Tucson's Fourth Ave gets a place for ooey gooey quesadillas

Owners Kristina and Michael Koblinsky (who also own The Dugout Sports Bar and Grill) and their business partner, Sean Humphrey, wanted to offer something easy to eat yet oozing that indulgent, buttery flavor we all crave, especially during late nights and in the early morning hours for revelers on North Fourth Avenue.

An enormous, cheesy quesadilla filled with chunks of juicy, smoky carne asada fills that craving. 

Michael Koblinksy's childhood friend, Shea Villafañe, helps behind the stove at Quesos, which is now open at 344 N. Fourth Ave. Villafañe grew up in a family that gathered in the kitchen and cooked together, and he took that passion and made a career out of creating appetizing meals.

Everything in Quesos on 4th captures the lively, dazzling Mexican culture. Vibrant pinks and blues cover the walls along with intricate murals of sugar skulls surrounded by flowers and saguaros. Eye-catching tin stars hang from the ceiling, intertwining with the colorful papel picado banners that gracefully sway in the air-conditioning.

The menu features 14 different quesadillas, each stuffed with ingredients like carne asada, garlic potatoes, chipotle aioli and caramelized onions. There are also vegan and vegetarian options. Each quesadilla comes with a cup of elote.

Kristina Koblinsky and Villafañe both love the cali aarne asada, which comes with carne asada, queso fresco, garlic potatoes, chipotle crema and pickled onions.

“That's the one I recommend all day,” Villafañe said. “I feel like that's the one I enjoy making the most. I just love the way it looks.”

As you order, the icy cold bottles of Coca-Cola and Jarritos next to you whisper your name.

I decided to go with the carne verde papas, a quesadilla stuffed with carne asada, green chiles, caramelized onions, a cheddar blend and chipotle aioli.

This quesadilla was packed with flavor. One moment I’m relishing the rich melted cheese and the next I’m hit with the bright spiciness from the green chiles. I loved the potatoes as well; they add a nice texture amid all the cheesy goodness.

Quesos on 4th is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.