The Low Down

The successor to Tucson's beloved chicken and waffles spot feels more like the The LET Down. It's inconsistent at best, and I think you have way better options within walking distance. What I did like: Good beer selection, curated with some lesser-known AZ gems. Cool spot to have a little bar food snack, like elote. Things that need work: The service--they can't really handle over a half-dozen people without looking panicky and falling way, way behind with orders. The first couple times I tried to dine here, I waited a few minutes and couldn't even get acknowledged! And if you sit anywhere besides the bar, the tables are cheap, flimsy, and wobbly. It feels hastily thrown together. As for the food, most of it sucks, either because it tastes cheap (the burger tasted like store brand everything, and had literally nothing unique about it) or it is tiny (the notably plain breakfast sandwich is the size of something you'd get from Starbucks) Nothing comes with sides (might be a blessing, they are saving you from my horrid undercooked wedges), which is fine for real restaurants but offensive when it's dive bar-tier grub. Overall, this place has done some good work on its vibes, and it might be worth it for a quick pint. But when it comes to dinner, I'll pass. They have no real sense of identity or originality on the menu--there isn't anything you need to come here for. They're as expensive as much fancier and more comfortable new places downtown. And they're unreliable--if you planned to eat here, you can easily get stuck waiting and pivot to plan B. I'm happy to see so many new businesses blooming on fourth ave, but TLD is a sobering reminder that unfortunately, not all of them will be worthwhile or have staying power.

Excellent downtown location, super friendly service. Not too crowded. Tucson Weekly crowned these as their best chicken wings in 2022, and I could see that. I tried lemon pepper and I found them to be perfectly cooked and well seasoned.

Nice cozy bar in the 4th avenue district. Menu is not very large but the chicken and waffles and fried pickles were excellent. Counter service. They have a decent selection of beers on draft as well as lots of cans and bottles. It was quiet when we were the and the service was excellent despite only having the bartender in front.

Great food, wife's mixed drink, the Grimlet, was good. I got the Bob chicken sandwich and it was great. staff is friendly and attentive. Prices were reasonable. We will be back.