La Esquina opened in January 2025 as a Spanish-influenced wine bar at 630 E. Ninth St. on a historic corner just outside downtown Tucson. Co-owners Faisal Al-Rashid and Khayal Algosaibi-Jones aimed to capture the lively, communal spirit of nights out in Spain.
“We wanted to open a bar that we would want to go to,” Al-Rashid said. “Besides the amazing tapas you find everywhere, the age of bars in Spain is what I was instantly drawn to. My building is historic here in Tucson, so I wanted to merge the two into a bar that, despite having recently opened, feels like it’s been here forever.”
Moreover, the team drew on memories of crowded old-town streets in southern Spain.
“Marbella, in the south of Spain was the base of inspiration for La Esquina,” Algosaibi-Jones said. “We wanted to bring the feeling of being out in the little bustling streets of old town Marbella. Shoulder to shoulder with complete strangers, yet feeling completely at home. Always welcome. Spanish culture has the ability to make anyone feel like they belong. Not to mention the gastronomy and wine scene is second to none in my opinion. So, we wanted to try and bring that back home.”
The bar’s name means “the corner” in Spanish, a straightforward choice for its location. Additionally, Al-Rashid was inspired by the timeless character of historic Spanish taverns. He wanted a bar that, despite being new, feels like it’s been here forever.
Tapas, Wine, and Local Brews
La Esquina’s menu of tapas and drinks brings a taste of Spain to the Old Pueblo. The bar offers an array of shareable Spanish-influenced small plates designed to complement its wine list. This includes plates such as pan con tomate and tinned seafood.
The beverage program, curated by general manager Sarah Fox, leans heavily on Mediterranean flavors.
“In our wine and amari selection we love to shine a light on indigenous varietals and terroir focused winemaking,” Fox said.
The wine list showcases mostly Spanish and Portuguese wines, with forays into other Mediterranean regions, along with a selection of sherries and vermouths. Moreover, the bar keeps its taps rotating with a mix of European beers and Tucson craft brews.
“Our beer selection is a mix of old world classics and domestic favorites, and we always have locally made beer on tap,” Fox said. Current local taps include beer from Slow Body Beer Co and Pueblo Vida Brewing Company.
On any given night, guests can savor a crisp Basque txakoli wine with a dish of olives, or nibble on Manchego cheese with a pour of dry sherry. Al-Rashid’s personal favorite keeps it simple.
“Pan con tomate with a little tinned fish is hands down my favorite,” he said. “I could have it everyday.”
Meanwhile, Algosaibi-Jones often recommends starting with a caña and the Everything Plate, an assorted tapas sampler.
“To drink I’d suggest a glass of the Frappato,” he said. “It’s a Sicilian red that seems to work for everyone’s palate. It compliments the food well and also tastes fantastic.”
By encouraging guests to mix and match, the owners cultivate a relaxed atmosphere where, as Algosaibi-Jones said, “there are no wrong answers. Do what you want and enjoy.”
The menu opens with burrata served over Barrio Bread levain, finished with extra virgin olive oil. Jamón Ibérico, the celebrated cured Spanish ham, is paired with crisp breadsticks. For variety, the Bread & Things board includes Barrio levain, marcona almonds, Italian and Castelvetrano olives, something pickled, butter, and olive oil.
From there, the menu features curated trays. The Cheese Plate presents three cheeses with honey, dried fruit, membrillo, and crackers. The Charcuterie Plate carries three meats with pickles and crackers. For a bit of everything, the Everything Plate combines two cheeses and a meat, plus bread, olives, and a pan con tomate shooter.
For guests seeking something heartier, the Sandwich rotates seasonally, with details available from the bartender. Another rotating option, the Tinned Fish selection, offers Spanish tins paired with crackers and accompaniments.
The staple pan con tomate is simple yet essential: Barrio Bread levain topped with hand-grated tomato and garlic, drizzled with olive oil. Guests may add burrata or jamón for extra richness.
La Esquina also features an a la carte section to build your own plate. Choices include olives, cheese, cured meats, marcona almonds, fancy potato chips, or Barrio Bread with butter or olive oil. For a sweet finish, the menu offers a rotating “Something Sweet” dessert.
Cozy Historic Atmosphere
Step inside La Esquina to see the Spanish wine bar influence. Al-Rashid and Algosaibi-Jones preserved the building’s exposed brick, wood rafters, and natural plaster walls for rustic charm, while mid-century modern accents keep the space stylish. Verdant plants and emerald-green tile add to the cozy vibes.
“Despite the brick, concrete, and vaulted ceilings, the place feels cozy and intimate. Lighting is everything,” Al-Rashid said.
Art also plays a role in setting the mood. Black-and-white documentary photos by local talents line the walls, adding life to the decor. Fox sees the photography as “a conduit for community conversation, an extension of the wine and food.”
Furthermore, every detail — from the handmade Spanish tiles on the bar front to the Funktion-One sound system — was chosen to enhance the experience.
“The place is beautiful visually but I’m most proud of the Funktion-One sound system. It’s magical,” Al-Rashid said. “You honestly have to hear it to believe it.”
Tucson Nightlife and Community
In under a year, La Esquina carved out its niche in the Tucson nightlife scene. Moreover, the owners have been thrilled by the community’s embrace.
“We’ve been feeling the love,” Algosaibi-Jones said. “The Tucson community has been incredibly supportive and it means everything to us,”
A guest once told them that La Esquina “feels like it’s always been here but we finally let everyone in,” a compliment that Algosaibi-Jones found especially rewarding.
Additionally, La Esquina actively engages with Tucson’s craft scene. They collaborate with local breweries, feature artisan products like Barrio Bread, and host live music and DJ nights.
“Live musicians and DJs bring a whole other layer to the space,” Algosaibi-Jones said.
On weekends, the bustle and music give the feel of a Spanish tapas bar; lively yet intimate. Meanwhile, weeknights are cozier, with flamenco or jazz playing softly in the background.
La Esquina is located at 630 E. Ninth St. For more information, visit laesquinatucson.com.
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.
