Blog by Jenn, your hostess with the mostest

*Tacos and nachos on the patio at Seis Kitchen Oro Valley*

Dining al fresco is an amazing perk of Tucson. With 300+ days of sunshine, patio heaters in the winter, and patio misters in the summer, patio dining almost year-round is possible. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite restaurant patios to help you explore our great city. And yes, delish food is a must to make this list!

Noble Hops Gastropub

1335 W Lambert Ln | Lambert & La Canada | Website

This spacious patio arguably has the best views of the Santa Catalina mountains. With plenty of comfortable seating and the giant fire pit as the centerpiece of the patio, it’s a vibrant yet casual spot to enjoy the desert skies. They have an amazing selection of over 30+ beers and wine on tap, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink or a meal. We highly recommend the pretzel logs to start (order extra beer cheese!!) and the Wisco burger with Greek fries is our fave. Check their schedule on social media for live music in the evening.

Harvest

10355 N La Canada Dr | Lambert & La Canada | Website

This cute covered patio allows for outdoor dining even in inclement weather. Super friendly service and great seasonal menu. The bread and cherry butter is a simple yet delish starter for the carb lovers in the group. We love a good burger and think they have one of the best in town - the chimichurri burger is ridiculously good. Add bacon to make it extra tasty. We also love the short ribs and Harvest salad. Save room for dessert! They have a rotating menu of delicious sweet treats.

Seis Kitchen, Oro Valley

9740 N. Oracle Road | Oracle & Linda Vista | Website

If you love tacos and nachos, you’ve gotta try this place! This is Seis’ 3rd location and shhhhhh don’t tell anyone but it's the easiest location to get a table at. Plus the patio has a view of Pusch Ridge on the Catalina mountains. A fast casual and locally owned concept, you order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Get the prickly pear agua fresca - it’s as pretty as it is tasty!

Contigo

3770 E Sunrise Dr | Sunrise @ La Paloma Resort | Website

The sweeping city and desert views from the Contigo patio can’t be beat. This upscale Spanish restaurant is vibrant and their food is full of flavor. Whether you prefer tapas, paella, or a full size entree, there are options for everyone.

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Road | Ina & Oracle | Website

A centerpiece of the historic Casas Adobes shopping center, the Charro Vida patio is charming and there’s plenty of people watching. The vegan-forward menu is so delicious you probably won’t miss the meat. But if you do, you can add it! We love the roasted brussels, jackfruit carnitas taquitos, hola hemp mini chimis, and birria tacos. The taqueria chopped salad is fresh, flavorful and filling. Don’t forget the chocolate churros for dessert. Pro tip: order an extra serving of the churros to-go for breakfast the next day. They heat up nicely in the toaster oven!

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro

7366 N. Paseo del Norte | Ina & Oracle | Website

One of the best spots in town for brunch! Watch hummingbirds zip around in the spring while sipping on your coffee and eating the best huevos rancheros you’ve ever had. The bistro is nestled on the grounds of Tohono Chul, a locally owned botanical garden displaying the beauty of the Sonoran desert landscape. Pro tip: The prickly pearl margarita, bacon, and english muffins are worth the indulgence!

Terraza Garden & Patio Lounge at Hacienda del Sol

5501 N Hacienda del Sol Rd | Sunrise & Hacienda del Sol | Website

This large patio is nestled on the grounds of the historic resort, Hacienda del Sol. You’ll often find live music on the patio on the weekends. From the grilled watermelon with tiger shrimp to the blue corn tostadas, their food and margaritas will have you swooning.

Buen provecho!