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Cup Cafe

Item: Cup Cafe
Author: Patricia Escarcega

Cuisine: American, Eclectic, Ethnic

Price Range: $$

10Best Says

The trendy Hotel Congress has a happening little cafe that serves what many consider to be the best breakfast around. All the familiar favorites are offered, along with some more creative options such as the Boom Boom (scrambled eggs, cheese and roasted red potatoes piled on a toasted baguette), Eggs and Gunpowder (a bowl of roasted red potatoes topped with eggs, turkey chorizo and jack cheese), and Bennie's Burrito (a tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, spicy black beans, sprouts, jack cheese, diced green chiles, black olives, sour cream and fresh salsa). Lunch and dinner tend to be more international in scope, but the food is equally wonderful.

Address:

311 E Congress St
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-798-1618

Hours:

Sun-Thu: 7am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 7am-11pm

Website:

hotelcongress.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Patricia Escarcega
Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert

Romantic Dining: "Even if you don't have dinner at Cup Cafe, stop by with your sweetie to pick out dessert from the cafe's wondrous pie case & bakery."
Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus, Breakfast, Lunch: "Don't miss the build your-own Bloody Mary bar."
Breakfast/Brunch: "Breakfast is served until 4 p.m. - so you can sleep late and still have your custom omelet."

Best for Romantic Dining Because: Whether you dine inside or on the intimate patio, the sights, sounds and yummy eats at Cup Cafe make this a great date night spot.
Best for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus Because: Cup Cafe in downtown Tucson is unpretentious and fun with a large menu suitable for gluten-free diners.
Best for Breakfast Because: Cup Cafe is one of Tucson's most historic and beloved places to enjoy a delicious weekend brunch.
Best for Breakfast/Brunch Because: Cup Cafe is one of Tucson's most historic and beloved places to enjoy a delicious breakfast or weekend brunch.
Best for Lunch Because: Cupe Cafe is the hip cafe located at The Hotel Congress, featuring a full bar, dining room and plaza seating with lots of good people-watching.

Bar Fare
- Bar Eats
  
  Real Thing
  
  1/2 lb. chuck patty*, local brioche bun, butter lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, papas fritas. Add cheeses, roasted mushroom, caramelized onion, avocado, jalapeño, poblano pepper, roasted chiles, black pepper bacon $1 each ($11.00)
  
  Picacho Nacho
  
  layers of jack cheese, bean dip, chili con queso, peppers, onions, tomato, fire roasted salsa ($7.00)
  
  Papas Fritas^ **
  
  house-made french fries, chives, malt vinegar aioli ($6.00)
  
  Lettuce Wraps^ **
  
  chickpea fritter, pickled vegetables, smoked cashews, harissa vinaigrette ($5.00)
  
  Chips and Salsa^ **
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Barrio Bread
  
  Barrio baguette served with house-made herb butter, basil pesto, chili infused oil and vinegar ($3.75)
- Congress Tacos
  
  Mission Street
  
  crispy pork belly, pickled jalapeños, jicama slaw, jalapeño aioli, cilantro ($3.00)
  
  Drunken Fish
  
  beer-battered cod, pico de gallo, cabbage, chipotle aioli, scallions ($3.00)
  
  Papa y Chile
  
  roasted potatoes, poblano peppers, jalapeño aioli, cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro ($3.00)
- Congress Drinks
  
  Oaxacan Manhattan
  
  Corralejo Reposado, Vida Mezcal, Agave, Chocolate Bitters ($10.00)
  
  Fields of Jalisco
  
  Herradura, Lime, Agave ($9.00)
  
  Father Kino
  
  Glenmorangie, Amaretto Disaronno, Benedictine, Lemon twist ($10.00)
  
  Kentucky Buck
  
  Bulleit Bourbon, Lemon, Angostura bitters, Strawberries ($9.00)
  
  Cactus Wren
  
  Don Julio, Lemon, Agave ($10.00)
  
  The Hustler
  
  Effin Vodka, Lime juice, Cucumber, Jalapeño ($9.00)
  
  Peach Breeze
  
  Tito's Vodka, Peach bitters, Lemon, Orange, Cucumber ($9.00)
  
  High Noon
  
  Independent Gin, Aperol, St. Germain, Lemon Juice ($10.00)
  
