This quaint deli is an indispensable stop along the Historic Fourth, where every bite of their meticulously crafted sandwiches takes you on a nostalgic journey of familiar yet unique flavors. With their passion for local ingredients and uncompromising quality, 4th Ave Delicatessen not only serves food, it serves slices of Tucson’s heritage, one sandwich at a time.

This spot is all about connecting with others, with a spacious taproom overlooking 4th Avenue and a no-TV policy to encourage conversation. Owned by a passionate homebrewer who loves chickens, the name “Bawker Bawker” is a playful nod to that love. They serve unfiltered ciders, which gives them a unique, slightly hazy appearance, and they’re always trying out new flavors that meet gluten-free and vegan expectations.

Chill out at this local joint that’s been dishing up deli delights on 4th Ave since ’95. They’re serving up big flavors in their gourmet sammies, like their “Wildcat” and “Bison Witch” sandwiches, as well as savory soups, tasty salads, and delicious drinks from the bar!

Black Iris Cafe brings a classic diner experience to this historic district. Known for its comfort food with a twist, the cafe offers hearty dishes like biscuits and gravy and corn ribs, making it a favorite for those seeking familiar yet indulgent meals.

This funky Tucson taco joint is all about breaking the mold. Forget about yellow cheese and iceberg lettuce, and say hello to unique taco fillings like grilled octopus or squash. Their homemade tortillas, changing salsas, and tasty “Boca ball” will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about tacos. And don’t even get us started on their awesome array of agave!

Experience something different at The Boxyard, a unique eatery made from brightly colored shipping containers. Home to four local food entrepreneurs, two bars, and amazing indoor/outdoor seating, it’s a foodie’s paradise with a view. With each vendor serving up their own unique specialties, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a hip spot that lets you enjoy the outdoors, no matter the time of year!

Voted as the top pizza joint in Tucson, Brooklyn Pizza is located right in the heart of 4th Ave, directly next door to Sky Bar. They’ve haven’t just been voted the best pizza in Tucson, they’ve got a claim to the best garlic knots as well! And best of all, their food is made using solar power. Now that’s hot!

Formerly Epic Cafe, Cafe Maggie is the very first stop as you head south on 4th Ave from University Blvd. Comfy couches, caffeinated beverages, healthy and hearty breakfast and lunch options, and bountiful Wi-Fi — what more could you possibly need?

Stop by Cafe Passe and sample their menu full of Mexican-inspired dishes alongside tried and true Passe favorites including burgers, a chicken salad sandwich, bagels and quesadillas. Or enjoy their selection of local beers, wines, and craft cocktails.

Check out Caruso’s on 4th Avenue for a taste of Italian in Tucson! Run by the Zagona family since 1938, this place is all about hearty, home-cooked Italian meals. Their lasagna is legendary, and the “Caruso Special” — a combo of spaghetti, meatballs, and ravioli — is a must-try. And don’t worry, they’ve got plenty of vegetarian options too, like a delicious veggie lasagna.

Pro note: be sure to make early reservations when dining during the Winter and Spring Fourth Avenue Street Fairs as well as UA graduation, especially if you’re hoping to land a table on their beautiful patio.

Nestled on Fourth Avenue, this hip hang-out spot is known for its youthful atmosphere, stiff flavorful drinks, and eclectic jukebox. With free live music every Saturday night, it’s a great place to catch up-and-coming bands, as well as check out the groovy guys and gals of the Dirty T.

The Coop specializes in a variety of fried chicken options, from wings and tenders to full chickens, all prepared with recipes handed down from the family’s grandmother. The restaurant emphasizes a family-run, local business vibe!

Not your average grocery store! Food Conspiracy Co-op has been doing its thing since ’71, offering a ton of natural food options that you might not find elsewhere. Swing by for weekly deals on organic produce and locally-sourced greens like dino kale and purple baby bok choy!

The Hut is like stepping into a ’70s time warp. This relaxed bar features live music and a giant tiki head out front, setting the tone for a fun night out. They’ve got a range of drinks to choose from, including a hand-pressed, fresh-squeezed lime soda that’s a crowd favorite. Whether you want to dance your heart out or just sit back and enjoy the music, The Hut’s got you covered. It’s a one-of-a-kind spot on 4th Ave that you just have to check out!

This is more than just a a great place to dance — it’s an LGBTQ-friendly safe space in Tucson. Their trivia Tuesdays are a must-try, and don’t sleep on the food! It’s better than you’d expect from a club, with yummy stuff like Carne Asada Fries, Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwiches, and more!

