Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Tucson
  4. Tucson
  5. Downtown Tucson
The Cup Cafe, Tucson, AZ

The Cup Cafe

4.6
4.6
1816 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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 are first-come, first-serve, no reservations.

The Cup Cafe is a downtown Tucson tradition with a reputation for delicious, inspired 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!

***EVENING ENTERTAINMENT ON OUR PATIO IS OFTEN LOUD***

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 30 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast & Lunch Daily 8:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:45 pm

  • Phone number

    (520) 798-1618

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Joe Decker

  • Private party contact

    Melissa Matriss: (520) 622-8848 ext. 201

  • 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.

  • Public transit

    Just a short walk from tram stops along Congress St. and only about a block from the Ronstadt Transit Center

  • 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

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,816 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Tucson

    Great for brunch

  • Tucson

    Healthy

  • Tucson

    Hot spot

  • Tucson

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Tucson

    Contemporary American

  • Tucson

    Great for brunch

  • Tucson

    Healthy

  • Tucson

    Hot spot

  • Tucson

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Tucson

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. dbtucson

    Phoenix

    66 reviews

    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and friendly, attentive service. If they would only bring back the chocolate cheesecake, we would be there every night.
  2. WallaceS

    Tucson

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This has become my favorite spot in tucson.. I'm moving to flagstaff and will make a point of stopping every visit in town . Great food and atmosphere.. the staff is awsome.. music on the weekends and the outdoor bar .. I will my regular visits
  3. Kyrene

    Phoenix

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We arrived at 4:15 PM when it was not very busy which is the way we like it. Hotel Congress is a very eclectic building and the café is situated inside. Happy hour is from 4 PM to 6 PM even on the weekends and I had the Barro heartbreaker as my entrée. I found it very innovative. I wish the roasted garlic was warmer and a little softer. The bread could have been toasted a little less as well (like it had been cut and toasted then waiting to be plated). The marinated artichokes and orange marmalade were the stars of the show for me. My partner had the drunken Fish tacos which came with three large tacos for only $10 with the happy hour discount. He finished all three which he nearly never does. We then shared a decadent vegan chocolate brownie which they warmed and I highly recommend. As we were leaving, a live band had started which was quite extremely loud l, even from the inside. It has a nice outdoor patio and the inside is quaint and interesting. Being a Tucson native but never having been here before, I was very happy with this choice. Check it out.
  4. SusanD

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The waiter was distracted. We ordered iced tea, several times, but never received it. The food was average. No serious complaints, but we have had better ecperiences at The Cup in the past.
  5. JENNINE

    Tucson

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was FABULOUS and the service was excellent. Had such a wonderful time. Huge thanks.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely patio and great food with friendly service.
  7. JennyR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    I really like this place and the ambience but a rude hostess can really hurt an evening. We had a reservation for two on the patio. When seated we were take past numerous peaceful two tops to be seated at the very end next (like five feet or less) to a very big and excited family group. When I asked to be seated anywhere but right next then she told me that’s just how they seat and I said maybe they should take the customer’s comfort into account. She reluctantly sat us one table further away. I have nothing against families having a good time but we should have to sit right next to them when looking for a peaceful meal. After being seated at the better we were ignored for ten or fifteen minutes until we got someone’s attention. When we finally got service it was kind and the food good but that first contact as you’re being seated and where you’re being seated and with how much kindness from a host is very important and one shouldn’t be tested like a picky old lady just became she doesn’t want someone else’s playfully screening child basically on her lap for the meal. Eating out isn’t cheap and I shouldn’t have to pay so much only to be treated poorly. I’m very kind to staff everywhere and asked for better seating in the nicest way possible. Wry disappointing reaction from the hostess.
  8. PaulS

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    I realize that Mother's Day can be a bit over-whelming. We waited over 25 minutes to get water once we were seated. The wait staff stated that there was a communication breakdown. Sitting there for that long and no one approached use until the I mentioned something. I thought I overheard the hostess state to a couple who had no reservation for Mother's Day to try Maynard's. They have a better selection, and the food is better(?) Hopefully i heard this wrong.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was excellent. Definitely recommend the barrio bread and chicken stuffed gnocchi
  10. RickU

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had been to the Cup many times for breakfast or lunch but this was first time for dinner. The salmon was delicious and the patio is a great place to dine.
  11. ElizabethC

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was great. Service outstanding and we sat outside on a beautiful night
  12. Coco

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    AMAZING! Food was extremely good and our server was very nice. Only thing that could be improved was some lighting at the tables after sunset. It was hard to see our food when eating after dark.
  13. Mancha

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice patio, great food and service. Music too loud to carry a conversation
  14. tedw

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience1
    My fish with chips was a bit dry, and my wifess' steak was more done than requested. Service Ok, since the place was jumping. The band for me -- age 80 -- was toooooo loud.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great venue, service and food! Had an early dinner before a show and could not have had a better time!
  16. yahootey

    Tucson

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Our group of 4 had a great dinner at The Cup Cafe on 5/4. The service was prompt and friendly, and the food was great...especially the Salmon & Farro salad and the Cauliflower Tacos. Our group included a vegan and a vegetarian, and the menu accommodated them both with multiple items to choose from...including a very tasty vegan brownie for dessert. We'll definitely be back, and would highly recommend.
  17. MaudeM

