Vegan Tucson: Seis Kitchen
Seis Kitchen
Address | 130 South Avenida del Convento #100, Tucson, AZ 85745 (in Mercado San Agustín)
Tucson has a way of welcoming you the second you arrive — with sunshine, desert air, and food that feels like it’s been perfected over generations. I’m in town for the Gem Show, and after an early flight out of JFK, my travel day started before the sun was even up. By the time I landed in Phoenix, I was running on airport coffee and pure adrenaline. But the best part of this trip wasn’t just the destination — it was who I was sharing it with.
I met up with my siblings in Phoenix, and together we made the drive down to Tucson, watching the landscape shift into wide-open desert, dotted with saguaros and that unmistakable Arizona glow. There’s something about road trips with family that instantly resets your nervous system — a little chaotic, a lot of laughter, and the kind of conversation that only happens when you’re all in the same car with nowhere else to be.
Naturally, our first priority after arriving was food. We were hungry in that very specific way you get after travel: not just “I need to eat,” but “I need something satisfying, flavorful, and real.” So our first stop in Tucson was Seis Kitchen for a late lunch — the kind of place that feels casual and upbeat, but still delivers serious flavor.
If you’re doing Tucson plant-based (or just want to eat more vegetables without sacrificing comfort), Seis Kitchen is the perfect starting point. Their menu leans into bold, Mexican-inspired street food with bright citrus, garlic, heat, and fresh herbs — the kind of food that wakes you up after a long travel day. And for a trip centered around treasure hunting at the Gem Show, it felt fitting to begin with a meal that was its own kind of gem: colorful, vibrant, and completely worth the stop.
We grabbed a table in the outdoor courtyard, soaking up the warm Tucson air and the laid-back energy that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation — even if you’re technically here for the Gem Show. It was the perfect place to land after a long travel morning: open sky overhead, a little buzz of conversation around us, and that feeling of finally being off the clock.
Before we even got into the food, we decided to start the meal the right way and ordered a round of margaritas from the neighboring shop. And honestly? It hit exactly the way it needed to. I went for the skinny spicy margarita, and it was perfect — bright, citrusy, and refreshing, with just the right amount of heat that lingered in the best way. Not overly sweet, not too boozy, just clean and balanced with that crisp kick that makes you want another sip immediately.
It was the kind of first drink that sets the tone for the whole trip: relaxed, a little festive, and very Tucson.
Of course we started with the guacamole and chips for the table — fresh, vibrant, and impossible not to keep reaching for. The guacamole was creamy and perfectly seasoned, with that ideal balance of bright lime, salt, and rich avocado that tastes both clean and indulgent at once. Each bite felt like the ultimate appetizer: simple, classic, and exactly what you want at the start of a meal.
The chips were crisp, warm, and sturdy enough to scoop generously without breaking, which is honestly underrated. There’s something so satisfying about that first crunch paired with cool, silky guac — it’s the kind of snack that instantly puts you in a good mood. It also worked as the perfect lead-in to the rest of the meal, waking up your palate without feeling heavy. By the time the basket was halfway gone, it was clear the night was off to a delicious start.
I ordered the Calabacitas Tacos (just hold the queso to keep it vegan!) . This dish was simple, comforting, and layered with so much flavor. Tender zucchini and squash were sautéed in mojo de ajo, soaking up that rich, garlicky depth while still keeping their freshness and bite. Each taco felt bright and satisfying at the same time, especially with a shower of cilantro and the pop of pickled onion on top. That little hit of acidity cut through the warmth of the vegetables perfectly, adding balance and just enough tang to keep everything feeling light.
On the side, the cilantro rice was a quiet standout. Fluffy basmati rice, lightly perfumed with sautéed onions and chopped cilantro, brought an herby softness that paired effortlessly with the tacos. It was the kind of side you keep going back to between bites without even thinking.
And then there were the smashed beans — creamy, twice-cooked pinto beans that tasted like pure comfort. Rich, smooth, and deeply savory, they tied the whole plate together, turning a fresh, vegetable-forward meal into something truly hearty and craveable.
Seis Kitchen ended up being the perfect first stop in Tucson — flavorful, relaxed, and exactly what we needed after a long travel day. Between the sunny courtyard, the spicy skinny margarita, and a meal that felt both fresh and comforting, it set the tone for the rest of the trip in the best way. There’s something so special about arriving somewhere new and immediately having a moment that feels easy and fun, especially when you’re sharing it with family. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we left Seis feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to dive into the Gem Show adventure.
