Bourbon Bent will soon reopen as the Saddle, a full-service restaurant and country bar led by executive chef Justin Stewart. The change expands on Bourbon Bent’s reputation for music and karaoke while adding elevated Southwest dining.
Country flair with a dining focus
Located in Main Gate Square, the Saddle will stand as the only country bar on campus. Owners said the venue will keep the lively energy of Bourbon Bent while offering a new menu and a relaxed dining experience.
“This is not a goodbye to Bourbon Bent; it is a step forward,” the ownership team said in a press release. “The Saddle keeps the heart of Bourbon Bent alive but adds more ways to gather, eat, and celebrate.”
A place for food, drinks, and events
The Saddle will serve fresh, Southwest-inspired cuisine alongside sports screenings and regular music nights. The concept aims to attract both students and locals looking for a casual place to enjoy food and entertainment.
Opening details
The Saddle will open this summer in the current Bourbon Bent location on University Boulevard. For updates, visit The Saddle’s website.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
