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 tablecloths, 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.
This restaurant stands out with its affordable, quality sandwich and hot dog menu. Some favorites include the 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), the Cali L.T. (bacon, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, avocado slices), and the Chili Dog.
For more information, visit 4thavedeli.com.
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, visit atlwings.com.
Named after the sound a chicken makes (or more accurately, the sound a human makes whilst chatting up a chicken), Bawker Bawker Cider House has been keeping it colorful since 2020 by serving up an incredible array of jewel-toned, house-made hard ciders.
Read our August 2022 article, "Bawker Bawker struts into another year of serving Tucson's splashiest hard ciders."
For more information, visit bawkerbawker.com.
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. Popular sandwiches include the Beef & Brie, Veggie Sandwich, and the Cally, which is turkey avocado, cream cheese, and sprouts.
For more information, visit bisonwitchestucson.com.
This addition to the Fourth Avenue food scene opened after a successful experience at Tucson’s 2018 Winter Street Fair. They serve food to IBTs, and offer take-out and delivery, but do not offer dine-in eating. A few menu highlights include the Carne Asada Fries, Green Chile Burger, and wings.
For more information, visit blindtigeraz.com.
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. Some of our favorite tacos are the Macho (chopped steak in an Anaheim chile with cheese) and the Pescado (beer-battered fish).
For more information, visit bocatacos.com.
The Fourth Avenue shipping container development opened its bar in 2019. Right now, the food and beverage options include Percheron Mexican Grill, Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food, Spice Box, Sal’s Fat Slice, and BC Cafe & Cocktails.
For more information, visit 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.
For more information, visit brooklynpizzacompany.com.
Previously known as Epic Cafe, Café Maggie opened under new ownership in November 2020. The cafe continues to serve coffee, pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
For more information, visit cafemaggieon4th.com.
Family-owned Caruso’s was founded in 1938 and offers homemade Italian food. Four generations later, the restaurant’s cooking techniques remain unchanged. Some local favorites include the Cheese Manicotti and Meat-filled Cannellone, Lasagne and Chicken Parmigiana, and Shrimp and Scallops Alfredo.
For more information, visit carusositalian.com.
Chef Brian Hill recently moved to Tucson from Florida and opened up Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen, which is a takeout, delivery, and catering company. He was on the very first season of “Top Chef,” he’s appeared on other reality TV shows like “Master Chef” and “Beat Bobby Flay,” and he was once the private chef for celebrities Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy.
Read our January 2023 article, "Reality TV & celebrity chef opens Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen."
For more information, visit chefbrianat350degrees.com.
For over 15 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 open until 2 a.m. daily, frequently hosting live music and events. Some fun highlights include outdoor patio seating, indoor arcade games, live art exhibits, and an old-school jukebox.
For more information, visit cheslounge.com.
The brewery was closed for a couple of years but recently reopened in 2022. Now that it's back, the brewery is poised to be the destination for music lovers looking for a night out on the town. Reopened and reimagined, the future looks bright for Corbett Brewing and for Tucson beer lovers alike.
Read our August 2022 article, "Corbett Brewing Company reopens with big plans for the future."
For more information, visit corbettbrewingcompanyaz.com.
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. They host “Geeks Who Drink” trivia nights on Wednesdays and a run club that leaves at 6 p.m on Thursdays.
Most recently, The Blacktop Grill has joined the brewery as its permanent food truck on the patio. Read our January 2023 article, "Dillinger Brewing Company & The Blacktop Grill join forces on Fourth Avenue."
For more information, visit dillingerbrewing.com.
The Drunken Chicken keeps it simple with a small quirky menu. Chicken and beer-battered waffles star with rotating dips and maple syrups. Some highlights include The Beast, a bacon-wrapped chicken strip deep-fried in waffle batter, and the DC Bites — chicken “nuggs’ fried to order, then deep-fried in waffle batter.
For more information, visit thedrunkenchickenaz.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 food like the popular Zip Burger, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Grilled Cheese.
For more information, visit ermanosbrew.com.
Food Conspiracy Co-op isn’t a typical restaurant. First and foremost, it’s a grocery store that has been offering natural foods and ingredients since 1971. There is also a hot and cold bar for lunch and dinner.
For more information, visit Food Conspiracy Co-Op.
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.
In 2022, the local food truck opened its new spot in the space that most recently housed L Station Cafe & Bar. Expect to find a lot of the familiar dishes like cabeza tacos, along with a few unique-to-the-location items, too.
For more information, follow La Yaquesita Tacos on Facebook.
Homemade curries, vegetarian dishes, and other Nepalese fares in unpretentious surroundings with a terrace.
For more information, visit lemongrasstucson.com.
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.
For more information, visit lo4th.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. A few of our favorite pizzas are the Chicken Primavera, the Mag-nificent Giant, and Chicken Picante.
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.
For more information, visit martinscomidachingona.com.
Pleasantly rough around the edges, Mr. Head’s offers a wide selection of beer, drink specials, live music, and karaoke. There's also plenty of outdoor seating, glass blowing, DJ nights, video game nights, and movie nights.
For more information, follow Mr. Head’s Art Gallery and Bar on Facebook.
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.
For more information, visit opasgrill.com.
“The initial design direction was to create an intimate and comfortable space within Ermanos,” Mark said. “A place within a place. To get there, we had to build a portal. We reassembled the dream team of collaborators from Ermanos including architects Rob Paulus and Kenneth Lowe, and Ryan Trayte with Saywells Design.
For more information, visit portalcocktails.com.
A European-style bar for global wines and beers alongside meat and cheese boards.
For more information, visit reveltucson.com.
The Shanty is Arizona’s oldest continuously licensed bar. They offer an extensive selection of international beer and imported liquor. Some highlights include pool tables, outdoor seating/smoking patio, and surprisingly expensive Jameson for an Irish Pub.
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. Burlesque shows are up and running on the first Friday of every month, and other events like karaoke and comedy nights have also returned to the schedule. Surly Wench remains an important stop on Fourth Avenue.
Read our October 2022 article, "Surly Wench Pub: Great food, spicy cocktails & friendly ghosts."
For more information, visit surlywenchpub.com.
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.
Plus, if you end up walking off of the beatin' path, other spots in the area include Time Market, Presta Coffee Roasters, Crooked Tooth Brewing Company, The Royal Room, Anello, the Sand-Reckoner Vineyards tasting room, Tap & Bottle, and the older bay in Tucson, The Buffet.
