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    Ocotillo Cafe

    3.9 (41 reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Closed • Closed

    Ocotillo Cafe Photos

    OCOTILLO CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    There is no wrong answer on that menu
    Michael D.

    I am still dumbfounded that I found food this good in the middle of a museum/zoo. After a morning of exploring the Sonoran Desert Museum we were hungry. We had to choose between the "grill" and cafe. We chose well. The Cafe offers an elevated lunch experience serving local fresh ingredients in a manner paying tribute and respect to the very desert they are celebrating. The Prickly Pear Lemonade is not only good but gorgeous. The Nopalito Fries (mesquite floured deep fried) are probably the most unique and delicious food I tried in Arizona. They are served with a prickly pear cocktail sauce which not only complimented the mesquite breading but also played popcorn shrimp mind games on my palate. The smoked poblano pepper burger was incredible. Juicy burger with cheese and topped with Smokey poblanos and a prickly pear like homemade ketchup....eegads. Every other zoo and restaurant in the USA needs to take more and step up!

    Birria tacos
    Robin S.

    Nice ambiance, good menu, excellent service. You can also eat at the counter-service bistro next door but if you want a pleasant sit-down place, Ocotillo is it.

    Hongas y rajas...these are vegetarian tacos

    This place is always great. I would give my Sonoran salad a 4.5. I would give the vegetarian Tacos a 5. I would give the Churros a 5+ The Churros were hot and fresh and served with a Cinnamon ice cream, whipped cream, prickly pear syrup, and carmel. Really really good. Top notch for a place like this.

    Carnitas salad with tortilla soup and steak Frites
    Jim A.

    We enjoyed a perfect spring lunch outdoors at the Ocotillo Cafe at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Amazing chef & service, Thanks Katie! We ate at five more restaurants in Tucson three of them the highest rated in the city and this meal and service was still our best experience. We had the "Topopo" carnitas, avocado, elote, heirloom tomato, tortilla strip salad, the steak frites with crispy sweet potato fries, tortilla soup and jicama mandarin orange slaw while sipping an orange blossom beer. My 360 photos were shot with a Ricoh Theta Z1.

    Outdoor seating
    Nicole S.

    Nice little cafe with great food! The tacos were absolutely delish and the prickly pear margarita was refreshing. Our waitress was attentive, provided wonderful customer service.

    Bean hummus. Looked like canned dog food. Had no real taste and a very lumpy/grainy texture.
    Kari F.

    I had high hopes given some good reviews here but found our experience very lacking. The biggest cons were unavailable food and poor kids menu explanations. Our group (3 adults and 2 kids) sat down to order and as soon as the kids placed their order were told they'd been given the wrong menu and that their options weren't available. When we fixed their order they were given drink options and chose a limeaid; we weren't told that those drinks were not standard until we got the bill and saw that our small children had been sold $5 drinks. We ordered apps (fried cactus was great; bean hummus looked and tasted like canned dog food) and entrees. Prickly pear margarita was good but weak). Kids food came, two entrees came (both ok, not exceptional) and waitress then informed that the third entree (mine) was unavailable. Since everyone else's food had come, I just placed a dessert order instead so that I didn't hold the whole meal up. 10 min later the waitress came back and said that wasn't available either. Since everyone else was almost done eating I just gave up. After not being able to eat I was offered a $5 discount off the bill.... not even enough to cover the surprise high priced kids drinks. Fast casual option would have been SO much better.

    Beautiful setting for our Valentine's Day lunch!
    Robert H.

    The Sonoran Desert Museum is one of our favorite places in Tucson. I'm so glad my wife suggested we do lunch for Valentine's at the Ocotillo Cafe. The pre dinner fresh baked focaccia bread and garlic cilantro pesto was mouth watering. We usually try not to eat too much bread prior to dinner but I could not get enough of this. Carol said the pumpkin seed blue corn crusted chicken breast was tops! My wok charred salmon was mouth watering and one of the best salmon plates I've ever had, even tho it was farm raised and not Wild. See photos posted. We will return!

    Chicken tinga tacos
    Melissa M.

    We've been museum members for a year and hadn't eaten here yet. I came out here with my son just to commune with nature, but decided we were hungry so decided to try it out. Weather was nice so we opted to eat on the outside patio, very pretty! My favorite thing was the prickly pear fries with roasted red pepper aioli. I ordered chicken tinga tacos and my son ordered the carnitas with green chilies sandwich. I was happy with my tacos until I tried my son's sandwich, then I immediately regretted my decision. His was amazing and mine was just ok. But, adding a star for environment, super fast and attentive service.

