WOWhubby and I had an epic lunch today at ‍Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen. We arrived for a late lunch at this hip fast casual (counter service) eatery and were greeted directly by Chef Brian Hill, an OG [S1!] Top Chef contestant, who guided us through his southern menu, recommending yummy vegan and carnivore options. OMG, what an EXQUISITE meal--My fried pork chop dish and hubby's vegan platter--chef's kiss perfection! My pictures do not do it justice! Chef Brian checked in during the meal to regale us with witty stories of cookng for luminaries like Mary J Blige, Eddie Murphy, Forrest Whittaker et al! It was the ultimate Chef's table experience!! Truly memorable! read more

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Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen sits in a modest, two store front strip mall in what might be one of Tucson's best culinary intersections. You've got Forbes on one corner, Ugly But Honest Pizza on another, and Café Desta / 5 Points Market nearby, each are great for very different reasons. Chef Brian's absolutely belongs in that conversation. I came in with a friend who's spent a few years in the South and takes collard greens very seriously. To our surprise, the collards here are vegan and excellent. Great texture, deep flavor, and not an afterthought at all. Chef Brian told us it's something like a 20-hour process, which definitely shows. A quick heads-up: they do not have mustard, ketchup, ranch, or pickles. If those are must-haves for you, bring them along. Service was good, especially considering it was essentially a two-person operation. Chef Brian was upfront that things were running a bit long due to earlier guests, which we appreciated. We took the opportunity to grab a drink nearby and came back, no issue at all. The food was outstanding. We ordered the fried chicken dinner with fried potatoes and collard greens. The chicken was phenomenal: crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. I initially assumed a pickle brine, but Chef Brian explained it's actually the herbs he uses that give it that depth. Whatever the method, it works. Excellent food, honest service, and a smaller, no-frills space. Chef Brian is clearly an accomplished chef, with appearances on Top Chef and Bar Rescue, among others, but more importantly, he knows food and community. Definitely add this spot to your list. read more

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Chef Brian is a hoot. Engaging and entertaining. The chicken was delicious. The potato wedges cooked to perfection. The Mac and cheese serving was plentiful but for me a little too sharp. The whole experience was so much fun. Make sure to text for a reservation as the place is small but very popular. read more

Chef Brian's chicken and pork chops are seriously the best in town. Not overly salty, and you can really taste the herbs--super flavorful and cooked to perfection. The potato salad was chunky (not usually my thing), but I actually liked it! The greens weren't my favorite, but that's more about my personal taste than the quality. We dined in, and it honestly felt like we were eating at someone's home. It's not fancy at all, but it has a cozy, welcoming vibe. Chef Brian was full of energy, clearly passionate about his food. The music he was playing just added to the good vibe. Portions are huge, so it's definitely worth the price. If you're looking for comfort food made with love, this is the place to go. read more

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Outstanding! Outstanding!!! From the first call into the restaurant, spoke directly with the Chef Brian. Reserved a table for two around the lunch hour. Walked in and was immediately greeted like we grew up or attended college together. Chef and his staff explained the menu and covered the available drinks. Had a reserved table ready for us, then the Chef went back to let the magic begin... He prepared our meal with love and care, it was truly evident in the presentation and taste!!!! Absolutely fantastic!!!! The portions are plentiful, the TASTE is phenomenal!!!! We left full and satisfied. *Even order two meals to go! Thank you Chef ~ We will definitely return again and again. Now it's time for a "Combat Nap!" *Deep sleep* (meaning) Wishing you continued success!!! read more

Best fried chicken I've had in Tucson!! Definitely worth every penny. The chicken was fried to perfection. The sides and sauces were delicious. Very well balanced and authentic flavors. Portions were generous as well. Chef Brian and his team were very friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be coming back! Since it's on a corner and behind street lights coming down the road, it can be easy to miss, I would highly recommend putting a sign out closer to the street to make it more visible read more

