At the helm is executive chef and co-owner Ryan Clark, who has earned a reputation as a wunderkind in Tucson. He is a three time Tucson Iron Chef champion and two time World Margarita Champion. At the age of 23, he was named one of the Top Sixteen Junior Chefs in the US by the American Culinary Foundation. He is also the author of the cookbook Modern Southwest Cooking. [Buy it.]

Joining Clark is barman Ciaran Wiese. Wiese was the head barkeep at Scott & Co in Tucson before moving to Portland, OR, to tend bar at Kask. He recently returned to Arizona to head up the beverage program at Agustin Kitchen.

Agustin Kitchen is located inside the Mercado San Agustin, which is public market with an outdoor courtyard in Downtown Tucson. Tucked in the back of the market, the dining room is a large open and airy space with a mix of modern and industrial with an open kitchen.

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Chef Ryan Clark calls his restaurant “classic American dishes with an Agustin twist and local nuances that support our community.” If you’re looking for a local experience, this is it. They support over 50 area farms, ranches, brewers, wineries and purveyors.

Clark recommends the AK Tartare. “It showcases the support cast of Tucson: local Wagyu beef, Open Farm raised eggs, house-made aioli.  The key to this dish is the seasoning.”

Wiese says that the bar menu is a “team-driven collaboration” and recommends The All Fall Down cocktail. “It’s a gin and coconut cream Tiki-inspired drink and is the geeky child of a Ramos Gin Fizz and a Pina Colada. The mezcal and pisco based Shake Appeal combines smoke and lime with the delicate nuances of a summer garden.”

Must-Try Local Delicacy

Mesquite Smoked Del Bac Whiskey

Ryan: “It is hard to find around town but we try our best to keep it on the shelf at Agustin Kitchen. Besides if you could find it anywhere it would no longer be a delicacy.”

Ciaran: “This is the only local spirit commercially available and very limited at that. It’s a wonderfully interesting Sonoran take on Scotch, using Mesquite instead of Peat to smoke the barley. A very young product available only in bars and restaurants for the time being, be sure to look out for this product in the next few years as distillery operations grow.”

hamiltondistillers.com

Find | Shops For The Perfect Picnic

The Rumrunner

Ryan: “They have an amazing selection of cheeses and other pantry items you might not necessarily find throughout town. I suggest getting a bottle of wine, a few cheeses and something brined or pickled.”

3131 East 1st Street, Tucson, AZ 85716

T: 520.326.0121 | www.rumrunnertucson.com

Time Market

“Next, I would head over to Time Market for an exceptional loaf of bread to bring it all together. “

444 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85705

T: 520.622.0761

Tazzina di Gelato

“Finish it off a perfect scoop of gelato where they make all of their gelatos the classic Italian way.”

5420 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85711

T: 520.300.5538 | www.tazzinadigelato.com

Eat | Breakfast

Prep & Pastry

Ryan: “I really like what Prep and Pastry has done to elevate breakfast for Tucson.  Their support of local farms is also reflective in the great flavors they are creating.”

3073 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719

T: 520.326.7737 | prepandpastry.com

Pasco Kitchen

Ryan: “I love coming here on Saturdays for Kegs and Eggs. It is a great brunch focusing on local farm ingredients with wonderful beer specials. They also make a great mimosa with all fresh squeezed juice. And you cant beat the ambiance sitting on the patio in front of Main Gate Square.”

820 E University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85719

T: 520.882.8013 | pascokitchen.com

Eat | Quintessential Tucson

Molcas Mexican Grill

Ryan: “Head here for a Sonoran hot dog and a torta, it is a must. You can't experience Tucson without it.”

4207 S 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85714

T: 520.295.4466

Eat & Drink | Gastropub

Wilko

Ciaran: “I always recommend coming here. The bar staff is passionate and the menu always pushes the envelope.”

943 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85719

T: 520.792.6684 | www.barwilko.com

Drink | Cocktails

Kingfisher

Ryan: “For a martini and a great bottle of wine.”

2564 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716

T: 520.323.7739 | www.kingfishertucson.com

Scott & Co

Ciaran: “I'm a little biased, I'd have to say my alma mater Scott & Co is a great place to take guests. It's a very tiny, dimly lit bar dedicated to cocktails and the folks who drink them. They make a great Old Fashioned, but they also enjoy coaxing guests into taking chances without falling into pretension.”

47 N. Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

T: 520.624.4747 | www.47scott.com

Drink | Outdoors

Coronet

Ciaran: “One of the best patios in town.”

402 East 9th Street, Tucson, AZ 85705

T: 520.444.2830 | www.cafecoronet.com

Drink | Beer

Tap & Bottle

Ciaran: “This is one of the best beer selections in downtown, let alone the greater Tucson area. They have a great rotating tap selection and an extensive selection of obscure bottles in their coolers.”

403 N 6th Avenue #135, Tucson, AZ 85705

T: 520.344.8999 | www.thetapandbottle.com

Drink | Wine

Unplugged

Ciaran: “This is a quiet easy late night spot with a surprising collection of rare German wines and much more.”

118 E. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
T: 520.884.1800 | unpluggedtucson.com

Drink | Coffee

Exo Coffee Co

Ryan: “Local mico-roaster for a mesquite toddy during season.”

403 N 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705

T: 520.777.4709 | www.exocoffee.com

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