Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ocotillo Cafe

    3.8 (39 reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Closed Closed

    Ocotillo Cafe Photos

    OCOTILLO CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ocotillo Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Birria tacos
    Robin S.

    Nice ambiance, good menu, excellent service. You can also eat at the counter-service bistro next door but if you want a pleasant sit-down place, Ocotillo is it.

    Hongas y rajas...these are vegetarian tacos

    This place is always great. I would give my Sonoran salad a 4.5. I would give the vegetarian Tacos a 5. I would give the Churros a 5+ The Churros were hot and fresh and served with a Cinnamon ice cream, whipped cream, prickly pear syrup, and carmel. Really really good. Top notch for a place like this.

    Outdoor seating
    Nicole S.

    Nice little cafe with great food! The tacos were absolutely delish and the prickly pear margarita was refreshing. Our waitress was attentive, provided wonderful customer service.

    Carnitas salad with tortilla soup and steak Frites
    Jim A.

    We enjoyed a perfect spring lunch outdoors at the Ocotillo Cafe at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Amazing chef & service, Thanks Katie! We ate at five more restaurants in Tucson three of them the highest rated in the city and this meal and service was still our best experience. We had the "Topopo" carnitas, avocado, elote, heirloom tomato, tortilla strip salad, the steak frites with crispy sweet potato fries, tortilla soup and jicama mandarin orange slaw while sipping an orange blossom beer. My 360 photos were shot with a Ricoh Theta Z1.

    Bean hummus. Looked like canned dog food. Had no real taste and a very lumpy/grainy texture.
    Kari F.

    I had high hopes given some good reviews here but found our experience very lacking. The biggest cons were unavailable food and poor kids menu explanations. Our group (3 adults and 2 kids) sat down to order and as soon as the kids placed their order were told they'd been given the wrong menu and that their options weren't available. When we fixed their order they were given drink options and chose a limeaid; we weren't told that those drinks were not standard until we got the bill and saw that our small children had been sold $5 drinks. We ordered apps (fried cactus was great; bean hummus looked and tasted like canned dog food) and entrees. Prickly pear margarita was good but weak). Kids food came, two entrees came (both ok, not exceptional) and waitress then informed that the third entree (mine) was unavailable. Since everyone else's food had come, I just placed a dessert order instead so that I didn't hold the whole meal up. 10 min later the waitress came back and said that wasn't available either. Since everyone else was almost done eating I just gave up. After not being able to eat I was offered a $5 discount off the bill.... not even enough to cover the surprise high priced kids drinks. Fast casual option would have been SO much better.

    Beautiful setting for our Valentine's Day lunch!
    Robert H.

    The Sonoran Desert Museum is one of our favorite places in Tucson. I'm so glad my wife suggested we do lunch for Valentine's at the Ocotillo Cafe. The pre dinner fresh baked focaccia bread and garlic cilantro pesto was mouth watering. We usually try not to eat too much bread prior to dinner but I could not get enough of this. Carol said the pumpkin seed blue corn crusted chicken breast was tops! My wok charred salmon was mouth watering and one of the best salmon plates I've ever had, even tho it was farm raised and not Wild. See photos posted. We will return!

    Chicken tinga tacos
    Melissa M.

    We've been museum members for a year and hadn't eaten here yet. I came out here with my son just to commune with nature, but decided we were hungry so decided to try it out. Weather was nice so we opted to eat on the outside patio, very pretty! My favorite thing was the prickly pear fries with roasted red pepper aioli. I ordered chicken tinga tacos and my son ordered the carnitas with green chilies sandwich. I was happy with my tacos until I tried my son's sandwich, then I immediately regretted my decision. His was amazing and mine was just ok. But, adding a star for environment, super fast and attentive service.

    Inside the cafe

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John R.
    165
    137
    320

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole S.
    146
    43
    66

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Fabulous vibe, incredibly fresh omelets, good coffee and sweets. What more can one want for a breakfast diner.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kari F.
    2
    23
    30

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert H.
    205
    75
    75

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kent W.
    11
    214
    37

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrew S.
    35
    162
    10

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    As always the food was delicious. The staff is great and the ambiance so relaxing. Throughly enjoyed our luncheon.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S S.
    0
    12
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Ocotillo Cafe

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for New American 8,342 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Tito & Pep - Ganache dessert ($12) and Pie Allen after dinner cocktail ($13) 5/2026

    Tito & Pep

    4.5(819 reviews)
    15.3 miPeter Howell
    $$$

    Tito & Pep is one of the best restaurants in Tucson. I had the pork chop, my son had the trout, my…read morehusband the salmon, and my brother the duck. We had the calamari to start. Everything was fantastic. The meat was tender and cooked perfectly. I highly recommend!

    Since coming to Tucson 4 years ago, Tito & Pep has been on my list and after finally trying it, it…read moredid not disappoint! We made a reservation well in advance and even then there were limited time options. The atmosphere of the restaurant is slightly upscale while still being cozy. I love all the plants! Our server was very knowledgeable and was able to give several recommendations. We ordered the grilled and chilled beets and the steak skewers for appetizers. The beets and everything that came with them was very fresh! I love anything with pickled onions. The steak appetizer was excellent and my dad could not stop talking about them. Next, I ordered the swordfish special and my dad got the pork chop. Everything was cooked to perfection and flavor was everywhere! For dessert we split the dark chocolate ganache. The ganache was very rich but paired wonderfully with the whipped cream and other flavors. I don't drink, but my dad also loved the cocktails he ordered! If Tito & Pep has been on your list do not hesitate any longer. I very much regret not coming here sooner and I highly recommend giving it a try!

    Photos
    Tito & Pep - Cool vibe

    Cool vibe

    Tito & Pep - Whole deep-fried Sea of Cortez Red Snapper for two ($85) 5/2026 special of the day.

    Whole deep-fried Sea of Cortez Red Snapper for two ($85) 5/2026 special of the day.

    Tito & Pep - Steak skewers

    See all

    Steak skewers

    Wildflower

    Wildflower

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    12.7 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Takes reservations

    We stopped in for a quick dinner before sunset to end our trip, and had a delicious dinner!…read more We were seated out in the covered patio area. It was the perfect spot to enjoy our meal. Our sever was prompt and very attentive. We order a zero proof drink (the Sunset on Sentinel) and the NA beer they had available. We skipped right to the main course since we had a quick turnaround. I went with the beef short rib ravioli and my husband had the fish and chips. We enjoyed some complimentary bread and oil as a little app before dinner came out. The ravioli was so flavorful (maybe a tiny bit too much cream sauce on the plate) - it was delicious. The fish came out crispy and perfectly battered, and flaky and moist inside. We would definitely come back next time we're in town and spend a little more time enjoying a full meal. We had a great experience.

    Food was good. Restaurant was not busy but plenty of tunnel vision wait staff were present. The…read morewait staff will not look at you if you are not there table. It's tunnel vision back to the kitchen every time. Finally my waitress comes with water to the table adjacent to mine. And she did not once to look at me think to refill my water after dropping off my food. You would think they would at least check on you to make sure all is well. Nope. Would have shopped for a dessert but did not want to have to go find my server to order it.

    Photos
    Wildflower
    Wildflower
    Wildflower

    See all

    5 Points Market & Restaurant - The Hanger Steak, Potatoes, and Chimichurri

    5 Points Market & Restaurant

    4.3(783 reviews)
    11.7 miBarrio Viejo
    $$

    It's only halfway through 2026, but I already know this will make my Top 5 restaurants of the year…read more It brings me such joy to happily pay for food that truly deserves its price tag - and I'd gladly pay more. So many higher-end expensive restaurants serve bland, tasteless food, meanwhile this amazing mid-ranged restaurant is serving some of the best dishes I've ever had. The smashed chicken was probably the best chicken dish I have ever had at a restaurant. The skin was perfectly crispy while the meat was juicy and well-seasoned. The ginger and herb salsa verde was so fresh and aromatic. The cilantro rice complimented the lemongrass aioli perfectly. Everything was seasoned perfectly, and I'm usually one to reach for the salt shaker at most restaurants. Smoked olives are a concept I have never considered before. It's a concept that was executed perfectly here. So savory, flavorful, and complex. I'd love to have a few with a dirty martini. Speaking of drinks, my Casino gin cocktail was great. Perfect level of sweetness and tartness. I knew I had to order dessert after how good everything else was, even though I am usually not a dessert person. The oolong tea cake was nothing short of incredible. The tea flavor was subtle but paired well with the fluffy and light honey buttercream. Not too sweet at all. Of course, the service was great too. Our waiter was very attentive and personable. My first experience at 5 points made me realize that this is what restaurants should strive to be. I can tell there is passion poured into every dish with every ingredient thoughtfully melded together. I can't wait to bring everyone I know here so they can experience this too!!

