Back in December 2023, the lights came back on in the old Sullivan’s Eatery and Creamery building at Orange Grove and North Oracle roads.
The word “Redbird†in big, cherry red letters appeared on the building, signifying the beginning of an era.
Today, vibrant paintings of red birds sitting on green cacti cover the walls, the smell of crispy, savory chicken wings fills the air, and you can’t help but stare as the waiter walks by with a drink that’s billowing clouds of smoke out of the top.
Redbird Scratch Kitchen is now open in the former Rincon Market building.
It didn’t take long for the community to embrace Redbird, with many flocking to the spot to watch sports games while sipping on cocktails and chowing down on its signature elote nachos.
On the other side of town, the lights were switched off in another iconic Tucson building. This time, the old Rincon Market building was empty again, leaving a hole in the hearts of Sam Hughes Neighborhood residents.
People are also reading…
But the beloved building has been given new life, and the big, cherry red letters now appear out front here, too.
Redbird has officially opened its doors to its new location on East Sixth Street at Tucson Boulevard, where it shares the historic space with Sonoran House, a local coffee shop and market.
“We’re just really grateful to be here at the old Rincon market,†co-owner and executive chef Rory Martin said. “Growing up in Tucson, this was a staple here and I think the building turns 100 next year, so it’s just a really cool location. We know we have big shoes to fill.â€
Genaro Cabañas, sous chef at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, tosses a fresh batch of traditional honey hot barbecue chicken wings during lunchtime at the restaurant’s new location, 2513 E. Sixth St.
Martin and Sergio Pinon, general manager and co-owner of Redbird, said they always wanted to take the leap and start something together. Since Martin had the culinary skills and Pinon had cocktail expertise as well as front-of-the-house knowledge, it was the right match.
The duo teamed up and created Redbird, an elevated bar experience serving timeless food and drinks full of flavor.
“We were more of a sports bar kind of thing at the beginning. I love the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Cardinals, so it’s a red bird,†Martin said. “We floated around so many different ideas and names and Redbird just kind of felt right. Then we started shifting to more of an elevated experience. So, food you might expect in a bar, but we take it to the next level.â€
Their first location, at 6444 N. Oracle Road, is a place you can bring friends for after-work Redbird margaritas, or a plate of super waffle fries topped with a gooey triple cheese sauce, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, verde and chile roja salsa and cilantro-lime crema.
Rhett Zitzow, server at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, takes orders during lunchtime at the new location in Sam Hughes Neighborhood.
It’s also a place where the family can go for a fun dinner. The kids get a good meal, and dad gets to sneak peeks at the football game playing on the TV.
When Flora’s Market Run, in the former Rincon market building at 2513 E. Sixth St., abruptly closed on Jan. 6, Sonoran House owners Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient reached out to Pinon and Wilson about sharing the space. Three weeks later, the two businesses officially announced they’d be moving in.
TOP, LEFT: Redbird Scratch Kitchen is now open in the former Rincon Market building. TOP, RIGHT: The new location of Redbird on East Sixth Street at Tucson Boulevard, shown here, features murals like those at its sister restaurant on North Oracle Road. LEFT: Rhett Zitzow, server at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, takes orders during lunchtime at the new location in Sam Hughes Neighborhood.
The Redbird duo brought their flair to Sam Hughes, painting the walls with the same vibrant cacti murals seen in their north-side location. Forest green booths line the inside, and the bar sits right in the middle, so you can watch the bartenders work their magic as you wait for your meal.
On the other side, you’ll find Sonoran House’s café as well as the local goods it carries for sale.
“I don’t think any restaurant in Tucson has two concepts under the same roof,†Pinon said. “They’ve been great neighbors and great partners to work with. We’re excited to start transforming this corner into kind of like a foodie place.â€
The Redbird menu includes favorites like its al pastor wings, smash burgers, elote nachos, mac and cheese, signature cocktails and much more.
Pinon said their margaritas are a huge hit, but if you’re feeling adventurous, he suggests you try the Redbird shot, which is made with Hornitos Reposado Tequila infused with tamarind candy.
“We infuse Mexican candy with tequila for a couple days, and then once we strain it, we transform the leftover candy into a Chamoy rim for all the Mexican drinks that we offer,†Pinon said. “It’s fun, it’s tangy and a little spicy.â€
Since they have a bigger kitchen in the Sam Hughes location, Martin said they may start to experiment with adding more items to the menu.
From the aesthetic atmosphere to the mouthwatering dishes, Redbird is making sure this iconic Tucson building is filled with life once again.
“Whether you just got out of school or work, or you’re having a hard day, you can come to Redbird, and we’re going to ensure that you have a great experience,†Pinon said.
Redbird, 2515 E. Sixth St., is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
