Sonoran Desert-inspired downtown Tucson restaurant Ursa will temporarily close for July and August, the restaurant announced this week. Before the summer pause, the restaurant is hosting two community-focused promotions throughout June.
From 5-10 p.m. on June 10-14, Ursa will host a “Pay What You Can” week, allowing guests to pay whatever they are able for the full 8-course tasting menu. Reservations are required, and the restaurant asks that guests pay full price for beverages, including cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings.
Chef Aaron Lopez and co-owner June Chee said the event reflects the restaurant’s mission to welcome as many community members as possible, regardless of budget.
Also in June, Ursa is offering Tucson hospitality workers a 50% discount through the end of the month. The promotion gives industry employees a chance to dine at the restaurant ahead of the seasonal slowdown.
Summer Closure Statement from Ursa
Embracing the desert’s slower summer pace, Ursa will temporarily close for the months of July and August. Since opening last fall, we’ve been deeply grateful for the support the Tucson community has shown us. It has been an honor to share the landscapes, ingredients and stories of the Sonoran Desert with so many thoughtful guests, collaborators and friends.
This pause will allow our team time to rest, reflect and prepare for the seasons ahead. We look forward to reopening in late-August with renewed energy and exciting programming already in the works for later this year. Thank you for being part of our first chapter in Tucson. We’re grateful to grow alongside this community and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
The restaurant said the closure will give its team time to rest and prepare for the fall season. Ursa plans to reopen in late August with new programming already in development for later this year.
Reserve a table through Ursa’s online booking platform at exploretock.com/ursa.
Ursa is located at 110 E. Congress St. For more information, visit ursadesert.com. Keep up with Ursa on Instagram.
[06/05/2026 editor’s note: This article was updated to include the pay-what-you-can-week week.]
Read our March article Downtown Tucson’s Ursa rewards desert-curious diners the most.
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.
