Cup Cafe

Overall had a very nice meal here. We came for dinner and enjoyed the ambiance of the terrace as well as the service. The food was tasty all around, although I think this spot is more popular for breakfast and might be more impressive then. It was a solid meal, though nothing that particularly blew me away. Next time, I'd try breakfast as I think that's really the feather in their cap.

We arrived for brunch and had to wait 45+ minutes to get a table. We created bloody Mary's in the meantime and hung outside while the School of Rock setup. We were seated outside and took a little while to order. By the time, our food arrived the kids were too antsy to sit and eat and the band was starting. It was so loud that we couldn’t even converse among ourselves. We ate as quickly as possible once we received our food. Some of us had breakfast and some had lunch. The french dip was delicious. I ordered without horseradish but i am sure that spice would have taken it to the next level. The breakfast skillet was good but had wayy too much cheese on top as you can see in the photo. The service we received was mediocre. We had to ask for water refills and search for a to go box on our own. It’s a cute place but the wait and the music really disrupted our experience.

Great little happen stance to stop at! Our waiter recommended the Cubano… it was enough to split and oh-so-good! Mild jalapeños made the sandwich! *chefs kiss* What we weren’t expecting on the bill for an extra tip for the cooks. This is off putting. I mean, you don’t have to but still… a new one for me. Owner needs to pay their people more if you’re gonna do this. Overall, nice spot in the heart of downtown Tucson.

Breakfast Fit for a Gangster! On the anniversary of John Dillinger's capture, my partner and I decided to soak up some history along with our morning coffee at the Cup Cafe in the Hotel Congress. The atmosphere was buzzing with stories of the past. We could almost picture Dillinger himself enjoying a hearty breakfast in this very spot! Speaking of breakfast, we opted for the Braveheart and a classic Omelette. Both dishes were delicious. The Braveheart was cooked to perfection, and the Omelette was fluffy and flavorful. Our server was incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. The food arrived quickly. If you're looking for a delicious breakfast with a side of history, the Cup Cafe is the perfect spot. Highly recommend!

One of the best meals of my life! And I’ve eaten many meals. Read about this place in the New York Times and it does not disappoint. Cute vibe, great service and amazing food. The hardest choice was just deciding what to eat. I got the Braveheart and it was incredible. An amazing mix of flavors I’ve never had before and I love having brisket at breakfast. You can’t go wrong with anything here so come and enjoy

A must when visiting Tucson! One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. Hands down the best biscuit of my life. Sit at the bar and chat with Semih (Semi). His attitude, attention to detail, and customer service are superb. Top notch waiter. Truly a great all around experience!

Got the basic breakfast, price was reasonable, service was totally decent. Eggs where over easy not medium, it’s kinda my goto to see what level the cooks are at. Potatoes were tasty and the in house strawberry jam was totally legit. Good experience overall will definitely go back.

This small cafe is located inside the historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson. We were curious about this hotel where Dillinger (do people still remember him) was caught during the prohibition period. The lobby and the cafe decor still reflects that bygone era.The notable change is that the cafe now serves alcoholic beverages alongside espresso coffee drinks. We enjoyed their lunch sandwiches although the breakfast was also served continuously. The service was fast and friendly.

What a cute little cafe located just inside the lobby of the Hotel Congress. They share a patio area too so you can sit inside or out. The cafe has a wall of what I will call truths. It's a fun read but don't take it too seriously. The service is spot on. We were checked up on frequently and even the owner came by to make sure our food was good. The food was excellent! I got the chilaquiles which was delicious. It was ample for just one person. Probably not a share worthy dish. It was served in a cast iron mini skillet which I had never seen before. I was able to substitute potatoes for fruit. The potatoes were baked to perfection and seasoned well. Most brunch items are $16-$25 price range which is typical these days. Parking is street parking or a nearby garage. If it's the weekends the street parking is free if you can find a spot. The cafe has an excellent display of desserts that just look amazing. I'm going to have to come back for that. The wait was about 20 min once we got our names on the list. There is a bar across from it that you can just sit down at or go for a walk or hang in the courtyard. They will text your phone when they are ready for you. My only complaint is a minor one but not enough to reduce a star. When you get the bill there are two tips you have to decide on. One is for the wait staff of which I typically give 20% but also another tip for the cook staff of which was $2 minimum suggestion. I've been hemming and hawing over how to deal with this situation. Do I split the 20% across both of them. Do I give a total of what they recommend and the 20%? Kinda feels awkward to me.

