Downtown’s Ten55 Brewing Company Heralds Reopening of Enhanced Kitchen

In a move that signals the spirit of renewal that the spring season represents, Ten55 Brewing Company has announced the re-opening of its kitchen along with a slate of additional enhancements designed to move from pandemic to pivot, from what they call “simply staying alive to an atmosphere where we can thrive.”

These enhancements, which also include a new covered outdoor patio, a packaged beer program with two canned beers, and an agreement with Finley Distributing to bring its kegs and cans to on-premise and off-premise partners across Southern Arizona, were imagined during the slower times brought on by the pandemic. They collectively represent the kind of innovation and evolution that management says is critical, taking into account the wants and needs of both the downtown and greater Tucson communities.

The new rotating menu, which is a refresh of its popular pub cuisine concept that management has refined over the past several weeks, includes dishes that were intentionally created to pair with its line-up of craft beers. The initial and slightly scaled-back menu offers 13 selections, in Snacks, Mains, Handhelds, and Dessert categories, with new dishes expected to be added regularly.

Snacks

POPCORN; chiltepin & piloncillo

CHIPS + SALSA TRIO; rojo, verde, and pico served with house fried tortilla chips

KENNEBEC FRIES; thick cut and double fried, served with chipotle aioli

BAVARIAN PRETZEL; big, hot, knotted pretzel served with stout mustard & cheese

ONION RINGS; beer-battered & crispy, served with cajun aioli

Mains

SONORAN CAESAR SALAD; chopped romaine, chili-rubbed croutons, cotija, bacon, lime

BRAISED SPICY PORK; cheddar grits, braised greens, sambal

Handhelds

BEER-BRAISED BRATWURST; sauerkraut, sautéed onions, stout mustard, hoagie bun, side of fries

HATCH CHILI CHEESESTEAK; sautéed peppers & onions, cajun aioli, hoagie bun, side of fries

KICKEN’ CHICKEN SANDO; slaw, pickles, hot honey, hawaiian bun, side of fries                                                                                                                                        

KIMCHI SONORAN DOG; bacon, hoisin, house kimchi, spicy mustard, hoagie bun, side of fries

GRILLED CHEESE + TOMATO SOUP; blend of swiss, brie, and white american cheeses, local sourdough, cup of tomato bisque

Dessert

CHOCO FLAN; topped with tres leches syrup

To maximize dining and drinking space for patrons of both Ten55 and their downtown neighbors, Batch, a new covered and lighted patio is now open with seating for 20 under current social distancing requirements. The construction of the collaborative venue was completed last fall. 

Lastly, the brewery is now canning two of its signature beers, Casa55, a new, light-bodied golden ale brewed with flaked corn, and its flagship XOXO Coffee Stout, an American stout infused with cold brew coffee from Tucson’s Exo Coffee Roasters.  The canned beers are available to-go from the brewery, and at many grocery stores, markets, and liquor stores across Southern Arizona through a new distribution agreement with Tucson-based Finley Distributing. 

“Not only did we keep our heads about us and remain intact through this soon-ending pandemic, we have been able to continue brewing our signature beers, getting them out into our community, and keeping our growing brewery alive and kicking,” said Managing Partner Chris Squires. “And now, as we all get back to what we once took for granted, we want to celebrate that milestone with our own stamp of survival and revival, by reopening our kitchen, inviting our friends from across Tucson to enjoy some imaginative food with our brews, relax on our patio, take home some of our new canned beers, and even purchase them from your local retail store.”

Current hours of operation are Thursdays from 4:00 – 9:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 – 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 – 9:00 pm. These days and hours will expand as community restrictions are loosened.