A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF FOOD CHOICES ON FOURTH, FROM PUB FOOD TO PASTRIES.
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.
4th Avenue Delicatessen
425 N. Fourth Ave.
The Godfather at 4th Avenue Delicatessen (Credit: Jackie Tran)
The restaurant stands out with its affordable, quality sandwich and hot dog menu.
Highlighted Items:
- Tucson Streetcar – turkey, smoked ham, Italian roast beef, bacon, provolone, cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, Roma tomato, iceberg, red onion, and mayo on a Sicilian hoagie roll
- Cali.L.T – bacon, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, avocado slices
- Chili Dog – hot dog chili, shredded cheddar, onion
For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.
ATL Wings
802 N. Fourth Ave.
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.
Bison Witches Bar & Deli
326 N. Fourth Ave.
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:
- Beef & Brie – Brie melted on sliced roast beef with tomatoes, sprouts, and Russian mustard
- Veggie Sandwich – Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, peppers, artichoke hearts, black olives, avocado, sprouts, cheddar, provolone, and cream cheese
- Cally – Turkey, avocado, cream cheese, and sprouts on a toasted croissant
For more information, visit Bison Witches Bar & Deli.
The Blind Tiger
628 N Fourth Ave.
Carne asada fries from the Blind Tiger (Photo courtesy of the Blind Tiger)
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:
- Carne Asada Fries – marinated steak, Oaxaca cheese, cotija cheese, pico de gallo, creme, creme verde, French fries
- Green Chile Burger – 1/3-pound patty, jack cheese, roasted poblano pepper, pickled red onion, shredded lettuce, tomato, toasted brioche bun, served with French fries
- Wings ($7 for 6, $13.50 for 12) – barbecue, buffalo, or teriyaki
For more information, follow Blind Tiger on Facebook.
BOCA Tacos y Tequila
533 N. Fourth Ave.
Rib Eye Taco at BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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:
- Macho – Chopped steak stuffed in an Anaheim chile with melted cheese
- AM – Hash brown topped with a fried egg & basil cilantro jalapeño crema
- Pescado – beer-battered fried White Fish
For more information, visit bocatacos.com.
The Boxyard
238 N. Fourth Ave.
The Boxyard Food Options (Credit: Melissa Stihl)
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
534 N. Fourth Ave.
Cheese Pizza at Brooklyn Pizza (Credit: Brooklyn Pizza Company)
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:
- Veggies – Peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts
- Meats – Meatballs, sausage, chicken
For more information, visit brooklynpizzacompany.com.
Cafe Maggie
745 N. Fourth Ave.
Photo courtesy of Café Maggie on Facebook
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.
Cafe Passé
415 N. Fourth Ave.
Cafe Passe Balsamic Blueberry Goat Cheese Scone (Credit: Adam Lehrman)
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:
- Bagel & Lox Platter– Nova Scotia smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, capers, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, and basil
- Nutty Irish latte – With hazelnut and Irish cream
Keep up with Cafe Passé on Facebook.
Caruso’s Italian Restaurant
434 N. Fourth Ave.
Caruso’s (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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:
- Cheese Manicotti and Meat-filled Cannellone – Manicotti made from spinach pasta and stuffed with cheese; cannellone made from egg pasta and stuffed with meat
- Lasagne and Chicken Parmigiana – Meat lasagne with chicken breast, mushrooms, and cheese
- Shrimp and Scallops Alfredo – Shrimp and scallops in Alfredo sauce and mushrooms
For more information, visit carusositalian.com.
Chocolate Iguana on 4th
431 N. Fourth Avenue
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:
- The Chocolate Iguana – Double cafe mocha with mint chocolate chip ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and an edible iguana tail
- Turkey Pesto Sandwich – Pesto and garlic olive oil with turkey, red pepper, and mozzarella on a toasted baguette
- Herby Albacore – Tuna with herbs, celery, mayonnaise, almonds, tomatoes, and sprouts on 7-grain bread
For more information, visit Chocolate Iguana on 4th.
Desert Dream Ice Creamery
210 N. Fourth Ave.
Ice cream cones at Desert Dream Ice Creamery (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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
429 N. Fourth Ave.
Chicken & Waffle with Bourbon Maple Syrup at the Drunken Chicken (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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:
- The Beast – a bacon-wrapped chicken strip deep-fried in waffle batter
- Chicken & Waffle Bites — chicken “nuggs’ fried to order, then deep-fried in waffle batter
For more information, visit thedrunkendhickenaz.com.
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.
Mac ‘N Cheese at Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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:
- Zip Burger – seven-ounce Angus, “zip sauce”, lettuce, tomato, mayo, on brioche bun
Buttermilk Fried Chicken – two bone-in thighs, chile honey glaze, spicy kale & jalapeño mac ‘n cheese
Grilled Cheese – three kinds of cheese and five onion jam
For more information, visit Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar.
Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Food Conspiracy Co-Op)
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:
- Tempeh BLT
- Breakfast Burrito
- Vegetarian Enchilada
For more information, visit Food Conspiracy Co-Op.
Lindy’s on 4th
500 N. Fourth Ave.
Shroomin’ Cow Burger at Lindy’s (Credit: Lindy’s on 4th)
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:
- Sanchez — Green chiles, jalapeños, pepper jack, and guacamole
- Peekaboo — Mushrooms, onion ring, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on two grilled cheese buns
For more information, visit Lindy’s on 4th.
L Station Cafe & Bar
500 N. Fourth Ave.
Photo courtesy of L Station Cafe & Bar on Instagram
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.
Magpies Gourmet Pizza
605 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Magpies Gourmet Pizza)
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:
- Chicken Primavera — Garlic ranch sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, onions, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, and chicken breast
- The Mag-nificent Giant — Marinara, mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms
- Chicken Picante — Spicy tomato pesto, mozzarella, feta, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken breast
For more information, visit magpiespizza.com.
Martin’s Comida Chingona
557 N. Fourth Ave.
Chicken mole burro at Martin’s Comida Chingona in Tucson, Ariz. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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:
- Carne Asada Tacos
- Chicken Molé Tacos
- Veggie Molé Burro
For more information, visit martinscomidachingona.com.
Mission Coffee Imports
606 N. Fourth Ave.
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 BAR AND GRILL
247 N. FOURTH AVE.
(Credit: O’Malleys Bar and Grill)
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 ON FOURTH AVENUE
500 N. FOURTH AVE.
Gyro Platter (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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
600 N. FOURTH AVE.
Pops Hot Chicken sandwiches (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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.
Tumerico
402 E. Fourth St.
Huevos Rancheros at Tumerico (Credit: Jackie Tran)
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.
Coming soon to Fourth Avenue:
Thunder Bacon Burger Co.
621 N. Fourth Ave.
Lindon “Lindy” Reilly in front of shuttered B-Line, soon to be Thunderbacon Burger Co. (Photo by Adam Lehrman)
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.
Bars & Nightclubs:
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Che’s Lounge)
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
402 E. NINTH ST.
Photo courtesy of Dillinger Brewing Company
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.
The Hut
305 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: The Hut)
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 Bar + Food
616 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: IBT’s Bar + Food)
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.
Mr. Head’s Art Gallery and Bar
513 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Mr. Head’s Art Gallery and Bar)
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
401 E. Ninth St.
(Credit: The Shanty)
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.
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Sky Bar)
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.
Surly Wench Pub
424 N. Fourth Ave.
(Credit: Surly Wench Pub)
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]
