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Reilly – One of Tucson’s Gems

Tucson – A Forgotten Gem

Unless the annual Gem and Mineral show is up and running or the Wildcats are competing against the Sun Devils, people from Phoenix often forget about Tucson. Four months of blistering summer temperatures drive Phoenicians north or out of state. When the weather is near perfect the other eight months, Phoenix and its suburbs are filled with outdoor events. With culinary festivals, art fairs, and hundreds of mountain trails, Phoenicians forget that just ninety minutes south, there’s plenty to do there too.

The quiet, laid-back feel makes Tucson a great place to escape the big city during tourist season. It has become a popular vacation spot for out-of-staters who seek reprieve from cold weather and want to experience the true southwest. Five-star resorts, lush golf courses, plentiful shopping, and great eateries of Tucson have held on to many elements of the southwest that were lost with the expansive growth of Phoenix. Like Phoenix, there are hundreds of hiking and biking trails as well as other outdoor events. Come February, hoards of tourists flood the area for the world-renowned Gem and Mineral show.

Tucson, AZ

Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink


Whether or Not, You’ll Get Hungry

Whether or not you’re into gems or a Wildcats fan, if you happen to be one of those people to visit Tucson, you’ll probably get hungry while you’re there. And when you get hungry, I highly recommend Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink. I heard about this place through a friend who told me it was once a funeral home. Naturally, I had to check it out. I mean, a funeral-home pizzeria? It doesn’t get much more unique than that.

Reilly sits on the corner of Pennington and Scott in downtown Tucson. The building has a historical feel with old wood floors, vaulted ceilings, exquisite chandeliers and stained-glass windows. Truth be told, the building sat empty for more than two decades before it was turned into a restaurant. Although, the new owners did keep the name from the Reilly Funeral Home, there is no funeral-ish feeling about the place. .

Tucson, AZ

Reilly Pizzaiolo


The dining area offers an open view of the pizza ovens. Bill and I watched the pizzaiolo behind the counter as he hand rolled the dough and tossed it in the air. We were greeted by our waiter within seconds of being seated. He introduced himself with an energetic smile and was professionally personable throughout the meal.

Tucson, AZ

Reilly Pizzaiolo


Crimini Mushroom Love

He made recommendations knowing it was our first visit. We enjoyed a bottle of Rodano Chianti Classico with marinated olives and two personal pizzas. One with Yukon Gold Potatoes and the other with roasted Crimini Mushrooms. Both are fantastic but the mushroom pizza with mozzarella and truffle cheese sealed the deal. We knew we’d be back.

We’ve been to Reilly a few times since that first visit. Each time we have consistently pleasant experiences. Wait staff are happy to recommend favorites from the menu. During our last visit in June, our waitress touted the Brussel sprouts  which are out of this world.  A unique combination of house-made Italian pepper sauce and pecan brittle crumbs, make the spicy-sweet flavor downright addictive.

Tucson, AZ

Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink


Besides the delicious food, great service, and rustic decor, there is yet another characteristic of Reilly that adds to the ambiance. Although the bar is visible from the dining room and within close proximity, there’s not an excessive amount of noise. Most of the clientele seem to be young professionals looking to wind down after a hard day’s work. As of yet, we have not experienced annoying bar-yellers that make it difficult to hear yourselves speak.

Tough Luck Club

The bar itself is pleasing to the eye with colorful liqueurs lined up against the window. But if the natural light shining onto the bar doesn’t suit you, there is another option for experiencing signature cocktails from skilled mixologists. Just out the door that enters into the beer garden, a  staircase leads to the Tough Luck Club. There, you will find a window-less underground lounge with a speak-easy feel and a wide variety of old-fashioned cocktails. We enjoyed a fantastic Negroni there one evening after dinner. (For more information on the Negroni, see my post titled “Southern Michigan Hunt Ends at Winston’s Pub”.)

I’m looking forward to our next visit to Reilly. The waitress who recommended the Brussel sprouts told me I’ve got to try the Speck and Egg pizza. I intend to do just that, as long as Bill is willing to order the Crimini Mushroom and share. I just don’t think I can leave there without a slice of that mushroom pizza.

If you’re a Tucsonian, a Phoenician, or plan to visit Arizona, remember to Google Tucson’s calendar of events. If you’re intrigued to visit and want a great pizza, make a stop at Reilly. It’s is a gem of a restaurant with a friendly staff for enjoying every bite and sip of what you order.

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