From the rotating old fashioned dessert display to the garden patio, Cup Cafe is a sensory delight. Enjoyed the accommodating staff, eclectic menu and wonderful hustle bustle of urban life. The Depot $21.00 was large and tasty with grilled flank steak, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, avocado, smoked crispy onions, and house-made roasted shallot dressing. Mission Street Tacos $13.00 crispy pork belly, jalapeño aioli, jicama slaw, OJ-pickled jalapeños (too hot for me though I liked the citrus flavor) and almost translucent local flour tortillas. The only negative-the heater closest to our table did not work, but the staff made every effort to fix the heater.

Came here after I noticed it when walking around looking for breakfast on a Friday morning. I was torn between the Huevos Rancheros and the Cast Iron Baked Eggs but I chose the latter based on the server's recommendation and was not disappointed. A very unique and tasty dish. Rich and decadent with a wonderful combination of flavors. I did add green chile for a bit of spiciness. I was also impressed by their sourdough bread as it was a grainy rustic style that I really enjoyed. Made it back twice before leaving town: had Barrio Bread, chili, soup, and the Depot Salad which were all fantastic. Can't recommend this place strongly enough. This is one of my goto restaurants on my multiple visits to Tucson every year.

I came here last Wednesday, and everything was so much better this time. I loved the Honeysuckle Daiquiri, though the Sonoran Solstice was too bitter for my taste. The calamari was excellent--perfectly cooked and flavorful. The Salmon Caprese was absolute perfection, served with a risotto that I surprisingly loved, even though I don't usually enjoy risotto. It was the perfect accompaniment. However, I didn't care for the Stuffed Chicken Gnocchi. Overall, a much-improved experience, and I'll definitely be back!

Went here for dinner during our day trip & had a great time. Entree, gnocchi, was ok but the wine was smooth and the coconut cream pie (per my boy Brandon's rec) was real real delicious. Felt like a very date-y place and would happily come back here with my Fiance. But also the bathroom is wild LOL shared urinal is crazy tbh

I've been here a few times. The food is good though I tend to get the same few items. I prefer breakfast at cup cafe compared to their lunch/dinner options. The dessert is incredible and they have a lot of options. If you sit outside on the patio and there's live music going on, you'll have an extra enjoyable experience. The service tends to be good too.

We had a great time getting Sunday brunch. We got a couple bloody marys from the blood Mary bar. Delicious! We then had a late breakfast- the two eggs with potatoes and toast and added the flank steak. Overall, really good! The house made jam was a hit! We sat outside as it was a beautiful January day and that was great. There was a school of rock show setting up so that was cool to hear. The service was okay, we had to remind a bit for things we ordered but the waiter was pleasant and responsive when reminded. Can't wait to go again and try the mimosa bar. Cheers!

Overall had a very nice meal here. We came for dinner and enjoyed the ambiance of the terrace as well as the service. The food was tasty all around, although I think this spot is more popular for breakfast and might be more impressive then. It was a solid meal, though nothing that particularly blew me away. Next time, I'd try breakfast as I think that's really the feather in their cap.

