Cup Cafe
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Grilled artichokes, barrio baguette, green apple, Brie, thyme butter, orange marmalade with a lil kick, beets and roasted garlic oh my it's a meal in itself
My husband and I came here for lunch during the week, it wasn't too busy, which was nice. Service was fast and friendly the food was really good. It's a small place and even though there wasn't a ton of people in there it's very loud, when it's a bit cooler I would definitely sit outside
Wow! I was blown away. New American is my favorite cuisine and Cup Cafe does not disappoint. I ordered the salmon caprese which was INCREDIBLE. Our waiter Keith gave a great recommendation. He said it was his favorite and I can see why. The salmon and asparagus were perfectly cooked. The Parmesan risotto was slight under and crunchy but the flavor was so good I didn't mind. My other two friends ordered the fish n chips and the tofu curry dish on the menu. I was pleasantly surprised that both of their dishes were good also. I took home a slice of the Bailey's chocolate mousse which was amazing. I got it last week and it was slightly different but still very good and I think I liked it even more this week. There were two things that were out so I will have to try them another time. I was still happy with what I got and would definitely come back!
My favorite meal during our most recent trip to Tucson! And very dog friendly!!! Big dog approved: We came with our large dog, and were able to sit with him on the patio. We came during May, when it starts to get warm, but he did well since there is a good amount of shade out on their patio and they provided a nice big water bowl for our special boy. The staff also were kind enough to move one of our chairs out of the way so our dog had lots of room to lay down. Staff were all very kind and never seemed annoyed with the dog (you can always tell at a restaurant if they are, and they were very happy to accommodate him). Very dog friendly!! The food: We gotta talk about their French onion soup. It was pretty dang delicious! The broth itself is quite nice, a nice cheese portion, and the baguette was divine. I also had their French Connection sandwich (with a side of fries), and it had a great combo of ooey, gooey cheese, firm and flavorful ham, and served on a really delicious loaf. Really solid fries, too. We didn't end up getting any drinks but saw several people ordering yummy looking bites. If (but likely when) we come back to Tucson, I'm making a point to return to Cup Cafe!
I have been wanting to try Cup Café for a long time and I'm so glad I finally made it in for brunch! I had the Braveheart and it was amazing!!!! The brisket was delicious, the sourdough was top tier, and the tomatoes, spinach, and gyure cheese all worked so well together with the sausage gravy on top...I was in heaven. It came topped with two perfectly poached eggs and the side potatoes were tremendous. Perfectly crispy on the outside and nice and starchy on the inside. We also got the Chilaquiles Verde and I was super impressed. The pork was incredibly moist and again they absolutely nailed the poached eggs. The green chile sauce had great flavor without being overly spicy, which I appreciated because I like flavor but not too much heat first thing in the morning. The tortilla strips stayed crispy the whole time and it came with a side of mixed fruit, which is always a winner in my book. Of course I couldn't pass up dessert. We tried the lemon blueberry lavender olive oil cake, which is gluten free. It was pretty crumbly (maybe due to being gf?) and I'm probably still 50/50 on lavender as a flavor, but overall it was pretty good. The coconut cream pie was the real standout for me though. Super creamy with great coconut flavor and the slice was huge! Our waiter did a pretty good job and even though the patio was fairly busy, it stayed comfortable because everything was shaded. There were a few flies hanging around, but that is kind of the tradeoff for sitting outside. The interior dining room looked really cute too, so maybe next time I'll try sitting inside. Overall, I liked it and there's a few more things on the menu I want to try so I'll definitely be back. It was a great little brunch spot.
My girlfriend and I first tried coming here about three weeks ago for brunch, but there was a 45-minute wait, so we decided to come back another time. One thing that stood out during that first visit was the hostess. Since the restaurant is located inside a hotel and can be a little difficult to find, I expected a more welcoming introduction or at least some confirmation that we were in the right place. Instead, the interaction felt a bit awkward and impersonal. We returned a few weeks later (07/12/26) and happened to be greeted by the same hostess. Unfortunately, the experience was very similar. She asked how many people were in our party, I said two, and then she simply looked at her computer without saying much else. Another employee eventually came over and escorted us to our table. Throughout both visits, she never came across as particularly friendly or welcoming. As the first person guests interact with, I think a hostess sets the tone for the entire experience, so this was disappointing. On a more positive note, our waitress was very kind and attentive throughout the meal. The service once we were seated was definitely better than the initial impression. As for the food, it wasn't bad, but it also wasn't anything special, especially considering the price. Overall, it felt pretty average for what we paid. The ambiance was fine, but nothing particularly memorable. Overall, the experience was okay, but between the lack of hospitality at the front and the food being average for the price, I'm not sure I would go out of my way to come back.
