Tucson’s celebrated coffee and breakfast burrito establishment, Barista del Barrio, has officially opened a second location in midtown Tucson on January 6, 2024. The new venue, situated at Borderlands Sam Hughes on 2500 E. Sixth St., was described as a “pop-up” by the restaurant, although the intention is to establish it as a permanent fixture.
Flavia Briones, who founded Barista del Barrio in early 2017 with her children, Ariana and Sergio, expressed optimism about the new location. “Technically, we’re like a pop-up, but permanently, hopefully,” she stated. Operating under a streamlined menu, the Sam Hughes site will feature a selection of coffees and grilled burritos, primarily prepared at the flagship location on 1002 N. Grande Ave. and assembled in the Borderlands kitchen.
The collaboration between Barista del Barrio and Borderlands has been months in the making. Jose Delgado, co-owner of Borderlands, initially approached Briones and her team last fall, but the timing was not right. After revisiting the idea, both parties quickly aligned on creating a partnership that would enhance the neighborhood’s culinary landscape.
Delgado, who took over Borderlands with partners Rogelio Quintero and Adrian Perez last August, aims to transform the venue into a community gathering spot. He shared, “When my family and I were brainstorming ideas, my children mentioned Barista del Barrio. They don’t live with us anymore, but every time they visit, they love to line up there.”
Barista del Barrio has garnered a devoted following, consistently drawing long lines of eager customers. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including a spot on several Yelp “best of” lists, being ranked 53rd among “America’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020,” and earning a prestigious James Beard nomination in 2024.
The new location is expected to alleviate the long wait times experienced at the Grande location. Jessica Sims, Briones’ niece, noted that the line on opening day was at least 15 people deep. “We’re hoping by adding this space, we’ll be able to get things out faster to people,” she said.
Customers at the new Sam Hughes location greeted Briones warmly, with one patron expressing that the announcement of Barista del Barrio’s arrival was “the best news I’ve heard all year.” Briones appreciated the excitement and was heartened by the community’s enthusiasm.
Barista del Barrio Sam Hughes will operate from 7 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays, aligning with the hours of the original location. Meanwhile, Borderlands will serve customers from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and from 4 p.m. to midnight Thursdays through Saturdays.
As Barista del Barrio expands, it continues to celebrate the flavors that have made it a favorite among Tucson residents, while also enhancing the vibrant community atmosphere at Borderlands Sam Hughes.