The food was good. I went there for breakfast. I ordered Omelet and it was good. I ordered the congressional omelet and I added two extras and each one was $1.50. Place is cute and nice. Building is really old and it has history. Really cool. Service : I ate at the bar and service was really good

My husband and I recently came in for dinner for the first time. It was mid week and we were seated right away in the main floor dining area. I would agree with another reviewer, who said this is 'a hipster dining place'...and I mean that in the best possible way. The menu is varied and includes vegan, vegetarian and a few gluten free options. There is a full bar where our Old Fashioned's were well prepared. Our server, Eddie was hospitality incarnate, and other servers, who brought out food or cleared things from the table offered impeccable service. My husband had Fish &Chips and I had a wonderfully charbroiled burger, wrapped in lettuce (didn't want to ruin it with a gluten free bun). I love historic hotels like Hotel Congress and Cup Cafe gives a reason to visit regularly.

We were a few minutes late to our reservation, but the hosts were gracious and sat us immediately. Our server took a little bit to get to us at first, but throughout our time, he was bartending and serving us with a lot of attention. Constantly refilling our waters and our cowboy coffees! We were able to enjoy conversation and the music was not too loud! Very thankful for that, we like to be able to speak without yelling!! We started with Calamari, with the jalapeños on the side - man, they are spicy! We had the burger, flank steak, caesar and the hotel salad. Everyone was very pleased with the flavors. We ended our meal with the brownie, cereal chocolate chip cookie and vanilla gelato! DELICIOUS!! We will always come here when we're in Tucson. Highly suggest!!

I love the Cup Cafe at Congress Hotel in downtown Tucson. The food is innovative, the service very friendly and they are pet !

Yep, this is the place. The Cup Café occupies two bright rooms off the lobby of the historic Congress hotel in Tucson's downtown entertainment district. The hotel plays up its southwestern prohibition era outlaw vibe which continues inside the funky and cozy Cup Cafe. This quirky space is just plain fun. I sat at the counter and had outstanding cast Iron Baked Eggs. The sizzling skillet came with a cup (I get it now) holding 5 perfectly roasted potatoes: crisp outside and soft inside. The waiter knew the menu inside and out. After eating, walk back thru the hotel's lobby where the funk continues. Strings of retro Mexican calendars hang (for sale) over the front desk. The broadcast studio for indie radio station KXCI 91.3 sits just off the front door. A sultry bar with an adjacent performance space (comedy, music, dancing...) adds to the cowboy bandito interior. Don't miss the bathrooms, they are...unique.

I hadn't been here in a couple years so I knew it was time to come back! Happy to say this place is still as stellar as I remembered. Got to try a fun coffee drink and cocktail. Both were phenomenal. Tamale and eggs for me and salmon Benedict for my boyfriend. Both dishes were amazing!! If you come early enough, outdoor seating is gorgeous in the summer! Great shade and beautiful plants.

The service is top notch. The food is excellent and tasty. The entire feel of this hotel & cafe are that of an era that has many memories of its long history. 100 years and counting! We love this place. The outdoor dining area is our favorite. We've been dining here for 18 years and have never been disappointed.

First time at Cup Cafe and a restaurant that I finally get to cross off my list! Located inside Hotel Congress, service was quick! My friend and I got seated immediately outside around 10AM on a Saturday. We ordered the Cast Iron Baked Eggs and Brioche French toast to share. I've seen reviews raving about the Cast Iron baked eggs and they weren't wrong! Egg was perfectly poached with a cheesy sauce with herbs and onion it was delicious!!! Dip your bread in the dippy mix and what a perfect combo! Potatoes were seasoned well and perfectly soft yet crisp! Brioche French toast was delicious and I'm so glad we ordered the strawberries! It added a touch of freshness and the syrup soaked up the bread making it so good!

Love visiting Cups Cafe every time I'm in Tucson! The food is amazing, love me some expresso coffee, patio and seating is cute and blends well with the Congress Hotel ambiance. Plenty of outdoor seating and a cute patio. Service is always amazing and friendly. Highly recommend!!!

This is located in a hotel that has tons of history in super walkable downtown Tucson. The portions are huge and affordable and food options are super creative. We had breakfast and it was good not great. I think the creativity distracted them from the taste a bit. If you're in the area I would definitely recommend stopping in at least to see such a big part of Tucson history. I heard their desserts are delicious but we were so full from breakfast there was no way so we'll definitely have to stop again in the future.

We ate at the outside part of the congress hotel's cup cafe. And it was a very festive, as there was live music playing and the building has cool signage and a great patio area. The service was fine, but not exceptional. And the food was tasty - I got the chicken gnocchi, which is more a chicken dish than a normal gnocchi as the main attraction. It also had a number of veggies. I was happy with it. I'd recommend checking it out if you're in downtown Tucson.

Had a great time here. Was traveling for work and stopped for lunch. There was a wait, but once we were seated the service was great. We sat outside because the weather was gorgeous. My tacos were super fresh and enjoyable. The bread was yummy and a great starter. The peanut butter cheesecake was more like a mousse, but that made it perfect. Would go back!

Delicious huevos rancheros, biscuits breakfast and omelet we tried for brunch! Have also enjoyed salads with steak, and the pumpkin cheesecake, coconut cream and brown butter pecan pies!

Very unexpectedly, we had the best meal in all of Tucson at Cup Cafe, a complete and utter surprise! It's located in the historic Hotel Congress, and is staffed and decorated appropriately. Because of the name, we expected more of a coffee shop type cafe, not the elegance and curated menu we enjoyed! The hostess stand is across from the entrance, easily missed but a must to be seated! We were seated and greeted by our server immediately, very friendly and professional and attentive throughout our dining experience. The menu is varied and pretty much all over the place with delightful and intriguing options. The Barrio Bread is a must to start your meal or even to just enjoy with a cocktail, it's the best baguette ever, no wonder it's won awards! The cocktails are unique and made perfectly so make sure to enjoy one! The food is absolutely spectacular! The Duck Stew is perhaps the best meal I've ever had in my life! There are meals you remember for awhile, I will remember this one forever! Hubby had the Short Rib Osso Bucco and it just melted, so tender and rich atop a soft, well seasoned parsnip polenta. Another very memorable bite of deliciousness! We will be back and highly recommend to anybody visiting Tucson!

Great vibe. My brisket was slightly dry but it was smothered in poached egg so I still enjoyed.

The dinner menu was okay but unfortunately there are not many gluten free options. The good was decent but I wouldn't come back again. Service was also okay. The outdoor seating area was beautiful and made a lovely dinner environment with friends.

Food was amazing and love the ambience. Great location! We went for brunch and were not disappointed.

Tasty food with a cool atmosphere, perfect for patio season. Definitely recommend the tofu sandwich and their cocktails!

Cup Cafe always hits the spot. It's one of my go-to spots to celebrate special occasions and bring visitors or people who are new to town, and I've never had a bad meal here in 20+ years. There can be a bit of a wait to get a table for breakfast on the weekends, but it's always worth it. On our last visit, we had the cast iron baked eggs (amazing) and French toast, which my husband says is the best in town. The baked eggs are a Cup Cafe classic and always taste decadent and delicious. It's one of my favorite breakfast items in Tucson. Other favorites are the rotating quiche, salads, tacos and huevos rancheros. The patio is lovely and nicely shaded, but I always recommend first-timers dine indoors and soak up the history.

My salmon dish with faro was very delicious, healthy and priced well. Jeffrey was an attentive server. We all enjoyed our food and dinning outdoors. Parking was easy too.

Food is always so good. Fun location, cute restaurant. Just always a bit of a wait and more often than not slow service. Overall super yummy :)

Although I'm disappointed that they discontinued the corned beef, which was truly excellent, their commitment to quality remains unwavering. Every visit yields a superb experience, and the staff consistently demonstrates exceptional courtesy. I ponder the rationale behind tipping the cook; shouldn't be their compensation be the company's responsibility, ensuring a fair salary?

Let me start with the fact that we had reservations which was so nice because the restaurant is small. They have a sizable patio which is near their music stage so if you are lucky you can get dinner and a show. They have heaters outside as well. The inside is definitely quieter. Our server was Emory and he was pulling double duty. He was bartending and serving tables. He was very kind and did his best but at times we were wanting to progress with our evening and he was hard to find. We had the rack of ribs which were seasoned and smoked well, not quite fall of the bone, and a little bit dry, but still enjoyable. The green chile Mac and cheese was heavenly. It was creamy and spicy. The duck stew was too salty and the drop biscuits were overcooked and hard (even in the stew). Overall it was a decent experience and the Hotel Congress is always a fun and historic place to visit.

Came here for dinner before a show at the club. Very bustling dining area but the service was super attentive, friendly, and fast for a Saturday night. We had a nice spot by the window to see out onto the patio. I ordered the pork belly tacos and a Crooked Tooth pale ale, my date ordered the fish and chips and a Paloma. The pork belly was crispy and flavorful, the slaw added a nice crunch, the salsa had just the right amount of heat, and the flour tortillas pulled it all together. My date said her fish was really good, the batter looked very crispy and coated the fish nicely. I've only been here once before for my birthday but it's honestly one of the better spots to grab a bite downtown. Especially convenient if you're catching a show right after!

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.

Located inside Hotel Congress, check in with the hostess to get seated inside which is on the cozy side or there's outdoor seating as well to enjoy the weather or your doggies. Our server was really nice and attentive. Our Creole Breakfasts did not disappoint. We chose to have coffees in the morning, but there were already early day drinkers at 9 am if you so choose. Cup Cafe always hits the spot.

I met some out-of-town friends at Cup Cafe for breakfast. They were staying downtown; I was driving in to town. Parking is always a mess in downtown Tucson but I was able to find a spot pretty quickly. The lobby of the hotel is beautiful and speaks to the southwestern vibe. It's quiet and fairly dark but feels peaceful. We got to the cafe at the opening at 8am. We were seated immediately and Elie (not sure of the spelling) came to us with water as soon as we sat down. She took our drink orders, came back with them and was ready to take our food orders. We asked for a few minutes before ordering. I watched her as she kept on eye on our table and came back when we were ready to order. I ordered the Creole breakfast, one friend ordered the Two Eggs Any Style, substituting fruit for potatoes; the other ordered the Barrio Toast, substituting eggs for the tofu. Elie kept refilling our coffee and told us that the food would be out shortly and it was. My Creole breakfast was huge and delicious. The eggs were cooked perfectly, gravy on the biscuits was hot and peppery, the biscuits were hot and fluffy and there were a lot of perfectly cooked potatoes. One friend said her two egg plate was good but the fruit wasn't ripe so she would give a 4 star rating. The other friend said she had nothing to compare her Barrio Toast to but said she liked it and would give her breakfast 5 stars. Both said they would give 5 stars to the service we received from Elie and that they would come back if in town. I think I'll come back when the U isn't in session (and the Rodeo isn't going on) so it'll be a little quieter and less packed. Great job, Elie, and Cup Cafe!

Checked out this spot after the glowing reviews on Yelp and the feature in a local magazine. It's a cute little cafe in the quirkiest hotel with patio and indoor options. We got seated pretty quickly for early-ish brunch time. Our server was very nice and the food came very quickly. I had the signature cast iron baked eggs, which really elevated your typical breakfast skillet. It was so cheesy, and I was glad I had the potatoes to swipe up the extra cheese. The Mocha Azteca latte was the perfect amount of spices and sweet. The brioche French toast was just okay compared to everything else, but my partner loved her pancakes. Definitely worth checking out!

One of the best brunch places in Tucson. The food is always consistently good, great patio and atmosphere in downtown Tucson.

Everything was wonderful, even better than my visits over ten years back. Very creative salad menu too.

