Blueberry pancakes, RealGood chilaquiles, and lemonade at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Wholesome, Clean Eating Takes Lead at RealGood Brunch Co.


March 5, 2025
a man wearing a hat
By Jackie Tran
By Jackie Tran

RealGood Brunch Co. entered Tucson’s breakfast scene with a commitment to clean eating and fresh, made-from-scratch dishes.

Located at 1310 S. Alvernon Way, the locally owned eatery delivers a menu focused on wholesome ingredients, catering to both classic brunch lovers and health-conscious diners.

A Passion for Clean Eating

RealGood Restaurant Concepts executive chef and baker Jessica Altamirano brings her passion for clean eating to the forefront.

RealGood Restaurant Concepts executive chef and baker Jessica Altamirano (Photo by Jackie Tran)
RealGood Restaurant Concepts executive chef and baker Jessica Altamirano (Photo by Jackie Tran)

She and her husband, Daniel Cordova, the company’s CEO, work together in the kitchen to for the menu RealGood Brunch Co. and their other restaurants: The Neighborhood, La Chingada, Cruda Mariscos & Oyster Bar, and Tucson Antojitos.

“He gives me ideas, and I develop the recipes,” she said.

Mozza Toast at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Mozza Toast at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Transforming a Vision into Reality

The restaurant’s journey began years before its opening, with an extensive two-year remodeling process. The space, which formerly housed Ralph’s Bar and Grill, underwent a major transformation to align with RealGood Brunch Co.’s vision. Altamirano recalls the challenge of bringing the concept to life.

“We saw the potential it had, and it took about two years to demo and remodel,” she said. “I wish I had before-and-after pictures. It’s transformed a lot.”

Interior at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Interior at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
A Menu Rooted in Fresh, Scratch-Made Cooking

Customer favorites include chilaquiles, French toast, and biscuits and gravy. The chilaquiles use tortilla chips fried in avocado oil and house-made sauce, topped with cage-free eggs.

“The sauce we use is made in-house, and we make sure everything is fresh,” Altamirano said.

RealGood Chilaquiles at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
RealGood Chilaquiles at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The pancakes and biscuits both include a touch of sourdough.

“We make our gravy from scratch, and our biscuits are every day from scratch as well,” she said. “I add a little sourdough as well, so it makes it a little more gut friendly.”

Blueberry pancakes at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Blueberry pancakes at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Other options include burritos, brunch tacos, omelets, sandwiches and toasts, and tomato basil pasta.

Refreshing, Natural Beverages

RealGood Brunch Co. also takes pride in its house-made natural lemonades, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, agave syrup, and mint “for that little extra something.” Choose from classic, strawberry, or blueberry flavors.

Hint of Mint Lemonades at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Hint of Mint Lemonades at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Diners can spot the orange juicer up front behind the counter.

“Our orange juice is just that—100% orange juice,” Altamirano said. “No extra sugar, no additives.”

Fresh-squeezed orange juice at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Fresh-squeezed orange juice at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Although the restaurant does not currently serve alcohol, Altamirano acknowledges the demand for brunch cocktails.

“Some customers get a little upset about that,” she said. “I want to be known for our food more than our drinks, but perhaps in the future — I think I’m warming up to it a little bit more.”

RealGood Brunch Co. is located at 1030 S. Alvernon Way. For more information, visit realgoodbrunch.com.

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