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15+ Black-Owned Restaurants, Bars, & Makers in Tucson

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15+ Black-Owned Restaurants, Bars, & Makers in Tucson

by Tucson FoodieJan 15, 2024Updated Mar 2, 20266 min read
From soulful eateries serving up traditional favorites to innovative chefs crafting unique flavors, these establishments are not just places to eat but vibrant hubs of culture and community. Here are just a few of our favorite black-owned restaurants and businesses in Tucson.
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19 spots

Alafia West African Cuisine (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Alafia West African Cuisine

1070 N Swan RdMidtown

Alafia serves the authentic, unadulterated cuisine of Benin. You won’t find any dainty garnishes here; just wholesome, well-spiced food. Try a glass of the potent ginger juice.

Cafe Desta

758 S Stone AveDowntown

Just south of downtown, Cafe Desta serves Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. While they also offer meat, they are one of our favorite places to eat vegan.
“There’s something empowering about dining at Cafe Desta. I don’t know if it’s the encouragement to eat with my hands or the nourishing qualities of the food, but I just can’t get enough.” 
— Sam Jump’s favorite

Golden Fried Chicken Pieces & Veggie Combo at Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen

804 S 6th AveDowntown

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 first season of Top Chef, appeared on other reality TV shows like Master Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, and was once the private chef for celebrities Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy. While the various fried chicken options star, don't sleep on the Chesapeake Bay Shallow Fried Salmon Squares and Pork Chops & Friends with fried apples and sweet yellow onions.

Hot Chocolate (Photo courtesy of Chez Peachy)

Chez Peachy

501 N 6th Ave suite 101Downtown

The local bento cake shop created by Christa Lebron is all-things tasty, bright, and creative. You can catch up with the local bakery as a pop-up at markets or if there's something specific you're looking for, send Chez Peachy a direct message on Instagram (which is also where you can keep up with the latest).
"Chez Peachy’s cakes are consistently whimsical and beautifully crafted. I appreciate her readiness to make vegan cakes upon request!"
— Hannah Hernandez’s favorite

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Empanadas El Dominicano (Photo courtesy of Tucson Meet Yourself 2023)

Empanadas El Dominicano

5030 E Broadway BlvdMidtown

Wander Pérez, a former professional baseball player, moved to Tucson in 2010 and opened his food truck in 2021. Highlights included their savory empanadas and Chuleta Frita.

(Photo courtesy of Janet & Ray's)

Janet & Ray's

5443 E 22nd StMidtown

Daily dishes include Jerk Chicken, Fried Catfish, and Fried Chicken but the restaurant is also serving daily specials every week. Therefore, there's always something new to try at Janet & Ray's! For instance, if you show up on Fridays, there's a chance they'll have Lobster Mac n' Cheese or Whole Snapper on the menu.
"My favorite Jerk Chicken in Tucson!"
— Matt Sterner’s favorite

Chef-owner Tisha Carey of Mama Carey's Catering (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Mama Carey's Catering & Food Truck

No fixed location

Mama Carey's previously had a brick-and-mortar, but now instead offers catering and food truck services with a deep menu ranging from breakfast and barbecue to Mexican and Italian. While the menu is wide, make sure to include an order of her fried catfish. She also regularly appears with a stand at events, so check her social media for updates.

Goat roast plate (Photo courtesy of Nur Market & Restaurant)

Nur Market & Restaurant

3565 E Speedway Blvd ste 171Midtown

Somali brothers Ismail, Mohamed, and Abdul Osman opened Nur Market & Restaurant in 2008 to support the local refugee community. The market specializes in East African, Middle Eastern, and East European foods. The restaurant specialize in Somali food with dishes such as goat curry and rice pilaf.

Off The Hook Seafood (Photo courtesy of Tucson Meet Yourself 2023)

Off The Hook Seafood

No fixed location

Off the Hook's fried fish is some of the best seafood in Tucson. They're a food truck so they don't have a physical address but you can keep up with where they're parked by following them on Facebook. Warning: You'll likely be "hooked" after you try chef Matt Kearney's cuisine.

