Casual Restaurants
When lunchtime rolls around, I turn to a few reliable go-to spots. Tucson offers an impressive mix of quick and casual options, from Sonoran hotdogs and Korean fried chicken to hearty salads and sandwiches with a twist. I’m always finding new favorites, and I’ll highlight more of them in upcoming posts.
Beyond Bread
This bustling bakery and sandwich shop, with three locations around town, serves up classics and creative twists on fresh house-made bread. Think a vegan Reuben on rye, beets and goat cheese on focaccia, or a roast turkey and avocado on ciabatta. There are hearty standbys too, like roast beef with horseradish on a pretzel bun. With something for everyone, it’s a spot that always feels welcoming.
6260 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
3026 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
421 W Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
El Güero Canelo
Daniel Contreras opened a taco stand in 1993, and steadily grew the business to be a must-stop for anyone visiting Tucson. In 2018, El Güero Canelo received an America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation, recognizing its status as a local icon. The Sonoran hotdog here is arguably the taste of Tucson. It’s hefty and delicious, featuring a boat-like bun baked specially for the restaurant, with a bacon-wrapped dog and a host of toppings.
2480 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
5802 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711
5201 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706
HeeMee Coffee & Bakery
There are now two locations of this bright little snack shop and bakery. The founder, Korean-born HeeMee Kim, combined French, Korean, and Japanese influences for the pastries. There’s an array of coffee and matcha drinks. Savory food options include Korean-style corndogs, bulgogi bowls, chicken katsu sandwiches, and my favorite, crisp, boneless Korean fried chicken served with rice, a simple cabbage slaw, and a choice of dipping sauces.
20 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
800 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Le Buzz
Le Buzz is a Tucson staple I never get tired of. There are two locations in town, but I usually go to the one on Swan. The breakfast menu is simple but always well done, with options like quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh fruit tarts. Their fresh-baked pastries are some of the best in Tucson, and for lunch they serve a solid lineup of soups, sandwiches, and salads.
2930 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
9121 E Tanque Verde Rd #125, Tucson, AZ 85749
Locale Bakery & Cafe
This daytime adjunct to Locale Restaurant is spacious and quiet, with a small patio out back. It’s a great place to get some work done over coffee and house-baked pastries in the morning, or over lunch in the afternoon. Offerings include rectangular slices of pizza, served with a hefty simple salad, and a short list of sandwiches on house-baked ciabatta rolls, served with either salad or a heap of thin, house-cut fries.
60 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
Time Market
The market itself is a cook’s dream, offering specialty dried beans, cheeses, dried pastas, a small selection of beautiful produce, house-baked breads and cookies, and the best curated selection of wines in town. Food options include pizza, whole or by the slice, with a thin, blistered crust and toppings that range from admirably simple to creative (check out the daily specials). The sandwiches feature novel touches, and the salads, including a lemony kale salad dusted with pecorino cheese, are always freshly tossed.
444 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705