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Eateries

Brooklyn Pizza Company

Fantastic pizza. It comes in only one size, large which is fine because its so good you wouldn’t want anything smaller! Awesome happy hour, great micro brews for under two bucks. Funky atmosphere with rotating local art on the wall and incredibly diverse clientele. Try to avoid 3pm, since that’s when Tucson High gets out and the place is mobbed with teenagers.

Phone: (520) 622-6868
Address: 534 N 4th Ave, Tucson AZ 85705
One block north of 6th St on the east side of the street

Blue Willow

This old house has been serving great food for at least two decades. The patio is the highlight. The breakfasts are huge and delicious. Excellent gift shop full of out of the ordinary items, some with a bit of attitude.

Phone: (520) 327-7577
Address: 2616 N Campbell Ave, Tucson AZ 85719

Fronimo’s

Fresh Greek food, prepared fast in a nice atmosphere. They even have Greek wine and beer and don’t forget dessert. The baklava looks small but it is rich and delicious.

Phone: (520) 327-8321
Address: 3242 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson AZ 85716

El Corral

If you like prime rib and Western Americana than this old homestead turned restaurant is a perfect fit. The prices are reasonable and the food is great, as the long line out the door can attest. Don’t worry about the wait, it goes quite fast. Try the tamale pie instead of baked potato, get the salad with the house dressing (tossed table-side, if everyone at the table orders it), and try, try, try to leave room for the Adobe Mud Pie.

Phone: (520) 299-6092
Address: 2201 E River Rd, Tucson AZ 85718

Rocco’s Little Chicago

I like it thin but folks I know swear by the thick crust. Either way the pizza is scrumptious. Be healthy and start with a salad. Try Lefty’s vinaigrette, it is Rocco’s Aunt’s recipe. I wish I had an Aunt named Lefty! They have other options but who can resist a $1 can of Old Style? My only complaint is that Rocco’s isn’t open on Sundays, sigh. (Disclosure, Lance worked at Rocco’s in 2000-2001.)

Phone: (520) 321-1860
Address: 2707 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson AZ 85716

Delectables Restaurant

In business for over 30 years Delectables is clearly doing something right. I love the old building and the sidewalk patio. There is something relaxing about the whole set-up. The plants and eclectic, local art on the walls add to the ambiance. They offer sandwiches, salads, soup and a variety of entrees many of which seem inspired by a French bistro. The food has always been fresh and tasty. Try one of their special iced teas. They are open for both lunch, dinner and have a nice selection of beer and wine too. The restaurant is usually a quiet place, good for conversations or a date. The clientele ranges from young to “mature” and it is a favorite spot among locals. They occasionally have live music.

Phone: (520) 884-9289
Address: 533 N 4th Ave, Tucson AZ 85705

Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery

Now there are two restaurants in the same building with the addition of Sushimatsu. The sushi bar is often crowded but you can order many of the same items from the counter in the main restaurant. You order and pay at the counter, grab your number and find a seat. The servers bring your food to the table. The decor is fun, upon entering you’ve left the desert far behind. The menu is large with lots of choices and I will admit that I still don’t know what most of them are. They do have 3D plastic replications of some of the dishes to help you decide. The focus is on healthy and nutritious food but don’t worry, all the dishes we’ve tried were also very tasty. They have a lot of vegetarian options too. There is also a fun gift shop packed with Japanese items rarely found elsewhere. Hint: Check out their Happy Hour offerings between 5 and 7 pm every night of the week, good deals! Try the Fried Tofu (I love it) and the Red Bean Ice Cream. Caution: The place can be quite crowded during peak times and it can be hard to find a table.

Phone: (520) 320-1574
Address: 2660 N Campbell Ave, Tucson AZ 85719

Ghinis French Caffe

Open for breakfast and lunch this cafe has a charming interior though it is located in a drab strip mall. They have patio seating where dogs are allowed. Though I never been there for breakfast the options look enticing. The cafe shares space with a bakery although the last time I was there the bakery was closed. Seating is limited in the small space, service is friendly but not very polished but the food makes up for all of that. Definitely a nice place to have lunch while visiting with a friend. Beer and wine available.

