Vegan Tucson: MSA Annex
MSA Annex
Address | 267 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
After a fascinating and wonderful day at the AGTA show, we were more than ready to trade fluorescent lighting and packed aisles for fresh air, golden hour, and something delicious to eat. Tucson has a way of rewarding you the second you step outside—especially this time of year—when the weather feels almost unreal: warm sun, a soft breeze, and that unmistakable desert glow. So instead of heading straight back to our hotel, we made the perfect post-fair decision and spent the evening at the MSA Annex.
If you’ve never been, the MSA Annex is one of Tucson’s best spots for unwinding, snacking, sipping, and simply being outside. It’s casual, walkable, and designed for lingering. There’s something about the open-air layout, the string lights, and the mix of local food vendors and small shops that makes it feel like a mini vacation—exactly what we needed after a full day of gemstones, meetings, and show-floor energy.
And the best part? There are genuinely tasty vegan options that feel exciting, not like an afterthought.
A Golden Hour Start at Hidden Hearth
We started our MSA Annex evening at Hidden Hearth, and it immediately set the tone. This is the kind of place that makes you pause mid-bite because the texture is that good. I ordered a focaccia that was crisp on the outside and pillowy on the inside—warm, airy, and satisfying in that perfect bakery way. It was topped with squash, dill, and chili peppers, and the combination was surprisingly elegant.
The squash brought a soft, mellow sweetness that felt seasonal and grounding. The dill added brightness and a fresh herbal lift that made each bite feel lighter than you’d expect from bread. And the chili peppers gave just enough heat to keep everything lively. It was balanced, flavorful, and honestly the ideal “first bite” after a long day.
Focaccia can sometimes be too dense or too oily, but this one nailed it. Crisp edges, soft center, and toppings that felt thoughtfully chosen rather than randomly piled on. It wasn’t just a snack—it was a moment.
With the sun still out and the energy of the space buzzing around us, Hidden Hearth felt like a delicious reset button.
Wandering the Annex: Shops, Sunlight, and That Post-Show Exhale
One of the things I love most about the MSA Annex is how it encourages you to slow down. You don’t have to commit to one restaurant and sit for two hours. You can graze, wander, sip, and explore.
After Hidden Hearth, we took our time walking through the shops and little storefronts throughout the Mercado District. There’s a charming mix of local goods—art, home items, gifts, and things you didn’t know you needed until you see them. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up something small and meaningful, or just enjoy browsing while your brain transitions out of “work mode.”
After AGTA, that decompression is real. The fair is exciting and inspiring, but it’s also a lot—so many conversations, so many decisions, so much sensory input. The MSA Annex felt like the antidote: open skies, space to breathe, and a gentle pace that let the day settle.
Dinner at Rollies Mexican: Vegan Comfort Food Done Right
After we’d wandered and shopped, we settled on Rollies Mexican for dinner—and it was exactly what I wanted.
I ordered the vegan Rollies, which are rolled taco shells stuffed with potato, topped with lettuce and cilantro. They came with a side of rice, and I added a mezcal paloma because, honestly, it felt like the only correct choice for a Tucson evening.
The Rollies were everything you want in comfort food: crispy, warm, and deeply satisfying. The potato filling was soft and hearty, and the rolled taco shells had that crunchy exterior that makes each bite feel fun. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent, but still simple in the best way—no gimmicks, just well-executed flavor and texture.
The toppings brought freshness and contrast. The lettuce added crunch and a cool, crisp bite. The cilantro gave that unmistakable brightness that instantly makes Mexican food feel alive. Together, they balanced the richness of the fried shell and potato filling.
And the rice on the side made it a full meal—something that actually fuels you after a long day, not just a snack pretending to be dinner.
It was vegan food that didn’t feel like it was trying too hard. It was just good.
The Mezcal Paloma: Smoky, Bright, and Perfectly Tucson
Let’s talk about the mezcal paloma, because it deserves its own moment.
A paloma is already one of the most refreshing cocktails out there—citrusy, slightly bitter, light, and easy to sip. But adding mezcal takes it into a completely different category. The smokiness gives it depth, and suddenly it feels like a cocktail that belongs in the desert.
This one was bright and grapefruit-forward, with that crisp citrus bite that makes you want another sip immediately. But the mezcal added warmth and a subtle smoky edge that lingered just enough to feel special.
It was the perfect drink for the setting: outdoors, sunset fading, the day behind us, and the night opening up.
A Post-Dinner Walk Through the Mercado District
After dinner, we didn’t rush off. Instead, we did what the MSA Annex is practically designed for: we walked.
We strolled through the Mercado District shops, browsing and chatting and letting the day unwind naturally. There’s something really satisfying about ending a busy work day with a slow walk—especially when the weather is this good and you’re surrounded by an atmosphere that feels lively but not chaotic.
This is the part of Tucson that makes you understand why people love living here. It’s social, but relaxed. It’s stylish, but not fussy. It’s vibrant without being overwhelming.
And after a full day at AGTA—where you’re constantly in motion and constantly “on”—this was the perfect way to come back to yourself.
Why MSA Annex Is a Must for Vegan Diners in Tucson
What made the night feel especially good was how easy it was to eat vegan without sacrificing flavor, variety, or fun. That’s not always the case when you’re traveling—especially when you’re on a schedule, or when you’re with a group.
At MSA Annex, the vibe is: grab what you want, eat what you love, and enjoy being outside. Vegan options are available, and they’re actually delicious. Not sad substitutions. Not “we can remove the cheese.” Real dishes that stand on their own.
Between the bakery-level focaccia at Hidden Hearth and the satisfying, crispy vegan Rollies at Rollies Mexican, it felt like the kind of night that makes you excited about plant-based dining. And that’s exactly what this Vegan Tucson series is about: finding the places that make eating vegan feel joyful, abundant, and memorable.
The Perfect End to an AGTA Day
The MSA Annex was the ideal post-AGTA destination. It gave us the chance to enjoy the beautiful Tucson weather, eat genuinely good food, sip a cocktail that felt perfectly suited to the setting, and end the day with a slower pace.
It wasn’t just dinner—it was a full experience: bites, beverages, shopping, walking, and unwinding under the open sky.
If you’re in Tucson for the gem show, a weekend trip, or even just passing through, add MSA Annex to your list. It’s one of the best places in the city to relax outdoors, find vegan-friendly bites, and turn an ordinary evening into something that feels like a little desert escape.
