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

Guide

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

by Tucson FoodieJan 15, 2024Updated Aug 4, 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

Cafe Desta

758 South Stone AvenueDowntown

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 South 6th AvenueDowntown

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 North 6th Avenue #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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(Photo courtesy of Janet & Ray's)

Janet & Ray's

5443 East 22nd StreetMidtown

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.

Mr. K's Original BBQ

6302 South Park AvenueSouth Side

Mr. K’s Original BBQ delivers classic Southern barbecue in a casual, counter service setting. Owner Ray Kendrick has been delighting patrons with his no-frills approach to barbecue since 1997. Popular items on the small menu include beef ribs, hot links, and brisket.

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

Nur Market & Restaurant

3565 East Speedway Boulevard #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 East Tanque Verde Road #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

2018 South Craycroft RoadMidtown

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 East Pennington StreetDowntown

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 North 6th AvenueDowntown

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 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity & 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.
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🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵

Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday.

An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way.

🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1
(Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨

Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year and OVER 100 restaurants are participating!🌵

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

Link in bio❤️

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year and OVER 100 restaurants are participating!🌵 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. Link in bio❤️ #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona
@Bktacos made @Nytimes’ list of 41 standout Mexican restaurants across the country. Published Aug. 13, the list was compiled by reporters, editors and photographers who spent more than a year traveling the U.S. 

BK was the only Tucson restaurant included. Writer Bill Esparza highlighted its combination of Sonora-style carne asada and Sonoran hot dogs, a pairing he noted is distinct to Arizona. Benjamin and Karel Galaz, originally from Nacozari, Sonora, opened the restaurant in 1994.

Congratulations, @bktacos!🎉

Read more on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photo by @jackie_tran_ 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Bktacos made @Nytimes’ list of 41 standout Mexican restaurants across the country. Published Aug. 13, the list was compiled by reporters, editors and photographers who spent more than a year traveling the U.S. BK was the only Tucson restaurant included. Writer Bill Esparza highlighted its combination of Sonora-style carne asada and Sonoran hot dogs, a pairing he noted is distinct to Arizona. Benjamin and Karel Galaz, originally from Nacozari, Sonora, opened the restaurant in 1994. Congratulations, @bktacos!🎉 Read more on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
From French macarons to upscale Mexican dining, this guide covers the area from Broadway Boulevard and Euclid Avenue to Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue. Nearby Fourth Avenue has its own distinctive vibe, with plenty of places to eat and drink. Check out our Essential Guide to Fourth Avenue Restaurants and Bars at Tucsonfoodie.com.

Are your favorites on the list?❤️💙

@agavehousetucson 
@bacio.italianoaz 
@berrygreensacai 
@caffeluce 
@chinapasta 
@espressoartcafe 
@frognfirkin 
@gentlebens 
@jimmys_pita_and_poke 
@kababeque 
@missaigontucson 
@momos_on6th 
@noanchoviesaz 
@noodiestucson 
@newyorkpizza.dept 
Oriental Express Restaurant 
@ramirostacoshop 
@redstacos_more 
@scentedleaf 
@screwbeanbrewing 
@seasonseatsaz 
@sunshine_wine_tucson 
@moonstonetucson 
@thesaddleaz 
@timemarket 
@tridentpizzapub 
@turkish_kebab_house_tucson 
@zing_zing_tucson 

#tucsonfoodie #uofa 
#universityofarizonaFrom French macarons to upscale Mexican dining, this guide covers the area from Broadway Boulevard and Euclid Avenue to Speedway Boulevard and Campbell Avenue. Nearby Fourth Avenue has its own distinctive vibe, with plenty of places to eat and drink. Check out our Essential Guide to Fourth Avenue Restaurants and Bars at Tucsonfoodie.com. Are your favorites on the list?❤️💙 @agavehousetucson @bacio.italianoaz @berrygreensacai @caffeluce @chinapasta @espressoartcafe @frognfirkin @gentlebens @jimmys_pita_and_poke @kababeque @missaigontucson @momos_on6th @noanchoviesaz @noodiestucson @newyorkpizza.dept Oriental Express Restaurant @ramirostacoshop @redstacos_more @scentedleaf @screwbeanbrewing @seasonseatsaz @sunshine_wine_tucson @moonstonetucson @thesaddleaz @timemarket @tridentpizzapub @turkish_kebab_house_tucson @zing_zing_tucson #tucsonfoodie #uofa #universityofarizona