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    Crying Onion Cafe

    3.6 (284 reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 2:00 pm

    Crying Onion Cafe Photos

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    CRYING ONION CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Menu
    Genevieve M.

    Cool breakfast/ brunch spot with an expensive menu of choices. My favorite was the pancake- crispyish and not doughy. I enjoyed it without syrup cause it's that good! The country fried steak was pretty good too. The tamale was my least favorite... it has olives ( and yes, it's a personal preference that I don't like olives in my tamales... but to each their own). It's a small space that packs in a lot of tables and so large parties may take a while- but I noticed that the turnover was reasonable and the wait did not seem unreasonable. Service was a bit slow and it's a seat yourself place (would be nice if there was ample signage or if staff mentioned that while you loiter waiting to be seated). But all in all good experience and good.

    California Omelet* with rye bread toast and home fries
    Amy C.

    We were excited to try this place. The service was good, our server was very nice. The restaurant is small but quaint. The food was a little disappointing. With such a huge selection on their menu I'm always leery the food isn't great and I wasn't wrong. Very bland... not a lot of seasoning, although they could be catering to an older clientele as we saw quite a few older people there. I'd want to try one of the Mexican dishes before I made any final reviews just to see if the seasoning is stepped up a little.

    Breakfast sandwich
    David K.

    We are rarely on this side of Tucson and while running an errand, I noticed the Crying Onion and wanted to give them a try as they are a local restaurant. As I am originally from northern WI, the Crying Onion Cafe reminds me of a midwestern diner. The staff was friendly and they have some good comfort food. We had the Cali Burro and the breakfast sandwich. I asked our server for a recommendation of which the response were the pancakes. Their pancakes are huge and go over the plate, but after seeing numerous serves touch the food as they were carrying it to the tables and then see the pancakes flop onto the table, I was thinking there is no way. It's just a bad look. I would consider buying larger plates/platters.

    Barb G.

    When I lived in Tucson, this was a frequent breakfast spot for us. It's been several years since we've eaten here and today we were surprised by all of the changes. The menu is different with lots more Mexican food options. I attempted to use the Yelp discount but was told it wasn't accepted on the weekends (we were here on a Sunday morning). After about a 10 minute for a table, we were welcomed and seated. Coffee and waters came quickly and we were given a good amount of time to go through the menu. Ordered: Basic 1 egg, sausage patties and hash browns: The eggs and patties were cooked fine but the hash browns were a greasy flat serving of shredded potatoes. Nothing to write home about. BLT with fries: Again, nothing special about the sandwich...bacon was cooked crisp and the lettuce and tomato were fresh. Served on toasted bread. Patty melt with salad and tots: Had to send the first sandwich back because the burger was raw. The tots were good and crispy but when the remade sandwich was returned, the tots were gone! When I mentioned this, she brought me an order of tots. The second sandwich was cooked a tad more but the bread was soggy and the whole sandwich just wasn't good. No seasoning on the patty either time. The salad was good and crisp and the ranch dressing was decent. When I went to squeeze some yellow mustard onto the plate for my patty melt, it was spoiled...watery and brownish. I mentioned it to one of the servers and she brought back a brand new bottle, which was appreciated! We all agreed that we most likely won't be back. Things certainly change!

    Homemade Cinnamon Roll
    Michael H.

    We took my dad to The Crying Onion for a Father's Day breakfast. The service was decent, though the restaurant felt understaffed. Food Ordered: My Order: * Cinnamon Roll French Toast: This came with a scrambled egg and two pieces of bacon. The dish was dusted with powdered sugar, which added a nice touch. However, I was disappointed by the artificial syrup; real maple syrup would have been a significant improvement. The bacon was nicely cooked and flavorful. Dad's Order: * Eggs with Sausage, Toast, and Hashbrowns: He absolutely loved his meal. The combination was classic and well-executed, meeting his expectations perfectly. His comment was that he wished he could cook that breakfast daily. Wife's Order: * French Toast: This consisted of four triangles of toast topped with powdered sugar. It was good, but it didn't stand out as anything special. She got it with an egg and crispy bacon. Shared Order: * Cinnamon Roll: The roll itself was nicely cooked, but the icing was a major letdown. It was runny and lacked the sweet cream cheese flavor that is typically expected with a cinnamon roll. None of us enjoyed it. Daughter's Order: * Biscuits and Gravy: This was the winning dish of the day. The biscuits and gravy were delicious, with a good amount of sausage and a flavorful gravy that had me wishing I had ordered it myself. Summary: Overall, the meal had its highs and lows. While some dishes, like the biscuits and gravy, were outstanding, others fell short, particularly the cinnamon roll and the syrup for the French toast. We will add it to our breakfast places list. Side note: The restaurant filled up quick. Hard to get to the bathroom, as a path to the bathroom is impacted by the movement of tables to make larger configurations of tables. I felt like i was intruding on someone's breakfast by trying to maneuver around their table.

