Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen

Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen is truly a hidden gem in Tucson! The portions are HUGE — definitely come hungry. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The chicken and waffles were absolutely outstanding — perfectly crispy, juicy chicken paired with fluffy waffles that hit that perfect sweet-and-savory balance. Easily some of the best I’ve had. The fresh tea was crisp and refreshing, and the blueberry punch was incredible — bright, flavorful, and not overly sweet. You can tell they take pride in every detail. On top of the amazing food, the service was exceptional. Friendly, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal. If you’re in Tucson, don’t miss this place. We’ll definitely be back!

Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen is THE spot for brunch in Tucson. The first thing I noticed when you walk is how eclectic the restaurant appears. The mismatched vintage furniture, flower plated tableware, and serve-yourself-beverage fridge immediately endeared me to the comfort vibe. As I looked in on the open kitchen, Chef Brian (formerly of Top Chef) greeted me with warm Southern hospitality that I might have expected in NOLA, but was a pleasant surprise to experience in Tucson. I had already scouted the menu and knew that I had to try his World Famous chicken and waffles. Previously a private chef to Hollywood royalty, Chef Brian is not shy with unabashedly declaring how good his food is, and from the first bite, I realized why he is so confident. The flavors are AMAZING! From the homemade blueberry punch individually sold in mason jars, to the perfectly cooked (crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside) chicken adorned on top of the hearty waffle, and the herbed mayo (soon to be sold in stores), everything Chef Brian served for my brunch was to die for! There is an extensive menu here, and I cannot wait to go back and try everything. Put this restaurant on your must-go list! Just make sure you come hungry, because I promise you, regardless of the massive portion sizes, the flavors you will experience here will make you want to eat every bite!

10/10 for the chef Brian experience. The food was super delicious, very unique, and it was served with a style and flair that you will rarely find in this world. Shout out to Cashmere in the back also adding to the vibes. This is our new go-to spot when we are passing through Tucson on our drive. Had the salmon cakes, chicken and waffles, and the delicious sweet tea and blueberry tea. Do yourself a favor and come visit!

What an incredible experience earlier today. We met the amazing Chef Brian and his delightful colleague today, the food was simply superb! From the sweet & blueberry teas to the mouthwatering chicken and blueberry waffles, slightly spicy vegan collard greens, and potato salad – every bite was absolute perfection. The portions are huge, so your party will be able to share. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit to try more of the menu.

You have NEVER had fried chicken and waffles as good in your life until you have it from Chef Brian, and you can fight me on this...but you won't, because after one bite you'll forget this review, and probably any concept of space and time. Personal opinion: ask for dark meat...it makes the chicken all the more savory in the mix, and when you dip it in the herb mayo? You'll forget your native language and regress into grunts and otherworldly noises. The only, and I mean THE ONLY thing I had wished for was a bottle of Crystal extra hot and a slice of lemon...the blueberry punch is amazing with just the right amount of cinnamon hit to balance out the sweet, but I personally would have used the lemon a bit to get a little tart cut to reset after each mind numbing bite of the star of the show. Realize this is not hole in the wall prices, but you get what you pay for: an experience in food and passion from the masterful kitchen magician you will never forget. 11/10

My brother was visiting and we decided to order a Thanksgiving meal from Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen. The meal came with chicken; which I got the roasted breasts, yams, greens, cornbread and mac and cheese. It was delicious. Everything was cooked fresh and seasoned just right. Brian and his assistant were cool people to meet, and the experience was good. I'll definitely be back again.

This is home. From the moment you walk in and Chef Brian himself welcomes you, grabs your name and starts cracking jokes. Music is pouring out of a stereo and you watch Chef dancing and singing around his kitchen as he prepares your hefty meal. This is a place for hearty appetizers and hearts full of love. It’s a truly rare gem tucked next to a flower shop.

Genuinely the most delicious meal I’ve had since moving here. Portions were humongous and every item was so good. Chef Brian was so welcoming and funny, it made the experience even better. Will be returning for breakfast!

Chef Brian makes fried chicken like no other!! Beautifully seasoned, crispy, and always fresh. Seriously scrumptious and generous portions too! My friends and I have been going to Chef Brian's since he was at his old location on 4th and we loved his genuine enthusiasm for his craft and kindness to his customers. As in the name, Chef Brian and his food are truly comforting. I recommend the Chicken Sliders, 4-1-1 tea, and the chicken and waffles! You can never go wrong with the classics! Thank you so much, Chef Brian! Although his 4th Ave Location is closed, he's still operating out of a food truck so we can still get our Chef Brian's fix!! Excited for the next location!

