Traveling with the family can be challenging but picking your next meal shouldn’t be. Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy so when it comes to our “fare” city, the restaurant options are endless. Keep reading for a few of our favorite family friendly restaurants that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Seis Kitchen
This one-time food truck is now one of Tucson’s most recognized casual Mexican restaurants, dishing up mouth-watering burritos, salads, tacos, and quesadillas at three locations throughout Tucson.
Pro Tip: While all three locales feature extensive patios that will allow your family to stretch out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we’d recommend you stop by the Mercado San Agustin location and sit in the fully enclosed courtyard that’s shared by the likes of La Estrella Bakery and Presta Coffee Roasters, among others. Because what’s better than noshing at one restaurant? A dine-around to please your family’s wide array of culinary preferences.
Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery
Situated in the heart of downtown Tucson on historic Congress Street, this aptly named restaurant is the perfect stop after a day of play at Children’s Museum Tucson or Reid Park Zoo. Indulge in a variety of scratch-made comfort dishes like four different kinds of mac n’ cheese and a hefty selection of sandwiches, salads, and mains, plus an extensive kids’ menu.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget dessert! Your littles will enjoy finishing their meal off with a scoop of unicorn swirl or oatmeal cookie dough ice cream, while you’ll delight in flavors like bourbon almond brittle or honey goat cheese and walnut.
Pinnacle Peak
Your family will feel as though they’ve stepped back in time upon visiting this western-themed steakhouse in the heart of Tucson’s Trail Dust Town. While chowing down on a flavorful steak cooked over mesquite fire, behold the thousands of ties that hang from the ceiling thanks to customers who didn’t pay heed to the strictly enforced casual dress code.
Pro Tip: After licking your plate clean, continue your western adventure with a staged 19th century themed gun fight or grab a trip memento at one of the town’s many shops.
Cup Café
Located in the historic Hotel Congress, this popular Tucson institution offers an expansive patio that’s perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. Moms and dads will appreciate the weekend Bloody Mary bar, while littles will love the Brioche Fresh Toast for breakfast or the Kraft Mac n’ Cheese for lunch or dinner.
Pro Tip: the restaurant doesn’t take breakfast or lunch reservations, so if you plan to go, visit early to avoid the rush, especially on the weekends.
Guadalajara Original Grill
Authenticity is the name of the game at this Mexican-themed restaurant, where the salsa is made tableside, and you can watch the tortillas being crafted by hand. The portions are large, so if your little one has an adventurous palate, get a few and plan to share.
Pro Tip: If your schedule allows, plan your visit on a Friday or Sunday or on the first Thursday of each month when mariachis perform from 6-9 p.m.