    Chicken fried steak, eggs, home fries.

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    5 years ago

    Best pancake I've ever had! The waitstaff is super helpful and attentive! I highly recommend, and I will definitely be back!

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    Wildflower

    Wildflower

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Takes reservations

    We stopped in for a quick dinner before sunset to end our trip, and had a delicious dinner!…read more We were seated out in the covered patio area. It was the perfect spot to enjoy our meal. Our sever was prompt and very attentive. We order a zero proof drink (the Sunset on Sentinel) and the NA beer they had available. We skipped right to the main course since we had a quick turnaround. I went with the beef short rib ravioli and my husband had the fish and chips. We enjoyed some complimentary bread and oil as a little app before dinner came out. The ravioli was so flavorful (maybe a tiny bit too much cream sauce on the plate) - it was delicious. The fish came out crispy and perfectly battered, and flaky and moist inside. We would definitely come back next time we're in town and spend a little more time enjoying a full meal. We had a great experience.

    TL;DR: Good attempt at California cuisine but falls short on the freshness both in dish options and…read moreingredient quality. Still yummy and very friendly service Ordered: Roasted Beet Chop salad: totally got the flavor intent but really wet greens and over-dressed. Cold Smoked Salmon: Liked the crispiness added by the fried noodles NY Strip: Really liked the crispy potatoes and the cook on the steak was great. Brocollini was a little oily but othewise, the entree for sure delivered. Will be back to try other parts of the menu but the seafood selection was lacking that day and even the server told us they preferred the smoked fish over fresh... Cheers, Wildflower!

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    Wildflower
    Wildflower
    Wildflower

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    Tito & Pep - Ganache dessert ($12) and Pie Allen after dinner cocktail ($13) 5/2026

    Tito & Pep

    4.5(817 reviews)
    10.1 miPeter Howell
    $$$

    Since coming to Tucson 4 years ago, Tito & Pep has been on my list and after finally trying it, it…read moredid not disappoint! We made a reservation well in advance and even then there were limited time options. The atmosphere of the restaurant is slightly upscale while still being cozy. I love all the plants! Our server was very knowledgeable and was able to give several recommendations. We ordered the grilled and chilled beets and the steak skewers for appetizers. The beets and everything that came with them was very fresh! I love anything with pickled onions. The steak appetizer was excellent and my dad could not stop talking about them. Next, I ordered the swordfish special and my dad got the pork chop. Everything was cooked to perfection and flavor was everywhere! For dessert we split the dark chocolate ganache. The ganache was very rich but paired wonderfully with the whipped cream and other flavors. I don't drink, but my dad also loved the cocktails he ordered! If Tito & Pep has been on your list do not hesitate any longer. I very much regret not coming here sooner and I highly recommend giving it a try!