It was nice to see Chef Brian cooking at his restaurant. Formally on Top Chef season 1. Service was fast and friendly. I ordered the 2 chicken sliders. There's a nice outdoor patio and a great place to people watch during the 4th Avenue Street Fair. The sliders were individually wrapped in aluminum foil. I opened the first one and unfortunately the bun was cold. The chicken was hot and moist. The banana peppers added a zip to the sandwich. The second slider was hot but the bun was soggy so the chicken fell out of the bun but it was still good. I would go back again and try something different.

Have you ever wanted to share a chef with Mary J. Blige? I had no idea I wanted until today either. Wow oh wow. Chef Brian, a former chef for the rich and famous, has graced our presence with his delicious brand of soul food. Oh did I mention he is part of the inaugural season of Top Chef and has also been a guest chef on Bar Rescue. His personality is only matched by his juicy, crispy, perfectly salted fried chicken. While he currently has a small pop up which limits his abilities (yes if you don't get there early he will sell out of everything), his plans to relocate to an expanded 4th Ave spot. Be patient because this soul food is worth waiting and coming back for.

My friend and I came into this restaurant and we felt discriminated against by the owner. The owner spent a ridiculous amount of time discussing his prices with us as if we wouldn't be able to pay. He seemed hesitant to take our orders. We ordered and the food matched the atmosphere. Dismally disappointing. And we tipped!

Perhaps you've had fried chicken this good (probably at your grandma's). But it's doubtful that you've had it any better than the chicken cooked up by Chef Brian. It's really that good. This place deserves every single 5-star review. I had the 'Three Piece,' and chose 2 thighs and a breast. Was a bit worried that the breast might turn out dry as it so often does. But no worries at Chef Brian's. We easily could have split this order, especially if I'd ordered a side -- as I will next time. Absolutely delicious. My wife and I readily agreed it was the best chicken we've ever had. And this includes the delicious but expensive fried chicken at the Blue Ribbon in the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. My wife had the three "Golden Fried Pork Chops." Delicious. Huge though. The apples in the dish were great as well. There's a tiny indoor counter so really the only seating is at just a few mismatched tables outside. Chef Brian cooks only 'to order,' so be prepared for a wait, 10 minutes or so for your order plus time for any orders ahead of you. A guarantee: it'll be worth any wait.

Zeta Friend Williams and I had a special lunch provided by a funny and cool gentleman I had seen on Top Chef years ago. A video of him came across my feed as he was opening up a spot in Tucson last year and I wanted to check it out whenever I was in the area. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Arizona State Leadership Conference 2023 was the reason for this trip and hunger played a major part for this wonderful encounter. He was genuinely appreciative and that added tremendously to the experience. I called to be sure he was open and he was very pleasant. I said I wanted to stop in for lunch, checking to see if he was open. He said come on down and asked for my name so I let him know who was coming. We walked in, he welcomed us from the back but came up immediately. Top service from the start. I should have ordered more options to try but the Sliders and Wedges were delicious. I ate my last slider the next day straight out the fridge and it was just as good and still quite crispy. I look forward to visiting again to try several other recipes and especially hanging out with him when he comes to Phoenix. If you are ever in Tucson, check out Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen. Outdoor seating. Be sure to call first. Closed on Wednesdays.

I have been wanting great fried chicken here in Tucson and believe we have a winner. Chef Brian really does a great job with a simple American staple. After meeting Brian and learning his journey as a Chef it all makes good sense. I would say this establishment is set best for take out. There is limited outdoor seating and that would be fine if it was not July. Everything I had was fresh and quality, including the wonderful piece of cake. I did come a bit before noon, the chicken was cooked to order. I assume if you are in a hurry call ahead for pickup.

The fried chicken here was tender, juicy, and fresh. I typically don't like collard greens, but these were delicious. I also had the potatoes, and those were nicely seasoned. The owner is super friendly and hospitable. Would definitely return! (my only request is to introduce a spicier sauce for the chicken)

Listen, Chef Brian and I chopped it for a few and beyond having delicious ASF chicken - he's a solid guy and someone you WANT to support. I got the strips and they were amazing - SERIOUSLY - delicious. Collard Greens - Yes. Yes. Yes. They weren't mushy, has a nice little zing at the end and is one of the better greens I've had. Potatoe salad - they're good - I do wish there was a little more flavor (as it tastes great) but would still order these again - even if they were the same. All in all - it's really good food made by someone who puts real live into what he does. Go in - get some food and TIP THE MAN!

