Welcome to the Zendo Oasis
Food scene
Bangkok Cafe
2511 E Speedway BlvdGreat Thai food. A little pricey, but really good!
It's a Greek dive, but delicious. The owner is like the soup Nazi on Seinfeld. He can be gruff, but if you can get past it, you'll love the food. Maybe that's not fair, sometimes he's a pussy cat. It all depends on the day. If I were you, I'd take my chances and enjoy whatever comes.
Santorini Greek Cafe
2545 East Speedway BoulevardIt's a Greek dive, but delicious. The owner is like the soup Nazi on Seinfeld. He can be gruff, but if you can get past it, you'll love the food. Maybe that's not fair, sometimes he's a pussy cat. It all depends on the day. If I were you, I'd take my chances and enjoy whatever comes.
Great burgers, a mountain of fries. Many sauces. What's not to like?
22 locals recommend
Graze Premium Burgers
2721 E Speedway BlvdGreat burgers, a mountain of fries. Many sauces. What's not to like?
Choice Greens
2829 E Speedway BlvdFantastic salads!
There's a nighttime scene here with a bar inside, movies, popcorn, and food trucks outside. Check it out. It's one of the only video rental businesses still in operation.
21 locals recommend
Casa Video
2905 E Speedway BlvdThere's a nighttime scene here with a bar inside, movies, popcorn, and food trucks outside. Check it out. It's one of the only video rental businesses still in operation.
It's Istanbul, not Constantinople! If you love Mediterranian food, you found your spot. Great vegetarian options.
10 locals recommend
Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar
2945 E Speedway BlvdIt's Istanbul, not Constantinople! If you love Mediterranian food, you found your spot. Great vegetarian options.
This is where Tucsonans go for tortillas. They are so good, you can actually see through them. No joke! If you want a truly authentic Mexican food experience with NO frills, but great food, check it out.
11 locals recommend
St Mary's Mexican Food
1030 W St Marys RdThis is where Tucsonans go for tortillas. They are so good, you can actually see through them. No joke! If you want a truly authentic Mexican food experience with NO frills, but great food, check it out.
Some of the best Mexican food found in Tucson. You'll wait to be seated (unless you're Bill Clinton) but it's worth it.
79 locals recommend
Mi Nidito
1813 S 4th AveSome of the best Mexican food found in Tucson. You'll wait to be seated (unless you're Bill Clinton) but it's worth it.
Off the beaten path and way down on the Southside. But if you're feeling adventurous, try the Crossroads. It's one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I've been going there since the '80s.
9 locals recommend
Crossroads Restaurant
2602 S 4th AveOff the beaten path and way down on the Southside. But if you're feeling adventurous, try the Crossroads. It's one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I've been going there since the '80s.
Amazing Japanese food. One of the best-kept secrets in Tucson.
26 locals recommend
Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery
2741 N Campbell AveAmazing Japanese food. One of the best-kept secrets in Tucson.
This is a vibrant open-air courtyard is lined with shops, restaurants, and services that embody the Tucson vibe. Eat, drink, shop, relax & enjoy the many special events such as our Thursday afternoon farmers market and weekend brunch.
The Mercado Shopping Center
17075 Bernardo Center DriveThis is a vibrant open-air courtyard is lined with shops, restaurants, and services that embody the Tucson vibe. Eat, drink, shop, relax & enjoy the many special events such as our Thursday afternoon farmers market and weekend brunch.
Time Market
444 E University BlvdBest wood-fired pizza in town!
A specialty grocery store and sit-down restaurant. It's under new management, but the location is historic.
57 locals recommend
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th StA specialty grocery store and sit-down restaurant. It's under new management, but the location is historic.
Truly a historic restaurant in the heart of the 4th Avenue district. If you can, eat outside on the patio.
33 locals recommend
Caruso's
434 N 4th AveTruly a historic restaurant in the heart of the 4th Avenue district. If you can, eat outside on the patio.
If you're into Ramen, the amazing restaurant is within walking distance of the Zendo. Enjoy!
35 locals recommend
Raijin Ramen
2955 E Speedway BlvdIf you're into Ramen, the amazing restaurant is within walking distance of the Zendo. Enjoy!
The Screamery is about the best ice cream you'll ever eat. And, the best (or worst) part, it's only a 5-minute walk from the Zendo.
19 locals recommend
The Screamery (Speedway Location)
2545 E Speedway BlvdThe Screamery is about the best ice cream you'll ever eat. And, the best (or worst) part, it's only a 5-minute walk from the Zendo.
City/town information
This little town is a hidden gem. It's an artists' community. And there's a great golf course and birdwatching down there too. The best-kept secret in Tubac, however, is the newly opened Tubac Ranch, 80 Kenyon Ranch Rd, Tubac, 85646. Ask me about it.
152 locals recommend
Tubac
This little town is a hidden gem. It's an artists' community. And there's a great golf course and birdwatching down there too. The best-kept secret in Tubac, however, is the newly opened Tubac Ranch, 80 Kenyon Ranch Rd, Tubac, 85646. Ask me about it.
