You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Tucson, AZ, HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Order coffee black and let the kitchen do the rest — French toast made with thick-cut brioche, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with seasonal berries.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Tucson, HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
Hours
| Mon | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
| Wed | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
| Thu | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
| Fri | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
| Sat | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
| Sun | Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Sa-Su 09:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Tucson are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University kid-friendly?
Yes — HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Tucson.
Is there outdoor seating at HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on University?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 800, STE 4 East University Boulevard. Coordinates: 32.2315, -110.9593. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.