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(Photo courtesy of Tabu)

Tabu Bar & Restaurant is Now Open in Downtown Tucson

Openings

February 5, 2024
By Matt Sterner

It’s been a couple of years since we first heard about Tabu coming soon to 128 E. Congress St., and over the weekend, folks got a first look at the new concept.

Located right next to the former Chicago Music Store building at the corner of Congress Street and Sixth Avenue, the restaurant has opened its dining room — offering it as dine-in and to-go.

Right now, the hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 2 a.m. on Wednesday – Sunday, making it a nice spot for brunch, which features dishes like the Pibil Benedict and a Beef Smash Burger, and a late-night spot for those seeking a meal and cocktails.

a plate of food
Pibil Benedict (Photo courtesy of Tabu)

The dinner menu features the likes of herb-seared Ahi tuna, meatball sliders, Grilled Nopales, and Ribeye Aguachile — grilled steak with avocado, cucumber, jalapeño, and radish.

The owners, who have spent several months renovating the location inside the building that’s more than 100 years old, credit their fusion of inspiration to South American cuisine, native ingredients, and even a bit of European and Asian influences. With plenty of tables for groups and comfy seating at the bar, Tabu has transformed into yet another unique downtown destination.

a dining room table
Dining Room (Photo courtesy of Tabu)

Tabu is located at 128 E. Congress St. For more information, visit tabubartucson.com.

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Article By

At 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.

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