Each week, we want to highlight one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson!
On the corner of Cushing Street and Meyer Avenue, there’s a group of concepts harboring enough charm to attract anyone with an appetite for something new.
Whether it be an intentional visit or you’re simply passing by, The Coronet, Coronet Cafe, and Nightjar are collectively the cat’s meow thanks to Sally Kane and her team.
The location has some history, too — we’re talkin’ about the late 1860s.
Back then, a family from Germany moved to Tucson and built a home on Meyer Avenue. Fast forward to 1971, when Kelly Rollings and partners took over the property and opened Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant in early ’72.
Rollings had a keen eye for art and is responsible for the inherent look and feel of the property as well as many of the art pieces. For instance, he imported the chandelier and Cleopatra sculpture (originally made in France) from Mexico City, which is where they had lived since the late 1920s.
Kane opened The Coronet in 2014 (it was originally on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street) and in 2019, the restaurant moved into the historic Cushing Street location, continuing the property’s journey and gathering a team that shares the same vision.
It’s sometimes difficult to step out of the box and try something new to eat. It can be overwhelming for some to even consider eating something they’re not used to.
The menu at The Coronet can be a nice gateway to broaden your scope.
Kane is sometimes asked what type of cuisine is served at The Coronet. It’s not always an easy question to answer, but it all comes down to the general love of food. She admires dishes from all over the world and the importance of the ingredients used in each.
The menu often changes, which is great for those who visit the restaurant often, but to give a hint of what to expect (if you’ve never been), treat yourself to the Wild Board Birria Bucatini or perhaps the Seared Salmon — this one comes with blistered marinated shishitos, spiced red lentils, and a Moroccan olive and preserved lemon chutney.
Perhaps the best thing of all when it comes to paying a visit to The Coronet is the surprise of new additions landing on the seasonally inspired menu. The fully scratch kitchen involves 100% sustainable proteins and products from local bakers, makers, and vendors.
Go with friends, make it a hot date, or head in there alone! A special occasion isn’t needed to pay a visit to The Coronet.
RECENT RESTAURANTS OF THE WEEK:
- Ghini’s French Caffe
- Rocco’s Little Chicago
- The Parish
- La Olla Mexican Restaurant
- Nook
- Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar
The Coronet is located at 198 W. Cushing St. For reservations, hours of operation, and more about Nightjar and Coronet Cafe, visit coronettucson.com.
Tucson Foodie Insiders
The Coronet is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $20% off their meal.
For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
