Tucson Restaurants
Family-friendly dining with regional Sonoran cuisine and kid-approved menus
All restaurants listed here are family-friendly with options for picky eaters. Each includes details on kids menus, health scores, and what makes them special. Click any restaurant for full details including nearby attractions and Google Maps links.
Breakfast & Brunch
Baja Cafe
Southwest Breakfast + Famous Pancakes
Colorful Southwest decor with famous cake/cookie-flavored pancakes kids love. Adults enjoy huevos rancheros and smoked meats.
Kids Menu: Grilled cheese, quesadilla, flavored pancakes
Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM daily
Rating: Google 4.7/5 | Excellent health score
Bobo's Restaurant
Classic Diner - Since 1955
Retro diner with booths, checker-tile floors, and UA murals. A Tucson institution. Cash-only.
Kids Menu: Grilled cheese, hamburger, french fries - ALL confirmed!
Hours: Mon, Tue, Fri-Sun 5:30 AM - 1:00 PM | CLOSED Wed-Thu
Rating: Google 4.7/5 | Excellent health score
Prep & Pastry
Modern Brunch
Bright, airy, modern cafe with trendy decor. Campbell location ranked #34 on Yelp's "Top 100 Places to Eat" 2025.
Kids Menu: Grilled cheese with fries, mini pancakes, scrambled eggs, PB&J
Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily
Rating: Google 4.6/5 | Excellent health score
Barista del Barrio
Coffee + Light Breakfast
Cute neighborhood coffee shop in historic Barrio Viejo. Local artisan coffee roaster with outdoor seating.
Menu: Coffee, pastries, light breakfast items
Hours: Open until 12:00 PM
Hotel Congress / Cup Cafe
Historic 1919 Hotel
Historic hotel in downtown with expansive outdoor patio. Lively atmosphere perfect for families.
Kids Menu: Grilled cheese, burger, mac & cheese, pancakes, french toast
Awards: OpenTable "Best Neighborhood Gem"
Rating: TripAdvisor 4.4-4.5/5 | Good health score
Sonoran & Mexican
El Guero Canelo
Sonoran Hot Dogs
James Beard "America's Classics" Award winner (2018). Famous bacon-wrapped Sonoran dogs!
Kids Menu: Quesadillas, bean & cheese burritos, hot dogs, fries
Locations: 3 locations around Tucson
Rating: TripAdvisor 4.5/5 | Excellent health score
Seis Kitchen
Upscale Street Food
Award-winning scratch kitchen with tacos from 6 regions of Mexico. Large patios with heaters.
Kids Menu: Cheese quesadillas on handmade tortillas, simple tacos
Locations: Mercado San Agustin, River Rd, Tanque Verde
Rating: Google 4.4/5 | TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
El Charro Cafe
Oldest Mexican Restaurant - Since 1922
Oldest Mexican restaurant in the US (same family). Allegedly invented the chimichanga!
Kids Menu: Grilled cheese torta, quesadilla, tacos, chicken tenders
Special: Kids under 10 eat for $2.00 during Happy Hour!
Rating: Google 4.3/5 | Excellent health (Oro Valley)
Mi Nidito
Famous Tucson Mexican - Since 1952
Colorful, bustling restaurant. Famous for the "President's Plate" (Bill Clinton's order).
Kids Options: Cheese quesadilla, cheese crisp
Hours: Wed-Sat 11 AM - late | Sun 11 AM - 9:30 PM | CLOSED Mon-Tue
Rating: TripAdvisor 4.1/5 #34 of 1,489 | Excellent health
Amelia's Mexican Kitchen
Cute & Kid-Friendly
Adorable, colorful decor with family-friendly vibe. Welcoming service for families with kids.
Kids: Accommodating for families, quesadillas available
Locations: Two locations in Tucson
Paco's Mexican Food
Simple & Authentic
No-frills neighborhood spot with excellent food and excellent health score.
Kids: No formal menu, but side orders of rice, cheese, beans available
Rating: Excellent health score
Other Cuisines
Jewel's Noodle Kitchen
Fresh Dumplings & Noodles
Small family business serving Northern Chinese cuisine. Handmade dumplings!
Kids: Plain noodles (request), dumplings, pork buns
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Rating: Good health score
Quick Bites & Casual
Eegee's
Local Institution Since 1971
Fast food local chain famous for frozen fruit drinks called "eegees".
Kids Menu: Hot dogs, fries, sugar cookie
Locations: 25+ around Tucson
Must-try: The famous "eegee" frozen fruit drink
American Eat Co.
Food Court + Arcade
Locally-owned food court with small arcade. Multiple vendors for variety!
Vendors: Pizza, tacos, sandwiches, chicken, coffee
Hours: Tue-Thu 11 AM - 9 PM | Fri-Sun 11 AM - 10 PM | CLOSED Mon
Rating: Yelp 4.4/5
Mercado San Agustin
Food Market
Open-air market with multiple food vendors and shops. Great browsing atmosphere!
Options: Seis Kitchen, La Estrella Bakery, Presta Coffee, more
Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Barnyard Crafthouse
Outdoor Play Space
Casual restaurant with outdoor seating and play space for children.
Perfect for: When kids need space to play while adults eat
Best: Good weather for outdoor seating
Rating: Excellent health score
Dining Tips for Families
- Lunch is easier: Faster service, less crowded than dinner
- Patios are common: December weather is perfect for outdoor dining
- Mexican basics: Most places can make cheese quesadilla even if not on menu
- Call ahead: Confirm hours (holidays vary) and specific kids menu items
- Health scores: Look up at healthinspect.pima.gov
Best for Picky Eaters
| Restaurant | Grilled Cheese | Hamburger | Fries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobo's Restaurant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hotel Congress / Cup Cafe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prep & Pastry | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Baja Cafe | ✓ | - | - |