Your Inside Scoop on What’s Coming Soon to Downtown Tucson
Categories Downtown Community DTP Updates
New restaurants, local favorites, and exciting additions are on the way!
If you've spent any time downtown lately, you've probably noticed a few extra construction zones, a handful of paper-covered windows, and a whole lot of anticipation. That's because some exciting new businesses are getting ready to call the neighborhood their home! From award-winning pizza and contemporary barbecue to local shopping and community gathering spaces, here's a look at a few of the new businesses we're counting down the days for!
Insider Note: Opening dates and details are subject to change, but one thing is certain. We'll be first in line when the doors open!
Communion
NOW OPEN | Located at 220 N. Meyer Avenue
Already a favorite among Tucson shoppers, Communion is beginning an exciting new chapter with its move to downtown!
Known for its thoughtfully curated collection of clothing, gifts, home décor, and lifestyle goods, Communion has built a loyal following by celebrating local makers and unique finds you won't stumble across anywhere else. Its new downtown location means even more opportunities to browse, discover something unexpected, and support a beloved Tucson business!
Why We're Excited: Every downtown shopping district deserves a boutique that feels like a treasure hunt, and Communion fits that role perfectly!
For more information: Check out Communion’s website and Instagram!
Block A Sports Bar & Grill
Coming July 2026 | Located at 345 E. Congress Street
Sports fans, this one is for you!
Block A is bringing a fresh sports bar experience to the former Hi-Fi space, creating a new gathering place for game days, casual dinners, and nights out with friends. Expect plenty of televisions, elevated bar fare, cold drinks, and an atmosphere built around bringing people together for every touchdown, buzzer-beater, and walk-off win!
Why We're Excited: If you’re always looking for new places to gather your friends and family, and Block A has all the markings of becoming a new game day go-to!
For more information: “Block A Sports Bar and Grill” to Open in Former Hi-Fi Space Downtown (Tucson Foodie)
Gibson Market & Food Hall
Coming July 2026 | Located at 11 S. 6th Avenue
Ever feel like downtown is missing an easy stop-and-go marketplace? Well grab your reusable grocery tote and come hungry because Gibson Market is back and better than ever!
Designed to make everyday living downtown even more convenient, Gibson Market is expected to offer groceries, prepared food, everyday essentials, and a welcoming community-focused atmosphere. To add to the excitement, the market is also set to feature a food hall anchored by local favorites like Kaiju Burger, Samurai Teppan Steak & Sushi, Don Ribs BBQ, and Barrio Bites. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or checking a few things off your grocery list, Gibson Market is another exciting step toward making downtown an even more vibrant place to live, work, and explore!
Why We're Excited: As if a neighborhood market wasn't exciting enough, plans also call for a speakeasy tucked away beneath Gibson Market. While details and opening timelines are still under wraps, we'll be keeping an eye on this hidden downtown addition!
For more information: Here's a peek inside Downtown Tucson's Gibson Food Hall & Market (Arizona Daily Star)
Lava Bar
Coming Fall 2026 | Located at 350 E. Congress Street
Things are about to heat up downtown this fall!
Taking over the former Funky Monk space, Lava Bar is the newest concept from the minds behind Chela’s Latin Cuisine. While many of the details are still under wraps, the bar’s social media teasers hint at a late-night hideaway that’s sure to bring some new energy to your night on the town. If the sneak peeks are any indication of what the Chela’s team is cooking up, expect bold vibes, a hot new bar menu, and a striking addition to downtown’s growing nightlife scene.
Why We're Excited: We don’t know exactly what’s behind the doors just yet, but that’s part of the fun! With Chela’s already bringing the flavor to downtown, we have a feeling that this new venture is sure to turn up the heat!
For more information: Check out Lava Bar’s Instagram!
Penelope Pizza
Coming September 2026 | Located at 400 N. Toole Avenue
One of Tucson's most celebrated pizzerias is making its way downtown!
Penelope Pizza is taking over the former Maynards Kitchen & Bottle Shop space inside the historic train depot, bringing its nationally recognized wood-fired pizzas to one of downtown's most iconic buildings. The new location is expected to feature not only its signature pizzas but also handmade pastas, entrées, and a new daytime café concept in the adjacent market space!
Why We're Excited: We'd be lying if we said the pizza wasn't enough to get us through the door, but we're just as excited to see one of downtown's most iconic restaurant spaces begin a new chapter!
For more information: Penelope Pizza to Take Over Former Maynards Space Downtown (Tucson Foodie)
Lucky Penny BBQ & Bonanza Coffee Co.
Coming October 2026 | Located at 47 N. 6th Avenue and 31 N. 6th Avenue
Two new concepts. One shared patio. Endless reasons to visit!
Lucky Penny BBQ and Bonanza Coffee Co. are bringing an exciting combination of contemporary barbecue and specialty coffee to Sixth Avenue this fall. Lucky Penny plans to serve thoughtfully crafted barbecue with Sonoran influences, while Bonanza Coffee Co. will offer coffee from morning through evening, allowing both concepts to create one seamless destination that's just as suitable for breakfast as it is for dinner. The two businesses will share a spacious outdoor patio designed for gathering, relaxing, and spending time with friends!
Why We're Excited: Coffee in the morning, barbecue in the evening, and a beautiful new patio in between? Count us in!
For more information: Lucky Penny BBQ & Bonanza Coffee Co to Open in Downtown Tucson in Fall (Tucson Foodie)
One of the best things about Downtown Tucson is that it's always evolving. Every new storefront, restaurant, and local business adds another reason to explore a different block, try something new, or revisit a favorite corner of the city! We'll continue updating our website as opening dates are announced and new businesses join the downtown community. Until then, consider this your sign to get excited because downtown's next chapter is shaping up to be the best one yet!
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