Quesos on 4th opened Feb. 6 at 344 N. Fourth Ave., taking over the former Lemongrass space.
Owner-partners Sean Humphrey and Mike and Kristina Koblinsky join owner-chef Shea Villafañe in the new venture. The team spent two months preparing the space and kept the existing kitchen configuration.
Concept rooted in Tucson pride
The concept reflects deep local roots and cultural pride, Humphrey said.
“All of us are very proud Tucson kids,” he said. “Day of the Dead is something we all collectively enjoy. The festivities in Tucson are incredible.”
Additionally, the team built the menu and atmosphere around the surrounding neighborhood.
Menu highlights and pricing
Quesos on 4th centers its menu on cheese-forward dishes with creative twists. Additionally, main menu items (except desert) include an elote cup. Most menu items range from $16 to $17.
The lineup blends Sonoran staples with playful mashups. El Diablo layers chorizo, beans and jalapeños with cheddar and chipotle crema. Meanwhile, The Midnight Carne stacks grilled steak, caramelized onions and queso fresco.
Carne asada appears in several builds, including Cali Carne Asada and Sonoran-Dilla. Additionally, Spicy Cowboy and Carne Verde Papas add green chilies, salsa roja and chipotle aioli.
The menu also features vegan options such as El Vegano and Vegan Loaded Baked Potato.
“We have gotten a lot of love on the vegan options,” Humphrey said.
Desserts include spicy brownie and tres leches cake made in house and cookies made by Alyssa’s Creations. The menu also offers glass bottles of Mexican sodas.
Supporting local artists and vendors
The owners plan to use their walls as a rotating gallery for local artists.
“If any local artists are interested, they are more than welcome to swing by and show us what they have,” Humphrey said. “If we like it and it fits the motif, we will hang it up with their contact info and people can buy their art off the wall. We are excited to talk to anyone who is a purveyor of ingredients and materials. The more local stuff the better.”
AZ Professional Painting completed the interior design work, which leans fully into bold color. Bright orange and deep teal walls frame the narrow dining room. Meanwhile, a large calavera and corn mural anchors one of the rooms. Star-shaped pendant lights hang above the black counter with bar seating.
Out back, a modest patio extends the dining room into open air. String lights crisscross overhead and colorful floral tablecloths echo the interior’s saturated tones.
Hours and neighborhood ties
Quesos on 4th operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Monday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant’s phone number is 520-753-9141.
Additionally, Humphrey said neighboring businesses have shown early support.
“Che’s has been a wonderful neighbor and supportive,” he said.
Furthermore, the restaurant will hand-deliver orders within a limited range. For example, they regularly run orders a few doors down to Che’s Lounge and Moon’s Smoke Shop.
Keep up with Quesos on 4th on Instagram.
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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.