The cafe is so beautiful and welcoming. The service was excellent everyone is friendly and answered all of our questions. I admired the art, plants and the people enjoying their time at the cafe. It was cozy but also fancy. We ordered the meal with the pancakes and the French toast. For drinks we got the cowboy coffee and golden latte. Everything was in good timing even despite them being busy. The drinks were delicious. The water they serve is very good too I've probably had 4 refills! The food was very tasty I enjoyed the French toast so much. The topping of the whip was addicting! Very beautiful place for a brunch. I'll definitely be coming back to try more and see how dinner is.
Dog friendly outside but was chilly that morning. They had one heater going but not the one near us. Food was fast and good. Service was fine although we did ask for a dog water bowl she never brought.
French onion soup was delicious and the bread was super fresh. Wife got the French connection deli melt and I got the pork belly tacos. The deli sandwich was 10/10, great portion too and the fries were very good too. The pork belly tacos were tasty but slightly overcooked which is why this isn't 5/5. Otherwise everything was great
Host with friendly and seated us promptly during lunch. Our server was ok. He was rushing us to order and we constantly had to look for him to get water refills. The food was delish! The omelet was tasty! The fish n chips were great too. Don't be afraid of the spicy tartar sauce - it wasn't too bad. The fish breading was crispy.
I had an excellent meal and loved the outdoor patio, perfect for March weather. I ordered the chickpea lettuce wrap appetizer and added blackened salmon, very good. They have decadent desserts that you can view ahead of time in a case. I ordered the orange almond cake as it was gluten free and the waiter gave me two pieces! He said they were the last two and he thought they looked skimpy! Great service and good food and atmosphere. I'll be back.
You can never go wrong coming to a cup cafe for brunch. Such an iconic local place. The food never disappoints. The staff is always so nice and helpful and right on it. We came here for our anniversary and had the SHAKSHUKA and my husband and had fish tacos and Bloody Mary. I also had a cold brew and whatever coffee they use is soooo good! Don't forget the cute photo booth in the lobby if you go!
I've always been a big fan or Cup cafes breakfast... it's one of my favorite places to go to have brunch with friends.. the amount of food for the price you pay always feels worth it.. I love the vibe of the restaurant.. the history and the staff is always great.. last night I finally had their dinner and was a bit disappointed.. I felt like the prices were a bit much for how much food we all got.. my pasta tasted ok.. my sister didn't really enjoy her food.. with that being said.. I'd definitely continue to go back for breakfast but not dinner..
5 years ago
Be prepared to wait at least an hour to be seated on Sunday brunch hours but the upside is the bar in the lobby is open and reward yourself with a build your own Bloody Mary or an espresso martini. Cast iron baked eggs are the star of the show here . Dip your sourdough bread in the cheesy goodness and melt your troubles away with each bite ! read more
2 years ago
Visiting Tucson for a conference and was recommended we try this place as they had some creative vegetarian options for a teammate. Food was good though my steak was medium well vs medium rare. The drinks and happy hour were great. I am craving another Ghost Orchid! We also enjoyed staying around for the live music! Only bummer was when I tripped over a small ledge exiting the bar area. I'm clumsy by nature. There are many odd steps up/down in the building as it's old and most are well labeled with signs and black and yellow tape. This was just an odd raised threshold and the tape was hard to see due to the red lights overhead. Luckily the only thing injured was my ego. No drinks were harmed in the fall! read more
Easter Dinner 2023. We tried the Easter specials for dinner. I had the ham and it was ok. The sauce was very sweet and the slices of ham was very fatty. The Cornish hen was better and the chicken was moist and the sauce was delicious. The steak frites was the best. The meat was cooked as requested and it was moist and juicy. We tried the vegan guava cheesecake. The cheesecake was good but I didn't care for the walnut crust. Service was attentive and our water glasses were always filled. We sat inside but will request outside the next time. It was great weather and there were umbrellas to shield the sun and a live band. Looked like fun! read more
2 years ago
Never been here before but I'm so glad I went! The place itself was very modern and welcoming. A little different from other restaurants I experienced before. I came around last weekend on a Saturday morning with a party of 8. We did wait a bit, but I was exploring the place itself. Our server took our ordered and refilled our drinks when we they were empty. The food was good and had an interesting taste of flavors that I enjoyed. I ordered a chicken sandwich which hit the spot. Overall it was a wonderful experience. read more
Cup Cafe served me one of the best omelette I can recall eating, and it's a funky space besides. We originally planned to eat outside but things were chilly so we opted for the retro interior. There was a fun art display of "truisms" that proved good conversation topics, and a great list of drinks too. Even better, it was Happy Hour so a few bucks off a large vino was nice. Anyway, you can get breakfast classics, salads, sandwiches and even entrees like ribs. Others in my party had a steak salad and ribs and gave them two thumbs up, but I'm going to make the case for the Congressional (BYO) omelette - I picked green chiles, chorizo, cheese and avocado and subb'd fruit for potatoes. Everything combined to be super tasty and as a bonus the chorizo wasn't greasy at all. Add in fast, friendly service and good adherence to Covid protocols and you have a winner. They're a Tucson classic for good reason. read more
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Cup C.
