Reviews

Review by Joe T on September 23rd, 2007

The menu had a large Mexican food area on it, so we ordered a taco and a burrito entree thinking that this actually might be their fort'e, since it's such a dominant part of the selection. Good Mexican fare from an eatery named "Electic Cafe" in NE Tucson? Who would've known? This absolutely did not turn out to be the case. To be fair, if really you want good Mexican food, go to a real Mexican restaurant in Tucson, preferably in South Tucson, which is actually its own city. These dishes at Eclectic Cafe really lack flavor or flair. My only hope here is that anyone who has ever visited this great city and has eaten Mexican food at Eclectic Cafe has not left with the impression that this is what Tucson Mexican food is all about. Now, onto dessert. For that, we shared the banana chocolate chip pie. As my girlfriend pretty succinctly put it, this stuff didn't really pass her "dessert test" regarding taste or presentation. I was a little more blunt in my assessment (although I kept it between she and I): I thought it tasted exactly like raw chocolate chip Pillsbury cookie dough, flavored with a touch of banana extract, pressed into the shape of a piece of pie and then surrounded by Cool Whip. I'll admit it, there were days in my youth where I really loved that cookie dough, but my tastes have matured since then. If you are still into it, then you'll definitely like this dessert. The service at the restaurant was very attentive, and the flavored iced-tea with the mint sprig was great, and caffeine-free too! I'd like to get that recipe! If you go to Eclectic, avoid the Mexican food. For dessert, maybe you can try some of the other selections I noticed, like the chocolate cake or bread pudding. Those are pretty basic desserts that are difficult to really mess up.

Review by TRG Staff on April 8th, 2005

We've been to the Eclectic Cafe several times. I remember going there in the early 80's. Time has been kind to the Eclectic... the building has been rennovated and the interior is very nice with an open clean feel, and tables have been added out on the patio.

Last night my wife had the quiche du jour (ham and asparagus). It was very good as their quiche always seems to be. She also had gazpacho which was served properly chilled and had a nice full flavor and texture.

I had the double Havarti burger (minus mushrooms) which was very good - the sauteed onions were very sweet. I opted to have a salad (fries are an option) and asked to upgrade it to their spinach salad (which wasn't a problem). I recommend the spinach salad with poppyseed dressing to anyone at any time! Most entrees that give you a choice have a $1 upcharge for that salad (and I think that's what they charged me) and it's worth it.

Add two iced teas (regular. Herbal is an option as are beer, wine, sodas, etc) and the total came to only $23.40 (not including tip). It was a very quick and enjoyable meal, and doesn't hurt your wallet.