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The Cup Cafe, Tucson, AZ

The Cup Cafe

4.7
4.7
1876 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 14 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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

Experiences

  • Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu

    $60.00 per person

    Nov 23, 2023 only
    Plan your Thanksgiving meal on our lovely patio or in our beautiful historic restaurant. Offering a fabulous 3-course Prix Fixe Menu. More details coming soon!
    Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu Photo

What 1,876 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Tucson

    Great for brunch

  • Tucson

    Healthy

  • Tucson

    Hot spot

  • Tucson

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Tucson

    Lively

  • Tucson

    Contemporary American

  • Tucson

    Great for brunch

  • Tucson

    Healthy

  • Tucson

    Hot spot

  • Tucson

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Tucson

    Lively

  • Tucson

    Contemporary American

1,876 Reviews
  1. TheFitFoodie

    Phoenix

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    Food took forever and was mediocre at best. It was so loud from the outdoor show happening conversation was a futile effort.

    Is this helpful?

  2. LuciaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fried Tofu was spectacular! Great place, nice ambiance, great service!

    Is this helpful?

  3. mcmf

    Tucson

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Overall, everything was good, however the Pork Schnitzel was way over cooked, and the sauce was not up to par. The time I had this disk it was excellent. Hopefully it was just an off night for that chef.

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  4. Jdubinthedesert

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dinner was fabulous! This is a Tucson gem with a great menu; lots of items I’d like to try. We had the Barrio bread appetizer which was delicious: the Hotel salad was amazing; and the Fish tacos fabulosos. Great service, open late and fun ambience. We’ll be back soon.

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  5. Diningdan

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Loved the vegan tamales and the outdoor ambiance was a good idea until the band started and then impossible to hear or talk. Ruined the experience

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  6. JeffF

    Phoenix

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Barrio Heartbreaker appetiser was amazing. Whole meal excellent definitely recommend only regret was not leaving any room for dessert

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  7. Chippy

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is a great venue for having dinner before an event in downtown Tucson. The food was delicious, waitperson good natured and helpful, and the Hotel is fabulous.

    Is this helpful?

  8. TedT

    Phoenix

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great bread, special butter and tasty dipping sauces. Nice seafood dish, with a nice presentation. Very good dinner salad with tasty chicken.

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  9. TucsonNative

    Tucson

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent and arrived promptly. Cros did an excellent job of taking care of us. Staff was very attentive and water glasses were always refilled without asking. Overall, an excellent dining experience.

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  10. BenjaminStacey

    Tucson

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Karaoke was very loud. Food and service was good.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Doug

    Tucson

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We booked dinner on the patio before a musical performance we wanted to enjoy. We were seated promptly at a desirable table. The menu is a little limited, but we both enjoyed our food. The service by Thomas was very good.

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  12. ReneeC

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    We ordered a serving of the appetizer called bread and it was four tiny little pieces of bread toasted. Very bad value. I don't need a huge portion, but why would you spend $7 on four little pieces of toast. On the other hand, the pesto was good. There wasn't enough bread to use the pesto and oil and butter that was served with it. Also, I think they should warn people that are making outside reservations. When there is a big noisy concert going on. They could make their reservations system reflect that information.

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  13. mjt520

    Tucson

    55 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We decided to have dinner here before attending a movie screening at the FOX Theater. Our order was for one glass of wine (Happy Hour pricing?), 1 Salmon Farro and 1 Pork Schnitzel. All were pleasantly served by Edward and all tasting above average...although the Schnitzel was good, both of us would have preferred it to be thinner and crispier. The cost of this meal was not unreasonable.

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  14. NancyV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came during happy hour. Excellent drinks and service. Fish and cauliflower tacos outstanding at only $10. Would definitely return.

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  15. Tugboat23

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had grilled salmon with parmesan risotto. Outstanding. Cooked perfectly. Wife had chicken stuffed with mushroom duxelle over butternut squash gnocci. Delicious. Appetizer was the Heartbreaker - melted brie, artichoke hearts, tangerine jam, toasted garlic... so good! Just eat here, you'll love it!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Jersey

    San Antonio

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5
    Nice enough to get engaged. She said yes by the way.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    We are a long time fans of The Cup and count on having great service and food. Unfortunately, last night was disappointing. Both the fish and the cauliflower tacos were just ok. Our guests waited 30 minutes to get their drinks, which our server blamed on a last minute drink order rush. I’m not giving up on The Cup. But what’s happened ???!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    48 reviews

    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We ate here this time during HOCO Fest so the noise level was pretty high. But we'd anticipated that. Both of our entrees were fine as expected since we'd had them before. Service was good considering how busy it was. We'll return and would bring guests

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  19. Annie

    Tucson

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely little patio next to the plaza where the music venue is. Great service. Waiter attentive and helpful but not hovering or overly friendly. Food was tasty and priced right. The cauliflower tacos were fabulous, moist and flavorful. I eral a fun little place. Always lively and interesting!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As we waited for our reservation, we experienced the atmosphere of the hotel. Both the staff at the lobby bar and the restaurant were wonderful. It was a bit busy given it was one of the only places open during the holiday weekend. So it was loud and a bit busy.

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  21. Tiemen

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Attentive and friendly service, excellent food. Our group had 6 different dishes and nobody was left disappointed.

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  22. MiroG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was able to enjoy a wonderful meal this evening even tho there was a metal show performance in the other part of the restaurant! The service was great, the food was excellent and the ambience was actually really calm and I was able to hold a conversation* 10/10 recommend

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  23. Alex

    Phoenix

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service, bustling atmosphere, pork belly tacos were delicious, perfect balance of salty and tangy, salsa had just the right heat, fish and chips well-battered, crispy, and the fish flaky.

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  24. IrwinR

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    had dinner last night pre concert with friends. Pork Schnitzel was excellent along with a good ceasar salad. Kitchen split main dinner dish for us. Good wine list. service was excellent.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an excellent dining experience. Food is well prepared and the service is attentive and friendly. Breakfast , Lunch, and Dinner you cat go wrong in this historic Tucson atmosphere with an updated feel.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    A great local restaurant. It was busy and loud this time, but my steak salad was perfect. (A little skimpy on the avocado). We love the century room next door and this a great pre-show option!

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Got there at last available time and was five minutes late. Food was good, but definitely felt rushed, and after our drink order was taken another person introduced themselves as our server. Busser kept walking by to see if we were finished yet. I had to gobble food down and was told immediately that it was last, but we had just got our drinks so, of course we were not going to get another drink.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great experience it just took awhile to get good out and we were there before the crowd came in.

    Is this helpful?

  29. HollyM

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely early dinner at the Cupp before we ventured on to the UA Flandrau science center for a lecture. Too hot to sit outside so we were easily accommodated indoors. Had a lovely casual dinner , service was great. Food was great. I highly recommend it, very comfy and historic environment.

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  30. feelindiva

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food is very good. They make a very good espresso martini, and most places don't even offer them. If they do, they don't make them properly. The Cup made them perfectly!!

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  31. TrudyF

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Great service and atmosphere. Loud, though.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a charming historic hotel, and it was a wonderful place to sit and eat. It looked like there was a great patio, but it was Wendy when I was there so we sat inside. Right across the street from the Rialto Theatre where we had tickets.  We were there for happy hour on drink prices and some of the small plates were marked down as well. I had fish tacos which were super yummy.

    Is this helpful?

  33. FriedaF

    New York Area

    42 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    I was seated and several waitstaff walked by my several times not even looking in my direction. After about 10 minutes, I went to the bar and the bartender finally took my order. The pesto pasta was absolutely drowning in sauce. But the coconut cream pie was very good

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always excellent food & cocktails, great service too.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Patt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful, our server was great. The noise level was a little too high for us, but your walls echo sound - oh well. The only odd note was - we were assured we could order dessert in the Century Room, but when we got there, though there is one dessert item on the menu, we were told no, no dessert could be ordered. Plus I am wondering why you don't serve coffee in the Century Room - I'd never heard of a bar that didn't serve coffee. Your other menu items look good. I do look forward to trying the espresso martini when I'm not driving. And I would come back to Cup Cafe to eat three meals a day if I could afford it. Thanks for all the things you do right!

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  36. DeweyA

    Tucson

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great venue, the food was exceptional and the patio was dog friendly.

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  37. JenniferF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, drinks, and desserts. Ambiance was like an invitation to a relaxing dinner, not rushed through courses. There were a few vegan choices I had the country fried tofu and can't wait to return and try the vegan tamales. Highly recommend 👌 👍

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  38. carolS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great go there all the time. Always have depot salad and red sangria. Great music too.

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  39. Bats057

    Tucson

    184 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    184 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    We have been going here for about 30 or so years. The service and the food is always Top Notch. The only problem we had was the new billing system they just started ( I know they will iron things out ). They have a hand help ( small ) computer that is hard to read and you do not get to see it until you give them your credit card, Then you have to ask for a paper receipt. Yes I know, everything is being computerize. But, we want to see our bill before handing over our payment. Other then that, Great food, Great service and we will be back again and again. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  40. EmilioV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The setting was very pleasant and the service was great. Both me and my partner enjoyed our meals I got the ribs and they got the fish and chips. Our server even went out of the way to get us a beer that wasn’t served in cafe but available at the hotels other bars! I would definitely recommend it to others

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 1876 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 14 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

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
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