    Tucson

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Cup always delivers quality, good tasting food with excellent service.
  18. TeresaJ

    Naples

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Limited menu. Casual atmosphere. Great service. Vert nice happy hour with wine beer and specialty cocktails.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an early dinner at The Cup Cafe with two friends from out of town. We loved everything about our experience! The food was delicious, service was excellent, and the ambiance was unique and lovely. Can’t wait to go back and listen to some music there!
  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jeff was amazing as was the salmon and hamburger. A gem of Tucson!
  21. McM3

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend! Lovely ambience on the patio, delicious drinks, and great vegan options- even desserts!
  22. Bats057

    Tucson

    177 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    177 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We been going here for about 30 years. This the Best place to go for patio seating. The service is always good, and the food is top shelf. A great wine and drink selection, and a menu to satisfy everyone's taste buds. We have dinner here, A Big Thank You to the staff. We will be back, again and again.
  23. Food4thought

    Tucson

    93 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    93 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Booked for the patio, but there was an event outside with Mariachi, so it was too loud for conversation. Inside is not as pleasant--and is very loud in other ways. We managed: food was great, service was good...I think I'll deal go for outside next time, though, regardless of what's going on out there.
  24. theaterdining

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Beautiful evening on the patio, attentive service, and the Drunken Fish tacos were amazing!
  25. JoeC

    Phoenix

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience2
    This was my 1st visit to the Cup even though I have live in Tucson for 20 years. The outside dining was nice except for loud piped in music on the other side of our table. The food was very good but did have an issue with timing of our meal. The very nice server and management made up for the error. I will return.
  26. SueD

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Service was not good. We waited almost an hour for our food. My salad was wilted and there were no shrimp included. My friends burger was over cooked.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food3service2ambience5
    3 of us had a bite before a jazz show at the beautiful Century Room. We shared a Barrio Heartbreaker and Fish and chips. This is 4th time my group of friends has ordered this charcuterie type platter. Each time it is a bit different but the artichokes have too much red pepper, the squash is weird, the rest is good. There is never close to enough bread. The fish and chips- Fish was 3 portions- perfect Fat/Steak fries were thick and boring, dry coleslaw down’s do it justice. It took some time for our server to. bring our checks and we never did see the larger than small appetizer plates we’ d asked for when our food was delivered to our table
  28. JoanW

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great server and wonderful food! The Cup is always a good place to sit outside and have a wonderful meal.
  29. NancyP

    Des Moines

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Cup Cafe is a great venue for above average food, reasonable prices and good music. It can be loud when a band is playing so keep that in mind when you make a reservation for inside or outside dining. We've been back several times for the music. The food and the good service are added bonuses!
  30. ElizabethC

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    service and food very good. Love the old time atmosphere.
  31. RussellR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    The food was very good. Unfortunately there was not enough table space too accommodate our dinner plates comfortably. Our appetizers arrived first, but our entrees came at the same time.
  32. ReBeccaB

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a party of 18 on (3) reservations and the service was excellent!! The food was outstanding and the patio was beautiful!! After dinner we went to the Jillian Bessett “jOY Album Release Party!! The entire experience was amazing!!
  33. JessicaS

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall nice experience. Food was acceptable, but flavor fell a little flat. Steak was under seasoned and slightly tough. Fries were cooked well, but under whelming. Drinks were nicely balanced. Service was great! Our table was right near the busy patio door, so it was a little awkward when I tried to scoot my chair back. I would go back for lunch or brunch, but probably not dinner.
  34. PatriciaS

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was very good. The decorations on the table for Easter were very nice. The service was good. We always enjoy eating there.
  35. PhxArtGuy

    Tucson

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another perfect evening at the Cup: outstanding food, attentive/friendly service, and the best patio/courtyard experience in Tucson. Hotel Congress never disappoints.
  36. RichardB

    Tucson

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Menu is fairly short, but everything was delicious. Had the ribs and they were great, wife had the stuffed chicken and that was great also. Cocktails and beers were flowing and we even hit the happy hour on a Saturday. Ate out on the patio which was very spacious and comfortable. Service was excellent and all in all, a great place to eat in downtown Tucson.
  37. DaveP

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All was great - food, service, drinks, ambience. Salud!
  38. WendyS

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Each of us (there were 4 people) ordered something different, and all of us thought our meals were wonderful! My spouse said his meal was the best restaurant meal he’s had in a very long time! (He had the stuffed chicken). Mine was also excellent! (I had the pasta dish.) Our friends got the Vegan Tamales and the Cauliflower tacos. The Cup Cafe is a favorite of ours, and we will definitely dine there again and again. Many thanks to the chef!
  39. HansR

    Denver

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    a solid good overall experience downtown, and love the Hotel ambience
  40. Diner

    Denver

    69 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Cup has is one of the first upper level dining establishments in downtown Tucson, and it seems to have upped its game since our last visit. The food was excellent, unique in presentation, and generous portions. Despite being very busy (the usual 6:00 PM crush before performances downtown) the service was perfect: gracious and on time. Interesting cocktails and good wine list, and as always, the tremendous desert case was full.

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

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

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 1816 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 30 times today
Google Map for The Cup Cafe

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–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:45 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.

  • Public transit

    Just a short walk from tram stops along Congress St. and only about a block from the Ronstadt Transit Center

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Joe Decker

  • 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

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo