Ajo Cafe

Luis Portillo bakes the pies at this tiny south-side diner, open since 1952, from recipes handed down since the cafe opened, and the family who run it call themselves caretakers rather than owners. He turns out sweet potato, pumpkin and fruit pies alongside loaves and cheesecakes: the old-fashioned pumpkin is spiced the way it has been for decades, the Dutch apple keeps its fruit between fork-tender and slightly crisp, and the pecan is sticky and sweet. Shift workers drop in for chorizo and scrambled eggs or a BLT with potato salad. Order a slice of Dutch apple or pecan.

Picks from Tucson Foodie and Arizona Daily Star