Super awesome service- Chef and the other staff member took the time to explain the menu, make recommendations and made one feel welcome. Not a lot of seating but cozy vibe with some outdoor seating. Good music. We got the golden fried chicken pieces and veggie combo ( picked the potato salad and my tenderoni) as well as the good morning gorgeous breakfast Sammy. The Sammy was good with the syrup. The chicken pieces were tasty with just the right amount of batter and did not taste greasy... which is a feat when it's fried chicken! The sides were okay (my least favorite)- my dining partner really liked the tenderoni (seasoned fried sweet potatoes and onions) but I could take it or leave it. We were told the portion sizes are large for the sides. Service is slow (but very friendly) and I appreciate that they tell you that up front... it's a two person show cooking, prepping, serving and taking orders. Another thing I appreciate is its BYObeverage... not a lot of places where you can do that. For the value, however, overall it's a little steep. I expect these prices from a sit in dining restaurant. But I do factor in that the food is made in house, fresh and with the cost of everything... it does the math. But it's not a place I would go on a regular basis. read more

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I visit Tucson once a year for Gem Week and I look for what is new and hip. This place is what I call an IQ test: you would be deemed stupid not to fall in love with CBCK. This is the A Game: best amazeballs Soul Food. Fried chicken perfection: best I have had in 67 years. The collar greens: more awesomeness. The pork loin with apples outrageously great. Best dining experience I will have in 2026. Run, don't walk. read more

Soooooo good!!!! I've been craving fried chicken and this hit the spot! The collard greens were perfectly cooked and seasoned (not too seasoned, just right) and the chicken was crispy and juicy. I can't believe I haven't found this place before. You won't be disappointed, I'll be thinking about my meal until next time I go(: read more

Exceptional service! Delicious food. Highly recommend giving them a try. Loved the blueberry punch! Fried chicken is chef's kiss! read more

Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen - Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Collard Greens and sauces - Seafood Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I went here with a friend on Friday for lunch. It's located on Broadway pretty close to Swan, in a business building which you would not expect. There's a narrow hall leading up to a comfy setup of tables and a large oversized menu on the restaurant windows. Once you're ready to order, you can go up to the register, make your order, and then sit and wait! It was just the chef along with another employee who he explained was in training. There is a different menu for those that work in the building, which is located on the outside of the restaurant. I do think this can be better accommodated in a way that doesn't frustrate or confuse customers (such as giving building employees a promo code, punch card, etc.) My friend ordered sliders and fries, as well as the salmon croquet. She liked the salmon and the sliders however, the fries were very thick and didn't seem to be quite ready for eating as they weren't very soft yet. If you ask me, the fries would be way better if smaller, thinner, & crispier! I got the pork chop and friend's meal and though I was a little bit nervous about the barbecue sauce, It all worked well together and was AMAZING! The meals are a little pricey, but I will say that the portions are a good size. I see no difference in any other restaurant that you might order dinner at..this one just does not have a lunch menu which you might see other places. We also both got one of his mason jar drinks. The blueberry punch was good and the tea was OK but we did not love. Lastly, we also got a slice of cake for dessert. I believe he said that he did not make them himself, but had someone else that provided the desserts. I was not a fan of the cake as it was a little dry. From what I hear this is a new restaurant and I'm happy to have a restaurant like this in Tucson. He is clearly talented and I look forward to visiting again when his staff is fully trained and all of the kinks are worked out! read more

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The eclectic atmosphere is awesome. The real star is the food. My wife and I shared the chicken tenders and sweet potato with onion as a side. The chicken was amazing and chef Brian's mayo was also wonderful. The service was great also. Chef Brian really makes you feel welcome. This is a hidden gem. We will definitely return. read more

Soul food has returned to Tucson thanks to celebrity chef Brian (Top Chef season 1 and Bar Rescue)! This town has been lacking soul/comfort food for a very long time. He has brought it back serving up knockout fried chicken, delicious waffles, and offering other Southern favorites. Including homemade sweet tea and punch served in mason jars you get to keep. The restaurant is clean and cozy with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. And the food comes with a side of genuine hospitality! The owner is so charismatic and personable as are his staff. Don't miss out. Run there asap to get a plate, you won't be disappointed! read more

Chef Brian was so kind to our family, carved out a space for our family as we didnt know they were having a mixer yesterday evening. Chef's soul food was so delicious!! Chicken and waffles were amazing, chicken was cooked perfectly, and the waffle, sir you have to share your recipe!! My eldest doesn't like vegetables much, but he ate your delicious collards, they were so good! He had your waffle sandwich and ate the whole thing. My wife and other son shared the chicken tenders and sweet potatoes. Thank you for sharing some of your story history of your life and life as a chef. I also want to say I'm sorry for the ignorant hateful people in this city. Know there are people who love and support you! We will definitely be back! read more

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Writing this review full of energy and full of soul! My friend Thỉnh and I decided to venture a bit farther from our usual eating area to try one of the few soul food restaurants in Tucson, and boy am I glad we did. Before we even entered, we were greeted by Chef Brian who welcomed us in with the warmest energy. That energy continued throughout our entire time there, from when we saw the confidence he had in every dish on the menu, to when we shared a last conversation on our way out. After one bite of the fried pork chops, Thinh said "good" (words I've never heard come from his mouth). The fried chicken was "good" as well, however, not the best we've had given the price. Overall, come to experience some good food and even better energy. The sign on the wall "Kindness Changes Everthing" truly put into words how we felt leaving the space. read more

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Wow! Great hospitality and great food. From the moment I walked through the door, Chef Brian made me feel at home. The chicken is out of this world! Definitely make time for a visit. I'll be back! read more

I had the pleasure of trying Chef Brian's chicken, greens, and I ordered fries. I really wanted to take pictures but the bag was smelling so good, that once I opened the containers, I could not CONTAIN myself. It was devoured! The chicken was perfectly crispy, juicy, and the flavor was just right. The greens tasted like my mama's (which is damn good btw). The fries were delicious. Oh, and I got some homemade sauces that were very, very tasty! Chef Brian is so kind and gracious. He has a wonderful heart and it is clear he is dedicated to his craft. Thank you for a generous portion. Welcome to the neighborhood. We are lucky to have you and I hope you have a LONG journey here lmk when you start serving Mac n cheese haha read more

Chef Brian is incredibly inviting and talented. A very reputable icon creating dishes we do not commonly have in Tucson, southern home-cooked food. Portions are heaping, 5 points barrio location is superb, no sign needed, the food speaks. I recommend the pork with candied apples because I've never had anything like it. Dates, friends, business and family this is a must. Thanks Brian for standing out. read more

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My husband is a fried chicken aficionado and we try to find the best in any town we visit. This is most definitely the best tasting fried chicken in town! The service was very good. We were able to watch our chicken fried fresh after we ordered. A very casual ambiance. We'll definitely make it a stop wherever we're in town! read more

I went to Chef Brian's comfort kitchen today & it was DELICIOUS! First of all, I KNOW the prices are a little up there. HOWEVER, the portion size you get, matches the price. The pork chops are so good and the collard greens are mouth watering. The potato salad is decent. I got the Punch and Sweet tea. The punch is very tasty and I love the sweet tea. The Sweet tea reminds me of "Sun Tea." The kind we use to make home in the DMV in the summer time. The customer service from Chef Brian is TOP TIER! The restaurant is a "cute, little hole in the wall" spot. I will definitely be back again for more food and drinks! read more

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We just had a great meal at Chef Brian's. The fried chicken was excellent, the service was friendly and efficient, and we felt welcomed and valued as customers. This was the first of many trips. As a person with limited mobility I am grateful for the on site parking. read more

Chef Brian and his assistant Cashmere not only provided excellent service, it was done with humor. The food was excellent, fried chicken, pork chops, greens, macaroni salad, and sweet potatoes! The atmosphere was comfortable, cozy and we were made to feel at home! Thank you Chef Brian and Cashmere. read more

My wife and I went to Chef Brian's last week for dinner with some friends. I had the chicken and waffles. She had the chicken tenders. This place is AMAZING!!! Chef Brian clearly puts his all into what he does! We will most definitely be back! Love this place. read more

We ate here for the first time, and we were not disappointed. We lived everything about the experience. The chicken sliders were the perfect amount of food for an afternoon snack and the chicken and waffles could easily feed 2 people. Both were delicious and prepared fresh when ordered, the chicken is not sitting around waiting for someone to order it. Chef Brian loves what he is doing and it came across in his personable and friendly interaction with us and other guests we witnessed and it definitely came through in the taste of his food. No frills, no fuss, just warm and friendly environment with delicious chicken. We will be back, Chef! Tina read more

Had some Chef Brian's fried chicken and it was spectacular! Two orders of tenders for our yearly Hot Ones hot sauce challenge. The chicken was the star of the evening! So lucky to have such a gifted chef in the neighborhood. Thank You Chef Brian!!! read more

