The Little One

Absolutely fantastic! It was as good as I had hoped! This charming little spot is only open for breakfast and lunch on limited days of the week. They have a breakfast menu, lunch menu, and daily chalkboard specials. I took a chance and tried the lunch surprise plate which comes with 3 lunch items selected by the kitchen. It's truly a surprise, and even if several people at the same table order the surprise plate, each plate would be different. My plate consisted of cochinito en chipotle, pollo en mole negro, and creamy harvest vegetable soup with serrano (one of the specials that day). You also get to pick a couple side dishes. I got the rice and the calabacitas (zucchini and veggie medley). My oh my, every single bite of food was absolutely fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked, just PERFECT. Some of the tastiest Mexican food I've ever had, and so rustic and homey and well-priced. I loved the variety. I'm so pleased I got to try that wonderful soup too, which was a special but I would kill for the recipe! Both of the meats were so tender and saucy. I seriously can't say enough. It was SOOOOO SOOOOO good. If I lived in Tucson this would definitely become a regular spot for me. I also chatted briefly with the owner and she was so cheerful and incredible kind and helpful. Thank you so much. I hope I get to visit again someday :)

Perfect little spot to reconnect with the Big One. Family owned, authentic, fresh Mexican food in the heart of downtown Tucson. Limited hours so be sure to get there early. Great service, friendly, eccentric corner stop.

A delightful, small business in the heart of downtown with really tasty, authentic food. I got the chef’s special (as did my friend), and we were both given large plates of many different offerings. Both plates were different as well. It was all so tasty! The homemade lemonade, the pastries, the molé, really remarkable across the board! Unique and limited hours but worth planning when to go. Other reviews mention cash only but they do accept cards if needed (cash preferred, says the sign)

It had been a while since I was last here, but the food is always memorable. This isn't Sonoran style Mexican food but it does span a wider variety of flavors from Mexico. I often order the chef's plate, which is three items selected by the chef. This allows me to try things I might not order as a single dish. Today there was a pork , beef, sweet potato and a wonderful squash soup. Everything was fresh and high quality ingredients. The plates are beautiful and the service makes you feel like home. There's a good reason why this place gets high reviews.

After my VOTE walked on over to theeee BEST Mexican restaurant cafe. Ordered the surprise me meal that was absolutely fabulous. Marcela was so nice. Her Spanish is excellent. Stop by. Oh, and by the way, she made us up some personal extra hot salsa that was amazing 👍🦅🦅🦅

This place is legendary. The food and lovely women that run it are amazing. You will be missed, Little One. I'm so glad I had one more chance to eat there this week. Thank you for all the years for great food and the kindest owner.

The atmosphere is cute. The service is fair, staff is friendly. Those are the only positives. The food was very bland, and if you used any sauces, it was super spicy. So if you like one or the other, you're good I guess. For those of us who like a good flavor and spice balance, the vegan and vegetarian options here are NOT it. This restaurant is tiny (hence the name, obviously), but we experienced a customer bringing his large dog in, and said dog continuously bumped into my friend who has a dog allergy. This place has a patio, and animals should only be allowed outside, especially for such limited space. One star for atmosphere, one for the pretty plates the food is served on. Otherwise, we will never come back here. There are many other restaurants in the area that are worth the hassle of coming to downtown Tucson.

The food tastes like “mom’s home cooked meal”. The flavors are rich and fresh! My favorite was the sweet potato carrot soup. The best part about this place is the service. The ladies here are so kind and personable and even better, food comes out fast. 10/10 would recommend coming here.

Goodbye! and RIP to The Little One. ***CLOSED on 9/19/2025***** Went there for a good by meal with coworkers. I wish we had gone more often, but sometimes it is easy to forget the great food options nearby downtown. They always provided great meals, in a loud and hugging friendly environment. Awesome place to eat in a tight corner with limited interior and exterior seating. Good luck to the family and the thank you for your decades of feeding us downtown workers.

