Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tucson Airport, AZ

SOUTH TUCSON. A fixture in Tucson since 1971, this is the preferred stop on sweltering Arizona days when folks drop in...

SOUTH TUCSON. A fixture in Tucson since 1971, this is the preferred stop on sweltering Arizona days when folks drop in for an "eegee," a unique fruity, slushy concoction somewhere between an Italian ice and a slightly thawed sorbet. Choose from lemon, strawberry, pina colada or the changing flavor of the month. Food-wise, the subs, salads, soups, fries and pasta are steps above the usual fast food fare, making it a popular lunchtime destination, too. There are about 20 locations around town, so an "eegee" is never far from hand!

Hours: Daily 9:30am-10pm

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

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

EAST TUCSON. Owned by Bob McMahon's highly regarded Metro Restaurants group (which includes other Tucson favorites...

EAST TUCSON. Owned by Bob McMahon's highly regarded Metro Restaurants group (which includes other Tucson favorites McMahon's Prime Steakhouse and Firecracker), Old Pueblo does the Southwestern concept very well. Authentic, atmospheric décor contributes to the overall experience, which might start with a bowl of creamy poblano soup or rattlesnake eggs (bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with smoked shrimp and cream cheese). For the main course, try an Arizona spiced flat iron steak with garlic butter and green chile mashed potatoes, or the 16-ounce "El Jefe" NY strip steak with huitlacoche bordelaise. Tex Mex favorites like fajitas, enchiladas and tacos round out the menu, but if you're hankering for a burger, try the OPG, topped with roasted green chiles, pepper jack cheese and guacamole. Great margaritas and a huge tequila list, too.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun 11am-10pm

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

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

EAST TUCSON. Cinnamon buns, sweet rolls ­ whatever you prefer to call them, Gus Balons makes the best in Tucson, if...

EAST TUCSON. Cinnamon buns, sweet rolls ­ whatever you prefer to call them, Gus Balons makes the best in Tucson, if not the state (some people claim the best in the country, and they just may be right...). This baby is huge, really huge. It's got just the right amount of cinnamon, for a spicy but not overwhelming flavor. And it's also slathered with enough frosting so that every bite has that punch of sweet gooeyness. It's perfect. The no-frills diner/café also serves up buttery fried eggs, French toast made from homemade rustic white bread, and good hot coffee. Other times of the day, you may want to sample a slice of pie, but choosing which one may be daunting. There's usually about 20 different varieties baked every day, from chocolate peanut butter banana to fresh peach to crumb-topped pumpkin.

Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-3pm

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. 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

NORTH TUCSON. This hip bistro, affiliated with a fantastic wine store (and located on its premises), turns out some of...

NORTH TUCSON. This hip bistro, affiliated with a fantastic wine store (and located on its premises), turns out some of Tucson's most innovative New American cuisine. The menu changes each season to take advantage of fresh local ingredients, but it always includes inspiring combinations and eye-popping creations, including the signature saffron mussels. Try wild mushroom ragout over grilled bread, pork tenderloin made new with sherry chestnut sauce and mashed sweet potatoes, or pan-seared lamb crusted with brown sugar and coffee ­ an unexpected combination with spectacular results. Wines by both the bottle and glass are exceptional.

Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm

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

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