Walking into this establishment, we're immediately greeted with a warm smile and gracious welcome from chef Brian. He Thanks us for coming in and describes his style and love for the food he prepares here. I wanted to sample everything but settled on the "Big fatty breakfast sammy", and the Golden fried chicken and veggie combo. We were not disappointed. Sammy was huge with 2 large fried bologna patty's, power greens and fried egg. Half this sandwich is a meal. Great flavor and a messy delight. The Golden fried chicken was super crunchy and light. Moist meat and finger kicking good. Veggies was a great potato salad and collard greens. Great call! Enjoyed them both. Can't wait for my return to try something else. read more

Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen - Fried chicken with potato salad and collard greens - Seafood Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Food is really good. Delicate flavors. He goes out of his way to treat you well. Very friendly. Service is better than ever. Ambiance is clever, minimalistic, love the music and decor. read more

If he's good enough for Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and "Top Chef," he's good enough for me. True heart-and-soul-soul-food in generous portions. The chicken is succulent and perfectly crisped in complex herbs that dance across the tongue before you can even try to identify them. The pork chop tower is sandwiched with baked apples as sweet accompaniment. The fried chicken sammy, served on waffles, is big enough that you'll be thrilled to enjoy the leftovers. Lush collard greens with a mild kick at the end. Picnic-perfect potato salad. The food is as filled with personality as Chef Bryan who is a gregarious host. Eclectic setting with patio seating. WARNING: there is no sign yet so look for the BIG "804" on the building on S. 6th at Five Points. It's easy to miss, but don't miss it! read more

We had the pleasure of having dinner late Sunday afternoon at Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen and boy were we happy with our first experience at his restaurant! I emphasize " his "because Chef Brian is truly an outstanding person (if you get the chance to talk to him )as is the food that he offers in this humble but hugely welcoming warm space at five points. He is in the process of training a new staff and they are delightful young people who are motivated by him to make his restaurant sing . I am a fried chicken aficionado ,self-declared, and although I really do my best to manage my diet, I live in breathe for the opportunity to have fried chicken ( told Chef Brian all about it)and let me tell you it better be BETTER than GOOD ! Chef Brian's care and preparation did not disappoint but exceeded my expectations. I opted for the " shallow fried SUPER DOPE chicken salad, and my partner ordered chicken with collard greens and golden fried potato wedges. Chef's portions are big so I suggest you bring something to take the food home in and that you can easily reheat in because you certainly will, and you won't want to let a bite go. Some of the items I was told take 30 minutes to prepare. Each dish is prepared carefully so don't expect that this is a really quick fast food place however what we ordered came fairly quickly. We will certainly be returning here and will be thrilled to watch his business grow even though we might have to wait for a table the next time because,,,,Word is out!. Don't miss the experience of Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen! Ps. There was even more chicken in my photo but I ate a few pieces before I thought to take a pic;) read more

Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen - Seafood Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Absolutely delicious! The Big Fatty Breakfast Sammy was calling my name and I was not disappointed! My niece had Good Morning Gorgeous with the sweet potatoes. Delish! Chef Brian, Winnie, and Makevin are so nice & friendly. read more

"Off Da' Chain!" Chef Brian brings down home cookin' to Tucson. I couldn't wait to try his fried chicken, collards, and his potato salad. His oversized menu matches his portions. I was cautious about his three piece chicken offering. Chef Brian is as affable, and down home as his cuisine. He came to our table to meet us and to hear our take on his creations. To simply call it "food" is an injustice. Oh, that three piece chicken entree? I had to get containers for potato salad and...two pieces of chicken. read more

We were in the area and picked a close place to stop in. Turned into the best meal experience I have ever had. The food was amazing and the service was fantastic. Don't miss the opportunity to meet Chef Brian and eat a meal you'll be talking about for weeks. If you live anywhere near this restaurant it should be the only place you ever get take out from, nothing can compare to what Chef Brian offers. Outstanding! read more

