Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tucson City Center, AZ

DOWNTOWN. Enjoy a double mocha and a tempting dessert (or two) under the patio umbrella while people-watching on...

DOWNTOWN. Enjoy a double mocha and a tempting dessert (or two) under the patio umbrella while people-watching on bustling Fourth Avenue. If you prefer to enjoy your espresso and fresh scone inside, you can gaze upon the walls lined with favorite treats, chocolate-covered pretzels to malt balls to gummy worms. Sandwiches and salads are available, but they are simply the supporting cast ­ the carrot cakes, dense chocolate tortes, and decadent brownies are the stars.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-8pm; Fri 7am-10pm; Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 9am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

DOWNTOWN. You're probably wondering where the name comes from. Well, if you run the phrase "buy sandwiches"...

DOWNTOWN. You're probably wondering where the name comes from. Well, if you run the phrase "buy sandwiches" together, it might sound a bit like "Bison Witches." OK, maybe that's not so creative, but the food at this neighborhood college hangout is. They serve sandwiches, soups, salads and beer ­ but what a selection. Soups and salads are served in big bread bowls, making them a complete meal in and of themselves. But the sandwiches truly are noteworthy, due to their variety, massive size and general tastiness. Try the Hawaiian chicken, brie and roast beef, or the Wildcat (roast beef, smoked turkey, smoked gouda, lettuce and spicy honey-mustard). If you're feeling homesick, there's grilled cheese or PB&J ­ now that's comfort food! The beverage list is impressive too ­ 8 domestics and imports on tap, plus more than 30 microbrews and over 20 imports in bottles. Great drink specials (this is a college bar, after all!).

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. Coffee shops don't usually offer much for vegans except perhaps something like a latte made with soy milk. But...

DOWNTOWN. Coffee shops don't usually offer much for vegans except perhaps something like a latte made with soy milk. But Shot in the Dark certainly does, while still providing plenty of fodder for the rest of us. Vegans have several options in addition to latte-with-soy-milk, from snacks and baked goods to meals like black beans and rice and a hummus and tabouleh plate. There are plenty of meat and dairy containing sandwiches, coffee drinks, cookies, pies and pastries too, including an amazing peanut butter mocha. Shot in the Dark may cater to vegans, but on the opposite side of the spectrum they also offer a well-ventilated indoor smoking patio and a good selection of cigarettes, tobacco and lighters. How's that for a dual personality?

Hours: Daily Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. The trendy Hotel Congress has a happening little café that serves what many consider to be the best...

DOWNTOWN. The trendy Hotel Congress has a happening little café that serves what many consider to be the best breakfast around. All the familiar favorites are offered, along with some more creative options such as the Boom Boom (scrambled eggs, cheese and roasted red potatoes piled on a toasted baguette), Eggs and Gunpowder (a bowl of roasted red potatoes topped with eggs, turkey chorizo and jack cheese), and Bennie's Burrito (a tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, spicy black beans, sprouts, jack cheese, diced green chiles, black olives, sour cream and fresh salsa). Lunch and dinner tend to be more international in scope, but the food is equally wonderful.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri-Sat 7am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. A study haven for students, a meeting place for morning coffee breaks, a place for busy professionals to grab...

DOWNTOWN. A study haven for students, a meeting place for morning coffee breaks, a place for busy professionals to grab a quick lunch on the run, a venue for local musicians ­ Bentley's has many functions and excels at all of them. Coffee is fair trade and organic, and this being Tucson, there's a slew of cold beverages too, like fruit freezes, smoothies, shakes, and iced teas and coffees. Simple, well-made food consists of eggs and baked goods at breakfast and sandwiches, salads, soups, and quiches at lunch and dinner. A few pastas and Southwestern specialties round out the options.

Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Not your ordinary sweet shop, Cold Stone offers a broad selection of ice creams, yogurts and smoothies. What...

DOWNTOWN. Not your ordinary sweet shop, Cold Stone offers a broad selection of ice creams, yogurts and smoothies. What sets this place apart is the toppings. Instead of throwing a few sprinkles on top, employees thoroughly mix add-ins and ice cream on a chilled granite stone. That way, the Heath bar crunch (or whatever your addiction is) goes all the way to the bottom of the waffle cone. If you crave something else, they also offer heaping sundaes and shakes.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

SOUTH TUCSON. For authentic Mexican cuisine, Mi Nidito is a top choice. Locals and visitors line up to feast on Sonoran...

SOUTH TUCSON. For authentic Mexican cuisine, Mi Nidito is a top choice. Locals and visitors line up to feast on Sonoran classics in a festive cantina environment. Start with simple but delicious cheese tostadas, and then move on to tostados, tamales, and the popular enchiladas ­ rolled or flat, and stuffed with your choice of fillings. The brightly colored interior is casual and pleasant, but it's the food, not the decor, that has made this a local institution.

Hours: Wed-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH TUCSON. Casual elegance is the mark of the Arizona Inn restaurant. Fresh flowers, live music and attentive service...

NORTH TUCSON. Casual elegance is the mark of the Arizona Inn restaurant. Fresh flowers, live music and attentive service combine to provide a rewarding dining experience. There is an Old World charm to the 1930s inn, and the dining room includes gracious seating on the patio. Once on the edge of town but now in midtown, this restaurant offers the best in comfort, style and flavor. Reservations recommended.

Hours: Daily 6:30am-11am, 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH TUCSON. Tucked away in an old house, Blue Willow is renowned for its comfortable, home-style cooking and its...

NORTH TUCSON. Tucked away in an old house, Blue Willow is renowned for its comfortable, home-style cooking and its charming patio. Shaded in the summer and heated in the winter, it's the perfect spot for a fun weekday lunch with friends or a relaxing weekend breakfast. The menu is chock full of omelettes and other filling morning meal favorites, all accompanied by fresh fruit and potatoes or rice. Lunch and dinner options range from soups and salads to delicate crepes and vegetarian dishes. The place is equally famous for its desserts, particularly the chocolate confection of the day, which never fails to impress and satisfy.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm; Sat-Sun 8am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

NORTH TUCSON. Stylish and contemporary, Pastiche serves an eclectic variety of New American cuisine that's proven to be...

NORTH TUCSON. Stylish and contemporary, Pastiche serves an eclectic variety of New American cuisine that's proven to be quite a hit with locals. The menu is wide-ranging, with dishes such as bruschetta topped with marinated tomatoes, brie and fresh basil, a wonderful "steak frites" salad, cioppino, a mushroom soufflé topped with asiago cream sauce, pumpkin ravioli in sage-brown butter, and some hearty pasta creations. Just about everything on the menu is available in half portions or so-called "bistro" portions, a boon for light eaters and folks who can't make up their minds!

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 4:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club