Elvira’s, a family-owned restaurant based out of Tubac, was a once popular spot in downtown Tucson, too, before the COVID pandemic forced many businesses to temporarily close. The closure in Tucson then became permanent in October 2020 while the Tubac location continued to flourish.
Now, the restaurant — one that’s been around since the 1920s — is ready to expand up north in Scottsdale.
The new restaurant, located at 20825 N. Pima Rd., is named Elvira’s DC Ranch, which is a partnership between Chef Rubén Monroy (the owner of the restaurant in Tubac) and sommelier and restaurant developer, Tom Kaufman.
They’re planning to open the new spot this November.
Elvira’s is known for combining traditional Mexican dishes like moles, squash blossoms, quesadillas, and chile rellenos with modern presentations. Plus, the dining room is eye candy in itself. The former space in Tucson was decorated with intricate glass art and had a cozy, atmospheric vibe.
“The vision for Elvira’s DC Ranch is for you to step into the heart of a fine-dining Mexican Cocina, where tradition meets tomorrow.”
The Scottsdale location is a two-story, 3,600-square-foot space. They’re planning to have a “dreamy candlelit room full of allure and intrigue,” with velvet seats, limewashed walls, vintage mirrors, and a walk-in temperature-controlled wine cellar and tasting room.
Sure, it’s a bummer that Elvira’s didn’t make its return to Tucson after closing in 2020, but it’s always great to see a family-owned business thrive.
Elvira’s Tucson used to be located at 256 E. Congress St. Chela’s Latin Cuisine moved in earlier this year, carrying on the tradition of Mexican cuisine.
Elvira’s DC Ranch is located at 20825 N. Pima Rd. For more information, visit elvirasdcranch.com. The Tubac location is found at 2221 I-19 Frontage Rd. For more information, visit elvirasrestaurant.com.
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.
