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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. The candied yams also stand out.

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

2620 East 22nd StreetMidtown

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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After a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground.

Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out.

@bison_witches 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@bumsteds 
@elliottsoncongress 
@gentlebens 
@omars_hiway_chef 
@hubdowntown 
@karameloking 
@kontiki_tucson 
@miramontetucson 
@pocketspoolandpub 
@quesos_on_4th 
@red_garter_tucson 
@sisterstucson 
@surlywenchpub 
@jackrabbitloungetucson 
@tridentbargrill 
@uncorked_bar
@uniontucson 
@urbanpitaaz 
@woodennickeltucson 

Tucsonfoodie.comAfter a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground. Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out. @bison_witches @brooklynpizzaco @bumsteds @elliottsoncongress @gentlebens @omars_hiway_chef @hubdowntown @karameloking @kontiki_tucson @miramontetucson @pocketspoolandpub @quesos_on_4th @red_garter_tucson @sisterstucson @surlywenchpub @jackrabbitloungetucson @tridentbargrill @uncorked_bar @uniontucson @urbanpitaaz @woodennickeltucson Tucsonfoodie.com
Tucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience.

Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞

@arizonainn 
@canyonranch 
@casinodelsolresort 
@playddcsoaz 
@elconquistadoresort 
@haciendadelsolaz 
@jwstarrpass 
@lodgeonthedesert 
@loewsventana 
@miravalarizona 
@miravistaresort 
@omnitucsonnational 
@solana_spanish_villas 
@tanqueverderanch 
@jthtucson 
@ritzcarltondovemountain 
@westinlapaloma 
@whitestallionranchaz 

Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazTucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience. Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞 @arizonainn @canyonranch @casinodelsolresort @playddcsoaz @elconquistadoresort @haciendadelsolaz @jwstarrpass @lodgeonthedesert @loewsventana @miravalarizona @miravistaresort @omnitucsonnational @solana_spanish_villas @tanqueverderanch @jthtucson @ritzcarltondovemountain @westinlapaloma @whitestallionranchaz Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. 

Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life.

The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more.

From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter.

Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. 

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life. The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more. From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter. Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
New menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥

Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit:

Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo
Tinned sardines
Manchego and quince
Niçoise salad
Lobster bisque
Garlic mushrooms
Fried zucchini
Spanish chicken and mushrooms
Salmón coca
Salumi bocadillo
Cold tapas trio
Chocolate crepes
Pastries

To drink:
Marianito
Carajillo
Sangria 

Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNew menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥 Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit: Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo Tinned sardines Manchego and quince Niçoise salad Lobster bisque Garlic mushrooms Fried zucchini Spanish chicken and mushrooms Salmón coca Salumi bocadillo Cold tapas trio Chocolate crepes Pastries To drink: Marianito Carajillo Sangria Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close. Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson