The Cup Cafe

Name: The Cup Cafe
Address: 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ, United States, 85701
Telephone: (520) 798-1618
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1564 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Recently awarded "Top 100 Neighborhood Gems in America" by OpenTable!

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner due to limited indoor seating and high demand for patio seating. For breakfast and lunch, we have returned to our previous model of first-come, first-serve, no reservations.

The Cup Cafe is an established downtown Tucson tradition with a reputation for delicious, creative and eclectic fare, alive with flavor. A full-service, historic modern bistro, The Cup Cafe appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Enjoy the variety of The Cup’s all-day menu and the fresh, delectable, and ever-changing daily features. Selections include build-your-own omelets, unique salads, great appetizers, full-course entrees, classic sandwiches, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

The Cup also proudly features homemade desserts, baked in-house, as well as a comfortable and expansive outdoor patio, full-service bar, unique signature cocktails, and intriguing wine selections.

Thank you!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(520) 798-1618

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Breakfast & Lunch
Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm
Dinner
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(520) 798-1618
Website
http://www.hotelcongress.com/food
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Karl de la Ossa
Private party contact
Melissa Matriss: (520) 622-8848 ext. 201

Location
311 E. Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701
Neighborhood
Downtown Tucson
Cross street
Toole Ave.
Parking details
Valet parking across at Maynard's Market and Kitchen Friday and Saturday evening for only $5, Street metered parking is available, and the 5th Street Parking garage located on 5th Street directly across from the Hotel Congress is another option.
Entertainment
Entertainment on the patio or in the nearby club on most nights.

Reservation Confirmation Message Thank you for choosing The Cup Cafe. We will be happy to hold your reservation for 15 minutes past the requested time. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Two Eggs* 'N' Toast any Style$9.00
breakfast potatoes, your choice of wheat, sourdough, gluten free, or english muffin
Congressional Omelet$13.00
breakfast potatoes, toast, your choice of three items: avocado, bell pepper, tomato, green chiles, jalapeño, mushrooms, onions, spinach, fresh herbs, cheddar, goat cheese, gruyère, asadero, bacon, ham, sausage, AZ chorizo. more than three items + $1 each
Quiche du Jour$15.00
rotating Pivot Produce veggies, green salad, house-made champagne vinaigrette, fresh strawberries, toasted almonds
Brioche French Toast$11.00
vanilla-orange battered brioche, powdered sugar, maple syrup
The Deposition$13.00
two buttermilk pancakes, eggs, bacon, butter, maple syrup
Cast Iron Baked Eggs$16.00
two poached eggs*, ham, leeks, shallots, gruyère cheese, cream, fines herbes, breakfast potatoes, toast
Creole Breakfast$16.00
andouille sausage, two eggs*, hotel potatoes, house-made biscuits and gravy
Huevos Rancheros$14.00
two eggs* any style, asadero and cotija cheeses, vegan cowboy beans, corn tortillas, sauce ranchero, cilantro, breakfast potatoes
Vegan Breakfast Tacos$13.00
scrambled tofu, breakfast potatoes, peppers, onions, cashew poblano crema, cilantro, Cruz Farm corn tortillas
Barrio Toast$13.00
grilled Barrio Bread, smashed avocado, lime juice, grilled tomato, two eggs*, cracked black pepper, dressed mixed greens, toasted almonds. or substitute tofu scramble for eggs!
Chilaquiles Verde$14.00
braised pork, two poached eggs*, corn tortilla strips, tomatillo sauce, asadero and cotija cheeses, cilantro, fresh fruit
Braveheart$16.00
smoked beef brisket, sourdough, grilled tomatoes, sautéed spinach, gruyère cheese, two poached eggs*, sausage gravy, breakfast potatoes
Bagel & Lox$14.00
tequila-cured lox, capers, sliced tomato, red onion, greens, chopped egg, garlic chive cream cheese

Lunch

available 11am to 2pm. all sandwiches come with your choice of garden salad or papas fritas. add fresh fruit or cup of soup + $2