    Inside the cafe

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    11 years ago

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    Tito & Pep - Chocolate ganache dessert and the Pie Allen cocktail

    Tito & Pep

    4.5(833 reviews)
    15.3 mi•Peter Howell
    •$$$

    First time here for brunch! And let me tell you, IT MOST DEFINITELY DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Still…read morethinking of our brunch and it's now Tuesday. (I'm headed back on Saturday and have the exact same thing). They have something for everyone and I'm sure it is all spectacular. From berries, pancakes, to el siesta despues which is what we had. Delicious warm Pan Birote, smeared with beans, carnitas, queso Chihuahua, perfect poached eggs with a creamy and ever so tasty habanero Hollindaise and some of the best hot sauce in the side that I've tasted in a long time. Their brunch drinks all looked amazing but I had to order the cactus cooler, that drink has to be one of my favs. We sat at the bar and had the best service. He made me the cactus cooler even though it wasn't on the brunch menu and was so attentive. The restaurant was nice and vibrant and started to fill up closer to noon. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their morning and time there. Like I said, we will def be back!!!

    Halfway between Midcentury Modern surroundings and Mexican-influenced food, you'll find Tito & Pep…read more Boy, what a fun place to be! The Radicchio & Little Gem salad was a great start. There was a slight level of heat mixed around the lettuce, radishes and pepitas crisps. Topped with Manchebo cheese, it was delicious. The pork Chop entree was excellent. It was mesquite grilled, sliced and served over broccoli rabe with a berry sauce that carried the obligatory head. I loved it. The Panna Cotta with diced apples and raspberry sauce brought my tongue down to normal operating temperatures. This is a quirky place with a helpful and accommodating staff. Give it a try!

    Photos
    Tito & Pep - Cool vibe

    Cool vibe

    Tito & Pep - Olive oil cake - with pistachios, cherry glaze, and fresh-whipped cream. $9 (6/2026)

    Olive oil cake - with pistachios, cherry glaze, and fresh-whipped cream. $9 (6/2026)

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

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

    Highlands Bar & Grille - Shrimp scampi

    Highlands Bar & Grille

    4.4(35 reviews)
    15.2 mi

    I was pleasantly surprised by the spot! Located in a beautiful area with gorgeous views of Tucson,…read morethis restaurant is placed perfectly so you can enjoy your food with a view. We sat on the patio and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Food- everything was delicious! Steak frites were cooked perfectly and the French fries were delicious. The calamari was yummy but had more arugula and calamari. We also got 50% off a bottle of wine on Wednesday which was a great deal. The toffee dessert was also yummy. Prices were decent and portion size was also reasonable. Service was attentive and polite. Would definitely recommend!

    5 star cuisine, 5 star service and 5 star views at VERY REASONABLE prices.The Highlands Bar Grille…read morehas created world-class Shrimp & Grits that rival the best found along the South Atlantic Coast; it's truly wonderful. The Pan Seared Salmon with Bourbon glaze, cremini mushrooms and scrumptious mashed potatoes is beyond description. It's our fave that my bride and I always split since the portion is so generous. The PAELLA MIXTA is also mind-blowing which includes Salmon, cod, sausage, shrimp, saffron rice, red bell peppers & peas. We opt for the pescatarian version and they gladly hold the sausage for us. Again, large enough to share for a $2 split fee. Service? Brittany & Sam are first class. Cocktails, beer and wine too are crafted with care by David and Roberto. All 5 stars.

    Photos
    Highlands Bar & Grille - Tucson mountains

    Tucson mountains

    Highlands Bar & Grille - Ahi

    Ahi

    Highlands Bar & Grille - The Catalinas

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    The Catalinas

    5 Points Market & Restaurant - The Hanger Steak, Potatoes, and Chimichurri

    5 Points Market & Restaurant

    4.3(793 reviews)
    11.7 mi•Barrio Viejo
    •$$

    Absolutely the best spot in this area. I went with some friends to enjoy the Sonoran Restaurant…read moreMenu. There is so much heart and soul put into this place. Staff is warm, welcoming and professional. I can't get over the Masa Cake! I love how the ingredients here are kept simple but are bursting with flavor. I have experienced farm to table menus before that were largely dependent on the high quality ingredients as a selling point-but they lacked character and flavor. That is not the case here. 5 points is filled with talent. I really think that 5 points is one of the places to showcase Tucson food.

    Brunch in Arizona is always amazing and this spot in Tucson is no exception…read more The open space is large and airy, very inviting. I love the wooden floors and rustic vibes. Reminds me of farm to table. I bookmarked this place because I saw a couple of congee pics and I was excited to try it. After being seated I scanned the menu quickly and was disappointed that I couldn't find it. I asked the waiter and he said it was a seasonal item. Bummer. We had an early dinner reservation that day so I wanted to get something light. I decided on the Japanese Sweet Potato and my son got the 5 Points Burger. Everything was delicious with service to match so no complaints at all. We ended our meal with a Banana Date Tea Cake to give us that sugar rush to fuel our Colossal Cave Tour. All-in-all, I highly recommend this place. Service was friendly and attentive.