    We called about 45 minutes in advance on a Sunday morning to see if we could get reservations, and…read morewe were so pleased when they said they could accommodate us. The drink menu is extensive- everyone loved what they ordered, and there were several other things we wanted too! The shrubs and Coca Cola with espresso were the favorite picks. We tried the orange almond (gluten free!) cake, which was amazing. We also tried the banana cake with tahini cream. My main course of kale Caesar salad was amazing, and the portion was so generous I had lunch for two days! Everyone else raved about their food. The service was so friendly and helpful. The location was spacious and airy. Highly recommend you check it out!

    Photos
    5 Points Market & Restaurant
    5 Points Market & Restaurant - Peach pie with house made cream

    Peach pie with house made cream

    5 Points Market & Restaurant - Japanese Sweet Potato

    See all

    Japanese Sweet Potato

    Agustin Kitchen - Turkey

    Agustin Kitchen

    3.5(712 reviews)
    10.7 miMenlo Park
    $$

    This is one of my favorite places in Tucson, there is a French yet Mexican/Spanish quality to the…read moreplace. This beautiful restaurant is inside a building that opens into a small plaza where people can dine outdoors if they like. Its romantic but not arrogant and a very down to earth place. I have been here several times and this last time I was here, I came over after a sunset hike at Tumomac Hills. I sat at the bar and had a nice bartender take care of me. I had a PJ Margarita which was thirst quenching and refreshing after a hardy hike. I ordered the turnip salad and a side of frites. My turnip salad arrived and I gobbled up the goodness that can only happen with fresh veggies prepared this way and then waited for the frites. I got tired of waiting for the frites so asked the bartender to close me out. He asked if I wanted them to go and I said no. I should have better communicated that I wanted my salad and fries to arrive at the same time. Oh well, my mistake, no big deal. Bartender was very nice about it, took off the fries and also gave me 20% off HH pricing for my drink and salad. Overall, a good experience here, love the decor, and the pendant lighting at the bar is what drew me in initially. I'd definitely come back again when in Tucson. A mature and laid back place that still has style and class.

    5 of us had dinner there on a Friday evening for a family member's birthday. First, I loved that…read morethe tables were spaced out and you could hear everyone at your table and you didn't feel like other diners were sitting right next to you. Really pretty interior. We sat near the kitchen, but the chefs were so quiet while they were working, you wouldn't realize it other than to look at the beautiful style. I had the fish and chips and it was delicious. Not greasy, perfectly cooked. Would definitely get that again. The others at the table said theirs was great as well. We had several different starters and all were very good. Service was great. We were in no rush and we in no way felt hurried along. But if there was anything we needed, we didn't have to go in search of someone to help. Definitely enjoyed our time there.

    Photos
    Agustin Kitchen - Ordering at the counter.

    Ordering at the counter.

    Agustin Kitchen - Tier of Cookies

    Tier of Cookies

    Agustin Kitchen - Agustin Cafe (interior)

    See all

    Agustin Cafe (interior)

    Culinary Dropout

    Culinary Dropout

    4.0(2k reviews)
    13.6 miCountry Glenn
    $$
    Full bar
    Happy hour specials

    It was a busy Mother's Day, and they still made everything perfect!! Great food and service! A…read moreserver was going around and giving all the Moms' yummy little cakes.

    Culinary Dropout is honestly one of those places that's hard to put in just one box--in the best…read moreway. It's part restaurant, part bar, part game hall... and fully a vibe. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this isn't your typical sit-down dinner spot. The lighting is cool, there's a live DJ, and yes--it is loud. Like, don't come here expecting an intimate, quiet dinner kind of loud. This is more "laughing over music, people-watching, and soaking up the energy" kind of place. Now let's talk food, because that's where they pleasantly surprised me. They actually have a legit vegan option that doesn't feel like an afterthought (which I always appreciate). I went with the vegan curry and wow--it was delicious. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, with a mushroom-forward sauce and sweet potatoes that just worked so well together. We also had the olive oil bread, which was simple but so good, plus almonds and Brussels sprouts that were absolutely worth ordering. Everything felt shareable and fun, which fits the whole vibe of the place. This isn't where I'd go for a quiet date night or a five-star fine dining experience--but that's not what it's trying to be. It's where you go to hang out, eat good food, sip drinks, and just have a really fun time. Would I come back? Definitely.

    Photos
    Culinary Dropout
    Culinary Dropout
    Culinary Dropout

    See all

    Ocotillo Cafe - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...