The Little One is a jewel box tucked into downtown Tucson, small in size but infinite in spirit. I surrendered myself to the chef's choice breakfast, and like a willing canvas, I was transformed with every brushstroke of flavor. Each bite arrived swiftly, but never hurried as though the kitchen understood that even fleeting moments can be eternal if painted with care. The food here is not just sustenance; it is cariño served on a plate, the taste of joy cooked by hands that know both labor and love. They never disappoint, these magicians of the morning. To dine here is to step into a hidden gallery where every dish is a masterpiece, each one declaring: life is beautiful, even in its simplicity.

I've heard that this place closed a couple of weeks ago after 40 years but so glad I was able to try it before they closed it down. It was a cool spot! Friendly staff and cool atmosphere. Places like this are hard to come by. Sad to see it go!

I absolutely love this place and the amazing woman who runs it! I have been here many times and always recommend it for lunch downtown. Today was extra special and a little sad because it was the last day of business and I'm fortunate that I could make it in for lunch. There was a line out the door the whole time I was there but everyone working was radiating positivity and love. The music was up , it was bustling but everything moved with a good flow. Food was stellar as always, the mole is my favorite! Just wanted to give one more shout out to this 40 year family run Tucson Gem of a restaurant. Lots of love and luck to you in the future. Thank you for the food and memories over the years .

My wife absolutely loves this place and is sad to see it go. Which is crazy because the line was out the door! Very friendly staff and the complimentary cucumber water was delicious.

I have been coming to the Little Poca Cosa for 12 years. I loved the fresh fruit and aqua frescas that I could get with my food, no matter what I ordered. After a forty year run, the restaurant is closing the 19th of October 2025. The hours have always been very peculiar opening at nine closing at two and it made it challenging for me to get there cause parking is terrible downtown. But I went today just to say goodbye and enjoy one last meal. Marisela was there greeting customers as she always has with a great deal of warmth and affection. I had my last mole dish from a Poco Cosa restaurant;which if you've had it once you'd never forget it. Usually, I like to get their plato Poco Cosa, which is a mixed bag of different specialty items. Today I didn't order that dish, as I really just craved their chicken molé. I had not come in a long while and the food came out fast. There's very limited one-hour metered parking. I was able to park, walk-in,order my food, get a table, receive my food,eat it, and leave in 30 minutes. That's quite an amazing service. The inside has articles of the restaurants' history and acclaim. If you've wanted to try it out their days are limited so I believe that they're open from 10 to 2 Monday through Friday, with their last day being next Friday. Thank you for the good memories.

Absolutely fantastic! It was as good as I had hoped! This charming little spot is only open for breakfast and lunch on limited days of the week. They have a breakfast menu, lunch menu, and daily chalkboard specials. I took a chance and tried the lunch surprise plate which comes with 3 lunch items selected by the kitchen. It's truly a surprise, and even if several people at the same table order the surprise plate, each plate would be different. My plate consisted of cochinito en chipotle, pollo en mole negro, and creamy harvest vegetable soup with serrano (one of the specials that day). You also get to pick a couple side dishes. I got the rice and the calabacitas (zucchini and veggie medley). My oh my, every single bite of food was absolutely fantastic. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly spiced, perfectly cooked, just PERFECT. Some of the tastiest Mexican food I've ever had, and so rustic and homey and well-priced. I loved the variety. I'm so pleased I got to try that wonderful soup too, which was a special but I would kill for the recipe! Both of the meats were so tender and saucy. I seriously can't say enough. It was SOOOOO SOOOOO good. If I lived in Tucson this would definitely become a regular spot for me. I also chatted briefly with the owner and she was so cheerful and incredible kind and helpful. Thank you so much. I hope I get to visit again someday :)

A downtown Tucson staple. Short menu probably for the breakfast and lunch crowd. Order at the counter and your grub comes out quick . Pretty good stuff,

So so good! Found via Yelp, and what a find. My mom, a vegetarian, got the combo plate with a Chile relleno and tamale pie. I got the half and half with mole and barbacoa. Each came with two sides. Everything was delicious but the standouts to me were the tamale and the mole. If you pay with cash you save 10%. There appeared to be a lot of regulars that the staff knew their names and orders. Very local with fast service and amazing food!

