Penca Restaurante

Penca Restaurante brings the authentic flavors of Central Mexico to the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 2013 by owner Patricia Schwabe, this acclaimed restaurant occupies the historic building that once housed a Graham Brother's shop on East Broadway Boulevard. Patricia drew inspiration from her mother's traditional Mexico City kitchen, blending pre-Columbian ingredients with Spanish and French influences to create a menu that honors generations of culinary tradition while embracing modern fine dining aesthetics. The restaurant made history by opening Tucson's first dedicated Agave Bar, where talented bartenders have traveled throughout Mexico sourcing the finest mezcal, sotol, bacanora and other native spirits from various regions. Executive Chef David Solorzano keeps one foot rooted in Guadalajara while expanding the Central Mexico focus with seasonal dishes that showcase the bounty of the Sonoran Desert. Located on the west side of downtown Tucson near the Arizona Theater Company, Fox Theater, Tucson Symphony and MOCA, Penca offers an elegant yet approachable dining experience. The restaurant features special events throughout the year including elaborate dinners for Mexico's Independence Day on September 15th and Dia De Los Muertos on November 1st. Reservations are highly recommended for this beloved Tucson institution that has earned praise from Forbes, Tucson Foodie, AZ Daily Star and This is Tucson.