I'm writing this review after my 2nd visit to his Broadway location. First of all, this restaurant is a bit hidden on the first floor of an office building. You will see it on your left as soon as you approach the building. It's a very modest space, not a ton of seating but it was never crowded when I went. There's a nice display of desserts and a TV that plays 80's music videos. On my first trip, Chef had let his staff go for the night so he provided service. On my second visit, there was a very friendly young woman at the register but she was clearly new and confused my order. Chef came to me and apologized and he didn't charge for the mistake. He also comped a blueberry punch for my son, after I was going to buy it. Due to a high number of takeout and delivery orders on the second visit, we did wait a bit for our food but I didn't mind relaxing with my homemade ice tea, which was excellent, talking with my son, and watching Hall and Oates and Debbie Gibson. On my first trip both I and my guest had the fried chicken and blueberry waffles. We enjoyed it. There's a lot of food and my friend took half of it home. Chef uses blueberry compote which you add to the waffles. I actually prefer this to the blueberries cooked inside the batter. You get this delicious burst of flavor. Second time around my son had 5 chicken tenders. These are each quite large but he managed to finish them. He preferred the herb and paprika mayo sauce. (I do too) I had the Big Fatty Breakfast Sammy and boy was it big! The country style bologna was very thick. I have never had bologna like this but it was reminiscent of the Southern country style ham I used to eat in North Carolina, which means it can pack a salty wallop. One slice would have been fine. Then you got like half a salad, fried onions, cheese and that perfect fried egg. After Chef cuts it in half table side, the egg yolk starts to ooze down the sides. I'm Korean by heritage and Koreans love that runny yolk. So it was awesome. I actually had not eaten any breakfast and we arrived around 11 AM but I could only eat half. It was very filling. On both visits, I had a great time talking with Chef Brian. He's loud, as he himself admits, very opinionated and quite funny. It's worth the trip just to meet Chef. Overall I do recommend this place. Prices might seem high but you get your money's worth. If you don't want a doggie bag, come hungry. Although Chef Brian was a celebrity chef and he was on a cooking reality show, this isn't fine dining. This is home style food, cooked and prepared by a guy who clearly loves what he does. As the menu continues to evolve, I look forward to my next meal here. Bon appétit! read more

So glad to find the new digs, ground floor of an office complex. EXCELLENT food! Got two sliders, enough for me, one now, one later. Reheated wonderfully. Chicken is tender, the fry is crisp. Looking forward to a return visit, soon! Thank you, Chef Brian! read more

Today, I had lunch at Chef Brian's restaurant on Broadway between Columbus and Swan. It is small and unpretentious, with polite and helpful service. Brian is very welcoming and friendly, and all of his food is cooked to order. I had the boneless fried chicken thighs, a tasty waffle with a side of collards, and a fantastic blueberry punch served in a 16-oz mason jar. Rather than deep frying, he opts for shallow frying, giving the chicken a crispy crust, but the chicken is moist. I love greens, but his had too much vinegar for my taste. Open M-Sat from 8-8 pm; he also does catering. Give it a try & tell him that Jeff recommended it! read more

Wonderful place. Great food. Both breakfast and lunch. Food is delicious and huge portions. Every dish is made fresh and with much care. Highly recommended. Brian is a lovely, charismatic person that adds to a wonderful experience read more

We had such a great experience on our first visit to Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen! The place is so cute! Inside there is a big family dinner table as well as sofas and arm chairs to kick back. Outside there are several two tops which will be perfect as the temps drop. We were greeted by Chef Brian and his delightful assistant, Winnie. We let them know we were in a hurry, so Brian worked his magic and got our food out swiftly. We split the 5 tenders and the sweet potato and onions. The chicken was crispy and flavorful on the outside and juicy and still flavorful on the inside. Just what I was looking for. The sweet potato fries paired perfectly with the onions. Oh! And his Backyard sauce...a sweet and tangy alternative to a traditional bbq sauce. Go and check them out. Chef Brian's is a great addition to 5 points! BONUS!!!! He's open until 10pm Next time I'm having the chicken and waffles read more

Loved Chef Brian's. I had the wings (9 big portions), potato salad and greens. The chicken was crispy and great, potato salad yummy and the greens a little too spicy for my taste. Very casual dining but great addition to Tucson. We will return. read more

That Was the Most amazing food I ever had ! Right when you walk in you feel like you're at home.Chef Brian's is a super nice guy and nowadays you really need that in your life ! Great Food ! Great People ! Great Everything! read more

Thank God for fried chicken, and thank you, Chef Brian, for doing it right. Chicken and waffles was fire, portion size was spectacular, and the spicy ranch was a perfect pairing. I'm only upset my friend couldn't come and split that and the fried bologna sandwich with me. I guess I'll have to come back. Chef Brian himself was a scholar and a gentleman, very approachable despite being basically world-famous for the last couple decades. This is going to be a go-to, for sure. read more