Phone: 520-326-9095
Address: 1803 E Prince Rd, Tucson AZ 85719

Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe

Though hard to find, tucked on a hill behind a McDonald’s, this small but bright and cheery Mexican restaurant is worth finding. Their tortillas are hand-made all day long and the menu features your favorite Mexican foods with some not-so-typical, Oaxacan inspired items thrown in for good measure. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a good selection of Mexican beers, wine and of course, margaritas in many flavors. Caution: The parking lot is small and the place can get crowded.

Phone: (520) 624-4512
Address: 2455 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson AZ 85745-1119
NW corner of Grant and Silverbell

B Line

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner this small cafe/bistro is a favorite spot of ours. Located in the heart of the 4th Ave eclectic district the B Line is a welcome respite. Their small menu lists burritos, salads, soups, and sandwiches all with an upscale twist. There is something for everyone and nothing is boring here. After ordering at the counter take your drink and find your seat, either at one of the regular tables upstairs, or the tall tables on the lower level or better yet, grab a seat at the counter along the window and people watch. Soon they’ll bring your food over and you’ll be glad you stopped in. While we’ve never visited in the am we hear amazing things about their crepes. Also receiving rave reviews are their home-made desserts but I hardly ever have room for them. They serve tasty and unusual micro-brews and have a small but refined wine list. Bonus: Check their website for happy hour and wine specials.

Phone: (520) 882-7575
Address: 621 N 4th Avenue, Tucson AZ 85705

El Charro Cafe

This family-owned Mexican restaurant is so popular that they now have five locations in town, though we prefer their original location downtown. Not only does the dining area sprawl through multiple rooms of a couple old houses but there is also a small shop crammed full of colorful doo-dads from Mexico. El Charro has received rave reviews from multiple well-respected sources but that is not why we go there – we go because we love the food and the atmosphere. Thankfully, even with all the accolades their prices aren’t out of sight. Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Hint: Reservations recommended, especially on weekends during the winter months. Caution: Parking costs money and is limited during business hours, though it is free after 5pm or on weekends.

Phone: (520) 622-1922
Address: 311 N Court Ave, Tucson AZ 85701

Drinkeries

Nimbus Brewing Company

Funky brewery that hosts live music, serves sandwiches and of course, has amazing beer. Our favorite by far is the Old Monkeyshine. Be warned—it weighs in at respectable 8.0 ABV (alcohol by volume). One pint is enough!

Phone: (520) 745-9715
Address: 3850 E 44th Street, Ste 138, Tucson AZ 85713

Bob Dobbs Bar & Grill

This corner pub has been around for at least 20 years and thankfully, it hasn’t changed a bit! We love that you can come as you are, grab a seat inside at the bar, at a table or out on one of the patios and relax. True, the service is less than attentive but that’s not why we go there. We’re there to unwind, drink a beer and grub. Plus, we usually run into someone we know. They offer sandwiches, salads, ribs, and wings though I always order the same thing: a Bob burger with homemade fries.

This hole-in-the-wall tavern has quality beers on tap and a full bar. They have several TVs which are tuned to the latest sports action. Located a few blocks from the UA the place gets packed before and after UA games. Most of the decor consists of UA sports memorabilia and random scribbles on the wall. It remains our favorite Sunday afternoon place to hang out. Caution: It can get quite loud in there. The Bob burger is delicious but it is very garlicky (one of the reasons why I love it so much)!

Phone: (520) 325-3767
Address: 2501 E 6th St, Tucson AZ 85716

Tiny’s Saloon

Contrary to the name this place is less of a saloon and more of a western-style family restaurant. Expect a wait for a seat at one of the red checked tables. We bellied up to the long wooden bar, grabbed a couple stools and soon had mugs of cold draft beer in front of us. Sports were on the several TVs scattered around the room, though the volume was turned down. We ordered “steerburgers” from the bartender and before long we were sinking our teeth into juicy goodness. They have a small stage and occasionally have live bands. Caution: This is way out west of town, a few miles south of Old Tucson Studios. It would make a great stop after a day of hiking in the Saguaro National Park West. Hint: The daily specials are phenomenal deals!

