Cup Cafe

311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
+1 520-798-1618
$$$ Cafe , American restaurant , Bar , Breakfast restaurant , Brunch restaurant , Restaurant
(2123 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Cup Cafe sits comfortably in downtown Tucson as a versatile spot blending cafe vibes with full-service restaurant fare, making it a solid choice for a range of mealtimes from breakfast through dinner. Its location on East Congress Street places it within the city’s bustling urban pulse, drawing in locals who appreciate a mix of American classics with unique twists, reflected in both their food and beverage offerings.

The atmosphere here is warm and inviting with a touch of rustic charm—think eclectic décor that feels more like a local's gathered living room than a sterile dining hall. Guests often find the space cozy and suitable for smaller groups, avoiding large parties to maintain that intimate feel. Outdoor seating is pet-friendly, which adds to the relaxed neighborhood appeal, especially useful on a sunny Tucson morning or afternoon.

Cup Cafe’s menu lives up to the varied crowd it attracts. Breakfast and brunch are standout moments, featuring dishes with local flavor and bold presentations. The Huevos Rancheros and Braveheart Brisket Breakfast are popular for those easing into the day, while the Cast Iron Baked Eggs provide a comfort-food touch with a gourmet edge. For those leaning toward lunch or dinner, options like the Pork Schnitzel and Fish and Chips balance hearty Americana with skillful preparation.

Coffee and beverages hold a lot of local appeal as well. The cafe portion serves up thoughtfully crafted drinks, from a classic espresso to more inventive options like the Golden Milk Latte or the Mocha Azteca, which pairs well with their freshly baked pastries or a slice of Coconut Cream Pie. The inclusion of a Bloody Mary Bar adds a social, slightly indulgent touch during brunch hours, reinforcing the cafe’s role as a casual gathering spot.

Visitors tend to arrive from mid-morning into early evening, enjoying breakfast, casual lunches, or dinner, though reservations are recommended if you’re aiming for a weekend dinner. The pace here is friendly but efficient, with attentive service that suggests a genuine care for patrons’ experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a laid-back coffee, a hearty brunch, or a relaxed dinner with friends, Cup Cafe offers a setting where the quality of food and drink is matched by a welcoming, locally grounded atmosphere.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Has live music
Has live performances
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

,

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

2123 Reviews
Chris Perry

06 Jan 2026

On my way out after breakfast, I caught three employees at the front and I told them “your food is disgustingly….delicious”. I witnessed a nanosecond group panic emerge followed by relieved laughter. I genuinely felt bad for the scare I really gave them. Good thing I don’t say the same thing twice. For real, the care and craftsmanship that went into my Huevos Rancheros with poached egg covered in optional green chilies and jalapeños on top of homemade tortillas cuddled up with crispy papas could not have been improved if Jesus himself was in the kitchen. Maybe he was? Of course, I always have to have dessert with my meal and the half order of orange French toast topped with optional chocolate chips and real maple syrup made my Tuesday morning feel like Friday at 5 PM. Super cool historical location with shaded patio seating and amazing service made this a saved location for every future downtown Tucson visit.

Brodie Myers

24 Dec 2025

Great place for dinner, but I'd recommend getting a reservation! (Which we did) Food was delicious, and came out quickly. Dad got the pork schnitzel and loved it. I got the burger and fries and had every bite. The fries had the perfect texture!

Johnny Fawks

14 Dec 2025

Absolutely loved my experience at Cup Cafe! The atmosphere is charming, warm, and inviting, perfect for relaxing and enjoying great company. The desserts were phenomenal—beautifully plated and delicious. I especially recommend trying their cheesecake—it was rich, creamy, and topped generously with nuts and fresh raspberries. The coffee complemented the desserts perfectly. Exceptional service and a wonderful setting made this an unforgettable visit. Highly recommended!

Adriana Schvemer

29 Oct 2025

Last year we had breakfast here and loved the food, so this year we had to come back. The place is quaint, we requested seats inside , it was a bit warm outside. The food was delicious and the service was on point as always. Not a place for super large parties. I' d say parties of 4 to 6 size ok. Pet friendly if you sit outside. Overall, I recommend.

Sofi CB

20 Oct 2025

What a gorgeous hotel, lots of cool original items to check out on your visit. The potatoes were delicious and the cubano coffee as well. We saw the community radio booth on our way in "on air" sign and everything and bought tickets for jazz at century room on our way out

Vivian Moreno

24 Sep 2025

Fabulous breakfast! My family and I visited on Monday morning. I had the Cast Iron Baked Eggs and a shared side of Biscuits and Gravy(Pictured). We all shared some of our plates and everything was excellent. The service was great and the space was clean and comfortable. We had a great time!

Jessica Sanchez

19 Sep 2025

Food was delicious! Service was good! Atmosphere was real nice! Would definitely go again but definitely want to try the lunch menu!!

Caroling G

14 Sep 2025

This was fantastic. The coffee is the Havana, also perfect. Wasn't too hot to sit outdoors. Great experience. I'd go back if I wasn't just here for work. And yes, I pretty much ate the whole thing...no way to save it, couldn't bear to waste it.

Join the Cup Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.