A downtown bar that’s been familiar to many for years and a new burger joint that can’t wait to break onto the scene are sharing opening dates — a double whammy of good times for Tucsonans.
Good Oak Bar is making its return and Little Love Burger is opening its doors in the former Diablo Burger spot on Wednesday, October 20.
Under new ownership, the popular drinking spot, Good Oak Bar, which is right next door to the Rialto Theatre, is making its comeback after being closed for more than a year. Loveblock Partners is the group that’s taking over and is familiar with the area being that it’s behind other restaurants and bars like HUB Restaurant & Creamery and Playground Bar & Lounge.
“We are deeply grateful that they created the very special space, community, and integral part of Downtown Tucson’s landscape known as Good Oak,” Loveblock Partners shared on Facebook.
Oh, and they’re bringing back the ever-so-popular Fried Pickles, which are spears rather than chips and go really well alongside one of Good Oak’s cocktails or local beers on tap.
Good Oak Bar first opened up in 2013 and, like many other businesses during the pandemic, temporarily closed its doors in June 2020. It’s a bar that concert-goers have been missing while waiting for their show to begin at the Rialto.
Little Love Burger is a new restaurant concept also from Loveblock Partners, and they put some intention behind the origins of the name. They wanted to replicate the feeling that comes with sitting around a table, enjoying good company, and eating a great burger.
“We’re being asked why did we do a hamburger spot in the first place,” said Nick Fox of Loveblock Partners. “We all remember being a kid around a table or a bench in a park with family or friends and, you know, in that experience. You know you’re just experiencing that burger and laughing and having a great time. So, we wanted to really harness and create that special place where everyone can come together, grab a burger prior to shows at the Rialto, grab a quick breakfast sandwich or burrito before work, or, you know, possibly visit with the family and grab some milkshakes and explore downtown.”
Little Love Burger has a lot on the menu, including chicken sandwiches, loaded hot dogs, and specialty burgers, and milkshakes made with HUB Ice Cream. On top of that, they’ll maintain a rotating list of craft beer from local brewers, wines on tap, and plant-based meat alternatives and gluten-free options for sandwich and burger items.
“Burgers are just so relatable, a dish and experience that so many people have loved since they were kids,” said Executive Chef Griffin Armstrong. “Burgers offer that real comfort as with some of our other menu favorites like the loaded hot dogs.”
Good Oak Bar will be open daily from 4 p.m. – midnight and Little Love Burger is open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday – Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday.
Little Love Burger is located at 312 E. Congress St. Keep up with the latest by following them on Facebook or Instagram.
Good Oak Bar is located at 316 E. Congress St. For more information, visit them on Facebook or Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
