Barista del Barrio, a well-known coffee and breakfast burrito establishment in Tucson, has opened a second location at Borderlands Sam Hughes. The new venue celebrated its launch on January 6, 2024, with a focus on serving its signature horchata lattes and grilled burritos. The restaurant, which has garnered a James Beard nomination, aims to ease the long wait times experienced at its original site on Grande Avenue.
Flavia Briones, who founded Barista del Barrio in early 2017 with her children Ariana and Sergio, described the new site as a “pop-up” that may become a permanent fixture. “Technically, we’re like a pop-up, but permanently, hopefully,” she remarked. The menu at the new location will feature a streamlined selection of popular items, primarily prepared at the flagship location and assembled in the Borderlands kitchen, according to Jessica Sims, Briones’ niece.
The collaboration between Barista del Barrio and Borderlands has been in the works since early fall, when Jose Delgado, co-owner of Borderlands, approached Briones with the idea. Initially, the timing was not suitable, but after further discussions, they found common ground. Delgado expressed his vision of transforming Borderlands into a neighborhood gathering place by offering beloved local products.
On opening day, the enthusiasm of the community was palpable. Briones noted that many customers expressed their excitement about having a Barista del Barrio closer to their homes. “One woman told me that word of us coming to Sam Hughes is the best news I’ve heard all year,” she shared, appreciating the warm welcome.
The new location operates on a Wednesday to Sunday schedule, serving customers in the mornings. Borderlands, meanwhile, opens in the afternoons, creating a complementary schedule. Briones hopes that the addition of this second location will help alleviate the long lines that have become synonymous with the Grande Avenue site. On the day of the opening, wait times reached approximately 15 minutes, prompting staff to inform customers of the delays.
Barista del Barrio’s reputation has led to a loyal following, with numerous accolades to its name. It was ranked 53rd among “America’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020” and recognized for having the best brunch in Arizona last year. These honors underscore the restaurant’s popularity and the community’s support.
With the expansion, Briones and her team are optimistic about meeting the growing demand for their offerings. As they move forward, the collaboration with Borderlands represents a significant step in enhancing the culinary landscape of Tucson and providing a beloved local experience to even more residents.