    I brought someone who hadn't been here yet despite being a self-declared foodie and living in…read moreTucson for 3 years (whaaat)! Suffice to say she absolutely raved - placing it on par with many of the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants she has sampled back east. And, we agreed, when Michelin publishes its first-ever SouthWest U.S. edition later this year (2026) I recognize getting a star is a mighty fete but if Tito/Pep does not at least make its S.W. Bib list I will know the fix is in. We started with the Queso Fundido ($13) - with chewy cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and beef chorizo it was a perfect blend of meaty/savory/fatty. We also ordered the Grilled Octopus ($17). What a surprise this was, the crunchy roasted pepper flakes and unusually soft grilled octopus it kicked the pants off of "calamari-style." We inquired and the way they remove the typical rubberiness is by poaching the octopus tentacles for 5(!) hours before grilling. You Go chef Martinez! For our entree we opted for the day's special: deep fried whole Red Snapper for two ($85)... as did about a half-dozen other tables in this intimate 20-tabled venue. See pics as a written description is inadequate. The crisp was excellent and the tender moist fish just beneath, exquisite. The roasted jalapenos were other worldly - somehow only mild heat and with a subtle sweet/acid presence... totally and entirely edible. As fantastic as the vinegar slaw was atop our self-made fish tacos, the tomatillo puree was ridiculous - so fresh and not sour that its scent was nearly as strong as its flavor. We asked again, how?! and were told they first cook the tomatillos for 3 hours. Folks, the effort involved to present this kind of meal would be nearly impossible to do at home for even double the cost. We concluded with the ganache dessert ($12). While so richly decadent it was possibly too rich, only by virtue of its size... it needs to be shared! We were deeply torn over that or the olive oil cake and will opt for the latter... next year, Lol. For drinks we ordered two glasses of their "red blend" (really good for a simple blend) and then the Pie Allen after dinner cocktail ($13) - an interesting combination of prickly pear liquor and port. The staff were amazing - not just in timely attentiveness (a minimum requirement at this level) but especially in terms of being able to field our deep curiosities about several of the dishes. Due to our "layers" of ordering we stayed an easy 2+ hours and were never rushed. Parking will get tight at peak times but everyone will be accommodated. Pre-tip we were at $165 - a special occasion outing for sure but, we both agreed, an (almost) bargain. At this level of quality and degree of effort in Chicago or Miami (places she recently lived) would be closer to $250 for two. Small note: three years ago this began, now it's the norm - restaurants are calculating the tip based upon a total that's After the tax has been added. It's a minor but, nonetheless, unconsented-to, inflation of the tip. Just an fyi :)

    Photos
    Tito & Pep - Cool vibe

    Cool vibe

    Tito & Pep - Whole deep-fried Sea of Cortez Red Snapper for two ($85) 5/2026 special of the day.

    Whole deep-fried Sea of Cortez Red Snapper for two ($85) 5/2026 special of the day.

    Tito & Pep - Steak skewers

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    Steak skewers

    Jerry Bobs - Biscuits and gravy as a side - could have been a main dish.

    Jerry Bobs

    3.2(71 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $

    The seating in this restaurant is close to claustrophobic. The tables are quite close together. Dad…read morehad a hard time getting to our seats, and had to ask a couple of people to move their chairs. The server was kind and attentive. She tried to make sure we were well taken care of. She made sure our drinks were never empty, and our food arrived hot. The food was passable. The menu is different in each Jerry Bob's restaurant (a thing I was only now made aware of). We went there looking for things we'd eaten in another Jerry Bob's restaurant and they were not on the menu here. The worst part, in my opinion, was the fact that my Dad had NO ACCESS to the restrooms at all! the way the seating was set up, his walker could not get to the hallway to access the bathrooms. This Is A Bad Thing and should be rectified. The wait staff was the only positive thing on this trip. I, personally, would not recommend this location, especially if you have anyone with serious mobility issues in your party.

    The breakfast was very good, I had a SMS omelet with hashbrowns, a side of bacon and raisin toast…read more Amanda provides excellent service. She knows us by name, has memorized our order by our second visit, and treats us as family. It is because of her that we go back weekly now. I enjoy that they have seasonal decor and a combo of booth and chair seating.

    Photos
    Jerry Bobs - Azteca omelet - ate part before the pic - so delicious!

    Azteca omelet - ate part before the pic - so delicious!

    Jerry Bobs - Ultimate Skillet breakfast with eggs OE!

    Ultimate Skillet breakfast with eggs OE!

    Jerry Bobs - Rye toast served with a small flair!

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    Rye toast served with a small flair!

    GRINGO grill + cantina - Flancake

    GRINGO grill + cantina

    3.5(369 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    I recently decided to try something new in Tucson and visited Gringos Mexican Kitchen, which is…read moreconveniently located near my area. From the moment we arrived, we had a great experience. We were warmly greeted by Samantha, the manager, who made us feel welcome right away. My girlfriend and I were celebrating her birthday, so we sat at the bar, ordered a couple of drinks, and enjoyed watching the game while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Samantha recommended we try some of their food, and we're glad we did. We started with the happy hour tacos--an incredible deal at $7 for two tacos. I ordered the chicken tacos on corn tortillas, while my girlfriend had the steak tacos on flour tortillas. Both were topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, queso, and a flavorful house sauce. They were fresh, well-prepared, and absolutely delicious. We then decided to try the fajitas, which were just as impressive--perfectly cooked and full of flavor. To top off the night, we asked about dessert options. The cheesecake looked amazing, and my girlfriend chose the flan cake. The staff went above and beyond by adding a special birthday decoration, which made the moment even more memorable. Overall, we had a fantastic experience. The food, service, and atmosphere were all outstanding. After dinner, we even stayed nearby and enjoyed the pool, making it a perfect evening from start to finish. I highly recommend this spot and look forward to coming back again soon.

