El Berraco | Photo by Tiffany Acosta
Taking a trip down to Tucson? Take a tour of the city’s flourishing foodie scene while you’re in town. After all, UNESCO designated The Old Pueblo as a distinguished City of Gastronomy in 2016.
Grab a Cuppa at Cup Café
Ready to get out there and embrace the world again? Start with brunch or dinner at Cup Café, located in the century-old Hotel Congress. Helmed by executive chef Brian Smith and chef de cuisine Carlos Mendoza, Cup Café offers unique dishes like the Braveheart (smoked beef brisket with tomatoes and sautéed spinach, Gruyere cheese on sourdough) or the award-winning Barrio Bread served with house-made herb butter, basil pesto, chile-infused oil and vinegar. Vegan options include hemp tamales with charred carrot-corn salsa and tepary bean puree.
311 E. Congress St., Tucson, 520-798-1618, hotelcongress.com
Go Under the Sea at El Berraco
Cool off this summer at El Berraco, which offers seafood with a Latin flair – preparing traditional dishes from Colombia, Mexico, Peru and more. The restaurant itself is shaped like a submarine, is adorned with festive neon lights and has an “under the sea” theme. The restaurant’s most popular dish is La Catedral, a seafood tower featuring octopus, scallops, tuna, shrimp, pineapple, mango and avocado. To quench your thirst, try a Mexican classic and “house staple,” Benny’s Famous Michelada, with your choice of beer. El Berraco prides itself on serving fresh ingredients and a mix of gastronomic fusions that leads to its high standards of quality and flavor.
2960 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, 520-620-9828, el-berraco.com
Try Something New at Nook
Enjoy the “hipster-minimalist” style at this locally owned eatery that allows guests to see their food prepared right in front of them thanks to an open kitchen concept. It also offers an Instagram-worthy outdoor seating arrangement with an industrial-chic vibe and lots of greenery. Nook is known for its specialty eggs Benedicts. Try the honey chipotle carnitas version with crispy pork, fresh spinach and creamy hollandaise. If you’re craving something with an Italian flair, try the Godfather Benedict with prosciutto, arugula and balsamic drizzle. Exceptional service and unmatched flavor make Nook a Tucson staple.
1 E. Congress St., Tucson, 520-622-6665, nookdowntown.com