After 40 years of the finest & freshest, this place closed last week. Remove from your listing...

So it's been forever since I've been to the Little One, it's either closed or crowded I went pretty regularly when it was next to the Federal Courthouse., when their Dad ran it. Of course Poca Cosa since it was in the Santa Rita Hotel. I would always order the chefs surprise. I had never met Marcella. The food was great and I'm glad they are still open and Marcella is the last sister carrying on the family tradition. Just like home!!!

From the first friendly welcome this sweet little place is above and beyond. The food is so fresh and delicious, feels homemade! When I asked for Pico de Gallo, they even chopped it up fresh. And three cheers for the Vegan options! So accommodating for my plant based pal. There is happy hour! So the Agua Frescas were two for one. Also, very important: nice cool air conditioning! Beautiful shady outdoor seating available and the inside is so colorful and comfortable.

This place is absolutely amazing. The service is fantastic, and you can tell there is so much love poured into each and every dish and customer that walks in the door. Everyone is treated with respect and love, and I always have a permanent smile on my face when I'm here. The vibe is cozy and casual, with fun Latin music playing and colorful local art on the walls. I have NEVER had a bad meal here, and highly recommend the puerco con crema, huevos entamalados, and huevos divorciados. All are served with hearty helpings of rice and beans, which are fresh and perfectly complement the meal. Run, don't walk, to The Little One, especially for breakfast!

My husband really wanted some chicken mole so after searching, we came here for lunch. My husband ordered the chicken mole and I got a bowl of caldo de pollo (chicken soup). Both entrees were very good. The portion sizes were just right. I enjoyed all the vegetables in the soup. Good amount of chicken. Here, you order at the counter and then they bring your order to your table. The person at the counter was very helpful to help me decide what to get. Casual restaurant with a comfortable feel. This place closes at 2pm for lunch. Good restaurant near the Old Tucson Artisans and Congress street. Great places to walk to after our meal. We couldn't find any street parking so we parked at the Pima parking structure which was down the street from the restaurant.

What a great find! Terrific food with lots of vegetarian options, excellent service, a cute shady patio, and Marcela! She is a bundle of energy and fun; a hardworking small businesswoman who is community minded and knows her stuff. They offer catering too!

For over 40 years, The Little One has been more than a restaurant--it's a ritual, a refuge, and a radiant burst of joy in downtown Tucson. The moment you walk through the door, you're not just greeted--you're embraced. Smiles, hugs, and genuine warmth flow freely, and suddenly, you're not a customer. You're family. And family means everyone. Whether you can pay or not, you're welcome. Homeless neighbors know they can come here and be fed--with love, dignity, and zero judgment. That kind of radical kindness is rare, and it's what made The Little One a sanctuary as much as a restaurant. The food? Consistently exceptional. Every dish is crafted with care, bursting with flavor and freshness. But here's the truth: even if the food weren't top-tier (and it absolutely is), I'd still come back again and again. Because The Little One feeds more than your body--it nourishes your spirit. Whenever my daughters come home for a visit, we head straight to The Little One--almost directly from the airport. It's our first stop, our grounding place, our way of saying "we're home." That tradition speaks volumes about what this place means to us. The atmosphere is unlike any other. It's colorful, quirky, and alive with laughter and love. There's music, art, and a sense of belonging that's hard to find anywhere else. Everyone leaves lighter than they arrived. And now, The Little One is closing forever. Tucson will deeply miss this amazing restaurant and the beautiful family who brought such wonderful food and warmth to our community for so many years. Their legacy isn't just in the meals they served--it's in the memories they helped create, the smiles they sparked, and the love they shared so freely. If you never got the chance to experience The Little One, you missed more than a meal--you missed a moment of magic.

Good eats at The Little One! Whenever my children have a day off school, this is where they request we go - chips, salsa, beans, and rice are their favorites but I love the mole and tamale casserole and the colorful salads. It's a colorful place with delicious food. Since it's downtown, parking can be tough but there is a garage right behind it (free parking there for up to an hour).

The charming little restaurant delivers big with a nice variety of selections in the menu. They seduce us friendly and quick and they always have good suggestions on menu. The surprise platter is always fun especially when you don't know what you want. Food is fresh and tasty.

