Dining in Tucson: Eat Like a Local

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After a long day of treasure-hunting for beads, fossils, minerals, gems, and other finds, a Tucson traveler needs sustenance. Fortunately, there is truly something for everyone, from carefully crafted brews to local comfort food, and more. We asked Tucson local and Beads of Courage founder Jean Gribbon to share a few of her favorite places for drinks and dining in Tucson.

Above: St. Phillips Plaza with music, food, and friends. Photo @StPhilipsPlaza

Drinks and Dining in Tucson

Celebrate Arizona-crafted beers at Pueblo Vida Brewing Co. Photo @PuebloVida

Raise a Glass

Pueblo Vida Brewing Co. is an artful brewery experience downtown. Star with a beer or two here, then it is just a short walk to Penca, Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery, Cup Café, and other local favorites.
115 E Broadwary Blvd., (520) 623.7168, www.pueblovidabrewing.com

Dine in or Grab-n-Go meals at The Monica. Photo @TheMonica

New from El Charro

The Monica is the newest hip, happening place in downtown Tucson. Its environs offer a fun dining and cocktail experience with a fabulous patio featuring a new mural by Joe Pagac. Along with an open kitchen and bar, The Monica features an extensive menu and includes a market.
The Monica, 40 E. Congress, Tucson, AZ, www.themonicatucson.com

Cocktails meet art form at Sidecar. Photo @Sidecar

Stop and Sit a Spell

I LOVE to sit on the porch and grab a craft cocktail at Sidecar, followed by a wood-fired pizza at Falora. There is also a good sushi place in the same Broadway Village complex, which is not far from the bead shows. It is off the beaten path and worth a stop to unwind. Located at the corner of Broadway and Country Club.
Sidecar: 139 S Eastbourne, (520) 795-1819, www.barsidecar.com
Falora: 3000 E broadway, (520) 325-9988, www.falora.com

Enjoy seven restaurants at St. Philip’s Plaza, including Proof. Photo @StPhilipsPlaza

Dining and Music

St. Philip’s Plaza is always a great place to go with a group that has varying food needs. It’s a modern-day food court where folks can grab a pizza from Proof, burger from Union, or tacos from Reforma, and drinks from other local cafés. There is plentiful seating on a fabulous outdoor patio with live music on the main stage almost every night. The restaurants are part of a co-op so you can order and sit together. It is conveniently located at Campbell and River.
St. Phillips, 4280 N Campbell Avenue Suite 212, 520.529.2775, www.stphilipsplaza.com

Comfort Food

The Parish is a bit of a drive but worth it for folks staying on the north side or in need of a peaceful evening away from show mania. They have recently opened another restaurant downtown called The Delta Bar and Brill. Both locations have excellent, Louisiana-inspired food and cocktails, with an excellent chef and good people.
The Parish: 6453 N Oracle Rd, (520) 797-1233
The Delta Bar and Grill: 135 S 6^th Ave, (520) 524-3400, www.thedeltatucson.com

Jean Gribbon is the founder and director of Beads of Courage, a non-profit organization bringing arts-in-medicine to children who are hospitalized for long-term illness. Beads of Courage is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Listen to Jewelry Artist podcast: Jean Gribbon, The Science of Art, to learn how beads carry a metaphorical and tangible weight, which participants can see, feel, and share.

What is your favorite places for drinks or dining in Tucson? Leave a comment or tag us on Facebook: @BeadingDailyonFB and @JewelryMakingDaily.

Eat Like a Local in Tucson