Photo courtesy of On The Fly Kitchen & Prep & Pastry on Instagram

On The Fly Kitchen

If you are planning a party and Southern food is on the menu, look no further, this is the spot for you. You can also find them doing pop-up dinner events all over Tucson like at Prep & Pastry. So, they don’t have a phsyical address in Tucson but to keep up with where they’re popping up, follow them on Instagram.

(Photo courtesy of Pacaw's Wings & Things)

Pacaw's Wings & Things

No fixed location

Pacaw's Wings & Things offers wings with a range of both classic flavors and Southwest-influenced flavors, such as Michelada and Scorching Sonoran. They also offer their take on a seafood boil, the wing boil. Catch their schedule on their Facebook page or contact 520-425-3245.

Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe

8963 E Tanque Verde Rd #201Tanque Verde & Sabino

Local baker, Sydney Adams’ inspiration and love for baking derives from her grandmother and the recipes nestled inside of a cookbook, which carries recipes dating back to the 1940s. Seeing the joy that her grandmother received from baking is something she shares, too.

Oxtail Stew at D's Island Grill JA (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Taste of Jamaica

2620 E 22nd StMidtown

Formerly known as D’s Island Grill JA, this Jamaican food truck features a hodgepodge of traditional jerk chicken, oxtail, curries, and more.

Although they originally opened as a food truck and then switched over to a brick-and-mortar, they now are back to only operating out of the food truck at 2620 E. 22nd St., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Urban Fresh (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Urban Fresh

73 E Pennington StDowntown

Urban Fresh, located downtown, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a focus on 100% plant-based cuisine. The interior features warm lighting, natural wood accents, and a clean, minimalist design that complements the restaurant's health-conscious ethos. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, patrons can enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting. The menu at Urban Fresh is entirely vegan, showcasing a variety of dishes made from scratch, including house-baked bread. Popular items include the Green Chile Bacon Burger, featuring a tofu mushroom patty on a sweet potato bun, and the Seitan Reuben Sandwich, served with sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on rye bread. The restaurant also offers a selection of nourishing smoothies, fresh juices, and daily specials that highlight seasonal produce and global flavors.

North facade of Zeke's Pizza & Coffee (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Zeke’s Pizza & Coffee

161 N 6th AveDowntown

Zeke’s Pizza & Coffee opens its doors July 19 at 161 N. Sixth Ave., blending three Italian-American favorites in one venue. Founder Ezekiel “Zeke” Gebrekidane brings the concept to the city center with hand-tossed pizza, Italian-style coffee, and locally sourced gelato.

Zeke’s menu keeps it traditional but inclusive. Diners can choose between hand-tossed thin-crust slices. Gluten-free cauliflower crust is also available. Pizzas range from classics like Hawaiian and veggie to the “Hitch,” a spicy Southwestern pie with a New Mexico kick. Other options include calzones, salads, and wings.

Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine

2725 E Broadway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

In 1993, Amanuel Gebremariam opened Tucson's first Ethiopian restaurant with the original Zemam’s in a house with five tables. The restaurant has since expanded to accommodate 200, along with Zedamo Ethiopian Coffee Shop and an international bar next at Zerai's. Go for a mixed plate for multiple options, such as the gomen wat collard greens with garlic, coriander, and cayenne and yebeg wat spiced simmered lamb strips.
These food businesses don't have a brick-and-mortar or food truck to visit, but follow them on Instagram to find them:

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The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Have you tried any of them?

@Crossroadskitchen 
Daily buffet 8am - 2pm
2602 S 4th Ave 

@Casamolinadelnorte 
Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 
3001 N Campbell Ave

@Delcielotamal 
Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am 
Thursdays and Saturdays 
Traditional buffet Sundays
3073 N Campbell Ave 

@Losme.zquites 
Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 
2527 W Drexel Rd 

@Cafesantarosa520 
Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 
2615 S 6th AveHave you tried any of them? @Crossroadskitchen Daily buffet 8am - 2pm 2602 S 4th Ave @Casamolinadelnorte Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 3001 N Campbell Ave @Delcielotamal Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am Thursdays and Saturdays Traditional buffet Sundays 3073 N Campbell Ave @Losme.zquites Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 2527 W Drexel Rd @Cafesantarosa520 Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 2615 S 6th Ave
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park❤️🐄

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

App link in bio@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park❤️🐄 VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN App link in bio