Fourth Avenue is one of Tucson's most popular destinations. Home to locally-owned clothing stores, barbershops, salons, nightclubs, and boutiques, Fourth Avenue is Tucson's version of San Francisco's Haight Street.
Of course, it offers a large variety of food options, too.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat but can’t decide what you’re in the mood for, Fourth Avenue is overflowing with choices. You’ll find sandwiches, smoothies, pizza, tacos, burgers, plates of pasta on checkered table cloths, and banh mi served from a walk-up window.
So, whether you're a meat-seeking carnivore, a vegetarian, or a vegan, we've got you covered.
Below is our guide to restaurants and bars on Fourth Avenue.
The restaurant stands out with its affordable, quality sandwich and hot dog menu.
Highlighted Items:
For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.
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The Chandler-based traditional wings spot offers some of the crunchiest in town. Out of the flavors we've tried, Spicy ATL dry rub is by far the favorite.
For more information, call (520) 207-1771 or visit atlwings.com.
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There's no question that Bison Witches Bar & Deli is a favorite for sandwich lovers. The restaurant features enormous sandwiches, five different soups in bread bowls, salads, and a bar with wine and beer on tap.
Highlighted Sandwiches:
For more information, visit Bison Witches Bar & Deli.
This addition to the Fourth Avenue food scene opened after a successful experience at Tucson's 2018 Winter Street Fair.
They're currently only open for to-go orders via GrubHub and UberEats, and their temporary hours are 4 -10:30 p.m. on Thursday - Monday.
Scratch-made Menu Highlights:
For more information, follow Blind Tiger on Facebook.
Taco queen Maria Mazon relocated BOCA to the space that formerly housed Delectables. The larger kitchen expands BOCA's repertoire with more weekly specials and the constantly changing Guacamole Duo.
Highlighted Tacos:
For more information, visit bocatacos.com.
The Fourth Avenue shipping container development opened its bar in 2019.
Five restaurant options are now available there: Percheron Mexican Grill, Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food, Spice Box, Sal's Fat Slice, and BC Cafe & Cocktails.
For more information, visit the theboxyardtucson.com.
Brooklyn Pizza Company offers handmade pizza by the slice or pie, daily happy hour, pasta and wings, gelato, and Italian ice. Guests can pick up, dine-in, or have pizza (or beer and wine) delivered.
Favorite Toppings:
For more information, visit brooklynpizzacompany.com.
Previously known as Epic Cafe, Cafe Maggie opened under new ownership in November 2020. The cafe continues to serve coffee, pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
For more information, visit cafemaggie.com.
Open for breakfast and lunch, Cafe Passé offers coffee, espresso, tea, and smoothies. The real gem is their hidden patio with seating in a garden of trees.
Must-Try Items:
Keep up with Cafe Passé on Facebook.
Family-owned Caruso's was founded in 1938 and offers homemade Italian food. Four generations later, the restaurant's cooking techniques remain unchanged.
Caruso's Favorites:
For more information, visit carusositalian.com.
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Chocolate Iguana is a cafe meets sweets shop. Along with pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, Chocolate Iguana features unique gifts and greeting cards. You'll want to snag a spot to sit outside on a cool day.
Notable Items:
For more information, visit Chocolate Iguana on 4th.
This ice creamery features simple flavors beautifully executed. Make sure to try the banana and gingersnap flavors when available.
Keep up with Desert Dream Ice Creamery on Instagram.
The Drunken Chicken keeps it simple with a small quirky menu. Chicken and beer-battered waffles star with the rotating dips and maple syrups.
Highlighted Items:
For more information, visit thedrunkendhickenaz.com.
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar offers a wide selection of craft beer and wine, both on tap and in bottles. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.
Recommended Items:
For more information, visit Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar.
Food Conspiracy Co-op isn't a typical restaurant. First and foremost, it's a grocery store and has been offering natural foods and ingredients since 1971. There is also a hot and cold bar for lunch and dinner.
Past Favorites:
For more information, visit Food Conspiracy Co-Op.
Lindy's takes the "art form" of burgers to the next level. You might remember when the twelve patty burger was featured on Travel Network's Man vs. Food in 2009. But if you aren't that into burgers, Lindy's also offers Philly cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, and vegetarian options.
Favorite Burgers:
For more information, visit Lindy's on 4th.
Located in between Lindy’s and Opa’s Grill, L Station Cafe & Bar serves tapas, sandwiches, salads, and sweets, along with coffee and cocktails. Almost everything is locally made, and pastry chef Felicia Weipert crafts a rotating selection of desserts. They have a rare Modbar espresso machine for your morning caffeine needs, too.
Most of the seating is out on the patio, which is well-equipped with umbrellas and misters.
Check out our December 2020 article Get your espresso, brunch, beer & more at L Station Cafe & Bar.
For more information, visit lstationtucson.com.
At Magpies, guests can build a pizza or choose from the menu, but the pizza joint also offers calzones and salads. Plus, the restaurant offers complimentary popcorn as you wait for your entrée. And like many restaurants on Fourth, Magpies offers a wide selection of beer.
Favorite Pizzas:
For more information, visit magpiespizza.com.
Martin Fontes wanted to open a restaurant that didn't require a fryer or freezer. His dream was made possible when Martin's Comida Chingona opened in 2001. Martin's menu includes authentic Mexican food and is one of the few restaurants in Tucson that offers molé.
Must-Try Items:
For more information, visit martinscomidachingona.com.
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Small-batch coffee roaster dedicated to delivering quality coffee beans at peak freshness. In the past, the spot was utilized as a coffee shop, but now they're only roasting.
For more information, visit missioncoffeeimports.com.
O’Malleys may be known for its nightlife, but they also serve food. With burgers, sandwiches, and salads, guests have a large number of options to choose from.
For more information, visit omalleysonfourthtucson.com.
Opa’s Grill offers a mix of favorites from the owner’s original location, Opa’s Best Greek American Cuisine, as well as new items like ribeye, lamb chops, and red snapper.
They also offer daily lunch specials from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Check out our November 2020 article Opa’s Grill on Fourth Avenue is throwing a Grand Opening celebration with Dining Specials.
For more information, visit opasgrill.com.
Pops Hot Chicken is now serving up their Nashville-style chicken sandos in the former TallBoys spot.
After starting as a food truck and later moving inside the American Eat Co., this is their first standalone location that's not on wheels.
What it does have is a full bar and late night DJs on Friday and Saturdays. They're currently open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. – or whenever they run out of chicken. Eventually, they're planning to expand their breakfast and brunch menus, as well.
Check out our May 2021 article Pops Hot Chicken Is Hosting a Soft Opening at its New Location on Fourth Ave.
Keep up with Pops Hot Chicken on Instagram.
In addition to the original location at 2526 E. Sixth St., a second Tumerico location opened on the southeast corner of North Fourth Avenue and East Fourth Street in 2019.
Both locations offer a delightful rotating plant-based Mexican menu.
Keep up with Tumerico on Facebook.
Mark your calendars. Lindon Reilly’s new burger concept Thunder Bacon Burger Co. is tentatively set to open in Summer 2021 at 621 N. 4th Avenue. The space formerly housed The B-Line.
“Lindy,” as he’s more commonly known, rose to fame with his first burger-focused restaurant, Lindy’s on 4th. Although he hasn’t been involved with the restaurant that bears his namesake for years, he’s still a burger aficionado through and through. But if you’re hoping for some sort of Lindy’s 2.0, that will not be the case.
Check out our May 2021 article Lindy is returning to Fourth Avenue with Thunder Bacon Burger Co.
For more info, follow Thunder Bacon Burger Co. on Facebook.
For over 16 years, Che’s Lounge has firmly anchored itself as the premier dive bar meets neighborhood hangout. At the heart of Fourth Avenue, Che's Lounge is normally open until 2 a.m. daily, frequently hosting live music and events. However, they are currently only open for take-out and delivery, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday - Sunday.
For more information, visit Che's Lounge.
Dillinger Brewing Company opened its Fourth Avenue taproom in a building that began as a bakery a century ago. Today, it’s on one of downtown’s busiest corners and boasts a large, dog-friendly patio.
The northside-based brewer will be offering 12 of its beers on tap here. Look for their signature Dillinger IPA and the chili-infused Serrano Seduction, as well as non-alcoholic offerings like kombucha and cold brew coffee from Presta.
They host "Geeks Who Drink" trivia nights on Wednesday and live music on Thursdays.
Check out our May 2021 article Dillinger Brewing Company Is Set to Open Its Taproom on Fourth Avenue.
For more information, visit dillingerbrewing.com.
With tropical drinks and live music, The Hut Tucson is a fun place to be.
The Hut’s Moai Tiki head is said to be the largest in the continent and was moved from its previous location at Magic Carpet Golf. It's hard to miss this iconic Fourth Avenue landmark.
For more information, follow The Hut Tucson on Facebook.
IBT’s is equal parts dancing, drinks, and if you’re lucky, drag. They have a bar menu — offering burgers, quesadillas, tacos, sandwiches, and more — and their karaoke and events are updated online.
For more information, visit ibtstucson.com.
Pleasantly rough around the edges, Mr. Head’s offers a wide selection of beer, drink specials, live music, and karaoke.
For more information, follow Mr. Head's Art Gallery and Bar on Facebook.
The Shanty is Arizona's oldest continuously licensed bar. They offer an extensive selection of beer and imported liquor.
For more information, visit theshantyonfourth.com.
This astronomy-themed sister bar to Brooklyn Pizza Company is solar-powered and offers open mic nights, DJs, live music, and telescopes on the patio. Sky Bar features coffee, smoothies, calzones, and pastries in the morning.
For more information, visit skybartucson.com.
Established in 2004, Surly Wench Pub is known for its bar, food — including burgers and tacos — events, and better yet, burlesque. While monthly burlesque shows are postponed until further notice, events like karaoke and comedy nights have returned to the schedule.
Surly Wench remains an important stop on Fourth Avenue.
For more information, visit surlywenchpub.com.
[This article was originally written on July 11, 2019, and most recently updated on August, 11 2021]