    Matthew gave us such a great experience. The chips and salsa were some of the best we've had. The…read moresalsa was bright, fresh, flavorful, and had just the right amount of heat. The tacos were easily in our top five. We came during happy hour, and the 2-for-$7 pork or chicken taco special was such a good deal. I ordered the chicken tacos, and they were generously sized for happy hour and absolutely delicious. My boyfriend had the carne asada tacos, and they were just as good. The rice was also really flavorful. We even complimented the chef, who we could see cooking in the kitchen behind us. He was so kind and even offered to top off our beans, which was such a nice touch. We'll definitely be back for the tacos and the wonderful service.

    Photos
    GRINGO grill + cantina - Dining area

    Dining area

    GRINGO grill + cantina - Is that refried bean soup?  Had to request a spoon.

    Is that refried bean soup? Had to request a spoon.

    GRINGO grill + cantina - Front Entrance

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    Front Entrance

    Culinary Dropout

    Culinary Dropout

    4.0(2k reviews)
    8.1 miCountry Glenn
    $$
    Full bar
    Happy hour specials

    Culinary Dropout is honestly one of those places that's hard to put in just one box--in the best…read moreway. It's part restaurant, part bar, part game hall... and fully a vibe. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this isn't your typical sit-down dinner spot. The lighting is cool, there's a live DJ, and yes--it is loud. Like, don't come here expecting an intimate, quiet dinner kind of loud. This is more "laughing over music, people-watching, and soaking up the energy" kind of place. Now let's talk food, because that's where they pleasantly surprised me. They actually have a legit vegan option that doesn't feel like an afterthought (which I always appreciate). I went with the vegan curry and wow--it was delicious. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, with a mushroom-forward sauce and sweet potatoes that just worked so well together. We also had the olive oil bread, which was simple but so good, plus almonds and Brussels sprouts that were absolutely worth ordering. Everything felt shareable and fun, which fits the whole vibe of the place. This isn't where I'd go for a quiet date night or a five-star fine dining experience--but that's not what it's trying to be. It's where you go to hang out, eat good food, sip drinks, and just have a really fun time. Would I come back? Definitely.

    Mediocre overall. The food felt very The Cheesecake Factory quality, nothing bad but nothing…read morememorable either. Service was nice and she was friendly, but she definitely forgot my drink and I ended up going to the bar to grab it myself. Honestly, I'm mainly writing this because of the attached photo. This is what they gave me and said, "yeah, that's an Old Fashioned." I'm like... what. Granted server did take it off the bill and make sure my next one was better.

    Photos
    Culinary Dropout
    Culinary Dropout
    Culinary Dropout

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    Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop - Blue Willow Benedict

    Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop

    4.0(897 reviews)
    7.6 miCampbell-Grant
    $$

    It had been awhile since my last visit, but needed a blueberry pancake fix and figured Blue Willow…read morewould be the spot. Service was solid and my pancake was delicious! My husband had the Huevos Rancheros and he said they were "okay".

    Quaint, eclectic and cute. Not a show stopper for me, the breakfast food was amicable, nothing…read morestunning, nothing notable and nothing realistically unique. The restaurant is portalled through a gift shop with uneven floors which are certainly some trip hazards if you're not paying attention. It's a nice little spot with an unusual and organic touch to it with compressed seating in some areas. One restroom, feet away from patrons; not what I would recommend for sanitation and appeal to the customers just feet away from the restroom door. Overall, the Service was good, fast and hot. Plentiful amount of drink attendance but drafty with the sealing fans in the morning. It was simply okay, with nothing really that stands out to our visit. Nothing really bad either than the close proximity of the seating next to a restroom entrance. A final note, of the several dishes we purchased, only one really had a delicious through and through presentation and taste and that was the single waffle lightly sprinkled with powered sugar but contained nuts and was very light to taste. Just well done on that one! Certainly not a 'no' in my book but if in the area, would certainly try the lunch menu one more time and see how that might reflect differently. Cheers!

    Photos
    Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop
    Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop - Breakfast Sandwich

    Breakfast Sandwich

    Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop - Sonoran Carnitas Benedict

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    Sonoran Carnitas Benedict

    Crying Onion Cafe - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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