Mercado San Agustin in Tucson, Arizona

Mercado San Agustin, a beautiful open air courtyard, is the place to go in Tucson for a leisurely weekend brunch. The 15,000 square foot space is home to a number of local businesses, including popular restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. The relaxed vibe and fresh local offerings really vibe well with the natural setting of Tucson. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat before or after a beautiful hike in the desert.

Seis – The best breakfast tacos

Delicious breakfast tacos at Seis Kitchen in Tucson AZ

While visiting Tucson, you will definitely want to feast on some breakfast tacos. Seis is an award-winning Mexican restaurant which features delicious street food. Featuring handmade tortillas and homemade fire roasted salsa, you cannot afford to miss out on the best breakfast in “The Old Pueblo.” The menu is inspired by the 6 culinary regions of Mexico, so there is something interesting for everyone to try. As a bonus, Seis partners with many local companies and is dedicated to sustainability.

Seis serves the best breakfast tacos in Tucson, and possibly in the state. Seriously, you will not find a better option anywhere else. The Chile Verde Con Papas Tacos is the way to go. This tasty yet simple vegetarian entree consists of tacos stuffed to the brim with scrambled eggs, roasted green chiles, crispy potatoes, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro. Tacos come in a set of 3 and are served alongside smashed black beans or potatoes, along with your choice of salsa. At under $15 bucks, this is a totally filling breakfast that will definitely fuel you up for a hike.

Seis now operates multiple locations throughout Tucson. However, you really cannot beat the wonderful setting and access to other amenities at Mercado.

Presta Coffee

Presta Coffee Roasters in Tucson, Arizona

Nothing completes a good breakfast quite like a great cup of coffee. Unfortunately, many restaurants tend to excel in just one area. Fortunately, you can enjoy great food and coffee all in the same place at Mercado. No longer do you need to sacrifice one or the other.

Presta Coffee roasters in Tucson AZ

Presta is a wonderful third wave roaster with numerous Tucson locations including a desirable prime spot within Mercado. While you can enjoy their specialty coffee at numerous places, the lovely outdoor seating area at Mercado is hard to pass up. Plus, who wouldn’t want to enjoy some great tacos alongside their coffee? Pass on the sugary pastries in favor of authentic Mexican street fare! The contemporary setting and pretty blue mugs earn this shop a few bonus points. They serve the best espresso drinks in town.

More delicious foods

Huevos Rancheros at Agustin Kitchen in Tucson AZ

La Estrella – Long running Tucson bakery which specializes in Mexican pastries.

Agustin – Upscale New American cuisine served in a gorgeous dining space. The focus on fresh farm-to-table ingredients is a bonus. The Huevos Rancheros pictured above is delicious.

Dolce Pastello Cakes – Homemade Mexican cakes sold whole or by the slice. A variety of desserts and tamales available.

Nearby attractions

Sunrise hike along Tumanoc Hill in Tucson, AZ

Luckily, several of Tucson’s best attractions are located within a short drive of Mercado. And because most Mercado businesses open pretty early (Seis at 8, Presta at 7), you can stop by for a fresh breakfast prior to exploring anything else in the city.

Tumanoc Hill – Tucson’s iconic hike is located just minutes away. This 1.5 mile, 800+ foot climb leads you to a stunning overlook of the city. It’s a tough workout, it’s hot, yet it’s worth every step for the experience.

Enjoying the views at Tumanoc Hill in Tucson

Downtown Tucson – A number of great attractions and restaurants can be found downtown including the historic Fox Theater, the Tucson Museum of Art, and Caruso’s, a long running old-world Italian restaurant. Check out the full list of things to do downtown.

Fox theater in Tucson, Arizona

Reid Park – Gorgeous landscaped park featuring a 3.5 mile biking/walking path. Lush greenery, a rose garden, and a beautiful pond are the highlights here. The Reid Park Zoo, a small yet scenic zoo is located adjacent to the park.

The beautiful pond at Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona