Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Tucson

Ice cream lunch spots

Sometimes the only logical way to finish a lunch break is with a cold dessert.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
CERES Pasta image 1
CERES Pasta image 2
CERES Pasta image 3
View all

Outdoor seating fills a quaint alleyway with shaded picnic tables and green vines creating a cozy, European vibe. The atmosphere stays chill and relaxing, enhanced by music from nearby venues. Lines form early as the spot is known for excellent pasta and renowned gelato.

Gelato flavors stay fresh and delicious. Staff serve it with care in a great atmosphere.

Fresh and delicious lunch options focus on pastas and sandwiches. Outdoor seating at picnic tables offers views of wall mural art. Popular items sell out quickly, so arriving early helps.

People are saying

"I thought the pasta here was out of this world."

"The gelato here is always delicious, especially the almond flavor."

"This lunch spot has amazing handmade pasta and gelato."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only has outdoor seating, which is kid and pet friendly.

2

Popular pastas and sandwiches often sell out, so arrive early.

3

The restaurant is only open a few days a week.

02
Broadway 7000 Shopping Center image 1

Shopping center features 50s and 60s themed restaurants and a central theater with live entertainment. Atmosphere is loud and fun, often with DJs and impersonators creating a lively vibe. Visitors enjoy classic music, vintage car shows, and family-friendly activities.

Offers a great assortment of ice cream with reasonably priced options. Known for some of the best milkshakes and ice cream around.

Broadway 7000 Shopping Center offers great lunch options with a variety of choices. Holy Smoking Butts BBQ Restaurant serves notable BBQ dishes for lunch.

People are saying

"I saw a great show at the theater here."

"You'll love the shakes and malts here."

"This Lunch Spot has the best Tri Tip in Tucson."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but the lot has many potholes and faded lines.

2

Visitors must be at least 21 years old to enter the lounge.

3

The Baja Cafรฉ is known for having one of the best breakfasts in Tucson.

03
Noodies image 1
Restaurant

Casual restaurant with cute decor and paintings of pasta regions creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Small kids play area and patio seating offer comfortable options for families and groups. The vibe stays relaxed and welcoming, making it a nice spot for casual dining.

Rotating gelato flavors change weekly, offering variety regularly. Soft serve gelato and yogurt ice cream provide refreshing options on hot days.

Lunches come plentiful and good with options like a tuna sandwich. The spot suits a chill lunch near work or a relaxed weekend meal.

People are saying

"I loved their handmade pasta, especially with the vodka sauce."

"The weekly rotating gelato flavors are always amazing."

"The pasta at this lunch spot is fresh and handmade."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get packed.

2

Noodies offers weekly gelato specials that change regularly.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly with a play area for children.

04
Tuxon Chix image 1
Restaurant

Open interior with wood panels and a fake plant wall creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Music adds to the friendly, casual vibe where people relax and enjoy meals. Small, meticulously clean space features a chic drive-thru with Edison lights enhancing the exterior.

Waffle with ice cream stands out as a popular dessert choice. The combination offers a sweet, satisfying finish to meals like sandwiches and wings.

Lunch offers delicious and satisfying meals. The spot serves great options for a midday break.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwiches here are incredibly flavorful and unique."

"This lunch spot's chicken is cooked to perfection."

"The waffle with ice cream was ooey, gooey, and sooo good."

Good to know

1

The Tuxon sandwich meal is a great deal at $10.50.

2

Menu items are all handmade from scratch, including sauces.

3

The restaurant uses compostable bags and utensils.

05
La Encantada image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air plaza with upscale architecture and minimalist design offers spacious surroundings and mountain views. Atmosphere stays clean and quiet, attracting a friendly, well-heeled crowd. Plenty of outdoor seating and amenities like Tesla chargers and pet-friendly features enhance the experience.

Gelato frost stands out as a consistent favorite, known for its great flavor. The spot offers a delicious ice cream parlor experience with tasty options like cinnamon bun paired with ice cream.

Lunch offers a variety of delicious options across different spots. Meals provide a great foodie experience with consistently good flavors.

People are saying

"I found this outdoor mall to be beautiful and clean."

"I thought the ice cream here was super great."

"I had a delicious lunch here; the food and service were great."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially during the holidays, so arrive early.

2

La Encantada features a unique selection of high-end shops not found elsewhere.

3

Expect to pay higher prices for products at La Encantada.

06
New York Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with renovated interior and arcade games including pinball and pool table. Atmosphere feels like an indoor picnic with friendly, lively energy and big-screen TVs showing games. Popular for authentic New York-style pizza with large, flavorful slices.

Thrifty ice cream stands out as a cool treat here, matching the quality of their pizza. It comes alongside arcade games and big screen TVs, making it a fun spot for all ages.

Lunch specials come with a drink and a beer at no extra charge. The affordable price and cheese pizza make it a solid choice for a simple, satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was absolutely delicious."

"I love that they serve Thrifty's Ice Cream; it's the best I've had since I was a kid."

"The lunch specials here are a great deal."