Not only is the food amazing, somehow the staff was even BETTER! We had two surprise plates that were both uniquely delicious and fun! If you want to have some of the best Mexican food in town & feel like you're at home with family, The Little One is the spot!!! My only regret is that I gobbled up my food before I could take a picture to share.

A very cute tiny restaurant with great outdoor seating. There is no real service here you pay at the counter and they bring you the food, but you grab and refill your own water and bus your table. Gal at the counter was kind and helpful. The food was fine. I got three tacos mix and match the mole and chipotle were delicious the Barbados was mostly just salty. I got some chips as well and it felt like a small portion for what I normally would see at a restaurant that does chips on the house. Overall I do feel that I spent more than the meal was worth but it's downtown so I get it, if I was more wowed by the food it would have been more than fair for the cost.

I don't want to overshare, as I think it's a personal preference. I didn't enjoy any of the food. I was conflicted as the place is beyond adorable, with amazing attentive staff...but I won't be back. My sister does enjoy this place and frequents often. I ordered huevos rancheros. My sister got a pork entree. Not sure about the giant (unwanted) salad touching my food. Risky game when I have food allergies. (Like the non requested watermelon) Out of all the food I will say the pork was tender and the sauce good. But I didn't enjoy either of our food and I let her take mine home. The place is adorable and it's right underneath the library so you can have a full day of enjoyment. There is street parking or you can park in the parking garage. It was nice that the parking garage only cost two dollars for one to two hours and if you were less than that and it was free. I loved sitting at the community table. I even appreciate them offering us to be able to move once another table opened. We stayed for the family style feel.

Food was amazing and the service was even better. People working there give you the feeling of "family" and make you feel welcome. I wish I would have taken photos before we started eating however the food looked so good taking a photo was the last thing on my mind! It was $38 for 2 breakfasts which I thought was a little pricey but it seems to be right on point with the area and surrounding restaurants. Would definitely come again in my future visits to Tucson.

Stopped over for a quick lunch - food was very fresh and service was efficient and friendly. I ordered Barbacoa and salad as a side and really enjoyed it. You can tell this place is a cut above - check it out if you enjoy fresh food!

Went here for a business lunch. Loved the food. Very good and felt healthier than many Mexican places. However this is a 'do it yourself" kind of place. You pay at the counter. Then they want a tip before you get the food. We had to ask for water. Ask for silverware. Do you really need a tip when you give little service?

Love, love, love this place! The most delicious food in the city of Tucson, in my opinion, with wonderful servers and a super fun atmosphere. The food is definitely made with love!

I was in town for work and a friend recommended I eat here. I am so glad I did! I could tell the moment I walked in that it was gonna be good, and I knew I'd have a hard time deciding. So I let the chef decide with the Surprise plate. And I was delighted! The plate came with a super delicious soup, yummy beans and two meats. I was ecstatic to eat it and definitely look forward to coming back for another chef's choice sometime!

I am visiting a friend in Tucson, AZ and we decided to stop here. I ordered the Pollo en Mole Negro and Horchata to drink. The horchata was absolutely phenomenal, it had the perfect level of sweetness, consistency and cinnamon. The pollo en mole negro was delicious. The mole was tasty and had a nice consistency. They also gave you a side of flavorful rice, beans and tortillas. I would definitely order both again!! The seating area outside was also nice. They had several tables in a shaded area near the entrance and also several tables behind with umbrellas. A very cute and tasty spot!

First time back here in over 2 years. I'm so glad to see this local place is still thriving. Ordered the huevos rancheros. Had to accommodate a special diet and they were so accommodating. Much appreciated. I ordered the huevos entamalados. The eggs were so perfect. Runny and amazing served overa green corn tamale. The salsa perfectly flavorful without being overpowering or spicy. Both dishes served with rice and beans. They have a variety of self serve drinks as well. The mango, prickly pear lemonade is nice. Some what tart and not overly sweet. They also have horchata, sodas, coffee.

Came here twice, and when my mom came to visit, I took her too! Such friendly servers and delicious food. The mole is to die for!!

