I know, I know. Why would you want to sit on a patio in 110-degree weather?
But early in the day, before the weather reaches 110 degrees, and after the sun goes down, restaurant patios are a good place to sit and enjoy a meal. Plus, many patios have fans and misters to help you cool off. And some spots will even allow you to bring your pup to dinner.
Tucson is very much an outdoorsy city. Tucson is also a big foodie city. So, when you combine the two, you get many beautiful restaurant patios to choose from. Here are some of them:
BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA
2905 E. Skyline Drive,Β 232-1007,Β foxrc.com/restaurants/blanco-tacos-tequila
Tacos, tequila, and city views. A view of the sunset doesnβt hurt either.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila sits high enough to see the cars below you, sparkling city lights, and, of course, Tucsonβs iconic sunset. Bask in the views from the patio while you sip tequila and chow down on tacos. If youβre looking for a worthy choice nearby, visit the patio at NoRTH Italia.
The Blue Willowβs patio is hidden inside the restaurant at 2616 N. Campbell Ave. The green chairs match the surrounding plants to create an inviting space.
BLUE WILLOW
2616 N. Campbell Ave.,Β 327-7577,Β bluewillowtucson.com
A good chunk of Blue Willow sits in a 1940 adobe house. It was once a mechanic's garage and then a preschool. In 1978, the building transformed into the Blue Willow, drawing generations of University of Arizona students.
The hidden patio is inviting, filled with enough green chairs to match the green plantlife. And it's inside.
CAFE A LA CβART
150 N. Main Ave.,Β 628-8533,Β cafealacarttucson.com
Cafe a la CβArt is located inside the Tucson Museum of Art complex and the patio is almost as artsy as the museum. The website calls it a βMonet-inspired garden patio.β
Colorful mosaic tiles fill the walls and plants hang from canopies above. Indulge in a Chocolate Bomb or a plate of grilled salmon beneath strings of glimmering lights. For another downtown option, check out the patios at Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant and Maynards Market & Kitchen.
La Cocina downtown,Β a restaurant whose patio is a popular dining destination, is providing free meals to displaced service industry workers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This photo is from 2016; the restaurant, like all restaurants in Arizona, has closed its dining room.Β
LA COCINA
201 N. Court Ave.,Β 622-0351,Β lacocinatucson.com
About 90 percent of La Cocina is an expansive patio packed with plants and shaded by trees. Live music is also common on the outdoor stage.
Soak up the atmosphere while devouring a plate of nachos, a sandwich, or a southwestern dish such as chile rellenos or tacos. Donβt forget to order a drinkβprickly pear margaritas, anyone?
THE CORONET
402 E. Ninth St.,Β 222-9889,Β cafecoronet.com
The Coronet is home to the old Coronado hotel, which was built in the 1920s. You can feel the history.
The Coronet is quite small with minimal seating inside, so the quaint patio is a must. Sit in the comfy green-patterned chairs and have yourself an octopus tentacle, stuffed quail, or roast cauliflower. Or, opt for brunch instead.
For another Fourth Avenue option, head over to Cafe Passe. The hidden patio will make you never want to leave.
POCO & MOMβS CANTINA
7000 E. Tanque Verde Road,Β 296-9759,Β pocoandmoms.com
The Poco & Momβs location on Tanque Verde Road has a large patio surrounding a picturesque fountain. The tables are clad with umbrellas to keep you in the shade and the views of the sunset are primo.
It's a fine spot for a plate of pork tamales or green chile enchiladas with fried ice cream for dessert.
TERRAZA GARDEN PATIO & LOUNGE
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road,Β 299-1501,Β haciendadelsol.com/dining/terraza-garden-patio-lounge
Located in the lush Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Terrazaβs patio surrounds plant life and Saguaro cacti.
Sit at one of the cozy tables under a giant umbrella and take in views of the mountains with your roast chicken enchiladas or slow-roasted lamb tacos.
VIVACE
6440 N. Campbell Ave.,Β 795-7221,Β vivacetucson.com
If youβre looking for a restaurant for a fancy date, or if youβre just in the mood for something a little more upscale, Vivace is a good option. A couple years ago, OpenTable actually named Vivace as one of the most scenic restaurants in the United States. The Italian restaurant sits high enough to have mountain views and sights of glistening city lights.