Pleasantly surprised a DC native and former Top Chef opened up this place in Tucson. We had the chicken sliders, chicken tenders, and chicken and waffles. We also tried their brownies. Everything was great. There is no dining area inside, but if the weather is pleasant, one could sit on the patio area up front. The chef, Brian, is passionate about food and very accommodating. We hope to return in a couple of weeks to try other items.

Fantastic all around! Food first: the fried chicken was super tasty, crispy, juicy! The wings were also great, tons of meat on those little bones, loaded with great flavor. The potato salad was fresh and not heavy, and the collards were tender and had just enough vinegar to shine. Chef Brian talked us through our large order to get it right and the food was freshly cooked and ready right on time, and packed to travel.

I found out about Chef Brian through a local community post. I'm so glad I did! I ordered through Uber eats since I'm at home in recovery and this made my day. I ordered the game day wings and waffle sandwich with brownies and sweet tea. Everything was delicious, a welcome change from the usual Tucson fare. This is definitely comfort food as Chef Brian has fried apples on the Round the way Waffle Sammie which was a staple of my grandmother's growing up in Maryland, authentic sweet tea, (I lived in GA for a number of years), unique wing sauces and even brownies for dessert. Looking forward to also trying the Chesapeake Bay salmon, (another one of my grandmas favorites) and the pork chops. Check him out if you're in or around Reid Park Zoo or visiting Tucson. Will definitely be ordering more wings when basketball season starts at U of A!

Chef Brian is very welcoming and friendly, the food is amazing! Only outdoor seating available right now, but he told us he is moving to a new location with indoor seating. This is must try food!

BEST SOUL FOOD IN TUCSON!!! The food here is unparalleled! Chef Brian is all heart which shows in the service, food and experience.

OMG! Those salmon squares are unbelievably delicious! With the New Year's Day black eyed peas and grits.... Let's just say HEAVEN!!!! Even though it's only a food truck for take out and delivery it is well worth the stop. Chef Brian is so kind, and I love that I got a text when the order was received and when the order is ready. So efficient, so delicious. I highly recommend you make it your lunch or dinner today!!

Their spearmint ice tea is worth getting 2 of. The chef is splendid and made me want to sit and talk with him while I ate. Love my time here and hope tuscon will keep this place around. Low and Slow Homestyle Brewed Sweet Iced Tea again was amazing. The waffles were also good enough to be world famous like he said. Thank you chef Brian. The store is a quaint with a nice patio area, tucked away near a Mexican and Indian restaurant.

If you're ever looking for a combination of great food and fantastic service, come here. It's a wonderful place that offers some of the best food in Tucson! Joe M

What an incredible gem The food is amazing because Chef Brian is amazing Truly comfort food, seasoned just right Everything is made fresh to order daily Mac and cheese, superb chicken , homemade potato salad and more The prices are reasonable and Chef Brian connects with all his customers What a pleasure

Might be the best food in Tucson. At very least, the best soul food in Tucson. Chef Brian is amazing but don't wait too long because the restaurant routinely sells out.

I love this place!! The chicken and waffles also the paprika and herb sauce are fire!!! And if you can't eat all the kicked it still reheats well especially in the air fryer!! Chef Brian is a wonderful guy and you can tell he cooks with live in his food!! I mean that chicken definitely makes me say 'Mmmm' when I bite into it.

This guy confidently said - "My fried chicken is the best you'll ever have." You know how many times I've heard this in my life????? But. Oh. It really was the best chicken I've ever ate in my LIFE. Deep fried but so white yet not rubbery at all ---- so gooooooood

The fried salmon and chicken sandwich were delicious! Stopped by during a walk around downtown. Would definitely return especially for the fried salmon!

The food is absolutely amazing! We are lucky to have this chef in Tucson! Not just comfort food, but heartfelt food!

Chef Brian is amazing. His customer service is top notch. He's very friendly and I love his charismatic personality that makes you feel right at home. His food is top notch as well. You will love it. He is now located in the Reed Park Zoo area. You can reach him by calling or texting him at 520-999-0001.  You can also place orders via his website at chefbrianscomfortkitchenaz.com.  Check him out, you and your tummy will be glad you did!!

Great experience at Chef Brian's! Chef was very welcoming, nice, and informative. Would highly recommend and hope to be back soon!