Phone: (520) 578-7700
Address: 4900 W Ajo Hwy, Tucson AZ 85746

Barrio Brewing Company

Located on the south side of the tracks in an old warehouse near downtown this brewery is part of the Gentle Ben’s family. In Tucson, Gentle Ben’s is almost a required course for those of drinking age (and probably even for some that aren’t). All of the beers (10-12-16?) for Gentle Ben’s are now brewed at this location which also offers dining and occasionally, live music. Bar seating is the main focus though there are tables both inside and out. The patio seating is out on the old loading dock where you can watch the trains roll by. We’ve popped in a couple times and had a good time. Though we have yet to see it packed the building can hold quite a crowd. Overall they did a nice job with the decor (though the plastic tables just have to go). The beer is always good and cold, the munchies we’ve tried hit the spot and one of these days maybe we’ll have a chance to try our hands at the tabletop shuffleboard in the corner. Caution: Tricky to get there, closes earlier than one would like.

Phone: (520) 791-2739
Address: 800 E 16th St, Tucson AZ 85719

Adventures

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Truly a wonderful place for anyone who lives in or is visiting the Tucson area. The Sonoran Desert is explained and native wildlife is displayed in naturally inspired habitats. Many of these species are elusive in nature so it is a great introduction to some of the many creatures that live in the area.

Open every day of the year—call or check their website for prices and hours.

Phone: (520) 883-2702
Address: 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson AZ 85743

Pima Canyon Trail #62

Our favorite quick getaway. Within minutes we can leave the traffic and noise of the city behind. After a brief climb you drop into the canyon and begin meandering up the riparian area. The swath of bright green leaves will show you what the wildlife already knows – there is usually water in the canyon. Prepare to get wet if there is a lot of water in the canyon since the trail crisscrosses the canyon bottom multiple times. Keep your eyes open for evidence of Tucson’s early inhabitants as metates (holes ground into large rocks during the processing of grains and seeds) are found in boulders along the trail.

Attractions: Riparian forest, canyon hike, craggy peaks, watchable wildlife, Tucson views
Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 8.6 miles
Elevation: 2,900’-7,255’
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
Dogs: Dogs not allowed
USGS Map(s): Tucson North, Oro Valley

Phone: (520) 877-6000
Address: East end of Magee Rd at Iris O. Dewhirst Trailhead, Tucson AZ 85704

Fantasy Island

The trail is a single track loop that is about 10 miles. It is windy and has plenty of ups and downs. Make sure not to go to far to sides because of the thick cactus that can grow right off the side of the trail.

The ride can take up to about 4 hrs. Make sure you bring plenty of water. The trail is on state trust land so you will need to contact the local authorities and get a permit. Permits are good for one year and they are around $15.

Location: The main start of the trail can be found at the end of Harrison at Irvington. All you have to do is drive south on Harrison until it stops at Irvington, cross the street, and park. The mouth of the trail is about 50ft ahead.
Ride rating: Intermediate

Address: S Harrison Rd and E Irvington Rd, Tucson AZ 85730

Sweetwater Wetlands

Open to the public this small, city-owned, pond-filled oasis along the Santa Cruz River is technically part of a water treatment facility though the birds don’t seem to care. The Wetlands were constructed in 1996 and by the end of the year migrating and local birds had discovered the water, a dwindling resource along the once lush waterways of southern Arizona. In a few short years the Wetlands became one of the best places to birdwatch in all of Tucson; where desert natives mingle with shore birds and occasionally even a few pelagics. There are walking paths, garbage bins and restrooms for the comfort of the visiting public. The Wetlands are open during daylight hours, from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Caution: It can be tricky to find.

Address: From Ruthrauff/Camino del Cerro drive south on the frontage road, stay in the far right-hand lane. Turn right on the first road. This is Sweetwater Dr—it is a small road that is easy to miss.
Parking for the Wetlands is on your left a short distance down the road.

Sweetwater Preserve

Purchased by Pima County in 2004 this 700-acre open space, natural desert Preserve was officially opened to the public in late 2008. Located in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains the Preserve features a series of interconnecting trails that offer over 10 miles of fun for the hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian. We’ve been out there numerous times and can’t wait to get back. There are two rare, dense saguaro forests and the place is loaded with wildlife—we’ve seen Mule Deer, Coyotes, Cottontails, Lizards, evidence of Javelinas, Bobcats and Mountain Lions as well as dozens of bird species. Since the trails are multi-use be careful and courteous—bikers yield to hikers and everyone yields to horses. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk. Caution: There are no trail signs (yet), so be sure to take along a copy of the trail map.

View or download the Trail Map (PDF format).

Phone: (520) 877-6000
Address: Drive west on Ruthrauff Road / El Camino Del Cerro. From I-10 it is roughly 2.7 miles to the intersection with Tortolita Rd. Turn left (south) on Tortolita, after one mile the road dead-ends into the trailhead parking lot.

Roosts

Pima Swan RV Park

A small basic park with small spaces but centrally located and moderately priced. Clean bathroom and laundry area.

Phone: (520) 881-4022
Address: 4615 E Pima, Tucson AZ 85712

Tra-Tel RV Park

Small park, great location, fairly quiet (the train whistles can be a bit loud), very safe. Management extremely helpful and friendly. They even have a pool, rec room with their great prices! Can walk or ride your bike along the Santa Cruz River—just out the gate.

Phone: 1-800-444-7822
Address: 2070 W Ft Lowell Rd, Tucson AZ 85705

Beaudry RV Resort

Big park, a bit south of town, rather impersonal, restaurant on property open seasonally, pool, suited for large rallies or caravans.

Phone: (520) 239-1300
Address: 5151 S Country Club Rd, Tucson AZ 85706

Desert Trails RV Park

This large, full hook-up RV park sprawls through the Sonoran Desert on the westside of the Tucson Mountains. Though a bit far out of town we enjoyed our stay here. The owners were incredibly friendly, Pericles knew everyone’s name—not an easy feat considering there are 240 spaces with at least two faces in each.

Some elements of the park are older but everything was clean and tidy. The entire park has free Wi-Fi, three laundry rooms, three (or four) bathhouses, pool hall (with darts), horseshoe pits, heated pool, hot tub, large rec hall with a lending library, gym, hiking and biking trails, and LP gas delivery. If that’s not enough for you the park is always buzzing with activities from craft circles to bike rides to live music and everything in between. Basically if you are bored while staying there it’s your own darn fault!

Hint: The sites along the perimeter are a bit more roomy. Caution: The park is in a rural area surrounded by desert, be careful of critters that bite and sting.

Phone: (520) 883-8340
Address: 3551 S San Joaquin Rd, Tucson AZ 85735

Miscellany

KCXI Radio

Community radio at its finest. Local volunteer DJs play all the songs that never make it on to commercial radio, from mainstream artists to lesser known but equally talented musicians from around the world. Also a great resource for learning about upcoming events and issues.

Listen locally on 91.3 FM or tune in online at kxci.org.

Phone: (520) 623-1000
Address: 220 S 4th Ave, Tucson AZ 85701

Merrigan’s Arizona Roadrunner RV Service

This small rather rundown service center attached to a dusty parts store does not impress me, but their service does. I overlook the dust and piles of parts everywhere because the service manager has always been very helpful, even with some of our more unusual requests. They do not have a comfy waiting room or free coffee but that’s fine with me, I just want someone I can trust working on my RV. The shop is always busy, sometimes juggling a bit more than they can handle, but our RV work has always been completed on time. The fees and prices are reasonable and the staff takes the time to answer my myriad of questions. When in Tucson they are my first choice for RV work.

Phone: (520) 887-2992
Address: 4324 N Flowing Wells Rd, Tucson AZ 85705