Tucson Travel Guide

Exuding "tasteful" "elegance", this Continental in a "world-class" "luxury" inn (which was "once frequented by the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt") located in a "beautiful and historic" section of Midtown is "where to go for all those classic European dishes", which are matched with an "extensive" wine list, "nice live piano music" in the bar and "impeccable" service (there are "even finger bowls!"); it's "pricey", but that's to be expected for a place so filled with "old money."

The atmosphere is a bit "cafeteria-esque" at these "exceptional-value" bakery/cafes, but that doesn't stop Midtown lunchers from waiting on "enormous lines" to "order from the counter" what they deem the "best sandwiches in Tucson" (or "just about anyplace"), offered in "dozens of unique combos"; like their bready brethren, salads are so "massive", some "can only eat half" if they want to save room for the "orgasmic" desserts; N.B. open until 8 PM.

The atmosphere is a bit "cafeteria-esque" at these "exceptional-value" bakery/cafes, but that doesn't stop Midtown lunchers from waiting on "enormous lines" to "order from the counter" what they deem the "best sandwiches in Tucson" (or "just about anyplace"), offered in "dozens of unique combos"; like their bready brethren, salads are so "massive", some "can only eat half" if they want to save room for the "orgasmic" desserts; N.B. open until 8 PM.

Boasting a "well-deserved reputation", this Downtown Mexican stars Suzana Davila's "gourmet", "heavenly" cuisine and its "emphasis on freshness" and "innovation" (the "menu changes daily", but the "best bet is always the sampler plate, which includes three items of the chef's choosing"); the "swanky, spacious" new-ish digs feel like "a hip NYC restaurant", and if "many old-school Tucsonans complain" it "lacks the same charm as the old one", still, they "would follow it anywhere."

At this somewhat "pricey" Midtown New American, "every dish is 'the dish'", as they're all "succulent" and proffered in "superb presentations" by "skilled servers"; now set within the wine store it was behind in its old location (whether you find "an evening among bottles" "weird" or "creative", "an endless list is the result"), it has "shrunk" in this incarnation, so make a reservation – but "come early" or possibly brave a "long wait."

"Wow out-of-towners" at Tucson's Most Popular restaurant, which proffers "superb", "expensive but worth-every-penny" New American fare "with Southwestern flair" in an "elegant", "historic" Foothills resort whose previous incarnations were a "1930s girls' school" and Hollywood A-list guest ranch ("Hepburn and Tracy linger around every gorgeous corner"); "a terrific wine list", "professional service", "marvelous views" and "romantic sunsets" add to the "unique, memorable destination-dining experience."

"Genius" chef-owner Janos Wilder "lights up" this Foothills Southwestern not only by demonstrating in his "outside-the-box" cuisine "just how much better fresh, seasonal ingredients can make a dish" (they're "pricey but worth it"), but by frequently "circulating among guests"; not to be outdone, his staff "bends over backwards" in the "elegant", "romantic" space.

Rated No. 1 for Food in Tucson, this Foothills trattoria provides "marvelous" Northern Italian fare "prepared thoughtfully with excellent ingredients", prompting fans to "rave like a lunatic" over its virtues; prices that are "reasonable" for the quality, both for the victuals and "worldly wine list", plus "accommodating service" help ensure that it's "packed even in low season", so "make reservations" early; P.S. the "warm Tuscan decor" inside is "relaxing", but for many, the "lovely" "patio beckons."

The "original" in the growing "empire" of Arizona restaurateur Sam Fox, this "consistently fine" New American bistro in the Northwest is a "continuing delight" for "nicely presented", "delicious fresh food" at "true-value" tabs ("especially at lunch"); more often than not, the "sophisticated, modern" dining room is "loud, loud, loud", so "try to get a table at the perimeter" or on the "quaint outdoor patio"; P.S. save room for the "world-class desserts."

"Sweeping vistas and a forest of giant saguaros" distinguish this "desert favorite" that's nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers a "difficult", "well-designed" layout from RTJ Jr. featuring "lots of variety, elevation changes" and "challenging greens"; it "gets a lot of play" and the "facilities need updating", but it's generally "well maintained" as the home field of the University of Arizona ("check out the clubhouse display of former players").

Considered "a must-play in the Tucson area", this "amazing" desert design from Tom Fazio is defined by its "tough bunkers", "lightning-fast greens" and "fabulous scenery everywhere you look", all of which comes together at the "three fun canyon holes"; some suggest "it's a little expensive", but since it's located adjacent to a "first-rate resort", expect a course that's "well cared for" along with "fabulous service" and "good practice facilities" – "what's not to like?"

A "tough" "target-golf" track crafted by Jack Nicklaus in 1984, this 27-holer nestled "in the Santa Catalina foothills" above Tucson offers a "variety of holes" on each of the "different nines" (the Canyon is particularly "scenic and fun"); "the desert always makes each shot a challenge", but the course is "fair from any set of tees", and supporters cite the "all-around great service" and "beautiful resort" grounds as reasons they "would return in a second."

"They don't make them like this anymore in Arizona" note those nostalgic for "long", "traditional" "Eastern-style" tracks like this "classic" course that's distinguished by its use of "grass everywhere, i.e. no island fairways with waste areas"; the longtime home of the PGA Tour's Chrysler Classic of Tucson, it has "a pedigree of golf history", so for "passionate golfers, this one's a must"; N.B. the clubhouse and facilities were recently upgraded.

Crafted three decades ago by Jeff Hardin and Greg Nash in the raw desert north of Downtown Tucson, this "hilly" layout is a "great course for guests of the Hilton" hotel, offering "gorgeous" Santa Catalina Mountain vistas to complement the resort's "laid-back feel"; while naysayers suggest it "needs some improvements", it's a "nice" option overall, especially when you factor in the "fun" nine-hole executive track "for less serious golfers."

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."

A "tough" "target-golf" track crafted by Jack Nicklaus in 1984, this 27-holer nestled "in the Santa Catalina foothills" above Tucson offers a "variety of holes" on each of the "different nines" (the Canyon is particularly "scenic and fun"); "the desert always makes each shot a challenge", but the course is "fair from any set of tees", and supporters cite the "all-around great service" and "beautiful resort" grounds as reasons they "would return in a second."

Perhaps "the best course in Tucson" is this "beautiful" Tom Fazio design, a "Santa Catalina Mountain track" that features "fast" "new greens", "gorgeous vistas" and "one of the most photographed holes in golf", a "wonderful par-3 third" that goes "mesa to mesa" "over a deep canyon surrounded by boulders"; it's "well maintained" despite "heavy play", and has "excellent staff and accommodations" too, but while it's "heaven for the good golfer", others should "bring lots of balls" and "beware the cacti" – "rattlesnakes hide there!"

"A good test of golf for the better-than-average" player (Phil Mickelson captured three PGA Tour titles here), this "challenging" 27-hole design from Bob Cupp and Arnold Palmer "requires accurate shot-making to keep away from the cacti" on three "fantastic" nines featuring "lots of forced carries and blind shots"; connected to the JW Marriott Starr Pass, it boasts the type of "outstanding desert vistas" that make it both "tough and beautiful."