Chef Brian will serve you up some delicious chicken and a great time too. i ordered the chicken sliders, which were fried perfectly and covered in Chef Brian's homemade sauce (delicious). I usually don't even like potato wedges but Chef Brian's were perfectly seasoned and crispy and came yet again with the delicious homemade dipping sauce. My girlfriend ordered the BIG SAMMY (!!) -- which Chef Brian did not let us forget was a BIIIIG SAMMY! -- as well as the side of potato salad. The homemade sweet tea was unique and a little bit minty. All of the food was incredible. Even more incredible, Chef Brian was running his restaurant completely by himself. He took our orders, cooked, and served a party of 7 completely by himself and the whole time he was cracking jokes, making conversation, and having a huge smile on his face. He's a really cool guy and we will definitely be going back to support him and enjoy another delicious meal!

Hey guys! About a week ago I ordered some comfort food which is always amazing ! My mom is here from Florida who stated she would wait until we arrive home to eat her food, her food was literally demolished in the car! Well we all know the food is delicious but please try the new " What's the 411 Blueberry Punch"!!!! It's a Summer/Fall delight, definitely a Chef's Brian creation made with "Love"! Goes great with the Arizona heat! Warning the punch is delicious, so can't say I didn't warn you!

I originally walked over to try Magpies but then I saw the sign and I was intrigued. I walked in and was immediately greeted by Chef Brian. He struck up conversation and made sure to tell me about his food and AMAZING sweet tea in a mason jar. With the chicken and waffles, I got a side of syrup and special herb mayo. I recommend dumping the syrup on the chicken and waffles and dipping the chicken in the mayo. The food was amazing and along with a beautiful patio and amazing weather I had an enjoyable lunch. Thank you so much Chef Brian!

Great chicken tenders. Good place for take out or there is a small table out front. The owner is kind and very friendly.

Really good fried chicken - top notch and take away was packaged with the most care.

Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen in Tucson is excellent! We had the fried chicken and chicken tenders. It was mouthwatering! I felt like I was back in the south with the SWEET TEA! We are already making plans to go for the chicken and waffles! The outside seating area is very relaxed. Chef Brian even comes out to greet you! If I could give 10 stars I would!

Outside seating only. Only Chef Brian works most of the time, but he has time to be friendly and also make your food to order. Best seasoned fried chicken I've had in Tucson in at least 15 years, easily. BYOB an option too!

This place is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Since I landed in Tucson ABOUT 6 mos ago, I tried to get a sandwich from the Comfort Kitchen but it is never open. I am a person of color so I want to support BOB but this comfort kitchen now looks abandoned and if you look at this business website, it's confusing AF. They mention ordering food but- pay with Zelle or Venmo???? And then you go to a residential address to pick up my grub? Isn't that against health codes? This guy is also constantly putting up videos of how he will be opening a new restaurant- but that was when I moved here, many months ago. This is with tons of videos about how white people are all racists and racism is why his restaurants close down. Really? I am black and I do not see that in Tucson downtown. This is one of the first southwestern towns that I feel comfortable in. Chef Brian seems out of sorts a bit and not truly running a business. This restaurant does not exist. I understand from some neighboring businesses that people reported it was good winter 2022 through spring 2023, then food and his attitude went downhill and he just shut its doors. What's up? Seems shady.

I just had takeout and oh my this meal was so tasty and flavorful I had chicken strips with the barbecue sauce and then also got the potato salad and a sweet tea. Everything was prepared with love and care. Also great portions of quality food. Will definitely be ordering again soon.

Great find! Super friendly & Chef B guided us during ordering. Chicken so juicy and fresh, apples & bacon unexpected yummy combo and homemade sweet tea so refreshing and just the right amount of sweet. Definitely a hit!!

The fried chicken was fantastic. I would definitely recommend. Chef Brian was very friendly and welcoming. If you get the chance to give it a try I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Chicken had good seasoning but was incredibly dry. Chef Brian seems like a genuine dude but the food just didn't taste as good as it smelled.

Incredible chicken and a super nice guy, looking forward to getting some wings on Sunday!

We stopped in for our first time today right after chef Brian opened. Food was phenomenal! Best sandwich I've ever had I'm my life and I'm not even a huge chicken fan. The food was second to none and the service was even better. And can't forget the spearmint sweet tea! Chef Brian is a wonderful human serving up some of the best food.

My wife and I stopped in for a lunch of fried chicken and waffles, fried chicken sliders, potato salad, and iced tea. Everything was delicious, the service (by Chef Brian himself) was friendly, prompt, and professional, and the portions were huge. A very nice addition to the dining options on Fourth Avenue.

Recently visited for the first time and Chef Brian was extraordinarily friendly and quick with his service. Food was excellent and would highly recommend for fans of fried chicken and comfort food.