Gray clouds fill the skies, and the calming smell of creosote, and rain drops on the sidewalk overwhelm the air: the monsoon in Tucson is the best time of year.
As soon as one drop of water hits the ground, youβll find yourself instantly snuggled up on the couch, listening to the peaceful sounds of rain, and trees swaying in the wind.
This picturesque scene deserves a meal that also incorporates all these comfy, cozy vibes. I mean, thereβs only a few times in the summer we can celebrate escaping the sweltering heat!
These local spots all have menu items that are the perfect treat to savor on a rainy day and channel all the relaxing vibes the monsoon brings in. Trust me, they're way better than any bowl of canned soup.
(FYI: each of these places have great patio spaces to watch the rain on!)
Pineapple upside pancakes from Le Buzz.Β
Pineapple Upside Down pancakes from LeBuzz
The monthly specials at Le Buzzβs Plaza Palamino location never disappoint! And this month, they have a breakfast dish that will make you feel like youβre enjoying a rainy day on a tropical island. Their buttermilk Pineapple Upside Down pancakes include a center filled with a brown sugar-coated pineapple ring, and come topped with a pineapple reduction sauce, powdered sugar and a maraschino cherry.
The stack of warm pancakes has a slightly sweet, rich flavor to them, with notes of caramel and toffee thanks to the brown sugar pineapple ring. Youβll even get hints of toasted coconut, adding an extra tropical flavor to the mix.
As you chow down on these flavor-packed pancakes, youβll feel like youβve been transported to an exotic vacation, snacking on your breakfast as the rain trickles down around your villa.
Thunderbolt dirty soda and almond cake from 1989 Bakehouse.Β
Slice of cake and monsoon-inspired dirty soda from 1989 Bakehouse
This popular Green Valley cafΓ© currently has a sweet monsoon deal going on: get a slice of cake and a monsoon inspired dirty soda for $9. I stopped by on a cloudy morning, feeling all the cozy vibes as soon as a slice of almond cake was placed in front of me. This moist, fluffy cake was sprinkled with toasted almonds and a crunchy crumble, adding a nice contrast to the sliceβs soft texture.
The slightly nutty and buttery flavors of the slice danced around in my mouth, making me feel as if I was wrapped up in a chunky knit blanket, surrounded by soothing rain sounds.
After eating the decadent cake, I got to kick things up a notch with their dirty soda. I chose their thunderbolt drink- named after the monsoons and the Davis Monthan Air Force Baseβs A-10βs- which consists of heavy cream, blueberry sauce and lemon soda. This baby blue drink had notes of citrus and sweet blue raspberry, and looked like those big blue puddles that appear after a storm, calling your name to run up and take a giant leap into them.
Salami panini from Holy Focaccia.Β
Salami panini from Holy Focaccia
Their dinner service is located at Slow Body, 831 E. 17th St., on Thursdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
Thereβs nothing like biting into the golden-brown crust of a piece of focaccia bread. That buttery, garlicy flavor mixed with the pillowy bread is bliss. Now imagine all that goodness being held together by salami and perfectly melted cheese: thatβs heaven.
On this monthβs menu, Holy Focaccia has a panini that includes salami, provolone, eggplant caponata and arugula, combining elements of grilled cheese and tomato soup into one glorious panini.
The cheese gets nice and melted thanks to the panini press, creating a flavorful base for theΒ the dish. Then, you get a mouthful of their eggplant caponata. Made with local vegetables from Pivot Produce, it tastes like a nice, homemade marinara dipping sauce.
Itβs truly a perfect savory dinner to enjoy while watching rain drops cover your windowpanes.
βItβs a true ode to summer, and hearty enough for a rainy-day meal,β owner Rachael Colasanto said.
Chocolate milkshake from Monsoon Chocolate Cafe.Β
Chocolate milkshake from Monsoon Chocolate
Chocolate makes everything better, especially when itβs paired with the fresh smell of rain. Over at the Monsoon Chocolate CafΓ©, you can grab a creamy treat made from their iconic chocolate.
Their chocolate milkshake or malt isnβt your average sickly-sweet delicacy. They use their homemade chocolate ice cream that tastes like nothing youβve ever had before. It has a velvety, rich flavor that feels like a giant hug after every sip. Even though itβs a cold treat, it still brings all the comfy, nostalgic feelings with it.
If youβre looking for a hot treat, they also have a Sonoran hot chocolate thatβs flavored with chiltepin and other spices. The best part: itβs topped with a plump vanilla bean marshmallow.
Churro bites from Tannas Botannas.Β
Churro bites and Tosti elotes from Tannas Botannas
954 W. Prince Rd.; 4426 S. 6th Ave.
Dishes seasoned with cinnamon or treats that have a little bit heat to them are both great choices for colder, rainy days. Both have warm, comforting flavors that instantly give your insides a toasty feeling. At Tannas Botannas, you get the best of both!
Tanna Cole, the owner of Tannas Botannas, said that during monsoon storms, they tend to sell lots of Tosti elotes and churro bites. Once you try them both, youβll realize why people tend to flock to those snacks as soon as it starts sprinkling.
Their churro bites consist of chunks of soft, cinnamon sugar covered churros, loaded with dollops of whipped cream, slices of fresh strawberries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a maraschino cherry. All these sweet flavors mixed together make the perfect sweet treat, that only adds bliss to an already peaceful rainy day.
If youβre looking for something a little more savory and spicy, you should order their Tosti elotes. Tangy Tostito chips are smothered in fresh, warm corn, mayonnaise, hot sauce, crumbles of Cotija cheese, Tajin and a slice of lime. This nacho-like treat will give you all the fiery, spicy you need to keep warm!
