Tooley's Cafe
299 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ
Crema's Take
“Tooley's is a sun-soaked brunch destination in Tucson that goes well beyond standard coffee shop fare, earning genuine affection for its inventive Southwestern-inspired menu items like jalapeño corn cakes with candied peppers and fresh agua fresca drinks alongside carefully crafted coffee. The sprawling indoor and outdoor seating creates natural gathering spaces perfect for lingering with friends or celebrating occasions, while the kitchen's commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients keeps regulars returning to explore the evolving menu.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
I rarely write negative reviews, but this experience truly warrants one. I have never encountered such disappointing customer service. My family brought me here to celebrate my birthday, knowing I enjoy browsing at Gathered across the street. We ordered two tacos each ($6 per taco) and shared a giant brownie and cinnamon roll. First, the positives: the gentleman at the register was pleasant. The pastries were absolutely delicious, and I loved the atmosphere. Unfortunately, our dining experience quickly went downhill. After waiting nearly an hour, a server brought out a breakfast taco and a burrito. None of us had ordered a burrito, so we let them know it wasn’t ours. About 10–15 minutes later, the same incorrect food came back out. The employee who had taken our order then told me he had entered it incorrectly — substituting a burrito (double the price) instead of one of my tacos. Rather than refunding the $6 difference, I was offered a free pastry, which I declined. Another 15 minutes passed before I finally received the correct taco. To be honest, the breakfast and mailman tacos were just okay — very simple and certainly not something that should take over an hour to prepare. By this point, an hour and a half had passed, and neither my husband nor my daughter had received their tacos. My husband eventually went to the register to request a refund because he was understandably frustrated. Instead of an apology or any meaningful effort to make the situation right, we were told we would still have to pay for the food we received and would be refunded only for what never arrived. Apparently my family wasn’t alone in our frustrations. Two other people had come to the register with the same complaint of waiting over an hour for their food. And no, this place was not busy at all which made it all the more confusing why the kitchen couldn’t keep up with orders. As of now, we are still awaiting approximately $50 in refunds. It was disappointing to have a birthday celebration turn into an exercise in frustration. The pastries and ambiance were lovely, but the service — and lack of accountability — left us feeling undervalued as customers. This was our first time there and we won’t be going back. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and improves their service standards moving forward.
Delicious! Staff is lovely, tons of seating with unique perspectives, and the food was super fresh and yummy. That Salsa! So fresh! It's my first visit and I'll be returning often with friends to try everything on the menu. Thank You, Tooley's! Very Tucson place to brunch!
My husband highly recommended this place after he went. He said it’s a very delicious choice of foods and has indoor and outdoor seating. Menu items: Turkey Jalapeño Breakfast Burrito Agua Fresca Mimosa of the Day: Pineapple Orange
What a hidden gem! Delicious, unique food options and good coffee. Ample indoor and outdoor seating. Clean single stall bathroom but no changing table. It was an enjoyable brunch spot for us! We were impressed with the corn cakes with the unique touches like candied (or maybe dried??) jalapeños and house made jalapeño syrup. They were too spicy and it balanced nicely with the sweetness of the corn. They were out of black beans so we got a side of rice, but it was very plain. That was the only thing that made us go “meh.” It was just rice with some scallions on it. Definitely worth checking out though and I hope they stick around! It’s a great spot to chill with a coffee and read a book, or have a relaxed brunch with friends, because it’s really a space that you can linger and enjoy.
UPDATE: 2 weeks later, I brought my husband and the menu has been expanded.!!!! The corn cakes with jalapeno syrup, candied jalapeno's and black beans are still amazing. Hubby got the Killer Mailman Burro (what does that title mean??) and loved it, especially the tender turkey inside. I stand by my previous 5 star review! During a recent shopping trip at The Lost Barrio, my friends and I happened upon Tooley's Cafe. We found out that the cafe has had it's ups and downs over the years and yesterday was a soft opening after being closed for 6 months. What a revelation those corn cakes with candied jalapeno and turkey tacos were! Everything was light, fresh and delicious. My friends enjoyed the mimosas and margarita. Good thing I was driving because they said they were strong, but so tasty they wanted to order a second one! My cortado was made with just the right balance of espresso and milk, served hot! We finished with a yummy chocolate chip cookie. Eating outside is a delight in Tucson and there is a large porch to enjoy your goodies. Their menu is small for now and they will expand the offerings in the future. Enjoy!
Crema Reviews
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