Sightseeing
If you love birdwatching and hiking, plus almost year-round water in the desert don't miss Madera Canyon.
27 locals recommend
Madera Canyon
If you love birdwatching and hiking, plus almost year-round water in the desert don't miss Madera Canyon.
Texas Canyon is a scenic destination or a great stop to have lunch on the way to the Chiricahua Mountains.
Texas Canyon
Texas Canyon is a scenic destination or a great stop to have lunch on the way to the Chiricahua Mountains.
It's 20 to 30 degrees cooler on top of this favorite Tucson getaway. Hiking and camping await those who take the short 1-hr trip up the mountain north of Tucson.
485 locals recommend
Mount Lemmon
It's 20 to 30 degrees cooler on top of this favorite Tucson getaway. Hiking and camping await those who take the short 1-hr trip up the mountain north of Tucson.
This is where Tucsonans go to get wet and have fun during the summer monsoon season. Note that there's a fee to park and take the tram.
457 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadThis is where Tucsonans go to get wet and have fun during the summer monsoon season. Note that there's a fee to park and take the tram.
It's a hike to the top. But what a view. There are no roads in this wilderness area as evidence of there being more bears and mountain lions in the Rincons than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. Don't worry though, they're more afraid of you. Go for it!
Rincon Peak
It's a hike to the top. But what a view. There are no roads in this wilderness area as evidence of there being more bears and mountain lions in the Rincons than anywhere else in the lower 48 states. Don't worry though, they're more afraid of you. Go for it!
Water flows here in abundance after a good summer rain. If you go, just note clothing is sometimes optional.
25 locals recommend
Tanque Verde Falls
Water flows here in abundance after a good summer rain. If you go, just note clothing is sometimes optional.
Don't miss this world-class Tucson attraction. If you're interested in learning about the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants this is a must-see. Our family has been there dozens of times and we still love it.
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdDon't miss this world-class Tucson attraction. If you're interested in learning about the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants this is a must-see. Our family has been there dozens of times and we still love it.
THE place to go at sunset is Saguaro National Monument West.
28 locals recommend
Gates Pass Scenic Lookout
7799 W Gates Pass RdTHE place to go at sunset is Saguaro National Monument West.
Especially for bicyclists
The Loop is comprised of more than 136 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes have already been completed with additional trails to come. The Loop extends through unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson.
8 locals recommend
The Loop Trail
Chuck Huckelberry LoopThe Loop is comprised of more than 136 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes have already been completed with additional trails to come. The Loop extends through unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson.
For serious bikers who want to plug themselves into the vibrant biking scene in Tucson
9 locals recommend
Fair Wheel Bikes
1110 E 6th StFor serious bikers who want to plug themselves into the vibrant biking scene in Tucson
Vegan
Amazing Latin-inspired vegan fair. Tumerico also has a location on East 6th Street
11 locals recommend
Tumerico on 4th. Ave
402 East 4th StreetAmazing Latin-inspired vegan fair. Tumerico also has a location on East 6th Street
A long-time Tucson favorite vegan restaurant. It's been in operation way before veganism caught on. They do it right at Lovin Spoonfuls.
22 locals recommend
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
2990 N Campbell AveA long-time Tucson favorite vegan restaurant. It's been in operation way before veganism caught on. They do it right at Lovin Spoonfuls.
Urban Fresh
73 E Pennington StIf you're downtown and want vegan, go here.
Coffee lovers
Cartel Coffee Lab
2516 N Campbell AveGreat coffee, close to the Zendo
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del ConventoThis place has a great industrial vibe.
Yellow Brick Coffee is a local chain that has been around the scene in Tucson for some time now. It's a little out of the way, but is known for their involvement in the community.
Yellow Brick Coffee
3220 S Dodge BlvdYellow Brick Coffee is a local chain that has been around the scene in Tucson for some time now. It's a little out of the way, but is known for their involvement in the community.
Raging Safe Coffee Roasters just might be Tucson’s oldest specialty cafe having been on the scene for over two decades and going strong. The beans here are hand-roasted on site and guests can choose to purchase a bag of their beans too. It's the closest, most awesome coffee house close to the Zendo. I love this place.
74 locals recommend
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveRaging Safe Coffee Roasters just might be Tucson’s oldest specialty cafe having been on the scene for over two decades and going strong. The beans here are hand-roasted on site and guests can choose to purchase a bag of their beans too. It's the closest, most awesome coffee house close to the Zendo. I love this place.
Black Crown Coffee Co. is a specialty cafe that specializes in more flavourful coffees. With lots of space and seating in this hip cafe, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee.
14 locals recommend
Black Crown Coffee Company
4024 E Speedway BlvdBlack Crown Coffee Co. is a specialty cafe that specializes in more flavourful coffees. With lots of space and seating in this hip cafe, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee.