Bites + Bevvies with a Bird's-Eye View
Elevating Delights at Tucson's Rooftop Restaurants and Bars.
By C. Jill Hoffer
There’s no better place than Tucson to soak up the sunny days and starry nights from a higher point of view. Take drinks and dinner to new heights from these elevated vantage points over the Old Pueblo.
Possibly the apex of Tucson’s rooftop experiences, Moonstone restaurant and bar offers the quintessential rooftop view from the 14th floor of The Graduate Hotel. An indoor bar and lounge complement the outdoor space, complete with firepits and a glass wall for breathtaking views of the city and mountains in all their glory. A feast for all the senses, The Moonstone’s straightforward menu features Southwest fare, from house salsa and guacamole to street corn queso dip, burgers, panini, and more. The Moonstone puts the world at your feet for an evening of romance or a fun family gathering.
930 E. 2nd St.
520-467-5900
// graduatehotels.com
The Moonstone at The Graduate Hotel
Illegal Pete’s
Illegal Pete’s is known for its fun, friendly atmosphere and famous Mexican Coke Carnitas, marinated to perfection, and served in tacos, burritos, nachos, and in freshly made quesadillas. For a perfect pairing, add the No. 1 menu item: a house-crafted margarita on the rocks. These classic cocktails flow faster than the Santa Cruz Rio in monsoon season. Pick your perch over Main Gate Square and peruse the happenings on University Boulevard. On your way upstairs, explore the historic home, built in 1911, complete with a framed certificate from the Arizona Historical Society.
876 E. University Blvd.
520-352-0032
// illegalpetes.olo.com
AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown
Wander through the heart of Tucson’s downtown entertainment district to discover the soaring architecture of the AC Hotel by Marriott, the first hotel built downtown after a 40-year span. The Spanish-inspired theme makes for a tasty menu and can be seen in every detail of the sleek, contemporary European-style lobby, breakfast and bar area, all the way up to the 6th floor rooftop pool-with-a-view. Reserve a room to enjoy the pool
terrace along with everything downtown has to offer, all in easy walking distance. Vacationers and staycationers alike appreciate the cool drinks, light fare, and hot tapas high above the bustling city below.
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151 E. Broadway Blvd.
520-385-7111
// marriott.com
El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria at Doubletree Hilton Downtown
Take in one of Tucson’s famous sunsets overlooking the picturesque Barrio Viejo from this spectacular addition to Tucson’s downtown. Connected to the Tucson Convention Center, the space has a boutique hotel atmosphere and gorgeous gem-themed interiors as a nod to the annual Gem and Mineral Show. The expansive patio beckons patrons with fantastic fare, including truffle cheese crisps, short-rib mole, and an array of cocktails crafted with local mescal and Bacanora. Order an Instagram-worthy Sangre de Azteca during a live music performance for the ultimate patio happy hour.
280 S. Church Ave.
520-372-7100
// elmezquitetucson.com
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
Originally built in 1908 as a private residence, the space is now a destination for casual dining and a lively scene. Head upstairs to the covered seating area overlooking Main Gate Square. Choose a table with a view of University Boulevard below or of the big game on a flatscreen. A number of house beers on tap offer a taste of history; Gentle Ben’s opened Tucson’s first brewery in 1991. Start with pub-style appetizers and end on a sweet note with a Ben’s Bear. This decadent dessert is a warm, gooey cookie covered in ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate sauce.
865 E University Blvd.
520-624-4177
// gentlebens.com
The Boxyard
Take a stroll down historic 4th Avenue and hit The Boxyard. Comprised of 10 shipping containers, this colorful, mural-filled destination boasts four individually owned local restaurants, two bars, and a coffee shop. Options encircle a welcoming courtyard with a community feel. Explore the boxcar rooftops for countless vantage points and an eye-level look at the downtown skyline. Dining here is a veritable trip around the world, with Indian food from Spice County, Nhu Lan Vietnamese delights, Mexican favorites (including the unique bacon-wrapped burrito) from Los Perches, as well as pizza, subs, wings, and more from Sal’s Fat Slice.
238 N. 4th Ave.
520-306-1686
// theboxyardtucson.com
Playground Bar and Lounge
If you’re looking to dine, unwind, drink, or dance the night away, Playground is a hot spot with cool views. Step up to the largest rooftop in town for rotating musical entertainment and high-energy vibes. Peruse innovative eats like the chicken and waffles served with honey and sriracha in a homemade waffle cone with a bacon rim. Quench your thirst with an array of beer, wine, and playful cocktails, like the “I’ll Be Bac,” featuring local distiller Del Bac. Playground’s rooftop revelry ranges from boozy brunch to late-night dancing under the moonlight, high above historic downtown Tucson.
278 E. Congress St.
520-396-3691
// playgroundtucson.com
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Shop till you drop at La Encantada, Tucson’s premier open-air shopping center with upscale offerings and interesting events. Then, take happy hour to a new level at Blanco, a modern-meets-Mexico restaurant and bar. With a vibe as easy and breezy as the second-story setting, Blanco offers something for everyone, including slow-cooked barbecue, Mexican pizza, and sizzling fajitas. Flavors take flight with the frozen Paloma cocktail’s fresh-squeezed ingredients. For date night, family fun, or happy hour with friends, the up-close views of the Santa Catalina Mountains can’t be beat.
2905 E. Skyline Dr.
520-232-1007
// blancococinacantina.com
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink
Tucson’s newest rooftop venue is perched high atop Reilly Craft Pizza. Eleven years after opening, Reilly welcomes guests from their cool basement venue called the Tough Luck Club, all the way up to an elevated patio space. The new tip top option offers the same small plates, salads, pastas, pizzas, and sweets as the dining room and beer garden, plus a full bar and some fun surprises. The pizza, pasta, and plethora of parking directly across the street at Pennington Street Garage make Reilly an
easy stop to gaze across the downtown skyline from a whole new point of view.
101 E. Pennington St.
520-882-5550
// reillypizza.com
An Elevated Appreciation for T-Town
Tucson’s lofty rooftop venues and patios with a view offer the ultimate backdrop for sky-high selfies over the Old Pueblo. With mountain vistas, spectacular sunsets, the sparkling skyline or the hustle and bustle of city streets below, Tucson terraces elevate any meal or happy hour to a soaring special occasion.