21 Tucson eateries that closed their doors this year

Whether it’s grabbing a fancy cocktail at Ermanos’ secret bar Portal, or chowing down on a strawberry-filled treat from Fatboy Sandos in the lively atmosphere of American Eat Co., many of us have fond memories of these local spots.

While some of our beloved restaurants have closed, we can still look back and reminiscence on the great meals, conversations and laughs had over the years.

Below is a list of local eateries that have shut their doors in 2025.

1912 Brewing Company

In February, 1912 Brewing Company, at 2045 N. Forbes Blvd., announced that after nearly 10 years, it would be selling the brewery.

Unfortunately, a few months later, the sale fell through, and 1912 Brewing Company officially shut down operations.

Better Bevs

This Fourth Avenue drink shop combined boba tea with Mexican flavors and aguas frescas, making vibrant drinks topped with whipped cream and sour candy belts.

They announced on Instagram that they would be closing their storefront, at 210 N. Fourth Ave., and switching to their mobile bus for events.

Black Iris Café

Black Iris Café, at 340 N. Fourth Ave., served American comfort food and classic cocktails, and featured a low-light speakeasy-style bar in the back for dance parties and cabaret.

In June, the restaurant announced it would permanently close its doors. The diner’s location has been home to many other businesses in the last few years, most recently Blush Restaurant.

Charro Vida

Charro Vida, the brainchild of El Charro matriarch Carlotta Flores, who wanted to fuse the Sonoran Mexican flavors from her family’s legendary restaurant with Mediterranean dietary concepts, closed in May after six years.

At the time, Stacy Ethington, the area manager, said in a written statement that the vegan and vegetarian restaurant at 7109 N. Oracle Road had a hard time gaining traction after having to close due to the pandemic.

Cuppa Gogo

This bright-red coffee trailer gained popularity back in 2022 at the former east-side food truck park, The Pit, thanks to its creative coffee flavors and pickle lemonades. In November 2023, they opened their first brick-and-mortar at 4877 E. Speedway.

But in January, Cuppa Gogo announced its closure in an Instagram post.

El Chinito Gordo

El Chinito Gordo, at 2920 N. Oracle Road, served its final meals in May after opening in 2019. Its menu was inspired by recipes handed down by the owner’s family from Guadalajara.

“Throughout this journey, through everyday challenges and even a pandemic — we’ve learned, grown and built lasting friendships,” its Facebook announcement stated.

Ermanos & Portal Cocktails

After spending a decade serving up gourmet bar food for patrons on Fourth Avenue, Ermanos, at 220 N. Fourth Ave., closed its doors in February after a 10-year run.

Portal Cocktails, a speakeasy-style bar located toward the back of the restaurant, confirmed it, too, would be closing. You may have seen Portal featured on many Instagram feeds, thanks to its ambient lighting and creative drink menu.

Fatboy Sandos

Starting out as a food truck and later moving into American Eat Co., at 1439 S. Fourth Ave., Fatboy Sandos stole hearts with its tasty rice bowls, onigiri and sweet and savory sandos.

Eventually, Fatboy Sandos moved to the Park Place Mall food court, at 5870 E. Broadway, and opened a location in Mesa as well. But they made the decision in February to close.

Firetruck Brewing

In January, Firetruck Brewing, which was brought to life by three Golder Ranch Fire District firefighters, shuttered its last, and flagship, location at 4746 E. Grant Road.

The midtown location originally opened in 2014, where its firefighter-themed brews gained traction. Its popularity continued to grow, and it eventually opened locations on Tanque Verde Road, in Oro Valley, and on North Kolb Road. These three locations all closed their doors during the past 18 months, however.

Flora’s Market Run

In 2020, Flora’s Market Run took over the historic Rincon Market, at 2513 E. Sixth St., turning the iconic spot into half market, half restaurant.

The restaurant announced its closure earlier this year. Owner Nathan Ares told the Star the decision to close came after months of struggling to find its niche.

Good Oak Bar

Since 2013, you could count on going to Good Oak Bar for an after-concert drink. Unfortunately, the downtown bar, at 316 E. Congress St., announced it would close its doors in October.

“Since 2013 Good Oak Bar has served Tucson with integrity and grace through a focus on community, craft and terroir. An open door to gather, exist and thrive. These spaces we inhabit are fleeting but our experiences within them are lasting and carved into posterity and fond memory,” their post said.

HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails

Following 11 years of wild nights and long lines, HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails, at 345 E. Congress St., announced it was closing at the end of February. The sports bar and club thanked their staff and customers for the memories “that will last forever.”

Hammbone’s Meat & Three Joint

In September 2024, C.J. Hamm opened Hammbone’s Meat & Three Joint, at 2027 S. Craycroft Road. The restaurant specialized in Southern comfort food, with dishes big enough to serve a family.

But in April, Hamm announced that after a series of necessary repairs, it became impossible for him to stay open, stating that restaurants are a very tough business nowadays.

Iron John’s Brewing Company, Broadway location

Monkey Burger briefly made a comeback when it collaborated with Iron John’s Brewing Company to transform a spot at 5350 E. Broadway into a brewery that served burgers and pizza. Fans of the new venture learned through an announcement in March that they would be closing their doors.

Le Cave’s Bakery

A Tucson icon for 90 years, Le Caves, at 3950 E. 22nd St., announced on Instagram that they were closing up shop in February.

Naomi Pershing, who ran the bakery with her husband Chris, told the Star that the rapid rise in food and labor costs created an unsustainable situation.

Basil Le Cave originally opened the bakery in 1935 at 1219 S. Sixth Ave., creating doughnuts that used vegetable oil and potato flour instead of eggs and dairy products. The chewy and slightly sweet donuts gained a very loyal following that spanned the decades they were open.

The Little One

In September, Marcela Davila-Barley announced that after 40 years of dishing up thousands of meals, The Little One, at 151 N. Stone Ave., was to stop its operations on Sept. 19.

Things in downtown Tucson have changed drastically since 1985, and Davila-Barley said its corner is now different, making it harder for her to keep the doors open.

Thunder Bacon Burger Co.

In 2021, Lindon “Lindy” Reilly, the mastermind behind Lindy’s on 4th, decided to start a new venture: Thunder Bacon Burger Co., at 621 N. Fourth Ave., focusing on burgers that featured flavors of the Southwest, like green chiles and chorizo.

In October, the burger spot announced it had closed down.

Tommy D’s

This Chicago eatery, at 8060 E. 22nd St., plated up Italian beef, Chicago dogs, cheesesteaks and more for years before closing its doors in May.

Tucson Coffee Cricket

This coffee spot with ube lattes announced in July it was closing its kiosk at 5151 E. Broadway.

Wok Fire and Grill

This Vietnamese spot at 1135 N. Park Ave., near the University of Arizona, closed back in April, after six years of business. They thanked their customers for becoming part of their extended family.

Zona 78

Back in June, this Italian eatery announced on its Facebook page that it was undergoing a transformation.

Zona 78, at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd., had served its last meal and was turned into FIGS Oven + Enoteca, a new restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean flavors.