Thank you so much for your review, Joanna T.! We are delighted that…
A Tucson must-try! Located in the historic Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe is THE BEST breakfast spot downtown. Came in for a casual weekday brunch and the food was delicious! We sat outside on the patio and there was greenery and florals everywhere. It was beautiful. Our server was prompt and friendly. Try the Cast Iron Baked Eggs and ask for extra sourdough - there wasn't enough bread (is there ever!) to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce! The Congressional Omelette is also a solid choice. Can't wait to be back very soon. read more
3 years ago
Cannot say enough about the ambiance of this place. The outdoor seating was a perfect spot to have breakfast for me and my husband. Service was very good and food was delicious. We considered returning for dinner, based on the menu. Marking this down as a return to spot. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The food is fresh and delicious. The service is friendly and fast. If you get here early, it's supremely pleasant sitting outside. You can tell that everything on your plate is made here or at the very least made locally, even the jam. They are also very dog friendly. I brought my puppy to work on socialization and they brought him some water and many servers said hi. read more
2 years ago
Now this place is legit! Obviously found them on yelp when I was in Tucson. Great vibe, super cool staff (Sam you are the man!) and the food... the food is amazing. There were so many good choices on the menu, I decided to roll the dice and ask my bartender Sam for recommendations. Went with the chili verde chilaquiles (phenomenal) and of course I had to try the biscuits and gravy (amazing) paired with a few pineapple mimosas. Hit the spot and them some. I will 1,000,000 % be back. If you go and there is a wait, do yourself a favor and wait. It's worth it! read more
2 years ago
Jamie was my waitress this morning:) She was a delight! Very knowledgeable of the menu and friendly! Cared for my special order without hesitation. read more
Had reservations and was seated immediately. We choose outdoor and best decision ever. It was cold outside but they had enough heaters to make it comfortable. It's decorated so cute and we had live music ! Our server Keith was amazing. He suggested the steak special and it did not disappoint. All of our dishes were scrumptious. I got the pork belly tacos and omg they were cooked to perfection. My girlfriend's ordered fish n chips which she said was amazing and my other girlfriend ordered the flank steak which comes with this dressing on top of the meat. It's not even dressing. I don't know. It's some magic potion they put on it. It's just amazing. We also had their house beer which was very tasty and one of my girlfriends ordered the daiquiri cocktail it was delicious and my other girlfriend ordered a bloody Mary, which was very tasty as well and to celebrate our birthday girl we got the black forest cake and I can't even begin to tell you how delicious it was. I don't know what we were thinking. Just ordering one slice for all of us. Great experience! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
The brunch at cup cafe does not disappoint. They don't take reservations but I had a group of 6 that's was sat within 30 min during prime time brunch on a Sunday. While you wait a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar are available as well as plenty of seating for waiting. The Bloody Mary bar was delicious as it's a build you own with a lot of different combinations. The patio is large with plenty of heaters even in the winter. I got the creole breakfast as my meal and it was delicious! The biscuits and gravy were my favorite party and probably the best I've ever had. All my guests enjoyed their meals as well. Recommend for a great vibe and also love music! read more
2 years ago
Wonderful. Just simply wonderful in every way! The food was out of this world. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was perfect. Definitely worth a stop if you're in downtown Tuscon and looking for a bite! read more