  Georgia on Vacation
  
  Nucano Mezcal, Peach Schnapps, Lemon, Agave, Mole Bitters ($10.00)
  
  Saint Philibert
  
  Bulleit Rye, Fratello Hazelnut, Orange liqueur, Lemon juice, Orange bitters ($10.00)
Lunch
- Main
  Soup du Jour
  It's the soup of the day. Mmmm, that sounds good, I'll have that
  
  $5.00
  
  $7.00
  Tortilla Soup^ **
  roasted tomatoes, seasonal vegetables, asadero & jack cheese, avocado, crispy corn tortilla strips
  
  $5.00
  
  $7.00
  Grilled Chicken Caesar
  
  grilled natural chicken breast, romaine hearts, baby spinach, brioche croutons, parmesan cheese, fresh lemon, caesar dressing ($13.50)
  
  Lettuce Wraps^ **
  
  chickpea fritter, pickled vegetables, smoked cashews, harissa vinaigrette ($9.00)
  
  Southwest Salad
  
  mixed greens, baby kale, roasted corn, pico de gallo, tomatoes, avocado, asadero & jack cheese, tortilla fan, cilantro lime vinaigrette ($11.00)
  
  Hotel Salad
  
  spinach, chili pecans, herbed goat cheese crouton, grapes, red onion, pomegranate pecan dressing ($9.50)
  
  Niçoise Salad**
  
  seared rare ahi tuna*, mixed greens, marinated purple potatoes, asparagus, kalamata olives, soft boiled egg* cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette ($14.00)
  
  Depot Salad
  
  AZ raised top-sirloin*, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, avocado, smoked crispy onions, roasted shallot dressing ($14.00)
  
  Fish 'N' Chips
  
  beer-battered cod, pepper slaw, spicy tartar sauce, lemon, papas fritas ($13.00)
- Sandwiches
  
  Cubano
  
  pressed bakery roll, braised pork, smoked ham, gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeño peppers, dill pickles, dijon mustard, chipotle mayo, cilantro, fresh lime juice ($12.50)
  
  Tucson Dip
  
  local chile marinated smoked tri tip, cheddar cheese, creamy horseradish, crispy onions, bakery roll, green chile au jus ($12.50)
  
  Real Thing
  
  1/2 lb. beef chuck patty*, butter lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, brioche bun. Add jalapeño, poblano pepper, roasted chiles, black pepper bacon, avocado, cheese, grilled onions, or mushrooms $1 each ($13.00)
  
  Beyond Burger^
  
  plant based veggie burger, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, brioche bun. Add jalapeño, poblano pepper, roasted chiles, avocado, cheese, grilled onions, or mushrooms $1 each ($13.00)
  
  Caprese Chicken
  
  grilled chicken, pesto, mozzarella, tomato, balsamic reduction, brioche bun ($12.00)
  
  The Rachel
  
  house-cured pastrami, gruyère cheese, pepper slaw, russian dressing, marble rye ($12.50)
  
  King of Clubs
  
  smoked turkey, pit ham, avocado, roasted chiles, black pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, sourdough ($13.50)
- Coffee
  
  Espresso
  
  classic Italian shot ($3.00)
  
  Cowboy Coffee
  
  house-blend coffee, espresso ($3.75)
  
  Cappuccino
  
  espresso, frothed milk ($4.00)
  
  Café Latte
  
  milk, espresso, frothed milk ($4.50)
  
  Cubano de Havana
  
  double shot of espresso, whole milk, raw sugar, cinnamon ($4.50)
  
  House Horchata Iced Latte
  
  espresso, house horchata over ice ($4.75)
  
  Breve
  
  espresso, half & half ($4.50)
  
  Chai
  
  chai tea blend, milk ($4.50)
  
  Mocha
  
  espresso, chocolate, milk, whipped cream ($5.00)
  
  Mocha Azteca
  
  milk, espresso, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne, vanilla syrup ($5.00)
  
  Hermosa Coffee Roasters Coffee
  
  regular / decaf ($2.75)
  
  Hermosa Coffee Roasters Cold Brew
  
  ($3.50)
- Tea
  
  Iced Tea or Numi Hot Tea
  
  ask your server for available varieties ($2.50)
- Specialties
  
  Italian Soda
  
  seltzer and your choice of flavor: peach, raspberry, blood orange, french vanilla, almond, hazelnut, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry ($2.50)
  
  Steamers
  
  steamed milk and your choice of flavor: french vanilla, almond, or hazelnut ($2.75)
  
  Homemade Limeade
  
  ($2.50)
  
  House Horchata
  
  ($3.00)
- Essentials
  
  Whole Milk
  
  ($2.00)
  
  Skim Milk
  
  ($2.00)
  
  Almond Milk
  
  ($2.00)
  
  San Pellegrino
  
  ($3.50)
Breakfast
- Main
  
  Two Eggs* 'N' Toast any Style**
  
  hotel potatoes, add your choice of wheat, rye, sourdough, english muffin, or tortillas ($7.50)
  
  Cast Iron Baked Eggs**
  
  two poached eggs*, ham, leeks, shallots, gruyère cheese, cream, fines herbes, hotel potatoes, toast ($13.00)
  
  Tofu Scramble^ **
  
  fines herbes, vegan sausage, fresh fruit, hotel potatoes, toast ($10.50)
  
  Trout Benedict**
  
  smoked trout, two poached eggs*, english muffin, heirloom tomato chutney, whole mustard hollandaise, fines herbes, dressed greens, fresh fruit ($14.00)
  
  Braveheart
  
  smoked beef brisket, sourdough, grilled tomatoes, sautéed spinach, gruyère cheese, two poached eggs*, sausage gravy, hotel potatoes ($12.00)
  
  Silverside Hash**
  
  house-pickled corned beef, two poached eggs, whole mustard hollandaise, fines herbes, toast ($12.00)
  
  Huevos Rancheros**
  
  two eggs* any style, asadero and cotija cheeses, vegan cowboy beans, corn tortillas, sauce ranchero, cilantro, hotel potatoes ($10.75)
  
  Creole Breakfast
  
  two eggs* any style, andouille sausage, buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, hotel potatoes ($12.00)
  
  Chilaquiles Verde**
  
  braised pork, two poached eggs*, corn tortillas, tomatillo sauce, asadero and cotija cheeses, cilantro, fresh fruit ($12.00)
  
  Quiche du Jour
  
  prepared from scratch, mixed greens, fresh fruit ($11.00)
  
  The Deposition
  
  two cinnamon flapjacks, two eggs* any style, black pepper bacon. Add banana rum syrup, blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, raisins, bananas, or bacon bits $1 each ($11.00)
  
  Brioche French Toast
  
  Vanilla-orange battered brioche, powdered sugar, maple syrup. Add banana rum syrup, blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, raisins, or bananas $1 each ($9.75)
  
  Bagel 'N' Lox
  
  tequila-cured lox, capers, red onion, mixed greens, chopped egg, garlic chive cream cheese ($10.00)
  
  Fruitopia
  
  seasonal fruit, greek yogurt & granola parfait, agave sweetened cream ($9.50)
  
  Bowl of House-Made Granola or Old-Fashioned Cut Oats
  
  Choice of milk or greek yogurt. add banana rum syrup, blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, raisins, or bananas $1 each ($6.50)
- Congressional Omelet
  
  Personalize Your Three-Egg Omelet
  
  With any (3) items: avocado, bell pepper, fresh herbs, tomato, green chiles, mushrooms, onions, spinach, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, gruyère, asadero, parmesan, havarti, AZ chorizo, black pepper bacon, ham, lox, sausage ($10.25)
- Retail
  Hotel Congress Tin Coffee Mugs
  
  ($12.00)
  
  Cup Cafe T-shirts
  
  ($24.00)
  
  Pint Glasses
  
  ($10.00)
  
  Hotel Congress Shot Glasses
  $6.00
  
  $10.00
  Hermosa Coffee Roasters Cup Cafe Blend by the Pound
  
  ($14.00)
  
  Local Cup Cafe Blend Iced Tea by the Pound
  
  ($12.00)
  
  Cup Cafe House-Made Granola by the Pound
  
  ($10.00)
Cup Cafe Happy Hour
- Select Starters
  
  Heartbreaker
  
  goat's milk brie, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, sliced apple, sherry macerated grape compote, honeycomb, toasted Barrio baguette ($9.50)
  
  Shrimp Bruschetta
  
  poached shrimp, avocado, smoked corn, goat cheese, cilantro vinaigrette, Barrio baguette ($9.00)
  
  Kung Pow Calamari
  
  smoked cashews, sweet chili sauce, pickled jalapeño, sesame seeds, cabbage, scallions, cilantro ($9.50)
  
  Crab Cakes
  
  jumbo lump crab, lemon tarragon aioli, mixed greens, champagne vinaigrette ($12.00)
  
  Stuffed Dates**
  
  chorizo stuffed medjool dates wrapped in black pepper bacon, roasted red pepper sauce, cilantro ($7.00)
- Drink
  
  Cocktail Classics
  
  ($5.00)
  
  Glasses of House Wine
  
  ($4.00)
  
  Pints of Draft Beer
  
  ($3.00)
Dinner
- Starters
  
  Barrio Bread
  
  Tucson's own award-winning Barrio baguette served with house-made herb butter, basil pesto, chili infused oil and vinegar ($3.75)
  
  Papas Fritas^ **
  
  fries, malt vinegar aioli ($6.00)
  
  Shrimp Bruschetta
  
  poached shrimp, avocado, smoked corn, goat cheese, cilantro vinaigrette, Barrio baguette ($11.00)
  
  Stuffed Dates**
  
  chorizo stuffed medjool dates wrapped in black pepper bacon, roasted red pepper sauce, cilantro ($9.00)
  
  Heartbreaker
  
  goat's milk brie, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, sliced apple, sherry macerated grape compote, honeycomb, toasted Barrio baguette ($11.00)
  
  Mission Street Tacos
  
  crispy pork belly, pickled jalapeños, jicama slaw, jalapeño aioli, cilantro ($10.00)
  
  Drunken Fish Tacos
  
  beer-battered cod, pico de gallo, cabbage, chipotle aioli, scallions ($10.00)
  
  Papa y Chile Tacos
  
  roasted potatoes, poblano peppers, jalapeño aioli, cabbage, pickled red onions, cilantro ($10.00)
  
  Lettuce Wraps^ **
  
  chickpea fritter, pickled vegetables, smoked cashews, harissa vinaigrette ($9.00)
  
  Kung Pow Calamari
  
  smoked cashews, sweet chili sauce, pickled jalapeño, sesame seeds, cabbage, scallions, cilantro ($11.50)
  
  Crab Cakes
  
  jumbo lump crab, lemon tarragon aioli, mixed greens, champagne vinaigrette ($14.00)
- Salads
  Caesar Salad
  romaine hearts, baby spinach, brioche croutons, parmesan cheese, fresh lemon, caesar dressing
  
  $7.00
  
  $10.00
  Southwest Salad
  
  mixed greens, baby kale, roasted corn, pico de gallo, tomatoes, avocado, asadero & jack cheese, tortilla fan, cilantro lime vinaigrette ($12.00)
  
  Hotel Salad
  spinach, chili pecans, herbed goat cheese crouton, grapes, red onion, pomegranate pecan dressing
  
  $7.50
  
  $10.50
- Soups
  Soup du Jour
  It's the soup of the day. Mmmm, that sounds good, I'll have that
  
  $5.00
  
  $7.00
  Tortilla Soup^ **
  roasted tomatoes, seasonal vegetables, asadero & jack cheese, avocado, crispy corn tortilla strips
  
  $5.00
  
  $7.00
- Main
  
  Fish 'N' Chips
  
  beer-battered cod, pepper slaw, spicy tartar sauce, lemon, papas fritas ($17.00)
  
  Real Thing
  
  1/2 lb. beef chuck patty*, butter lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, brioche bun, papas fritas. Add jalapeño, poblano pepper, roasted chiles, black pepper bacon, avocado, cheese, grilled onions, or mushrooms $1 each ($14.00)
  
  Beyond Burger^
  
  Plant based veggie burger, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, brioche bun, papas fritas. Add jalapeño, poblano pepper, roasted chiles, avocado, cheese, grilled onions, or mushrooms $1 each ($14.00)
  
