Oh the endless, exceptional brunch options in Tucson. Chris and I are brunchers. Yes, we can wake up early, but why not spend a few hours each weekend wrangling a crew or planning out the day before raising a glass to the mimosa gods for waterfalls of overflowing bubbles? He likes bloody marys, but I'm team mimosa 100%.
Anyway, here's where we go (over and over) for a good ol' brunch experience. I added in a few breakfast spots as well, because we can (and do) wake up early if we need to.
Brunch with your crew
Baja Cafe
Diner vibes
With multiple locations around town, this local favorite is easy to find. If you don't head over early or after the 'brunch crowd' though, you'll be warming a seat for half an hour before you get in the door on a weekend.
The pancakes (blueberry is my pick), enormous servings, and brunch cocktails will keep you from relocating.
Cup Cafe
Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress downtown is Chris' personal fave, largely due to the daily Quiche dish offered on the menu. The first word that comes to mind then I think about the quiche is mountainous. And he LOVES (caps intended) the bloody marys and quaint European vibe of the hotel. The Cast Iron Baked Eggs is a popular dish, too.
Prep & Pastry
If you live in Tucson, you visit Prep & Pastry too—we know, we see you there ;)
The mimosas, bloody mary with a beer back, dossants*, any dish that comes with the breakfast potatoes... the impeccable service, decor. What's not to love?
*Dossants are the croissant-doughnut babies that they make in house. Help.
Our favorite dishes include the Cast Iron Duck Confit, Prep's Breakfast Sammie, Avo & Herb Toast, Classic French Toast, and the weekends-only Chicken & Toast. Whether you're feeling a bloody mary or mimosa, you can't go wrong... unless you get the bloody mary (don't listen to Chris), you really want the Rose Lemon mimosa. ;)
Tito & Pep
Tito & Pep is quieter, with gorgeous Mid-Century decor, and a flavorful menu.
We have been to the restaurant for dinner a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Although we haven't frequented the restaurant for brunch more that a few times, the Chicken Torta and Churro French Toast squeezed them on this list. Well, the size of the breakfast potatoes did. Drool factor 5000.
Breakfast more than brunch
5 Points Market & Restaurant
We love 5 Points. The whole concept is spot on: the indoor market selling artisanal goods, Sunday farmers market around the back promoting local businesses, and rustic-style restaurant serving quality meals featuring local produce.
On the menu, the Huevos Rancheros is a must. It features a corn tortilla topped with pinto beans, over medium eggs, sharp white cheddar, house ranchero, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro-serrano pesto. It was the first dish I had in Tucson back in 2017. I still order it and scoop up the ranchero so that every last drop is consumed, without licking the plate. ;)
Chris loves the Eggleston Sandwich (an Italian take on breakfast sammies) and house pancake. The plate-sized pancake is a spongy, buttery delight (and has a secret ingredient, I swear).
Any beverage is worthy and the pastries... mmm.
Goodness Fresh
Goodness on Campbell Avenue is far away from my house but sometimes Chris and I have our lives together—we run in the mornings and go the health route—and are willing to venture out into the city for the day. Goodness supports this choice.
Their smoothies (Hot Tropic is my go to) and Avocado Toast are the stuff of wholesome dreams. And the Banh Mi. No, they aren't Vietnamese at all, but it's delicious (opt for the daily-changing side).
Le Buzz Caffe
Le Buzz will forever and always be my top choice. If you haven't read my comment about the cookies and latte in my coffee shop post, do. Also, they're close to where we live, have fantastic servers, a 'buzzing' cozy interior (intentional, of course), and a dog patio that makes my pleas to get a dog more convincing.
In terms of food, we love the weekly special Chorizo Hash with tortillas and the Artichoke Quiche with a side salad—they've upped their salad game recently. Also, get the Le Buzz cookie (every time).
Time Market
Time Market has a vibe. I've said it before, but I'm going to miss this place more than most so I need you to hear it.
If you aren't sipping on coffee (try the cortado) and nibbling at a gigantic, chunky, salted chocolate chip cookie, order the Toad in the Hole (image below), the Tamal Breakfast Plate, Walnut Toast with Avocado or Caprese Sandwich. The large, house-made pizza slices are tempting but it's... no, it's never to early, get what you want.
And you must leave with a loaf of bread—the rustic sourdough, cranberry and walnut loaf, and baguettes are baked fresh and necessary for a day trip, picnic, or consumption on the car ride home.
While there are dozens of spots to grab breakfast or brunch in Tucson, the places listed are those I frequented the most. If you have a favorite that wasn't included, let me know in the comments.
Happy brunching!
Much love,
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