13 Tucson restaurants that have closed their doors this year 😥

We may only be halfway through the year, but Tucson has already lost 13 local restaurants — both newcomers and old favorites.

From a retro nightclub to a spot that was featured on “Bar Rescue,” here are a dozen local eateries that shuttered their doors in 2024. We’ll keep this list updated throughout the year. (For restaurant openings, though, check out our latest story on new eats in Tucson.)

Keep in mind: Other restaurants, like Magpies on Fourth Avenue, have closed specific locations this year. Those businesses aren't included here since you can still find their food elsewhere in town.

Barbizza’s

Barbizza’s, 6310 E. Tanque Verde Road served up Memphis-style barbecue and pizza for three months before they closed their doors this spring.

Their social media pages and website have since been taken down, and a lock-out notice from the landlord, dated Feb. 26, was seen taped to the window in March.

Blush Restaurant

Through recent years, several eateries have opened and closed at 340 N. Fourth Ave. Blush is the latest.

The restaurant and nightclub with a '50s and '90s mashup theme opened in August 2023, as reported by #ThisIsTucson. Blush closed earlier this year. 

Since Blush's closure in January, Black Iris Cafe has moved in and is now serving up classic American comfort food. 

Cinco Cantina

Even “Bar Rescue” couldn’t save this local cantina — it closed before the episode even aired.

Cinco Cantina, 3682 W. Orange Grove Road, closed in January. Their “Bar Rescue” episode (featuring Arizona Daily Star reporter Justin Spears) aired in March.

“I want to thank all of my loyal customers for your patronage and support over the last few years. I have met so many great people and made some wonderful and lasting friendships. I will miss all of you but I know I will see some of you around town. Please continue to support all local area businesses. They rely on you to keep their doors open,” owner Cathy Whaley wrote on Facebook.

Tio Ben's Mexican Grill has since opened in the location.

Claire’s Cafe & Gallery

Claire’s Cafe & Gallery, 16140 N. Oracle Road, closed in late April after 38 years of serving Catalina and Tucson's north side. The restaurant featured breakfast and lunch classics, alongside lots of artwork on display and a motto: "Where good friends meet to eat." 

Owner Claire Johnson announced the closure on Facebook, citing retirement.

“Please stop by and sign our guest book. Thank you,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook.

Coyote Pause Cafe

After 17 years in business, this restaurant on the far west side closed in February as the owners made the decision to retire. The restaurant was at 2740 S. Kinney Road.

“We hope you enjoyed our Southwest comfort food as much as we loved serving you,” the restaurant said on Facebook.

Goodness 

Goodness, located at 2502 N. Campbell Ave. and known for their plant-based lunches and juices, went on hiatus during the holidays late last year. 

The temporary closure for Goodness turned into a permanent one, but there's a slice of good news: the eatery is turning into a taqueria dubbed Casa Asada.

Hillhouse Coffee

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Hillhouse Coffee, 1060 S. Kolb Road, closed its doors at the end of January after opening their first location in 2022 and the Kolb location in summer 2023.

“Thank you Tucson for the support over these last few years. We’ll miss you,” Hillhouse Coffee wrote on Facebook.

The spot on Kolb Road was previously home to Sonoran Brunch Company which closed in May 2022. A “coming soon” sign now hangs for Mexican fast food eatery Losberto's. 

Kappy's Bar & Sandwich Place

After decades of serving up sandwiches and beer, Kappy's, 2190 N. Wilmot Road, closed its doors in April. Longtime customers grieved the closure on social media, calling Kappy's their favorite spot in town.

A sign for a pending liquor license application now hangs on the door, dated May 3.

Monsoons Tap & Grill

After 11 years, Monsoons Tap & Grill, 6781 N. Thornydale Road, closed on May 20. 

The restaurant that prided itself on serving Arizona craft beer announced their closure on social media.

“It's with a heavy heart that we have to tell you Monsoons is closing its doors after 10-plus years. We want to thank all the friends we have made throughout the years for your support. We couldn't have done it without you. There are so many memories that will always be with us,” they wrote on Facebook. “It was really great to see everyone the last couple of days. Words cannot express our true appreciation, but a huge thank you to all.”

PopHeads

Local popsicle shop PopHeads, 845 E. University Blvd., closed its doors on May 24. Initially opening as Peace, Love & Pops in 2022, the shop served handmade popsicles including the red-and-blue “Ice Cat” in honor of the University of Arizona.

“It’s been an awesome run but all good things come to an end,” they wrote on Instagram. 

“It was promising while the kids were there, but when the kids were gone, it’s a ghost town down there. I don’t know how those businesses survive,” owner Jim Roberts told the Arizona Daily Star.

Squared Up Pizza

Squared Up Pizza, 5870 E. Broadway, closed their spot in Park Place Mall's food court in early April. The pizzeria opened in 2022.

“The overhead has proven to be too high for us to continue going down that path to build our brand. We love and appreciate every single one of you that has supported us along the way these first 2 years,” they wrote on Instagram, adding that they will be back.

The Low Down

The Low Down, previously known as The Drunken Chicken at 429 N. Fourth Ave., closed in late March. 

Since then, their Instagram page has been taken down and Coop by Cowpig, which was previously in local food hall American Eat Co., has moved into the Fourth Avenue spot.

The Sweet Coqui

The Sweet Coqui food truck whipped up sweet treats with a Puerto Rican twist. The food truck rolled out in 2020 and participated in numerous local events including Tucson Meet Yourself.

The family behind the truck is moving back to Puerto Rico this summer. The Sweet Coqui closed in late April. 

“It's been my honor to serve you. I have loved sharing my culture with many of you, serving a warm, tropical hug disguised as a quesito or a tembleque,” The Sweet Coqui shared on Instagram. “I have proudly served a memory, a piece of home, a bittersweet smile to my fellow homesick Boricuas, in the form of a cookie or a bite of flan. I hope I represented our people, our culture, our flavors, our island, with the monumental respect and honor that it so deserves. Boricua hasta en la luna.”