Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2023.
In 2021, I wrote a little guide about where toΒ eat downtown along the streetcar route. I talked about how I loved having the streetcar as an option when Tucson is such a car-dependent city: itβs more affordable than ride-shares and easier to coordinate than finding a designated driver. In the years since, a lot has changed β menus have shifted, new restaurants have cropped up.
The Sun Link Streetcar connects downtown, the Mercado District, Fourth Avenue, Main Gate Square and the University of Arizona. The streetcarβs fares are waived through 2023.
Hereβs a follow-up guide to take advantage of all Tucsonβs downtown areaΒ has to offer, including nine picks.
Happy Hour
![Mercado San Agustin](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=200%2C124 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=300%2C186 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=400%2C249 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=540%2C336 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=750%2C466 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C746 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/f7/2f797180-f8bf-11ec-a276-6bf473b21f6c/62be1b880f444.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1057 1700w)
A few stray monsoon clouds drift over the diners under the awnings and lights at Agustin Kitchen in the Mercado San Agustin, Tucson, Ariz., August 28, 2020.
Agustin Kitchen
This summer, catch me on the Agustin Kitchen patio with a $7 daiquiri and $5 garlic frites. Their happy hour lasts from 3-6 p.m. and features a roster of simple, classic cocktails: the daiquiri is my drink of choice this summer, but sangrias and margaritas suit the heat just as well.
Location: Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. daily
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
For more information, check out their Google Maps site (their websiteΒ has some outdated information, call 520-398-5382 for the most up-to-date info).
![The Delta cocktail for street car roundup](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=300%2C199 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=750%2C499 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/8c/58c50514-d5ff-11ec-8ea1-0f662af07c78/61df88d6a1c4b.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1130 1700w)
A cocktail titled βKiller Parties Almost Killed Meβ is served in a ceramic peacock and set aflame.
The Delta
The sister restaurant of The Parish brings eclectic, daring Southern cuisine downtown. The Delta offers both happy hour and late-night specials. For happy hour, you can get $3 off both specialty cocktails and a variety of rich appetizers like Texas poutine and seafood gumbo. If you have a flair for old fashioneds, you can get them at The Deltaβs happy hour for only $6.
Location: 135 S. Sixth Ave.
Happy Hour: 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday | 3-7 p.m. Friday | Late night specials until midnight Friday-Saturday
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday | 4 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday | 4-9 p.m. Sunday
For more information, check out their website.
Dinner
![la yaquesita food (copy)](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=200%2C136&order=crop%2Cresize 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=300%2C205&order=crop%2Cresize 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=400%2C273&order=crop%2Cresize 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=540%2C368&order=crop%2Cresize 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=750%2C512&order=crop%2Cresize 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=1200%2C819&order=crop%2Cresize 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/db/1db0b8ec-dd2a-11ec-89c0-bf28a3e37d78/628d47e71e882.image.jpg?crop=1580%2C1078%2C78%2C1&resize=1580%2C1078&order=crop%2Cresize 1700w)
Consomme, a Philadelphia dog, two quesabirra tacos and garnish from La Yaquesita.
La Yaquesita
When going out, I find itβs best to have a meal that can sustain you. One of my favorite comfort foods is quesabirria: you canβt go wrong at La Yaquesita, which started on the far west side. Their indulgent tacos and dogos can sustain anyone embarking on a long night out on the town.
Location: 500Β N. Fourth Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
For more information, check out our story.
Fullyloveβs
After a brief but impressive stint on Fourth Avenue, Fullyloveβs found a permanent home in Main Gate Square. With vegan options as delicious and indulgent as anything else on their comfort food menu, itβs my favorite place to go out with herbivorous friends.
Location:Β 994 E. University Blvd.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
For more information, check out theirΒ website.
Drinks
![Owls Club cocktail for streetcar](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=300%2C199 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=540%2C359 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=750%2C498 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C798 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/19/619a682a-d60c-11ec-8d47-7f50f2d7f8d7/5837aa93dddad.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1130 1700w)
Pictured here in 2016 is The Aspirational West, similar to a classic whiskey cocktail, at The Owls Club.
The Owls Club
The Owls Club is great if you want to be on the scene. Hipsters, normie Bumble dates and everyone in between whoβs looking for a little something funky has passed through this mortuary-cum-jazz bar on a Friday night. Happy hour, featuring $8 classic cocktail specials, runs from 5-7 p.m.
Location: 236 S. Scott Ave.
Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday-Sunday
For more information, check out their website.
The Shanty
For a more intimate evening, try The Shanty. It boasts Arizonaβs oldest liquor license and has a quiet patio. Even though itβs a stoneβs throw to high-key discotheques like Hi-Fi, itβs a world apart. Here, youβll find an extensive beer list and pool tables. All the making for a neighborhood joint, within striking distance of a big night out.
Location: 401 E. Ninth St.
Hours: 5-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. to midnight Sunday
For more information, check out their website.
![Revel Wine Bar for streetcar roundup](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=200%2C141 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=300%2C211 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=400%2C281 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=540%2C380 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=750%2C528 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C844 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fc/ffcd01d0-d600-11ec-b2f9-1f20d73de857/61aa876b0bacf.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1196 1700w)
βThere are five major components of flavor in wine: alcohol, sweetness, dryness, tannin, and acid. Any of these can be overpowering,β said Todd Getzelman, owner of Revel Wine Bar.
Revel
Revel is a fun, accessible wine bar, where you can either kick off a night or hunker down for an evening. Whether you want to impress a date or chill out with friends, itβs a setting for all of Tucson. Revel often books jazz shows on the weekends and if youβre interested in learning more about wine, they offer tasting classes on Sundays, usually for $15.
Location:Β 416 E. Ninth St.
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday
For more information, check out theirΒ website.
Late Night
![Elote pizza at Empire duped for streetcar](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/fa/ffa9e0b2-d60d-11ec-91d4-db7a18e451c2/593de13f28b75.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Pictured is the elote pizza from Empire Pizza.
Empire PizzaΒ
Empire Pizza has been the safe harbor after every night out Iβve had downtown. Their perfectly greasy cheese pizza is the panacea to whatever drink you had previously imbibed. Tucson has a lot of good pizza, and this is my favorite New York-style slice. Itβs the special treat, cherry on top, of every night out β good or bad, a slice of Empire's pizza will make it better. And theyβre open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Oh, and thereβs a hidden bar in the back.
Location: 137 E. Congress St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday
For more information, check out their website.
La Merguez
If you're looking for something you can't find anywhere else, check outΒ La Merguez's food cart, slinging Moroccan-style lamb, chicken and vegan sandwiches at Che's Lounge most Saturdays.
Location: Che's Lounge,Β 350 N. Fourth Ave.
Hours: For the most up-to-date information, follow La Merguez onΒ Instagram.
For more information, check out ourΒ story.
If youβre looking for more places to grab a bite after midnight, Main Gate Square is replete with student-focused options open until around 2 a.m., like The Blind Pig.