EXCELLENT!! My first time coming here for lunch and I was so impressed. We ate tasty vegetarian dishes but the menu has a nice variety of meat dishes too. Not only the food, but the service here is so WONDERFUL! I will DEFINITELY come back for more of their delicious Mexican food!!

From what I've heard this place has a lot of history in Tucson. I arrived for an early lunch and it wasn't too busy. I stood at the sign that said to wait to be seated and then was told to sit wherever I want. I ordered the combination plate with pork, barbacoa beef, and mole chicken. It was very good. The meats were cooked perfectly with excellent flavors. The portions were generous. The vinaigrette had a nice flavor profile. I would guess red wine vinegar with spices? The space is modest with probably less than 12 tables. It's quaint. The service was good, but not as quick or as clear as many fast dinning places. Last time I tried to eat there it was cash only and they take cards now. This place is good, but they're just open for late breakfast to late lunch Tuesday to Saturday.

Fabulous rebirth of an amazing Mexican restaurant I remember from years ago... the chicken mole was always my favorite and it doesn't disappoint here. Of course I wanted to also try some other stuff. Again, a fabulous spot to drop into for breakfast or lunch. Parking is in the lots behind. What a welcoming place!

Went for lunch today and got the surprise plate. It included mole, cochinito en Crema de Chipotle, vegetable soup, chips and salsa, and I chose rice, and potatoes as my side. I'd never had mole before so this was my first experience. The it had very good flavor however not a personal preference. The vegetable soup was creamy with a slight sweetness from the selection of root vegetables it contained. Again the flavors were very rich and developed, you could tell this was homemade and not premade. The Cochinito en Crema de Chipotle was my favorite dish. The pork was extremely tender. I actually wasn't entirely sure what meat I was eating at the time. I had to come home and look it up to find the dish. The servers do tell you when they set your plates down but this was my first time and I wasn't sure what to expect so I think I was a little distracted. The sauce has a slight kick to it but very subtle. Even my sissy heat friend was able to enjoy a bite. It went great with both my potatoes and my rice, although I preferred it with the rice. They serve you warm tortillas and chips and salsa with your meal as well. The salsa was delicious. The chips and salsa are refilled upon request. The facility itself isn't hard to find although it's very small, parking is difficult because it's downtown and seating is few. I will say that service is fantastic and oh so very very fast! It may have been the fact we ordered the surprise plate which allowed the kitchen to give us their choice but we had our food within minutes during lunch rush. We sat at an obscure table in the corner but yet we were not forgotten about. It would be nice if they had a larger facility because they do have some really cute stuff in their restaurant for sale but it was just too crowded

I typically come here on my lunch break to pick-up. Service is always quick and efficient, but I always come in already knowing what I want. The restaurant is small, without a lot of seating so I have only dined-in once. I have never personally had a negative experience here. The restaurant also has random wares for purchase and I always love seeing what's available. Whatever I've ordered here, the food is always excellent. Their chips and salsa are surprisingly addicting, and their soups, green chile beef, and chile rellenos are among my most ordered here. Eating at the Little One is like eating a lovingly prepared, home-cooked meal. I've passed The Little One for years, thinking to myself that it is probably not worth the hype but my taste buds have never been happier to be wrong.

The food was fabulous! Chile verde, eggs and the best flour tortillas. The employees were friendly and engaging. Definitely recommend this quaint little place.

It was really good I was brought here for intercession and we got free food the waitress were nice and overall the food was really good I loved the burritos chips and salsa

Another amazing experience. The chicken mole was recommended by a friend and was incredible. They also have dairy-free horchata which was excellent! The ambiance is cozy and inviting and the service is fast and friendly.

This is a must go if you are visiting Tucson or heading downtown for lunch. Super casual and uber DELICIOUS! Super sweet owner who is there every time that I go ensuring that we have a great meal and great service! Very small, so be prepared to wait for a table. Once you order, the food is served SUPER fast! Very reasonable pricing, packed with flavor!

