Menlo Park Mercado District
A charming Tucson market with cobblestone streets, vibrant eateries, and a feel of old Mexico.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Menlo Park Mercado District
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Tucson market with cobblestone streets, vibrant eateries, and a feel of old Mexico.
"Mercado San Agustin is probably my favorite place to hang out in the city of Tucson itself."
☀️ Beat the Heat
Opt for early mornings or evenings. Bring a hat and sunglasses for outdoor dining!
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available, but can get busy. Consider the streetcar for easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Presta Coffee Roasters
Mercado San Agustin
Sip on expertly crafted coffee in a beautiful setting. A must-visit for caffeine lovers!
La Estrella Bakery
Mercado San Agustin
Indulge in delicious conchas and other sweet treats from this beloved local bakery.
Seis Kitchen
Mercado San Agustin
Enjoy authentic Tucson flavors with a modern twist. Perfect for lunch or brunch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert Heat
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
Opt for early mornings or evenings. Bring a hat and sunglasses for outdoor dining!
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available, but can get busy. Consider the streetcar for easy access.
☕ Coffee Break
Presta Coffee Roasters is a local favorite for a reason. Don't miss it! +1
🍩 Sweet Tooth Alert
La Estrella Bakery's conchas are a must-try! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
Opt for early mornings or evenings. Bring a hat and sunglasses for outdoor dining!
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available, but can get busy. Consider the streetcar for easy access.
☕ Coffee Break
Presta Coffee Roasters is a local favorite for a reason. Don't miss it! +1
🍩 Sweet Tooth Alert
La Estrella Bakery's conchas are a must-try! +1
📸 Instagrammable Spots
The architecture and vibrant atmosphere make for great photos. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mercado District for its charming atmosphere, reminiscent of traditional Mexican markets, and its excellent culinary offerings. The architecture and vibrant ambiance are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find prices a bit high and outdoor seating can be warm, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with friendly staff and delicious food making it a recommended stop in Tucson.
"Went to the Mercado on a sat night to see a fave local band, The Cochise County All Stars. Went early to catch happy hour at the Kitchen Cafe. It was great all around. Wifey had the halibut fish and chips, I had the happy hour burger special that offers a craft draft and shot for just $5 extra. Score! All the food was good, service was great! Will go back for sure!"
Steve Petersen
"So, my first time here, I'll try to be short.. but first things first there is parking next to the restaurant but I do think it's a shared lot. I went around 6:20-6:30 pm. There was plenty of parking around that time, so I was unsure if there was a busy point during any other time frame. I did get a little lost trying to find the entrance it's on the side/back.
Staff were all super friendly and attentive, which is a huge plus for me.. the food tasted great. There will be pictures to follow. Dessert was not as many selections as I would have preferred as well as meals go.. but I did go with a work party, so it could have been it was a set menu.. but all in all, I would give this place a 4 star because the atmosphere was nice. Waiters are attentive food did taste great there was some things I wasn't to happy about. Like there Cesar salad... it looked nicer than it was.. a bit hard to eat without looking like a pig trying to shove a full lettuce in your mouth.. haha, and also not your normal Cesar salad.. and prices are a bit high, but the quantity was fair..
Definitely would recommend i will most likely be coming back and next time check out the bathrooms.. normally, I check but forgot to this time around"
Alexandra Ozuna
"A super cute spot but the restaurants have outdoor seating so it can be hot. They do their best to cool you off with misters and shade, just be prepared with a hat, sunglasses, or whatever you need to stay cool."
Charlotte Thornley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercado District is easily accessible by car and is a stop on the Tucson Streetcar line. Many visitors find the streetcar a convenient way to reach the area, especially from downtown.
Yes, there is parking available, often in a shared lot. While it can get busy, arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays usually ensures a spot.
Yes, the Mercado District is located just below 'A' Mountain and is a short walk or streetcar ride from downtown Tucson.
The Mercado San Agustin generally operates daily from 7 am to 9 pm, but individual shop and restaurant hours may vary. It's always a good idea to check specific business hours before your visit.
Absolutely! The Tucson Streetcar has a stop directly at the Mercado District, making it a very accessible destination via public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the Mercado San Agustin. It's a public market and neighborhood with shops and restaurants.
There are no entrance fees to explore the Mercado District. You only pay for food, drinks, or any purchases you make from the shops.
Yes, the Mercado San Agustin often hosts events, including a night market on the last Friday of the month. It's worth checking their schedule for upcoming happenings.
Most shops and restaurants in the Mercado District open around 7 am and close by 9 pm, though hours can vary. It's best to confirm with individual establishments.
The farmers' market held at the Mercado San Agustin is free to enter. You pay for any produce or goods you wish to purchase.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular spots include Seis Kitchen for authentic Tucson flavors, Presta Coffee Roasters for great coffee, and La Estrella Bakery for delicious pastries like conchas. +2
Many restaurants in the Mercado District offer diverse menus. Seis Kitchen, for example, typically has vegetarian and vegan choices. It's recommended to check menus online or ask staff.
Prices can vary, but many visitors find them to be a bit high, though the quantity is fair. Happy hour specials can offer good value.
Yes, the Mercado San Agustin is a great spot for brunch. Seis Kitchen and other eateries offer brunch menus on weekends. +1
You'll find a variety of cuisines, with a strong influence of Mexican and Southwestern flavors, reflecting Tucson's cultural heritage. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The charming architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant courtyards offer numerous photo opportunities. Look for colorful walls and unique details. +2
Generally, yes. It's always polite to be mindful of other patrons and staff, but capturing the ambiance of the Mercado is encouraged.
There are no widespread restrictions on personal photography. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to inquire with the management.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh due to the desert sun.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and public spaces due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
☕ Coffee & Food Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Mercado San Agustin
The Mercado was completed in 2010 and has since become a beloved community space. It's more than just a collection of shops and eateries; it's a place where people gather, relax, and enjoy the desert city's culture.
The design intentionally blends modern amenities with a timeless aesthetic, offering a delightful escape from the everyday. Whether you're sipping coffee at Presta Coffee Roasters, enjoying a meal at Seis Kitchen, or indulging in a sweet treat from La Estrella Bakery, the Mercado San Agustin offers a sensory experience that captures the heart of Tucson.
Culinary Delights at the Mercado
No visit is complete without a stop at La Estrella Bakery, famous for its traditional Mexican pastries, especially the conchas.
While the food is generally praised, some reviews mention that prices can be a bit high, though the portion sizes are considered fair.
Exploring the Mercado District
Beyond the main Mercado San Agustin, the district includes the MSA Annex, which expands the offerings with more shops and eateries.
Visitors often highlight the beautiful architecture and the overall pleasant ambiance of the neighborhood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit