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Just a few months ago, Alex Bohon and his father Otto Ramon Bohon — the family of the beloved south side restaurant, Taqueria La Esquina — opened their brand-new concept on Broadway Boulevard near Craycroft Road.
Copal opened its doors in July 2024, moving into the spot that formerly housed The Dutch at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. With brightly-painted walls, neon lights, and “Contemporary Mexican” bites, the Bohons have truly made the space their own.
Recently, a few of us stopped by, sipped on mini cocktails included in Copal’s margarita flight, and chomped down on some of their signature dishes like the Elote Ribs and Salmon Al Xocolate (Wild caught salmon marinated in sesame and soy that’s been pan-seared with an ancho and coco nib crust, served over honey citrus yogurt and topped with grilled rainbow carrots and greens).
While Taqueria La Esquina serves more traditional Mexican cuisine, the Bohons of Copal aims to wow you with innovative dishes like their Elote Ice Cream — housemade sweet corn ice cream (made from boiled down ears of corn) sprinkled with abuelita chocolate and strawberries. It’s just one of the desserts on the menu that stray away from traditional recipes, much like the Cheesecake de Flor which incorporates goat cheese.
Keep scrolling to check out a couple of our favorite dishes along with four different desserts.
Munchies on the Menu
Ribeye Pa-Mi
12-ounce hand-cut ribeye, perfectly seared and laid over a bed of our seasoned fries, then finished with a drizzle of spicy crema
Ribeye Aguachile
12-ounce hand-cut ribeye, grilled medium rare and served smothered in tatemado salsa. Served with homemade tortilla
Gooey Butter Cake
Delicious and gooey butter cake with a hint of elote flavor from Nixta liquor
Elote Ice Cream
Homemade sweet corn ice cream sprinkled with abuelita chocolate and strawberries
Cheesecake de Flor
A smooth blend of goat and cream cheesecake, topped with a vibrant hibiscus reduction
Copal is currently open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday – Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Happy Hour is from 3 – 6 p.m. daily with $2 off cocktails, beer, and appetizers.
Copal is located at 5340 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit copaltucson.com and follow Copal on Instagram.
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.