It's been a minute since I was last here (entrees were all under $10)! But found myself in the neighborhood and hopped in. It was 12:45 on a weekday and a couple of tables had just opened up. I ordered (at the counter for everyone) and paid, opting for the Barbacoa with 2 sides ($17). I chose the elote with poblanos and the pinto beans. Everything was outstanding. Also, when you order an entree they bring you courtesy chips/salsa, also very good. I tried the iced horchata coffee for a semi-sweet/midday pick-me-up and it was terrific - a nice balance of coffee, cocao, and horchata - and not too sweet. I was in and out in 25 minutes (which is good because many of the nearby parking meters max out at only 30 minutes (and be mindful of your meter, they ticket frequently). The staff are friendly and diligent and chef/owner Marcela Davila is as gregarious and engaging as I remember! So glad... I'll be back much sooner!

Well, I haven't tried this place for a while and it was ok. The salsa tasted a little funky, maybe old or like it had been in a plastic container. The lunch chefs surprise was pretty basic and nothing unique. As a sister restaurant of the now closed Cafe Poca Cosa I was expecting a bunch of flavor, but it just wasn't there. I was pretty bummed. Might try a different dish at some point.

Still my favorite place to visit when I'm in Tucson .. I usually go with the surprise plate and have never been disappointed.. the current normal sucks because I wanted to sit indoors and I missed getting a hug!! Give them a shot you won't be disappointed!!

The ambience is loud and fun, the service is super friendly and they really know how to make you feel welcome! The food is delicious, creative and colorful. You won't regret EVER eating here!

First place my sister and I found on our getaway to Tucson, AZ & cannot say enough positive things about this fantastic establishment! The people helping their customers were absolutely delightful, friendly, happy, enthusiastic, and engaged. The food was amazing and so delicious. Easy to surmise that every meal is made with passion and love. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and I will definitely be making this my first stop if returning to AZ for any reason!

My aunt is new to town so I wanted to show her one of my Mexican food faves! Sadly, things have changed at the Little One. I always loved the laid back, loud, fast pace feel of the Little One. The layout has changed.. it is very rushed counter service with minimal seating.. since the menu changed ordering took longer than usual but I felt rushed. I didn't understand what a cajita was so I asked and the response sounded like a bowl (Chipotle style) which sounded good, and i felt like i was holding up the cashier from something else, i quickly ordered it. When I received my "small box" it was a bowl of soup. I still ate it even though it wasn't what I thought I had ordered. Overall the portions were small, limited seating and the fun excited feel I used to get wasn't there.

Outstanding I was told about this restaurant months ago, and finally had the chance to have brunch here. Outside seating Street Metered Parking 1 Gender Neutral Restroom Super fast service Delicious food Incredible flavors and nice portions. We enjoyed: Tamales (try both!) Chicken soup Chips and both salsas Mango strawberry lemonade Horchata Rice, beans, salad, and fruit. We loved sitting at the community table. It was the perfect amount of joyous noise from the kitchen and music playing, and great people watching.

Good service. great chips and salsa. food was priced well and very filling. This place is truly a Tucson gem. Nice ambiance as well. Will be returning after I go to the library

First time at this original location and am so glad we stopped in for some amazing takeout! Great portions, full of flavor, made with care. Mole is wonderful - not like what most Tucson restaurants call mole in my experience - this one is rich and chocolatey with just the right amount of spice. Chili rellenos is also a good choice. The restaurant is clean and the to go portions are more than enough. Ask Danielle what she recommends - she provides a welcoming smile and conversation as well as a thorough knowledge of the menu. I've read that they are cash only, but today I was able to pay via credit card.

Amazing service amazing salsa, everything we tried was amazing! Highly recommend the chai horchata! This place is great highly recommend

My favorite place to eat whenever I am in Tucson (either here or the original Poca Cosa). LOVE LOVE LOVE, it ALWAYS make me happy! This place never disappoints. The chef's special is ALWAYS a delight. The server was a doll, and even the owner came out to say hello. We got one chef's special to go for my hubby who had to WFH that day - and he got a tamale in his - which was maybe the best thing of all 3 plates! (the "to-go" containers are LEGIT) The ladies room even has tampons and pads free for the ladies.