  Niçoise Salad**
  
  seared rare ahi tuna*, mixed greens, marinated purple potatoes, asparagus, kalamata olives, soft boiled egg* cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette ($15.00)
  
  Depot Salad
  
  AZ raised top-sirloin*, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, avocado, smoked crispy onions, roasted shallot dressing ($15.00)
  
  Salmon Farro Salad
  
  herb crusted Scottish salmon, farro, mixed greens, asparagus, red onion, grapefruit, toasted almonds, almond brown butter vinaigrette ($18.00)
- Entrées
  
  Santa Cruz Flank Steak**
  
  8 oz Santa Cruz chili and local honey marinated flank steak*, chimichurri vinaigrette, calabacitas, lemon-thyme yucca chips ($23.00)
  
  Pan Roasted Salmon**
  
  Scottish salmon, apple ginger mint glaze, carrot puree, almond leek rice pilaf, spicy broccolini, toasted apple chip ($25.00)
  
  Mesquite Smoked Ribs
  
  mesquite smoked ribs, cherry chipotle bbq sauce, poblano chili macaroni and cheese, pepper slaw ($23.00)
  
  Pesto Pasta
  
  house-made sonoran wheat pasta, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, local veggies, cream, parmesan cheese, basil ($18.00)
  
  Pork Schnitzel
  
  pork loin, pretzel spätzle, sautéed greens, wine soaked raisins, leeks, mushroom butter sauce, fried capers ($22.00)
  
  Chicken & Gnocchi
  
  mushroom duxelle and goat cheese-stuffed chicken breast, madeira wine sauce, butternut gnocchi, shallots, spinach, roasted wild mushrooms, fines herbes ($23.00)
  
  Beef Bourguignon
  
  pan seared AZ raised beef, mushrooms, shallots, cabernet wine, demi glace, buttermilk-chive polenta, roasted root vegetables ($22.00)
  
  Sonoran Sopes^ **
  
  corn cakes, vegan beans, avocado, onion, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, green chilies, cilantro, vegan sour cream, chimichurri vinaigrette ($17.00)
  
  Thai Fisherman's Stew**
  
  fresh fish, sea scallops, clams, shrimp, jalapeño, zucchini, bell pepper, coconut green curry broth, cilantro mint rice ($24.00)
  
  Pan Roasted Trout**
  
  ruby red trout, corn, jalapeño, green pepper, cream sauce, wild rice ($20.00)
Plaza Eats
- Plaza Eats
  
  BBQ Real Thing
  
  1/3 lb. chuck patty, cheddar, roasted jalapeño, BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions, dill pickle, brioche bun ($8.00)
  
  Beyond Burger ^
  
  plant based veggie burger, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, brioche bun ($8.00)
  
  Papas Fritas ^ ^^
  
  fries, malt vinegar aioli ($6.00)
  
  Poutine
  
  fries, cheese curds, smoked house gravy ($10.00)
  
  Street Corn
  
  whole grilled corn, jalapeño aioli, pico de gallo, cotija, cilantro ($5.00)
  
  HOCO Hot Wings ^^
  
  6 wings + pickled veggies, tamarind bbq or AZ Gunslinger buffalo, ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing ($6.00)
  
  Benny's Burro
  
  carne asada, sour cream, cowboy beans, pico de gallo, asadero and jack cheese ($8.00)
  
  Picacho Nacho
  
  layers of jack cheese, bean dip, chili con queso, peppers, tomato, onions, fire roasted salsa ($7.00)
  
  Lettuce Wraps ^ ^^
  
  2 wraps: chickpea fritter, pickled vegetables, smoked cashews, harissa vinaigrette ($5.00)
- Veggie Tacos
  
  Papa y Chile
  
  flour tortillas, roasted potatoes, poblano peppers, jalapeño aioli, cabbage, pickled red onions, cilantro ($6.00)
  
  Falafel ^ ^^
  
  corn tortillas, chickpea fritter, cabbage, pickled jalapeño, cilantro, vegan harissa cream ($6.00)
- Ice Cold Drinks
  
  Mexican Coke
  
  ($3.00)
  
  Sedona Water
  
  ($3.00)
  
  Grapefruit Jarritos
  
  ($1.50)
  
  Strawberry Jarritos
  
  ($1.50)

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