Cubano$15.00
pressed bakery roll, braised pork, smoked ham, gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeño, dill pickles, dijon mustard, chipotle mayo, cilantro, fresh lime juice
Tucson Dip$15.00
local chile smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, creamy horseradish, crispy onions, bakery roll, green chile au jus
Spicy Chicken Sandwich$15.00
grilled chicken breast, bacon, avocado, roasted poblanos, chiltepin remoulade, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun
Fried Tofu Sandwich$15.00
tofu, cabbage slaw, pickles, secret sauce, potato bun
Real Thing$15.00
1/2 lb. beef chuck patty*, butter lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, potato bun
Fish 'N' Chips$14.00
Crooked Tooth beer-battered cod, pepper slaw, spicy tartar sauce, lemon, papas fritas

Soup & Salad

available anytime

Soup du Jour
it's the soup of the day. mmmm, that sounds good...I'll have that.
- cup$6.00
- bowl$9.00
Southwest$13.00
mixed greens, roasted corn, pico de gallo, avocado, asadero & jack cheese, corn tortilla strips, house-made cilantro-lime vinaigrette
Caesar$10.00
romaine hearts, brioche croutons, parmesan cheese, fresh lemon, house-made Caesar dressing
The Depot$18.00
grilled flank steak*, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, avocado, smoked crispy onions, house-made roasted shallot dressing
Harvest$15.00
spinach, arugula, butternut squash, chickpeas, goat cheese, dried cranberries, sliced apples, blood orange supremes, red onion, blood orange vinaigrette

Tacos

available 11am to close; 3 per order

Drunken Fish$12.00
Crooked Tooth beer-battered cod, pico de gallo, cabbage, chipotle aioli, pickled red onions, Cruz Farm corn tortillas
Mission Street$12.00
crispy pork belly, jalapeño aioli, jicama slaw, OJ-pickled jalapeños, Cruz Farm corn tortillas
Papa y Chile
roasted potatoes, poblano peppers, jalapeño aioli, cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro, Cruz Farm corn tortillas

Starters

Barrio Bread$7.00
Tucson's own award-winning Barrio baguette served with house-made herb butter, basil pesto, chili infused oil and vinegar
Cafe Fries$6.00
fries, malt vinegar aioli
Lettuce Wraps$12.00
chickpea fritter, pickled vegetables, smoked cashews, harissa
Sweet Chili Calamari$15.00
fried calamari, sweet chili Mae Play sauce, smoked cashews, scallions, peppered cabbage, pickled jalapeño
Barrio 3 Cheese Board$18.00
Tucson's own award-winning Barrio baguette, 3 seasonal cheeses, smoked cashews, pickled veggies, fruit, house-made jam

What 1,564 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tucson
Great for Brunch
Tucson
Healthy
Tucson
Hot Spot
Tucson
Outdoor Dining
Tucson
Vibrant Bar Scene
Tucson
Contemporary American
Tucson
Great for Brunch
Tucson
Healthy
Tucson
Hot Spot
Tucson
Outdoor Dining
Tucson
Vibrant Bar Scene
Tucson
Contemporary American

Sort by

Filters

PE
PatE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, great service, great place - casual and friendly.
E
Elaine
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this spot!! One of my favorite restaurants in Tucson!
LA
LAURIEP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect Saturday night downtown hang out for people of all ages.
MB
MicheleB
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was the perfect spot for a post UOA graduation celebration dinner!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Started off great- then went down hill quickly. Wait staff at fort very attentive, then we were forgot about for long periods of time. Drink glass were not refilled in a timely matter. Drinks refilled and no ice offered. When new courses arrived the old dishes were not removed making for a crowded eating environment. I will take a pause thinking about our next experience at the Cup
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tucson
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall1food1service4ambience1
The price for the mothers day brunch was very high and the food was not great. My mother's wasn't even good at all. She had tofu that was overcooked and burnt. I ordered the crab eggs Benedict. The crab was scarce in the crab section of some kind of crab salad. The main problem I had with all the food served was it was cold. Accompanying the eggs Benedict was just some fried potatoes, lukewarm. Also my friend is a vegetarian which I indicated at booking. She ordered a tamale pie. The menu didn't say there was meat in it and it had meat in it! And our 3 course meal was just a salad or soup, A main course, and a mousse in a cup. The price for that was $55 per person? All the food and the soup required salt and pepper to be edible. I just felt like we were treated as an afterthought and our food had been sitting around for a while and then hastily taken to us with no care by the chef to give us fresh food instead. The price for what we received was ridiculous. I feel ripped off. Thanks for ruining mothers day! Never ever will I go back. Also the hostess was rude to me for arriving too early. She didn't have to be like that. With the drinks and an additional piece of cake, I paid over $300 for a bad experience.
The Cup CafeResponded 6 days ago
I'd like to thank you for choosing The Cup Café for Mother's Day but we are all very sorry to hear that your experience was not up to our standards. Your detailed review is appreciated and we now know exactly how we missed the mark with you and your family. We would love for you to return and I do hope that we can connect directly. I am hopeful that we will see you again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious- complements to the chef! Aidan was great!
LA
LAtoTucson
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food1service5ambience5
My special crab eggs Benedict was not good. The eggs that should have been poached were more like hard boiled. I had our waitress tell the chef and they offered to make it again but since my partner was almost done with their meal I refused. Everything else was goodz
L
Linny
Phoenix
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was excellent. A bit noisy, but it was Saturday night downtown! Service good for a busy night. We will definitely return to the Cup.
TJ
TJohnson
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our go-to place to take out-of-town guests.
r
rebecca
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience3
We enjoyed the atmosphere of downtown historic building very much. The food was pretty good , service could have been better
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food4service2ambience4
No corn chips for salsa
DB
DianeB
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
ALWAYS A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND LOVE THE FOOD!
JP
JimP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm breeze, great service, wonderful ambiance. What more could one want? Maybe a little LESS food?
K
Kazz
Tucson
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Cup Cafe was AWESOME!! My server, Brittany, was very attentive, helpful, and responsive. The food was superb!! Highly recommend the Seafood Cioppino!! And French Fries! Sadly, no room for dessert, even though they had a gluten-free, vegan, key lime cheesecake!! The drinks were MARVELOUS!!! I love this place and need to get back again soon! Highly recommend!
KS
KarenS
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of our favorite places in Tucson! Great patio, delicious food, excellent service-- what more could you want?
e
eddyd
Tucson
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Always a good spot, especially on the weekends. One of our go to places for a pre show meal. The hostess was a little disorganized and made us wait for our table for a few minutes. Otherwise the food is always solid and the ambiance can’t be beat.
JW
JimW
Phoenix
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Cup has a wonderful, diverse, menu with something for every taste. Service was outstanding. Will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tucson
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and service was wonderful, as usual!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tucson
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfectly situated table by the window overlooking the patio. Arrived at 5:00 for our reservation and were seated promptly. Server was cheerful, engaging, quite personable. Service efficient, never rushed. Music a bit loud but server pleasantly responded to our request to lower the volume. Appetizer served promptly with drinks. No problem with delaying main dishes while we socialized. Food was uniformly tasty and served with flare.
DC
DonnaC
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We love the place. Moved to the patio after dinner to watch the Tucson shorts. All in all a great evening.
Q
Qcyclist
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed every minute of our meal and the restaurant itself. Food was great and an waiter Keith was awesome with spot on recommendations!
WG
WilmaG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience3
Our server, can’t remember her name…should be given accolades. Overall, sanitary conditions could be improved. The bathroom is horrible. Dirty and insufficient for the number of customers.
BD
BethD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We go here every week because it is our favorite place. It’s real Tucson! The food is great and they make a lovely Old Fashioned!
JH
JanH
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server was very kind, quickly making an order change for us. Patio is lovely and easily accessible (one guest in a wheelchair). Very happy with the experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were there for happy hour 4 to 6. Three delicious battered fish tacos fr $10, hell yeah.
B
Bats057
Tucson
158 reviews
vip
5.0
158 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Agin we have say, we have been going to the Cafe since the 1980's. Always great service and the Patio is Fantastic. The service is quick and everyone one is very polte and professional. The food and atmosphere is always Top Notch. We will be back again and again. Thank you.
JV
JeanValJeanNAZ
Tucson
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Always a good place to go to for brunch. This time it wasn’t so good. Service was great. Food for the value was just so-so.
C
Chrisg
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, lovely setting and no one rushing you to finish. Highly recommend!
PM
PMPe
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience2
Food was not hot and disappointing quality,music speaker right above our table, difficult to visit. Loud.
TT
TedT
Phoenix
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
We sat on the busy, loud, historical (100 plus years in existence) and forever in motion outdoor patio. It is next to their live music venue. People watching earned 5 stars. Menu was simple, and satisfying. Wait staff was well trained and efficient. We enjoyed every minute
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Happily seated outside. Perfect evening. Service was excellent. The food was, as usual, outstanding. Good friends, good food, good music. What more could we have asked for?
DC
DawnC
Phoenix
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday celebration for 6. Food and service stellar. There was a band on the patio stage so noise level was high.
JE
JEIZ
Miami
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Love this place! Came during happy hour (4-6) and got $2 off on drinks and select apps. TY! The brussel sprouts are fab, as are the burgers and fries. Skip the salads, meh. $12 for a bagged caesar w/ 5 croutons? no thanks! A wonderful spot for people watching and listening to music. Bennu!
VM
VickiM
Tucson
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The only thing that would have been better would have been to be on the patio. The food was great. Please bring back the Beyond Burger.
e
emfoodie
Houston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
My gin and tonic was watery and didn't even come with a twist of lime -- had to ask the waitress to bring me the lime. The food was good, but everything -- food and drinks -- seemed overpriced.
JH
JanH
Phoenix
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Think you are probably short staffed like everyone so not complaining but service was really friendly but slow.
TC
TheresaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love the out door environment and the random bands that play there. Great food and drinks as well.
JF
JackieF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Interesting menu with a variety of dishes well-prepared, including vegan and gluten-free choices. Excellent service; outside dining is very comfortable and tables are not crowded.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Cup Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (520) 798-1618.

