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 Books, music, coffee, entertainment |
4235 North Oracle Road (Southwest corner of Oracle and Wetmore) Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 292 1331 http://www.borders.com/ |
Over the past few years, the Tucson branch of Borders Bookstore has become one of the favorite hangouts for visitors from out of town, specially those with a literary or artistic bend, due largely to its attractive cafe next to the magazine shelves. Apart from its huge stock of books and magazines, the store features what is one of the best CD selections in town. Ask the staff for a schedule of literary events in the store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Drive through espresso |
2965 North Campbell Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 318 3460 |
This is a coffee bar that combines drive through service with a cool, contemporary interior and outside seating. Black and white tiles combined with fake rocks painted white give the place the appearance of a glacier cave, an impression enhanced by the air conditioning which is apparently set at sub-freezing temperatures. Espresso drinks, hot and iced, are available in 12, 16 and 20-ounce serving sizes. Mocha and Latte Freezes are also available. There are also several non-espresso offerings such as Italian Sodas in various flavors, and the increasingly popular Chai Tea. A variety of sandwiches and salads is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Cups and candy |
7125 East Tanque Verde Road (Northeast corner of Tanque V erde and Sabino Canyon) Tucson, AZ 85715 United States +1 520 886 9070 |
Remember what it felt like to be 'a kid in a candy store'? Refresh your memory at this cafe. This cozy, casual café offers an eclectic menu of drink, food and atmosphere. In addition to a wonderful assortment of cappuccinos and lattes served hot or iced, the cafe offers sandwiches and salads, including the highly recommendable Mount Lemon Chicken Salad with garlic and water chestnuts. For dessert, sample a mile-high slice of Carrot Cake. If it's candy you crave, try a homemade truffle or feast your eyes on an entire wall of candy jars brimming with confections. Mix and match goody bags may be enjoyed on location or carry some home to share. Other locations are at 500 Fourth Avenue and at 7090 North Oracle Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Coffee brewed and roasted locally |
4951 East Grant Road Suite 121 Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 320 0302 |
Here's a Tucson-based corporation that has held its own against fierce competition from a certain Seattle-based coffee maker. It's been successful mainly because its lattes, cappucinos, and mochas are so good people keep coming back. There is also a tasty selection of pastries and sandwiches for around $5. It's where the lunch crowd from the surrounding Crossroads Festival plaza hangs out. It's spacious, with a contemporary grayish decor, plus comfortable sofas. Conference rooms are available; call to reserve. Another location is at 2443 North Campbell Avenue, Campbell north of Grant (+1 520 409 9433). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Delicious desserts |
4811 East Grant Road (At the Crossroads Festivals shopping center) Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 750 0122 |
This local bakery/cafe has successfully expanded its operations to different locations in town because of its emphasis on product quality and diversity. The desserts deserve special attention, particularly the fruit tarts and almond horns; and, the espresso drinks are nice and strong. Outside seating is available on the sidewalk in a shaded area. In addition to a rich variety of desserts, the cafe offers an array of sandwiches, salads, and soups in the $3-6 range. Try the turkey and pesto or chicken salad sandwiches, some of the favorites of the Crossroads Festival business lunch crowd. Wedding cakes in different shapes and flavors are made to order by appointment. Another location is at 7401 North La Cholla, at the Foothills Mall (+1 520 575 8669). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Southwestern cuisine with European accents |
800 East University Boulevard (Suite 104) Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 623 1711 |
Located just outside the University of Arizona main gate, this popular cafe features southwestern cuisine with European accents in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. The place is open and airy, and there is a small patio for outdoor dining. The menu changes monthly, but usually features a good selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas and a few hot entrees. Full bar service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Provider of German pastry |
3355 North Dodge Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 323 7101 |
Owner Ilsa Bechert has provided Tucson with authentic German tortes and pastries for many years, and she's still getting better. The selection of confections behind the counter is tantalizing; you'd be well advised to sample some items before buying, just to get the whole range of sweet flavors. German and French bread is made fresh every day, and there is a small dining area where soups, sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks are served. If Ilsa is in, she will most likely come to your table for personal service. She also does catering out of her store for breakfast and lunch meetings, her specialty being to-go platters with assorted finger sandwiches. Delivery, packaging and shipping services are included. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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What's all the buzz about? |
9095 East Tanque Verde Road (Suite 181) Tucson, AZ 85749 United States +1 520 749 3903 |
If Tucson locals rated their cafes in stars, they would award this spot a small planetarium. This Northeast neighborhood favorite delights customers with first-name greetings, outstanding coffee including White Mocha, and a cornucopia of pastries, quiche and other tantalizing food items baked fresh on location each morning. Be certain to try the Peach Galette, a treasure for $3.50. Come early to get a good seat in this cozy, popular cafe with indoor/outdoor dining options. Whimsical decor, vibrant colors and soft music bring France to the desert. Owners Dennis and Margaret make visitors feel they have neighbors in Tucson, and that's the best buzz of all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Nutritionally and environmentally-friendly noshing |
3073 North Campbell Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 85719 2816 |
Whether you've chosen a vegetarian lifestyle or are just looking for a creative culinary break from the animal-protein cycle, this warm and earthy eatery will delight you. Outside dining is available on a pleasant patio adorned with pretty fountains. A full spectrum of organic vegetables and grains are combined into innovative salads, sandwiches and sides. If you really must have meat, there are a couple of chicken dishes, too. Freshly squeezed juices and specialty coffee drinks comprise the beverage selections. And, if you're feeling virtuous after your meal, go ahead and indulge in one of the tasty desserts prepared at the in-house bakery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Scones are the latest rage |
2458 North Campbell Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 320 5203 |
The chef is up with the sun to tempt local senses with the sweet scent of freshly baked scones, perhaps the best variety in town. Try the unusual Sage Scone, a flaky sensation for just $2 or a Crunchy Sable, a French pastry that is the rage in Paris. Shake yourself awake with freshly roasted coffee in any size and flavor your heart desires, served inside or on the pleasant tree-shaded patio. Be aware that owner Roger Sliker takes care to use only shade-grown coffee beans, thereby protecting the tropical tree canopy for migratory birds that pass through Southern Arizona during wintertime. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A safe house for smokers |
4024 East Speedway Boulevard (One Block East of Alvernon) Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 318 3090 http://www.safehousecoffee.com |
This is where the smokers of Tucson take their last stand. The place serves some of the strongest coffee in town, which is why night owls love to hang out there until long after midnight. Non-smokers usually prefer to sit outside, relishing instead the exhaust fumes coming from busy and noisy Speedway Boulevard. Think dark, think funky: Wooden chairs and tables matching the clothing of the clientele, which is overwhelmingly young, hip and into art. The espresso drinks are very good and very strong. According to Safehouse aficionados, Starbucks coffee is for wimps. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ray Cleveland |
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Special-creation sandwiches & gourmet pizzas |
444 East University Boulevard University near Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 622 0761 |
This deli/market is hugely popular with students from the nearby University of Arizona, as well as the art crowd from the surrounding warehouse art district. The grocery section here is extensive, featuring a variety of health foods, as well as more than 150 beers and 100 wines. Delivery can be arranged. Woodfire pizzas with a large choice of toppings are sold at $7-$17 depending on size. Pay special attention to the sandwich and sub creations ($4-$5), featuring items such as Endless Summer or The Grecian Erika, served on 12 choices of bread, plus all kinds of extras. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brendan O'Rourke |
 Photo: Brendan O'Rourke |
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Stunning desert settings |
7366 North Paseo Del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704 United States +1 520 797 1222 |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: tucson100 |