Two words come to mind when I think of the Tuck Shop: Community and Comfort. The way this cozy Coronado restaurant is configured creates the community atmosphere - from the large table in the center of the room where you might find yourself sitting next to new and old friends alike, to the sharable plates featuring local ingredients. And the casual, friendly vibe relaxes and comforts you from the moment you walk in the door - the living room area at the front of the restaurant is a great place for gathering with friends for a drink. I only wish the Tuck Shop had been open when I lived in the ‘hood - I left 3 years too soon to be able to call this my neighborhood joint, but it is a very good reason for me to regularly check in on my old stomping grounds.
Photos by Amy Brown.
If there’s any one establishment that symbolizes the resurging Coronado Historic District, it’s arguably Barrio Cafe. We all know by now that a long wait for a table at Sylvana Salcido Esparza’s restaurant is not uncommon, but it’s always worth it for that table-side guacamole (it’s all about the pomegranate seeds), southern Mexico cuisine (we’re partial to the Tacos de Pescado), and of course, margaritas. Oh the margaritas. If you haven’t yet experienced the Barrio Cafe tequila line-up, then you probably can’t call yourself a CenPhonian. Even if you aren’t dropping by for a full meal, grabbing a seat at the bar for a tequila tasting is an experience of its own. Beyond the food, Sylvana is very active in the neighborhood and is a driving force behind the Calle 16 mural project. There are so many reasons to support Barrio Cafe, but at the end of the day, it’s really all about the food. Comida Chingona, baby.
Photos by Amy Brown.
Dining in Coronado: America’s Taco Shop. Tortas, quesadillas, burritos, tacos…particularly popular for their Carne Asada. On Fridays and Saturdays only, they also make a bangin’ ceviche that’s worth planning your lunch hour around.
Photos by Amy Brown.
It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Sutra Midtown Yoga on 7th Street in the Coronado Historic District. In addition to being a great place to get your yoga and massage on, the owners - Matt and Rebecca Fritz - are wonderful people who truly care about their community. They’ve done an amazing job of restoring an unusual old building (which was previously a prosthetics factory that was previously a 1920s bungalow), turning it into a funky yet warm and comfortable place to focus on being healthy. Their Chop Shop Cafe is also a fantastic place to grab fresh juice or a hot beverage, and if you end up hanging out on their living room couches, plan on staying for a while.
Photos by Amy Brown.
The Calle 16 Mural Project was born out frustration. Feeling helpless and frustrated over the tarnished image of Phoenix in the aftermath of SB1070, a group of friends gathered. The mural project is a first step in achieving the ultimate goal of creating a community of art, cuisine and culture. Artist Hugo Medina, Artist Gennaro Garcia and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza have helped lend their expertise and leadership in order to raise funds for the project. These beautiful murals can be found in the area around 16th Street between Thomas and McDowell Roads. More info at www.calle16.org.
Photos by Amy Brown.
Over the past few months, we’ve been collaborating with our friend and local photographer, Amy Brown, to capture the faces and places of CenPho’s Coronado Historic District, which is where we were living when CenPho.com was conceived in 2003. We’ll be sharing photos and stories over the coming weeks - stay tuned because Amy has done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of this unique corner of our community!