I was at Hotel Congress to catch the music show and wanted a bite to eat. Cup Cafe, contrary to the hours posted here in Yelp was still open. (I sent corrections to Yelp.) I had the prickly pear vegan cheesecake, not that I'm vegan, but it looked awesome. And the fish and chips. First, the cheesecake was delicious. It was almost refreshing and was not filling. The fish and chips were amazing. These were not fish sticks or fish planks. They were HUGE. As big as my fists! So I call these "fish fists" because of their size and "fish fists" sounds like "fish sticks." Really good fish and excellent batter fried to a perfect crispiness. I'm not a tartar sauce fan and usually never use it (I prefer malted vinegar). This tartar sauce, however, was superb. The lemon added to it really sets it apart. So excellent. The fries were excellent, too. The cole slaw is not sweet, but was still pretty good. This is my new go-to place for fish and chips. 5* = A top favorite. Mind-blowing good. I will definitely return and I will go out of my way to go here. Worth every dime of my money. 4* = Outstanding. Tucson-top-tier. Some elements not quite as good as it gets, but it still is worthy of my regular business. 3* = Good experience. I might do repeat business if it is convenient, the only option, the only one in its category, or on a whim, but would not be among the first thing to come to mind. Would definitely recommend you trying it to get your own take on it. 2* = Not so good. Would not recommend at all. Waste of money. 1* = How are they still in business? Stay away at all costs!

We had a 30 minute wait on a Saturday around 11 AM. We waited a few minutes over, but it was a best estimate, so I can understand that. They had a market of some sort so the Hotel Congress patio area was crowded. It was nice to see the place crowded again after the pandemic. The service was OK. The food was great. I had the flank steak and my friend had the Creaole Breakfast. My friend was nice enough to share a taste of their meal. It was good the Andoulie sausage was split in half and grilled perfectly. The biscuits and gravy were pretty good. The flank steak was grilled to a perfect medium rare. The potatoes appeared to be deep fried. I can understand that's a faster way than oven roasting. Cool spot to eat at downtown for brunch. Price was reasonable for the 2 entrees.

So good! Visited our son at UofA and did a little research on breakfast places. We made a great choice! The avocado toast was great and I got a side of bacon. Hubby and son had the french toast, they said it was so good. The potatoes were the best we've had in a long time. parking wasn't too bad, $5 flat rate in a public lot close by, bonus it was underground! Glad we found this place, can't wait to go back!

What a great place and a step back in time, but with an updated menu. We decided to go with a number of the appetizers and got the Barrio Bread, fish and cauliflower tacos, tofu and shrimp lettuce wraps and fries. Each got a different drink to try, as well. Service was friendly and he had good recommendations. Great options for indoor and outdoor dining. Everything was great. We will definitely return.

That cup of coffee was everything. So let's take tour of phone booths and Bell South on this Sunday season in Tucson. It's football and I am so ready for it. Breakfast first and first place is The Cup Cafe inside of Hotel Congress. Don't get political with the name because at very least the food won't disappoint and swindle you out of time spent. I had the Two Eggs N Toast Any style Simple yet goodness overall. Go for the atmosphere. Go for the feel. It was be fine.

Jamie was my waitress this morning:) She was a delight! Very knowledgeable of the menu and friendly! Cared for my special order without hesitation.

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.

Located inside of Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe is a great brunch spot if you are in downtown Tucson. We arrived on a Sunday morning and had a bit of a wait that was well worth it! The service here was exceptional! Aiden was the most attentive, sweet, friendly server. He took extra time to make sure we were well attended to and went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our dining experience. Lots of drink options and I appreciated the humor of the drink menu. The agua fresca and limeade are made in house so we tried both, of course. Wowza they were so delicious! Food was delicious! We got the chilaquiles verde and the cast iron baked eggs that I modified with over hard eggs. The flavors were bomb and portions were so large we both had leftovers. I would definitely recommend this brunch spot. The ambiance is lively and the building has a lot of cool history to check out!

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.

Very good. I got the salmon faro salad. Nice service. Pleasant setting. Be aware that they prompt you to give a $2 tip to the kitchen staff. (There's something nickle-and-dimey about the whole Hotel Congress scene. It wasn't like this years ago.) I think it closes before 10 pm because that's when the earsplitting over-amplified DJ music starts next to it. That would drive away customers. Of course, the hotel owner doesn't mind that it keeps the hotel guests awake until it stops at 2 a.m.

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.