A Day of Botany

Our Local Expert Says:

This could be the best cheap breakfast in town. Try the chorizo and eggs. The fresh, homemade salsa is spicy and better than many Mexican restaurants.

Description:

The reputation of Robert's eatery for wholesome, hearty lunch and breakfast fare attracts clients from all over Central Tucson; it's particularly popular among office workers, cab drivers, policemen and business executives living and working in the area, and an extremely busy place during lunch hours. There's not much decor to speak of, but it's bright and clean with an upbeat, friendly atmosphere provided by the staff and the tasty food it serves. Breakfast specials, pancakes and three egg omelets, as well as lunch specials consisting of steak, veal and homemade roast beef entrees. Lunch specials change daily. Homemade bread and pies are available to go.

Our Local Expert Says:

A small café, Gardens’ Café, serves quick excellent lunches.

Description:

The Tucson Botanical Gardens sits smack in mid-town near one of Tucson's busier intersections. Like Tohono Chul Park, it's an unexpected oasis surrounded on all sides by a bustling city. There are 16 gardens representing a variety of gardening traditions and themes, including a backyard bird garden, a children's garden and a xeriscape demonstration garden. The charming adobe buildings on site date back to the 1920s. Tucson Botanical Gardens is a must for plant lovers.

Our Local Expert Says:

The art gallery is a good as any in the city. So, if perusing art galleries is your thing, don’t pass up Tohono Chul Park.

Description:

At 50 acres, Tohono Chul Park might seem on the small side, but it packs a punch larger than its size would suggest. Surrounded by bustling city in every direction, the park's lush desert setting is an excellent introduction to the Sonoran Desert. In addition, there are demonstration gardens, a children's garden, an art gallery, two gift shops and an excellent tea room that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. There are daily tours as well, making this oasis is a must-do.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't pass up the apple empanada dessert.

Description:

North Tucson's Tohono Chul Park provides one of the most stunning desert botanical spectacles in all of the Southwest and, within the park, this quaint tearoom offers a memorable dining-in-the-desert experience. Set amidst the lushness of centuries-old cactus and succulents, the brick building houses a slightly feminine looking (it is a tea room, after all) but not frou-frou cafe. You can also dine out in the splendid natural surroundings on a courtyard patio. The menu can't begin to compete with the setting, but it includes a good selection of breakfast items, quiches, salads, soups, sandwiches and a few hot entree specials. Desserts and afternoon tea are also a relaxing respite from your stroll through the park. A word of caution: there's almost always a fairly long wait for a table; advance reservations can be made for groups of six or more.

Description:

Here's a gallery-store to buy quality Indian art from all parts of the Southwest, but mainly from the Four Corners region. It showcases Michael Chiago, a self-taught artist of the local Tohono O'odham tribe whose paintings are now shown worldwide. There are Zuni fetishes as well as Native music and books. This is also one of the best outlets for Tohono O'odham basketry, the craft of the people that live on the reservation west of Tucson.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a popular late night hang out with cooks, chefs and servers from restaurants all over town. The owners/chefs cut their teeth on some of the best restaurants in Tucson before striking off on their own over a decade ago. They also recently opened the excellent Bluefin Seafood Bistro. Try the oysters at Kingfisher.

Description:

This popular Tucson mainstay serves up classic American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, expertly prepared seafood. Their fish and chips are a big hit, battered delicately and fried to perfection. If seafood is not your preference, the menu offers up steak, ribs, and other standard American fare, all prepared equally well. The restaurant features a late-night menu for those looking for quality grub after 10pm, and the dark, chic setting makes this a good place for a romantic date.

Our Local Expert Says:

Even if you don't stay at the Arizona Inn, be sure to go for Sunday brunch and a stroll through the gorgeous gardens. Try the French Toast Napoleon or the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs.

Description:

Located in the Blenman-Elm neighborhood just east of the University of Arizona, the Arizona Inn is an historic Tucson hotel famous for its classic Southwestern elegance. The Inn represents an oasis of quiet and elegance in one of the busiest areas of the city. Everything here is designed to help you unwind and luxuriate in the surroundings: the poolside bar, perfectly groomed lawns and orange trees, the wood-paneled library decorated with antique furniture and overstuffed chairs, and the jazzy piano lounge filled with softly murmuring guests drinking wine. The weekend brunch is popular with visitors and locals alike, so be sure to make reservations in advance.