New eats! 16 new restaurants that opened in Tucson this spring

Triple-digit weather is back, which can only mean one thing: summer is here.

There is truly nothing like an Arizona summer. Unbearably hot weather and blasting air conditioners — even sitting in a car is a chore.

While we take refuge in our cold houses to escape the heat, we’re missing out on all the new, delicious food the city has to offer.

Below is a list of all the new restaurants that opened in spring, hoping to inspire you to brave the heat and try something new.

Black Iris Cafe

It’s hard to see the cute Pomeranian on the logo and not want to check out Black Iris Cafe. This new addition to Fourth Avenue is serving up diner classics like tater tots covered in cheese and bacon, pulled pork sandwiches and chicken pot pies. 

Location: 340 N. Fourth Ave.

Check out their website and Instagram for more information.

Bollywood Pizza Company

This new food truck popped up on Instagram and immediately caught our attention.

This isn’t your ordinary pepperoni pizza. Bollywood Pizza Company brings Indian-inspired flatbreads, salads and much more.

Check out their Instagram for more information.

Casa Asada

Casa Asada, inspired by the taquerias found in Hermosillo, Mexico, just opened in the space that was most recently home to Goodness. Expect to find thick-cut steak tacos alongside a menu of quesadillas, tostadas and a salsa bar.

Location: 2502 N. Campbell Ave.

Visit their website or Instagram for more information.

Chela’s Latin Cuisine

The family behind El Sur is back at it again and this time, they created a new restaurant dedicated to Honduran and Caribbean flavors. Chela’s Latin Cuisine focuses on dinner service, but the space transforms into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights, with brunch will be served on weekends. Their menu includes dishes like mole poblano, ceviche and chile rellenos.

Location: 256 E. Congress St.

Visit their website, Instagram or read our story for more information.

Coop by Cowpig

When Coop announced on Instagram they were leaving American Eats Co., people panicked. Where else would we get those delicious chicken tenders and buffalo fries?! Thankfully, Coop was just moving on to bigger things.

Coop opened up in the former Low Down spot on North Fourth Avenue, serving up their mouthwatering tenders we’ve all come to know and love.

Location: 429 N. Fourth Ave.

Check out their Instagram or read our story for more information.

El Brunch Bistro

Here in Tucson, we take pan dulce very seriously and it shows at this new brunch spot, El Brunch Bistro. They have already taken social media by storm with their giant conchas, which also come in a vegan option. Whether you're craving more of a sweet or spicy meal, El Brunch Bistro has you covered.

Location: 3053 S. Kinney Road

Visit their Instagram for more information.

Fruitlandia

Raspados are one of the only things that make the summer heat bearable. This chain from Phoenix has opened a new location in Tucson, bringing along all the classic treats. Tostitos, mangoyadas and fresas con crema can be found here.

Location: 1835 S. Alvernon Way

Visit their website or their Instagram for more information.

Kotu

After bringing Two Hands Corn Dogs to Tucson, Calvin Hoang decided to start his own concept.

Kotu is an all-you-can eat Korean barbecue spot. The tables come with grills in the middle so you can cook all the food you want. To ensure the dishes are authentic, Hoang enlisted the help of a group of chefs from Los Angeles who each have experience working at popular Korean restaurants.

Location: 4545 N. Oracle Road

Visit their Instagram or read our story for more information.

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Raspaderia El Sahuaro

Miguel Angel, the man behind local quesabirria eatery La Yaquesita, took over the building that was once home to Hub Ice Cream, transforming it into Raspaderia El Sahuaro, a new raspado shop that also includes some of the tasty dishes found at his restaurant. Not only can you get a sweet treat, but you can also get a cup of birria ramen if you’re craving something savory. The shop is also open till 3 a.m. on weekends for the night owls.

Location: 245 E. Congress St.

Visit their Instagram or read our story for more information.

Real Good Brunch Co.

We’ve all come to know and love the Mexican dishes found at La Chingada, Cruda and The Neighborhood. Now, the family behind the beloved restaurants are switching it up and focusing on healthy breakfast.

Real Good Brunch Co. is dedicated to serving food that is made from scratch, incorporating real and fresh ingredients into the dishes. They make their sourdough bread fresh everyday and even serve fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Location: 1310 S. Alvernon Way

Visit their website, Instagram or read our story for more information.

Reds Tacos and More

Shopping can make you hungry. After a long day at the Tucson Premium Outlets, tacos would definitely hit the spot. Reds Tacos and More recently opened up at the outlets, where they are serving Mexican pizzas, quesadillas and specialty tacos like quesabirria.

Location: 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd.

Visit their website or Instagram for more information.

Slow Body Beer Company

This brewery focuses on lager and session beer, offering beer on draft and cans to-go. Slow Body Beer hopes its taproom can become a comfortable space for the community to enjoy a drink, hang with one another, work remotely or read a book. Leashed dogs are welcome!

Location: 831 E. 17th St.

Visit their website or Instagram for more information.

Sonora Moonshine Co.

With two Borderlands taprooms under his belt, Es Teran has added one more spot to his list. Sonora Moonshine Company, housed on the ground floor of the VFW Lofts, is focused on agave-based spirits, complete with shareable dishes and a speakeasy basement. Fancy cocktails and Sonoran-inspired dishes like carne seca guacamole can all be found at this new downtown hotspot.

Location: 124 E. Broadway

Visit their Instagram or read our story for more information.

Tio Ben’s Mexican Grill

After being featured on "Bar Rescue," the Cinco Cantina (or High Five Grille) announced they were closing. Now a new restaurant has moved into the building. At Tio Ben’s you can choose from an array of Mexican seafood dishes. Molcajetes with shrimp, salmon adobado and seafood tostadas are all on the menu.

Location: 3682 W. Orange Grove Road

Visit their Facebook for more information.

Tuxon Chix

You may have noticed a new chicken place has taken over the old Chick-In Waffle building. Tuxon Chix is now serving up what they say is the best fried chicken in Tucson. The restaurant, which even features a Joe Pagac mural, has chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and chicken wraps that each come in unique flavors like tikka masala and hot honey.

Location: 5524 E. Grant Road

Visit their website for more information.

Whole Slvce

Combining his love for baking and New York City, Travis Evans and his business partner Ari Shapiro have started their own grab ‘n go pizza joint called Whole Slvce, bringing all the charm and flavors from the east coast to Tucson. You can choose from six different flavors as well as six different vegan versions. 

Location: 160 S. Avendia del Convento 

Visit their website, Instagram or read our story for more information.

On the horizon

• The long-awaited fine dining eatery Casa Madre, 119 E. 18th St., is officially opening June 26 and is now taking reservations. Find more info here.
• Vida Cocina Mexicana is opening at 7090 N. Oracle Road, featuring flavors from Sonora and Oaxaca. Find more info here.
• Copal, from the family behind Taqueria La Esquina, looks like its getting closer to opening at 5340 E. Broadway. Find more info here or read our story.