Double Down on Fourth soft opens today, July 19, at 400 N. Fourth Ave., with a grand opening planned for early August. The bar takes over the former Bawker Bawker Cider House space and brings a Southwest saloon concept to the north end of Historic Fourth Avenue. Partner Anthony Pabst says the team turned the space around in about six weeks.
"We really were inspired by giving a little southwest flair to 4th Ave," Pabst said, "and wanted to create a name that invoked the Wild West poker players but was also a play on just getting a double at a bar."
A team with deep Tucson roots
Four Tucson bar and restaurant veterans back the project. Billy Elliott owns Elliott's on Congress, the downtown American bar and kitchen known for its pulled duck dishes and house-infused vodkas. Brenndon Scott co-founded John Henry's, the downtown dive bar he described at the time as filling a void left by the District Tavern. Brian Pracko brings long-running Tucson restaurant and bar experience to the group. Pabst rounds out the ownership team with a background in restaurant and liquor sales. Patrick Kinslow serves as general manager.
What the space looks and feels like
Double Down seats 76 guests inside a 2,000-square-foot room, with a small patio just outside that fits 8 to 10 more. The interior centers on a 28-foot bar with a 28-tap system. Wood reclaimed from one of the partners' old fences lines the back bar, built by hand. A 28-foot black-and-white photograph of the Sonoran Desert runs behind the bar. Wood walls and neon signs fill out the room.
"We wanted to achieve the feeling of a neighborhood bar where everyone feels welcome," Pabst said. "A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll."
On tap: house-made cider and local favorites
When Bawker Bawker Cider House, Tucson's first craft cider taproom, vacated the space they left their equipment behind and taught the Double Down team their signature dry cider recipes, Pabst said. Those ciders are already pouring on tap.
The bar also carries Ray Ray's Sonoran Tea on tap and in cans, a Pineapple Fizz from Brick Box Brewery, and beer from Tucson staples including Dragoon Brewing Company.
The drink menu runs from $3 shot specials and $4 select drafts up through super-premium tequilas and bourbons. Signature offerings include a 30-ounce frozen Frosé and a 30-ounce frozen margarita, both served in a plastic cowboy boot. A full cocktail menu is still in development.
How to find them
Double Down on Fourth is at 400 N. Fourth Ave. Follow Double Down on Fourth on Instagram at @DoubleDownOnFourth or visit DoubleDownonFourth.com. The phone number is 520-222-8871. Hours were not confirmed at the time of publication.
For background on the previous tenant, read the Tucson Foodie preview of Bawker Bawker Cider House.
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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.
