Where to grab a bite
Late-night appetite
By Valerie Vinyard
vvinyard@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.03.2008
Whether you've just seen a movie or concert, just gotten off work or just want to soak up some alcohol after a night at the bars, late-night dining is sometimes a must.
It's also all too often a bust.
That's because so many Tucson restaurants, even on weekends, are closed by 9 or 9:30 p.m.
And even those eateries that are open until 10 don't always want to take your order at 9:50. Who hasn't felt the sting of an annoyed server who wants to go home rather than take another order?
Plus, it's hard to relax and enjoy a good meal when workers are putting chairs up on tables.
But, never fear, there are quality places in Tucson that happily serve food past the bewitching hour of 10 p.m.
In September, the Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress extended its hours until 1 a.m. on weekends. Starting at 11 p.m., the menu is pared down to sandwiches and appetizers ranging in price from $5 to $12.
"We have a lot going on," said general manager Steve Dunn. "It's not just a one-stop shop."
Starting at 11 p.m. Saturdays, the Cup also has entertainment: This month features lounge singers Matt Mitchell and Marianne Dissard.
Pastiche Modern Eatery has remained open until midnight every day for the past 9 1/2 years, with the restaurant's reverse happy hour beginning at 10 p.m. Specials include discounted appetizers, such as corn-crusted waffle fries for $4.75 instead of the usual $6.95 or grilled chicken skewers for $7.25 instead of $9.50.
"We have a tremendous amount of people coming in, especially after UA basketball and football games," said owner Pat Connors. "Late-night eating is a nice, relaxed atmosphere. It works because not a lot of restaurants do it."
Our roundup of restaurants that are open past 10 p.m. doesn't include fast-food joints or 24-hour spots like Grill (on East Congress Street), Waffle House, Village Inn, Broadway Cafe, Denny's or International House of Pancakes.
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