    Photos
    5 Points Market & Restaurant - The cooking station & seating at the bar area

    The cooking station & seating at the bar area

    5 Points Market & Restaurant - Peach pie with house made cream

    Peach pie with house made cream

    5 Points Market & Restaurant - Japanese Sweet Potato

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    Japanese Sweet Potato

    Feast - Brined roasted pork chop 9/2026

    Feast

    4.1(634 reviews)
    14.8 mi•Palo Verde
    •$$$

    As always creative and good food. Great service. Wonderful wine selection…read more The dishes have great imagination. The rabbit was over cooked (which was unfortunate) however the pearl cous cous flavor was absolutely amazing. The lobster Benedict Sauce was wonderful. Egg perfectly cooked.

    I really need to visit here more often. For Sonoran Restaurant Week 9/2026 Feast had a nice tasting…read moresequence so it made our list for this 10 day event and all was terrific. We had a primary server who was excellent but several staff will circulate to check on drinks, food. We each ordered something different, allowing us to turn a 3 course sampling into six! The sheeted carrot "lasagne" was probably our least favorite, though by no means bad. And that is partly because the other appetizer (grilled swordfish chilaquiles) was sooo good. For entrees we got the Brined and roasted pork chop, and the Petrale sole. The pork chop was a solid, 1+ inch thick and surprisingly juicy (brining!). The sole was tender, delicate, and delicious with its gribiche sauce. Each came with excellent "breads" - super airy biscuits with the Sole and amazing pear and taleggio cheese fritters with the pork. We split a pair of desserts as well: Verrine: parfait of pistachio mousse - incredibly inventive and (nicely) barely sweet. And the Frangipane fruit tart - think of a light marzipan tart. Needless to say we loved both desserts for their unconventional riff on a standard. A definite winner from among the 125 options this year! Reservations are advised. Parking is easy in their just-right-sized private lot.

    Photos
    Feast
    Feast - Petrale sole with a gribiche sauce 9/2026

    Petrale sole with a gribiche sauce 9/2026

    Feast - Grilled swordfish chilaquiles, mmm! 9/2026

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    Grilled swordfish chilaquiles, mmm! 9/2026

    Agustin Kitchen

    Agustin Kitchen

    3.5(719 reviews)
    10.7 mi•Menlo Park
    •$$

    I really liked the dish I tried at Agustin Kitchen. I had a $20 voucher for dinner and came by to…read moretry their Coriander-Rice Crusted Oyster Mushrooms entree with orange- ginger- chili jam, napa apple slaw, togarashi and citrus. It was absolutely delicious and all the flavors compliment one another perfectly. The batter stayed crispy even with the slaw on top and the orange-chili jam balanced it nicely. I love that the entire dinner menu is 20% off for happy hour 4pm-6pm. The regular price seemed high to me for the serving size but I could definitely tell that they put effort and creativity into the dish. The menu changes seasonally and the food tasted very fresh and interesting. I hope to see them add some plant-based items to their breakfast and lunch menus the next time the menu shifts with the season. Vegan, vegetarian and GF items are clearly marked. They have nice outdoor seating with sprinklers. I will mention that the food took about 40 minutes to come out even when they didn't seem busy, it was not a problem for me but just noting that it might not be a good spot to come to in a rush. My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite!

    Here on business, treated like family. We rolled in with a group of 12 people and had a blast…read more Reservations were easy, restaurant was clean and spacious, and the staff were excellent. Food was on point and delicious. Drinks were always full. And service was friendly and patient. After a long day at work while on travel, it was nice to be comfortable with good food. Cheers Agustin. Pro tips: plenty of parking around the corner. And super clean bathrooms.

    Photos
    Agustin Kitchen - Pom Sour Marg -- Corrido, Marnier, Pom Jam, Local Pom-White Vin, & Citrus @ Agustin Kitchen

    Pom Sour Marg -- Corrido, Marnier, Pom Jam, Local Pom-White Vin, & Citrus @ Agustin Kitchen

    Agustin Kitchen - Santa Barbara Mussels in Garlic White Wine Broth @ Agustin

    Santa Barbara Mussels in Garlic White Wine Broth @ Agustin

    Agustin Kitchen - Calamari -- Gunslinger Red & Lime, Peppers, Onion, Cilantro @ Agustin

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    Calamari -- Gunslinger Red & Lime, Peppers, Onion, Cilantro @ Agustin

    Ocotillo Cafe - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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