The Cup Cafe is rated 4.6 stars by 1564 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(520) 798-1618

311 E. Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Toole Ave.
Neighborhood
Downtown Tucson
Hours of operation
Breakfast & Lunch
Daily 8:00 am–3:00 pm
Dinner
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet parking across at Maynard's Market and Kitchen Friday and Saturday evening for only $5, Street metered parking is available, and the 5th Street Parking garage located on 5th Street directly across from the Hotel Congress is another option.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Karl de la Ossa
Entertainment
Entertainment on the patio or in the nearby club on most nights.

Reservation Confirmation Message Thank you for choosing The Cup Cafe. We will be happy to hold your reservation for 15 minutes past the requested time. Should your plans change, please let us know. We look forward to serving you.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.hotelcongress.com/food
Phone number
(520) 798-1618
Private party contact
Melissa Matriss: (520) 622-8848 ext. 201

The Cup Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Fish 'N' Chips

Salmon Caprese

Cast Iron Baked Eggs

Breakfast

Two Eggs* 'N' Toast any Style$9.00

Congressional Omelet$13.00

Quiche du Jour$15.00

Brioche French Toast$11.00

The Deposition$13.00

Cast Iron Baked Eggs$16.00

Creole Breakfast$16.00

Huevos Rancheros$14.00

Vegan Breakfast Tacos$13.00

Barrio Toast$13.00

Chilaquiles Verde$14.00

Braveheart$16.00

Bagel & Lox$14.00

Lunch

Cubano$15.00

Tucson Dip$15.00

Spicy Chicken Sandwich$15.00

Fried Tofu Sandwich$15.00

Real Thing$15.00

Fish 'N' Chips$14.00

Soup & Salad

Soup du Jour

Southwest$13.00

Caesar$10.00

The Depot$18.00

Harvest$15.00

Tacos

Drunken Fish$12.00

Mission Street$12.00

Papa y Chile

Starters

Barrio Bread$7.00

Cafe Fries$6.00

Lettuce Wraps$12.00

Sweet Chili Calamari$15.00

Barrio 3 Cheese Board$18.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Cup Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Cup Cafe restaurant rated?

Is The Cup Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information