Good to know

1

Great specials are offered every day until 4pm.

2

Slices cost $1.00 each, with toppings available.

3

Draft beer and soda are priced at $2.00 each.

07
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery image 1

Exposed brick and modern design create a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere with an industrial charm. An attached ice cream bar and outdoor seating with shade and mist cooling add unique touches. The space balances an upscale bar and restaurant vibe with quiet, relaxed energy.

House-made ice cream stands out with its smooth and creamy texture. An attached ice cream bar adds a fun touch, making it a solid spot for a cold, sweet treat.

Lunch offers fantastic meals with consistently amazing quality. It serves as a reliable spot for both casual and group dining.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so smooth and creamy."

"The salmon here is perfectly seared and tender."

"The burgers and tots at this lunch spot are amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider using the nearby public parking lot.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free bread options for sandwiches and hamburgers.

08
Carnicerรญa Wild West image 1

Grocery store combines festive atmosphere with a warm, homey feeling and outdoor grilling services on a clean patio. It offers custom-cut premium meats and a selection of Mexican candy and food, creating a lively spot reminiscent of traditional carne asadas.

Free ice cream is available, often given by Kendra. Kids enjoy the Mexican candy alongside the ice cream.

Lunch offers fresh and light options that satisfy. Stopping by provides consistently great meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the birria."

"The birria tacos at this Lunch Spot are flavorful and packed."

"I got free ice cream, and Kendra gave it to me."

Good to know

1

Free grilling is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Call ahead for burritos to avoid waiting; everything is made to order.

09
Culverโ€™s image 1
American restaurant

Clean, modern dining room offers a cozy atmosphere with TVs featuring closed captions for entertainment. The environment feels welcoming and peaceful, encouraging guests to spend time rather than rush. Consistent quality and freshness define the food experience here.

Excellent ice cream stands out here, especially with pecans mixed in. Options include sundaes and milkshakes that consistently impress.

Quick service suits tight lunch breaks. Menu offers roast beef sandwiches, Double Deluxe Butter Burgers, and onion rings in perfect lunch sizes.

People are saying

"I thought their butter burgers were the best fast food burgers around."

"I thought the ice cream here was excellent."

"The roast beef sandwich is a delicious lunch spot."

Good to know

1

The wait time for food is close to 15 minutes for a burger and fries.

2

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect inconsistent portion sizes for frozen custard due to new weighing policy.

10
RoadHouse Cinemas | Tucson image 1

Small screening rooms feature comfortable recliners with heated seats that almost lay flat, creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. A bar in the lobby offers a spot to chat before movies, and an adjacent area includes bowling, a sports bar, and an arcade for added entertainment.

Gelato stands out with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Birthday-themed gelato adds a fun twist to the usual selection.

Reclining seats let you enjoy lunch or dinner comfortably while watching a movie. The food is very good and pairs well with a beverage during the film.

People are saying

"The reclining seats here are super comfortable."

"The reclining seats with plenty of leg room made the experience premium."

"You can enjoy lunch while watching a movie in a comfy recliner."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounts on select items, but check your receipt to avoid full charges.

2

Wise Wednesday features half-off beers, making it a popular night for visitors.

3

The theater can run out of candy during busy nights, so plan accordingly.

11
Wok & Roll image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant offers a large sushi station with real raw fish and a big dessert bar featuring multiple ice cream flavors. Atmosphere is warm and family-friendly but can be loud due to children. Space feels clean and cozy with simple decor and relaxing lighting.

Six to eight ice cream flavors are available for scooping, which is more than other Asian buffets nearby. The ice cream is real and fresh, with options like pecan and lychee that kids and adults enjoy.

An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet costs $15 and includes some fresh sushi rolls. The lunch is reasonably priced and the sushi stays hot and fresh between lunch and dinner hours.

People are saying

"The buffet has a good assortment of fresh and flavorful items."

"This lunch spot has delicious and fresh Chinese food."

"They had six different flavors of ice cream."

Good to know

1

The seafood buffet is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

2

Friday and Saturday nights are extremely packed, expect long wait times.

3

Reservations are recommended for the seafood buffet on weekends.

12
Chocolate Iguana image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop combines cozy atmosphere with a candy store element, offering more than just coffee. Seating is plentiful in a clean, comfortable space where breakfast and lunch items, including homemade goods and gluten-free options, complement a variety of sweets and beverages.

Offers flavorful ice cream with options like vanilla and mint chocolate. Includes an espresso and ice cream drink and pairs well with homemade pastries and chocolates.

Lunch features sandwiches that taste good. The menu includes homemade goods and ice cream alongside breakfast and lunch options.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious and great."

"I was surprised they had ice cream alongside pastries and handmade chocolates."

"I loved the delicious, custom-made sandwiches at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

They offer a variety of coffee, Italian sodas, ice cream, and homemade goods.

2

Prices for coffee and snacks are reasonable compared to competitors.

3

The cafe has a clean environment with plenty of seating available.

Discover more

Tucson, Arizona

Area guide
Loading Map...