4 years ago
This place was yummy. I ordered the Deposition, which was two cinnamon buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips inside and strawberries on top. I also got scrambled eggs, butter, and bacon. Bought the pink champagne cupcakes that were displayed. Those are delicious. One of the best cupcakes I have ever had. read more
2 years ago
Tamales were very good. Generous portion. Appreciate that they have several different vegan options on the menu, including dessert, that I would want to try. Will be back. read more
We had a wonderful COVID night with Cup. Only the patio had service and everyone had more than 6' of social distancing. All the staff and many patrons had masks. Everything was cleaned thoroughly. Even better the staff were very friendly, helpful and relaxed. The evening was relaxing, beautiful and felt very safe. The food itself was what we have come to expect from The Cup, if not even better, perhaps because we have missed it, but regardless if was delicious. We started with the fish tacos, house salad, and watermelon soup. The tacos and salad were great but the watermelon soup was extraordinary. It had a touch mescal and was cold and spicy and sweet. For dinner we had the Sonoran sopes with shrimp, which were perfectly cooked with a fresh pico and avocado. We also had the pesto pasta with steak. The pesto was not too oily, pasta al dente, and steak medium rare. Everything was excellent. They had a limited number of their wonderful deserts but the oatmeal cranberry cookies were perfect for the end of the night. If people really feel the urge to go out and want somewhere that feels very safe and have great food. The Cup is still worth their 4-5 star rating! read more
Business owner information
Cup C.
Hello Brian S. Thank you for taking the time to write a review about…
2 years ago
3 years ago
Though I only spent a few days in Tucson, breakfast at the Cup Cafe was memorable. The food was delicious, the service quite good, the prices reasonable, and the ambience in the outdoor patio seemed festive and relaxing at the same time. This means, of course, that the location is very popular so expect a wait (or call to ask about reservations). When you're finished eating, make sure you stroll through the Hotel Congress lobby and check out the area! read more
3 years ago
First stop after landing in Tucson! My fiancé and I made our own Bloody Marys at the bar while we were waiting for our table. Very fun, and super customizeable! It wasn't long until we were seated outside. The patio was well shaded and the ambiance was great! Service was also fantastic! I ordered the Braveheart - smoke beef brisket on sourdough with tomatoes, cheese, poached eggs, Gruyère cheese, topped with hollandaise sauce and sausage gravy! IT WAS DELICIOUS! The brisket was smoky and fatty, and the eggs were slightly over poached but the sausage gravy added enough sauciness. My fiancé ordered a chicken sandwich and loved it! Food is 10/10! read more
What's not to love about a cute indoor/outdoor café in the heart of Tucson? Plus the patio is dog friendly! A great place for brunch, lunch, dinner or just appetizers and a drink. Right now they have a few vegan items on each menu, very delicious and thought out. One of my pet peeve's is when restaurants offer vegan dishes that are just veggie thrown on a plate with no thought or care in the world. Not here! I had the fried tofu sandwich and it was divine. Highly recommend. read more
The hostess Brittany was super sweet in accommodating us at a table of our choosing. . . Immediately Abedi arrived with water, menus and noticed our table was rocking he was quick to level it with a beautiful smiling eyes. I love love the atmosphere here our food was exceptional! Kim was our server! She is a mixologist of coffee treats and mimosa flavors. Most of all Kim is a generally the best server ever ever! Her persona was joyous, attentive , personal, and efficient. Everyone here was pleasant and had positive energy! read more
Business owner information
Cup C.
