome environment keep up the good work!“

“Great food and atmosphere!“

“They always have such a welcoming environment and their food is always so yummy! I go here whenever I get the chance! Love their stuff! Great breakfast place to have great food and an awesome/super friendly staff! Give them a chance and u might be hooked haha 😄👍💕“

“We went and ate Sunday night and the food was absolutely delicious and the drinks were perfect. Our server/Bartender Maddie was the star of the show though. She made sure to give us space while we ate but basically teleported to us when we needed anything. She was talkative and attentive. Give that girl a raise!“

“Really happy with our service and mostly our server Sherry she is the best server there that weve had ! She was extremely friendly asked us about our meal filled our drinks and just made our day ! I would go back just to have the amazing experience we had with her ! She asked us about if we wanted appetizers dessert or mimosas even ! Really recommend this Cracker Barrel !!!“

“Fast service, nice staff and delicious food!“

“Wow! If you're looking for vegan, vegetarian, or a healthy option for a meal look no further than Flower Child. What a special place and I'm glad I found it on my most recent trip to Tucson. The menu options will cater to those looking for an escape from the usual burgers and boring salads that other places offer. Boring is NOT in the menu at Flower Child!! There is much to discover, enjoy, and feel good about here. My next trip to Tucson will be here before you know it. I'll be making another visit to Flower Child and sampling more of the creative, delicious options it offers.“

“They have the best real food and great service. I have not had one thing I didn’t like. Their pineapple upside-down pancakes are amazing and their biscuits and gravy…delicious🌸“

“My daughter chose this restaurant. It was good. The waiter was friendly. I'm glad I tried it once. Will I be back? Probably not. The food was good but nothing exceptional to make me drive 45 minutes.
It's an old building, so carpets and bathrooms need some TLC.
We had the soup of the day. It was a flavorfull tortilla soup with ground beef, We tried the salmon, the Cordon Bleu, spare ribs, and crème brûlée.“

“I taught a painting class here and ordered some food and coffee, It was absolutely delish, would highly recommend! Owner was so super sweet and staff is amazing. Nice vibe ⭐️“

“Love the music! Good food. Nice little shops. My favorite venue and a great location.“

“The food is great, the service is fast, and I couldn’t ask for more. They have good summer specials to save a few bucks. There are a lot of options depending on dietary preferences or restrictions: gluten free buns, grass fed beef available, and tons of toppings available. I love the local iced tea and the Maine Root sodas. If you have been there years ago when the service was a little slow, just know that was in the past. I waited 3 minutes for a hot, fresh burger tonight that was awesome.“

“My go to breakfast spot!!!“

“Food is always good. Great service. The only complaint I have is we came in at 4pm on Friday and the carpet was atrocious. Food on it and dirty black spots. It needs a good cleaning. Everything else was clean why not the carpet?“

“We love JoJo’s it’s becoming one of our favorite lunch & dinner spots in Tucson. Good food with vegan & vegetarian choices. I would give it five stars but the service can be slow, particularly when they are busy, so plan ahead if you have an appointment to get to after your meal and give it a good 1.5 hours. I love the open air atmosphere in kind of a grotto. Parking can be hit or miss as it is paid street parking wherever you can find a spot nearby, they do not have a dedicated parking lot. I’ve always been able to find parking nearby. My favorite dishes are the tomato tart and the nachos, but everything we’ve ordered there is good. They sometime have live music at night, which we also love.“

“I cannot say enough good things about this place. The staff are amazing, so friendly and accommodating. The cauliflower was amazing!! Meals were perfect, great flavors, perfect portions. Outdoors is made for children, or adults who want to have fun. There are games galore and a lending library, seriously, who does this to entertain your children? It was comfortable and cozy and charming and delicious. I'm only sorry it has taken me this long to get there, my new go to spot. Thank you so much for being a fabulous place to be on the east side!!!“

“DELICIOUS food. I stoped in today because It was rainy and I figured they’d have soup. I was blown away by the Chicken Paprikash and the service! Very inexpensive for the value and taste!! ❤️❤️❤️“

“We had a wonderful event😎😎😎“

“Very welcoming staff waitress was very 👍🏽 nice! Great food“

“servers, environment food“

“Will definitely be back! Friendly staff and amazing food!! 💕“

“Great lunch. Very good, attentive server.“

“The food was great. The malts that Joanne made were out of this world fantastic.“

“I like the pleasant way the waiters are always in a good mood,They never let you down.As for the menu there is something for everyone, And when it brought to you you expectations are fulfilled.Great Place!“

“Is you can imagine we like to bring the boy to eat here he enjoys it a lot as he can watch the cars being worked on

food can be hit or miss and as well as the service

but we enjoy the atmosphere and keep coming back“