Since we have the a lot of residents living in East Tucson, we want to connect you with the best of eat, shop and play in the area. At MCLife we believe in all things local and want to help you get to know the community around you!
Best Places to Eat:
Magpies Gourmet Pizza
Where: 105 S Houghton Rd Tucson, AZ 85748
What: If you haven’t been to Magpies Gourmet Pizza then you haven’t had great pizza in Tucson! They’re serving up incredible pizza at three locations throughout Tucson. Their specialty flavors are to die for. While they have delicious pizza, they also offer subs, salads and calzones.
Must Try: We love the Juan Carlos Pesto (spicy tomato pesto sauce, mozzarella, romano, tomatoes, and piñon nuts). The Beast (marinara sauce, mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, salami, ground beef) is also a favorite.
The Oink Café
Where: 7131 E Broadway Blvd. Tucson, Arizona 85710
What: The Oink Café specializes in breakfast, lunch and bacon in a cozy, family friendly atmosphere. Just as its name suggests, it is all about bacon and pork products. It is a favorite stop for weekend brunch or yummy, casual lunch.
Must Try: If you’re going for brunch, you have to get the Oink Bacon Bloody Mary (Oinked House Bloody Mary mix, Super Premium Vodka, bacon salted rim, garnished with bacon, celery, green olive and lemon). The Maple Bacon Donut is a sweet and savory breakfast treat you’ll love! If we stop in for lunch, we usually go with The Club (Double Decker of turkey, shaved ham and your choice of bacon topped with lettuce, tomato and mayo served on toast).
Monkey Burger
Where: 5350 E Broadway Blvd Ste 128 Tucson, AZ 85711
What: If you want a burger, you should head over to Monkey Burger. This wacky casual spot has monkey themed art on the walls and is serving up delicious burgers, shakes and sides out of 2 locations in Tucson. The ingredients are fresh and the features 12 signature burgers. Pus there are healthier options with a turkey burger or a vegetarian burger.
Must Try: The Monkey (bacon, smoked cheddar & swiss cheese, roasted poblano peppers, sautéed mushrooms, romaine lettuce, tomato, plus carmalized & raw onions) is our favorite. The Sonora (diced bacon, Oaxaca cheese, shredded cabbage and avocado salsa) is also outrageously yummy.
Takamatsu
Where: 5532 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
What: Takamatsu has incredible Japanese and Korean food plus a lunch buffet, happy hour deals, a sushi bar and Korean barbecue. There are so many options here, you may not be able to decide what you want to eat. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet for $9.95 per person so come hungry! Their happy hour runs daily from 4pm-7pm with discounted drinks, appetizers and sushi.
Must Try: The Yaki-Udon stir fried noodles with vegetables is really yummy. They have a huge list of sushi so sushi lovers will love coming here. We usually get a mix and ask if we aren’t sure what something is. They have great soups and stews as well.
Best Places to Shop
Sabino Cycles
Where: 7131 E Tanque Verde Rd Tucson, AZ 85715
What: Sabino Cycles is a go-to destination for all things cycling in Tucson. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and will help you find exactly what you need. Whether you are a serious cyclist or are just looking to take on a new hobby, they have bikes and equipment for all levels and ages.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Where: 7877 East Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85710
What: Sprouts Farmers Market has fresh produce, many organic products and great deals on all of your grocery needs. Plus vitamins and hygiene care products, and organic cleaning products and baby items. We love shopping their weekly Ads and on Wednesday you can double dip and get the deals from the previous and current week at once.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Where: 6230 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
What: Trade something in and buy something new at Bookmans. They buy, sell and trade used books, music, movies, video games & musical instruments. It is a great place to find books you might have to read for school, trade in things you don’t need any more and find quirky books and videos.
Trail Dust Town
Where: 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd. Tucson, AZ 85715
What: Trail Dust Town is a historical outdoor shopping center with plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment. You can spend a whole day here checking out stunts at Pinnacle Peak, visiting the Museum of the Horse Soldier and grabbing a bite to eat at the various restaurants and bars. It is a fun, unique experience in Tucson.
Best Places to Play:
The Rialto Theater
Where: 318 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
What: The Rialto Theater is one of our favorite places in Tucson to catch live music, shows and performances. The nonprofit theater has been a Tucson landmark since it opened and it is in a great location near many great restaurants, bars and shops.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Where: 9430-9444 East Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA
What: Hope in the car and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Southeast Arizona. The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Mt. Lemmon is a favorite location in Tucson for hikers, bikers and bird watchers. It is a great place to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Arizona.
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