Best of Tucson 1996: Best Late-Night Restaurant

Best Late-Night Restaurant

Coffee, Etc.
2830 N. Campbell Ave.
6091 N. Oracle Road

READERS' PICK: Some might sneer that this is just about the only late-night restaurant in town, which isn't true. Even if it were, that wouldn't explain the crowds that flock to Coffee Etc. at all hours of the day and night. If the food sucked, nobody would go there at all. The food is quite good and the staff works hard to keep the menu interesting and tasty. It's definitely not just a late-night coffee shop. The Etc. part--which includes a wide variety of loose-leaf infusions, sinful cheesecake concoctions, tall stacks of hotcakes, gourmet greens and novelty gift items--are well worth the trip, as well.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Although we don't often find ourselves awake at 3 a.m., it's comforting to know there's a place for somnambulists and the decidedly undead. Breakfast at Grill, 100 E. Congress St., is served "until tomorrow." If you're not planning on sleeping that night, anyway, start out with a hot cuppa joe and try--we dare you--to finish the "Big Bowl of Cap'n Crunch" which is, basically, the whole box. It's good for a month's supply of Riboflavin, whatever the hell that does for ya. "Open later than you think," Grill is the place for moonstruck night bloomers who shine only while the sun is sleeping.

STAFF PICK: No contest here. Cops just getting off duty, or just going on, or those who prefer burritos to donuts all hang out at El Minuto Café, 354 S. Main Ave., so you don't have to worry much about armed robbery late at night. This place has been around forever, and yet it's constantly improving--its southside Tucson take on Sonoran dishes are as good as any in town. And the really nice thing about dining here in the wee hours is that all the politicians and bureaucrats who chow down here during the day are in bed, or possibly even at home asleep.

A PERFECT 10: You know the scenario: You're chatting with friends as you exit the theatre. You agree you're famished. As you head for your cars, racking your brains for the next destination, you look at each other blankly. The town "shut down" hours ago. You seek something more interesting and certainly more palatable than the 24-hour coffee shop. A tad overdressed for the college hangout scene, you cast desperately for suggestions and finally hook one: KingFisher Bar &Grill. Whether you're dying for a light Caesar salad and cup of seafood chowder, or a big plate of baby back ribs with prickly pear BBQ sauce, KingFisher is a crowd pleaser. You'll find a tempting selection of wines by the glass or carafe, to sip as you study the eclectic menu. The grilled fish sandwich with cilantro pesto, white cheddar, roasted peppers and chiles is a standout; and vegetarians will enjoy the tomato vegetable and white bean soups. And pan-fried shrimp cakes with Vietnamese hot sauce make a hearty late night snack. The fresh plum frangipane tart is out of this world, though the blueberry cream cheese crumb cake is a close second. On a good night, you'll get all this and a taste of jazz or blues, too.