The cafe is a farm-to-table concept that serves an original menu consisting of burritos, omelets, pastries, sandwiches, plenty of pressed juice to keep you hydrated here in the desert, and coffee from Decibel Coffee Works. The baristas are making classics like Cafe Lattes, Cafe Mochas, Espressos, Americanos, and a simple drip coffee for those who like it straight-up.

La Yaquesita in Tucson is this cozy spot on 4th Ave where you can dig into some legit Sonoran grub. It’s run by a super friendly family and they’ve got some mouthwatering dishes like a loaded baked potato called “Papa Loka with Asada” and a shredded beef burrito, “Asada Burro”. Plus, it’s pretty affordable. Definitely worth checking out!

Driven by the vision of Dr. Tank Ojha, a world traveler from Nepal, this place serves up some seriously tasty, authentic, and organic food in Tucson. Their homegrown veggies make dishes like the Chicken Curry, Lentil Patties, and Chicken Rice Bowl out-of-this-world good. They’ve also got great options for plant-based eaters, like vegan fried rice and noodles with spinach sauce. 10/10 would recommend!

If you’re looking for the best burgers in Tucson, you gotta hit up Lindy’s. They’ve got everything from a burger with peanut butter to a nine-patty “OMFG” monster. In fact, their juicy and unique burgers and savory sides like onion rings and gravy fries are so awesome, they even made an appearance on the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food!

This place is all about fresh, handmade food served in a fun, funky setting. The host, Martin, really knows how to work magic in the kitchen. From chilaquiles to a tremendous 3-taco plate featuring carne asada and chicken mole, every dish is a hit. It’s a refreshing change from your usual Mexican restaurant and a must-try when you’re in town.

If you’re in the mood for a chill night out, Mr. Head’s is your place. It’s got a cool and welcoming “dive bar” vibe, but with some great cocktails and spirits available as well. The prices are reasonable and they’ve got a good selection of drafts, including some cheap PBR.

A fun and accommodating spot, O’Malley’s Bar & Grill on 4th Avenue offers a lively atmosphere complete with pool tables and an outdoor sitting area. Their extensive drink options and delicious food, especially the nacho platter and wings, are good as heck.

Ready for a trip to Greece without leaving Tucson? At Opa’s Grill, you’ll dig the decor – think Santorini snapshots and Greek statues. The staff are top-notch and you’ll get a hefty plate of food for your money. Grab the Gyro lunch plate – it’s loaded with tasty beef & lamb and some cool, creamy Tzatziki sauce. The portion sizes here don’t mess around, so you’ll likely have some of that deliciousness left to take home, too.

The urban European-style wine bar offers wine-pairable bites such as cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate. Although the bites are fancy, the vibe is meant to be accessible.

Hailed as Arizona’s oldest continuously licensed bar, The Shanty brings a unique mix of old-world charm and laid-back vibes. The bar features a beautiful patio, an array of pool tables, and a generous offering of beers from around the globe. Its unique interior, adorned with vintage oil paintings and copper-topped tables, creates an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. Plus there’s free popcorn and an extensive list of imported beers​. Cheers!

A true Tucson treat: By day, a cool café with a banging breakfast calzone and a ton of drinks like juices, smoothies, and coffee​​. By night, an astronomy-themed bar that’s all solar-powered. No joke, you can (and should!) stargaze with their powerful on-site telescopes. Plus, they’ve got some cool events like “Sky-raoke” karaoke night, and a 15-minute happy hour at midnight where you can score $1 well drinks​. I know, right??

If you’re looking for authentic Tucson nightlife, you’ve gotta check out Surly Wench. Picture a mashup of rock, grunge, cult classic, and tattoo parlor vibes, with arcade games thrown in for good measure. On top of that, this spot’s got an awesome line-up of alternate events like punk gigs, burlesque nights, and costume parties that you won’t wanna miss​. Food-wise, don’t sleep on their Chicken Nuggs and Jalapeno Poppers, or their home-made Chili — they’re all delicious.

Hey, it’s close enough to Fourth Avenue! The market features a grocery, shelves of local and imported goods, a restaurant, kitchen, wood-fire pizza oven, deli, a bar serving a variety of drinks as well as an outdoor patio.

With the recent announcement regarding the closing of Dillinger Taproom, located within the historic Coronado Hotel at 402 E. 9th St., David and Johnna Meek have stepped into the spotlight to announce their plans to repurpose the location as the home of their new concept, TraXide Taproom. The concept continues to be a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of craft beer and ensuring there’s something on tap for every palate.

Indian Twist chef and owner Jimmy Aujla is no newcomer to Downtown Tucson’s food scene. With a former residency as the original Indian Twist at The Boxyard Tucson, Aujla delighted metropolitan residents and visitors with his culinary creations and vibrant hospitality as a pop-up stand.