In my “other job” as a resort concierge in Tucson, I often had opportunities to experience new and local attractions for the purpose of sending our guests to the best restaurants and shops in downtown Tucson. I was recently invited on a concierge tour by the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association. Of course, I’ve visited the historic Fourth Avenue on my own a few times, but it was great to hear some of the stories behind the merchants and find out how many of the shops, bars, and restaurants are locally owned, women-owned, and heavily involved in community philanthropy. With over 100 merchants in the area, here’s a quick guide to some of my favorite spots on 4th Ave Tucson.

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4th Avenue Tucson Restaurants

Tucson foodies know that some of the best spots in town are found along Fourth Avenue. If you want to see why Tucson was the first US city to receive the UNESCO City of Gastronomy Award, head down here with an empty stomach and be prepared to stuff yourself. Better yet, sign up for one of the Tucson food tours and have small samplings along the way!

Boca Tacos y Tequila

Voted Best Tacos in Tucson! If you pay attention to local news and events it won’t be long until you hear about Maria Mazon, the chef at Boca. It seems that her innovative and fresh Mexican food is always winning awards and she’s been featured on several national TV shows. What I love about Boca is the simplicity of the tacos. They are known for salsas, which is funny because I’m not a salsa fan, but I still love dining here. You order individual tacos – I’ve had the carne asada, al pastor, and shrimp – they’re all fantastic! Don’t come here looking for tacos dripping in cheese and sour cream; these are simple Mexico street tacos full of amazing flavor! Everything here is made to order, nothing is pre-made or reheated.

Boca Tacos y Tequila – 533 N 4th Avenue

Lindy’s on 4th

Voted Best Burger in Tucson! I had been wanting to try Lindy’s for a while, but it’s tough to choose a hamburger over tacos in this town. Fortunately, our 4th Ave Tucson restaurants tour included a sampling of their “OG” burger. Let me tell you, it was delicious and I can’t wait to go back for a full order. Plus they have tots which automatically gives them bonus points in my book. Fries are so boring! Lindy’s 7-ounce burgers are always fresh, never frozen. They just celebrated their 14th anniversary, so they’re obviously doing something right in an oversaturated burger market!

Lindy’s on 4th – 500 N 4th Avenue

The Drunken Chicken (reopened as The Low Down)

The guys who opened Drunken Chicken have one goal: high quality, tasty food. Their chicken is always fresh, never frozen. Every dish is hand-cut and made to order. Where most restaurants spend about $0.19/pound on chicken, the Drunken Chicken spends $3.00/pound to ensure the best quality. We got to sample their chicken and waffles with a maple bourbon syrup. I would definitely come back here to try more of their menu!

The Drunken Chicken – 429 N. 4th Avenue

Bison Witches

One of the best places on Fourth Ave for sandwiches is Bison Witches Bar and Deli. A Tucson staple since 1995, Bison Witches is known as a “bar without the bar food.” They are known for hefty sandwiches, bread bowls fully of hearty soup, and happy hour specials. The Bloody Marys are a big hit, too!

Bison Witches – 326 N. 4th Avenue

4th Avenue Tucson Shopping

There are so many unique shops, boutiques, and galleries along Fourth Avenue. You can easily spend an entire day wandering around the neighborhood picking up fun gifts from locally-owned businesses. These are a few of my favorites.

Popcycle

Popcycle is owned by four women who are dedicated to sustainable practices. They support over 90 local artists creating products from upcycled goods. If you need a fun gift for someone, this is a great place to look. With tons of local Arizona-themed clothing and decor, I could spend a couple of hours in here.

Popcycle – 422 N 4th Avenue

Silver Sea Jewelry

Silver Sea Jewelry has fun, unique pieces, many with a mermaid theme. But that’s not what I love most about them. They also run a pet pantry for the local homeless population. Anyone can bring in dog or cat food and treats, and anyone in need is welcome to get food for their pets. What a great concept! I love supporting businesses like this!

Silver Sea Jewelry – 330 N. 4th Avenue

Rustic Candle Company

For handmade candles and other home accessories, check out Rustic Candle Company. I got a sneak peek in the back room where the candles are made, right on site! They also carry incense, gifts, and oils. It’s a great place to shop for a housewarming gift!

Rustic Candle Company – 324 N 4th Avenue

Where to Relax Along 4th Avenue Tucson

Che’s Lounge

Voted Best Neighborhood Bar in Tucson! Che’s Lounge looks pretty divey but has a great atmosphere and an excellent patio in the back. We sampled some pretty tasty blueberry-infused vodka that I would definitely come back for. They are also known for micheladas, but I can’t vouch for it since I won’t go near any drink containing tomato sauce! Live music and food trucks round out the happenings at Che’s. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates!

Che’s Lounge – 350 N. Fourth Avenue (ok, I literally just got it – Che’s Lounge, Chaise Lounge, ha!)

4th Avenue Yoga

This is one of the first yoga spots I hit up when I first moved to Tucson. They have a great schedule of classes, and each class is only $57. That is a phenomenal price for yoga. You would typically pay $15 – $30 per class anywhere else. They also have meditation and Tai Chi classes. This is a great place to get your zen on after a day of shopping on 4th Avenue Tucson.

4th Avenue Yoga – 413 E. Fifth Street

D&D Pinball

This is a fun spot for all ages. With a pop machine and a roll of quarters, you can have a fun night out on the town at Southern Arizona’s largest pinball arcade. They don’t serve food, so I recommend grabbing a pizza from Magpie’s nearby before starting your game night.

D&D Pinball – 331 E. Seventh Street

Sky Bar Tucson

At first, I thought this was some kind of a rip-off of SkyBar in other cities, like Chicago, which is on a rooftop with a view of the city. Nope, this bar is not set in the sky, but it’s all about the sky. It has an astronomy theme, with occasional lectures and telescopes on site. How cool is that? By day, it’s a solar-powered cafe, and at night they serve drinks and Brooklyn Pizza.

Sky Bar Tucson – 536 N 4th Ave

Fourth Avenue Tucson Events

Fourth Avenue is probably best known for street fairs, including the annual 4th Avenue Street Fair. For 50 years, 4th Avenue vendors have been hosting this event to bring the local community together. The 4th Avenue winter street fair takes place in mid-December, and a spring fair has been added for Spring.

• The Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair is scheduled for March 25-26
• The Children’s Entrepreneurial Market is scheduled for April 1; shop the market run entirely by children!
• The Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair is scheduled for December 8-10
• Halloween on Fourth brings trick or treating, merchant specials, and a costume contest to Historic 4th Avenue
• Black Friday brings special shopping deals to Fourth Avenue Tucson
• February 19th is the Pets of Pima Parade in conjunction with Tucson of Subaru

If you want more information on Fourth Avenue Tucson and other Tucson destinations, stop by a visitor center on your way into town!