The Little One

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.

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 :)

Portions are little for what I paid my order was $18.65 plus tip! for a plate, no salsa and chips and not drink… the menu is confused, the cashier was hurrying us to order. My friends order salsa and chips and I tried it; chips were stale and salsa didn’t have much flavor. My food was ok.

Popped in for a quick lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The tutti-frutti Tajín lemonade was refreshingly unique—sweet, tangy, and just the right kick. I took the host’s suggestion and ordered the surprise plate, which featured chicken mole and beef barbacoa, served with rice, beans, and a comforting vegetable soup. Everything was rich, satisfying, and clearly made with care. I’ll definitely be back for more.

I have walked by this place for 9 months and the aromatics that filled the air were heavenly. While regularly seeing this place advertised on social media, I finally walked over to try it. The person who took my order was warm and welcoming. The service was prompt, and the food that was being served while I waited for mine was aesthetically appetizing. I ordered a breakfast meal and it was delicious. The portion size was large, and I was not disappointed in any way.

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)

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 👍🦅🦅🦅

I rarely write a review about food, but this is a true 5 star Mexican food. I think I just had the best Mole of my life!!! Every dish is absolutely divine and loaded with savory flavors. Amazing!! All those people throwing out 5 stars for very average Mexican places need to eat here to see how to review good food properly. The restaurant is small, noisy, basic tables with colorful metal chairs, but very very cute ambience. You won’t regret checking this little gem out.

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!

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,

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.

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 :)

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!

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!!!

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!

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.

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!

Although I am sad the larger Cafe Poca Cosa closed, I am thrilled the little one remains. If you find yourself in the heart of downtown Tucson for lunch.. . Definitely check this place out! The menu is written on a chalk board and changes daily but everything is amazing ! I love the mole the most but you can't go wrong! Highly recommend the chefs choice combo plate to maximize trying a little of everything! Always fast friendly service and a bright cute atmosphere inside with a charming patio outside!

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.

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?

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 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.

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

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!!

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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!!

Fantastic, inventive Mexican food in a bustling, cozy atmosphere. You can never go wrong with the chef's choice (Surprise Plate)! The cafe gets busy, and occasionally there's a bit of a wait, and yet it's totally worth it!

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

Me and my family love this place! They lived up to all of our wildest dreams... And it will yours too! If you are searching for a good authentic experience, this is the place for you. The service was great, the food is delicious, And the prices are really reasonable. I highly recommend this wonderful place! Don't forget to try the mole! Holy mole'

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.

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.

Holy Mole! Some very tasty food. Awesome waitress who knew our needs on our food tasting tour. The Surprise sampler plates were the way to go to try out a lot from their menu. The mole sauce was quite delicious.

It's been a while since I've been here. Normally I'm not downtown during the week. In the new plague environment, they have made lots of change. I got the beef chili verde. It was individually packaged and I seat outside. It is still very small. Looks like they are doing lots of takeout. The food was amazing and the staff is very helpful and friendly. Will definitely be back when I can get downtown during the week

My friend sent me The Little One's menu after she found out it would now be open on Saturday's. We both thought it looked amazing and knew we'd have to try it. Today we were planning on going to another restaurant in the area for lunch, but the wait was long, and we decided to try another place. While finding parking for our second restaurant option, we saw The Little One on the corner. It was as if we were meant to eat there today. There was limited seating, but there were plenty of tables available when we walked in. We sat in the outdoor part and it felt very cozy, like we were sitting in someone's garden. We were greeted with chips and salsa, which was great. I ordered a hot tea, and was given hot water with a variety of tea bags to choose from. My friend got the chata-chino (a mix of horchata and coffee), which she liked a lot. I ordered the avocado toast and she got the pollo ranchero. All the plates come with rice, beans, and a mix of fruits and vegetables that they have on hand. Everything looked and tasted so fresh! The avocado toast was not just any avocado toast. The avocado reminded me of guacamole without having such a strong guacamole flavor, in a good way. It had onion and cilantro mixed into it, but also was topped with tomato, micro greens, and balsamic. Looking at the other pictures on Yelp, I can see that the fruits and vegetables are always changing, which I love, because it shows that they truly just choose whatever produce is the best at that time. The rice was also fantastic! It was seasoned perfectly and super fluffy! My friend also enjoyed her meal as well. As we were eating, one of the workers came to our table and said they accidentally made another chata-chino and offered it to us. We took it of course, and were able to take it home in a to-go cup. Inside the restaurant there is a refrigerator full of drinks and food, baked goods, clothes, and jewelry, mugs, and other goods available for purchase. Everything looked so cute! The service was also great, and everyone was super friendly. You can tell every worker loves what they do! The Little One definitely deserves more attention, as their food is incredible! I highly recommend that anyone comes to try The Little One, in the area or not, it's worth it! I will definitely be back time and time again!

Their jamaica and lemonade were delicious!! Their beans tasted authentic; like the beans I'd come home to from them being in the oya. Their rice was fine. Their chips and salsa: delicious. Their salad that comes with their dishes felt like it didn't belong. I had their mole and in my opinion it was too sweet and tasted very nutty; one dimensional. The chicken of the mole was cooked very nicely though. Food came pretty quick Service was so friendly and I love how their outside seating was dog friendly. It was a cute place definitely a place to check out at least once.

The service is great! I love the little so much! I recommend the mole or the chilaquiles!

Oh my gooooodness, so good! ESP GREAT little spot for an intimate "post ultrasound at 20weeks pregnant but it's also my birthday" brunch. I had the vegan meal of the day & the "oh my goodness that tastes like an eegee" strawberry juice. While baby daddy tried the sampler surprise, both were amazing, and super filling! I didn't snap a photo of our food, but I did snap a photo of the cute little Togo containers we (I) took leftovers home in, along with the ADORABLE surprise birthday present from the gift shop inside. Seriously, 10/10 for lunch & 10/10 for holiday/birthday gift shoppping!

Confession: I judge Mexican restaurants on the quality of their chile Relleno - it must be prepared fresh, the sauce is critical as is the quality of the chile. The Relleno I had today at the Little One was perfection. The egg batter was delicate, the chile flavorful, and the sauce delicious. I liked the side of fresh greens, and ate them on the nice little tortillas with a dollop of the beans atop. The only thing I question was the beans were quite salty. I ate every last spec, but I'll be drinking water all afternoon. The price of this great lunch was reasonable, the portions just right. I will be working downtown for several months, and this place is so convenient and wonderful I look forward to becoming a "regular"