Eclectic Cafe...Bottled Beer served at 36-degrees

The Eclectic Cafe has been a long standing landmark on the northeast side of Tucson. Anchoring the strip shopping center at the base of Sabino Canyon Road at 7053 E Tanque Verde it is a favorite dining place for residents from the foothills and the eastside flatlanders.

Eclectic Cafe’s walls are hung with original oil paintings, priced to sell, above what reminds me of a small town diner with booths and tables arranged for the optimum use of available space. There are also tables available al fresco with pull down shades and misters working during the hotter months.

I ordered a bottle on Nimbus Palo Verde Pale Ale. Nimbus is a local brewery that I have heard a lot about but have not, until now, sampled their product. The bottle of ale was served with an accompanying frosted beer glass and registered a cool 36 degrees. It had the typical nutty flavored bite of a micro brewery beer, light and crisp with a pleasing after taste.

For dinner I ordered carne asada tacos with salsa fresca which were served on three lightly warmed corn tortillas with cubed beef, lettuce, purple onion, sliced cucumber and radish and one large slice of avocado per taco. The salsa fresca was a delicious blend of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and bits of a very hot jalapeno pepper.

Heidi ordered the beef, bean, cheese and green chile burrito with sides of sour cream and guacamole. The burrito was served next to a garden salad. Heidi enjoyed her meal which was large enough for her to ask for a box to take half of it home.

My eight year old daughter Hunter ordered tortilla soup for an appetizer. When it arrived she proceeded to remove all the corn tortilla chips and replace them with saltine crackers. For her main course she ordered the spinach and mushroom crepes. After the waitress took our order and left the table Hunter whispered to her Mom, “What’s a crepe?” Hunter enjoyed her meal even if she wasn’t quite sure what she was ordering

There is more than Mexican food available as one can truly say the menu is eclectic. From what we sampled, I would describe the fare as affordable Mexican food served with a gourmet chef’s touch.

The charming and relaxed atmosphere combined with delicious food, gourmet presentation and excellent service at Eclectic Cafe make it a Tucson landmark everyone should try.