What a kind review, Debra U., thank you so much! We sent kudos to…
4 years ago
Cup Cafe is located inside of the historical Hotel Congress. The Cup Cafe was opened in 1990 but the hotel itself is roughly 100 years old. Walking inside of the hotel to the restaurant is a really unique experience. Strawberry Agua Fresca: This drink is composed of strawberries mixed with water, lime juice, and sweetener. I found the drink to be very refreshing. The drink had just the right amount of sweetener, and the strawberry's they used were really fresh. Creole Breakfast: Andouille sausage, two eggs, breakfast potatoes, house-made biscuits and gravy. The eggs were poached perfectly, but the andouille sausage was too salty. The breakfast potatoes and biscuits and gravy were bland. The potatoes actually had no seasoning on them. Cast Iron Baked Eggs (substituted fruit for potatoes): This dish is composed of poached eggs, ham, leeks, shallots, Gruyère, and herbs. I was expecting this dish to be too heavy, but it wasn't as heavy as I assumed. All of the pictures I saw looked as if the eggs were in a pool of the cream, but they aren't. Overall the dish taste good. My only complaint is that the poached eggs were overcooked. read more
2 years ago
Cup Café...makes me want a plate of gnocchi just thinking about this place! We had an absolutely delicious meal here, and I'm still singing the praises of the chef, for the mushroom duxelle on that stuffed-chicken dish. Our table also enjoyed the pork schnitzel and the desserts (coffee cake and coconut-cream pie). We were on the patio for an incredibly hot monsoon evening, and a staff member went out of his way to stop and move an umbrella closer to us, to avoid raindrops, and also to point the air-cooler in our direction (without our even wanting to ask, since he was busy and also juggling a stack of glasses). Our server was excellent too, tending the table at just the right pace, and everyone on the team made us feel invited to be there. The food is fantastic, as is the historic location, but it's this kind of welcoming, attentive service that shines most of all and will keep us coming back time and again. read more
4 years ago
Went today with my son (8) and my Grammy. We were blown away. First the server, Aiden. Wow. His energy was so enlightening and beautiful. So joyous. He made us all feel like we knew him. Like he would be the friend you explain to everyone as "so kind and happy, brings light into the room". He was tentative. Informative. Told us his favorites. We got the Chilla Quiles which was recommended by him and he was spot on with how delicious they were. Well made tons of flavor absolute perfection. The fruit was so fresh and juicy. My Grammy got the Huevos rancheros and absolutely loved it and that's her favorite dish so she's pretty picky. She loved the flavor and loved her potatoes. My son went with a classic breakfast and he said it was the best he's ever had. I had a cold brew coffee it was strong and perfect my Grammy had a coffee and absolutely loved it. The rest of the staff was super friendly when it came to refilling drinks and cleaning our table. They would ask us so politely and they were just so refreshing. You could tell that they put a lot of effort into picking a really amazing staff and training and then also they have what seems to be pretty high expectations on what food leaves the kitchen. I highly recommend going there and if you can request Aiden to be your server! read more
7 years ago
I was visiting my parents over Christmas and we were looking for an alternative to the pricey hotel brunch buffets up in the foothills and luckily for us we found Cup Cafe in the Hotel Congress. I made a reservation a few days prior with no problems (but be aware you need a cc to hold it, and in case of no show you'll be charged). Street parking in Tucson was free Christmas morning which was an added bonus. After a brief check-in and wait, we were seated in the large ballroom (home of Club Congress?). The room was bright and spacious, which helped add to the brunch experience. Our waiter was nice and pleasant and we received our food in quick fashion. Everyone was very happy with their meals. I ordered the short rib eggs bennies which was a special limited time holiday dish and was surprised how awesome it was. The shredded short rib meat was very moist and tasty, and eggs were poached to perfection. The hollandaise sauce was perfect as well. The potatoes were also super nice, with a crispy exterior and plenty of flavor. To top it off my benny was served in the shape of a heart, love it! We got the bill and it was very reasonable, and much much less than if we had made our way to the foothills. I look forward to coming back for breakfast/brunch and will definitely consider Cup Cafe for next Christmas! read more
Business owner information
Cup C.
Hello Anthony W. Thank you for taking the time to write a review…
4 years ago
Came here for brunch and was thoroughly impressed! The environment is great with both inside and outdoor seating. There are quirky decorations that make this place unique. I had some of the best brunches here with a lovely latte. I came with someone who is gluten free and they had plenty of options to choose from as well. I will be back. read more
2 years ago
More info about Cup Cafe
311 E Congress St
Hotel Congress
Tucson, AZ 85701
Pie Allen
Directions
(520) 798-1618
Call Now
Visit Website
https://hotelcongress.com
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Ask the Community - Cup Cafe
Are you guys doing a special Easter brunch?
What is available here for vegans?
They have quite a few vegan options actually! And a few things that can be made vegan if you ask! They have vegan lettuce wraps which i can vouch for being delicious. Papas Fritas that they can make vegan. They have the beyond burgers there as well.…
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