We were recently honored to be invited to the SOFT Opening of the new “Corbett’s”. Us and a hundred other people. All media? Corbett’s is the latest Pickleball Arena, Sports Bar, and entertainment venue all wrapped up into one. At least that is what I would call it.

Not being what we would call Tucson Downtown Insiders, we arrived not knowing quite where we were going. First, we tried to park in one of the city’s metered parking spots. I tried downloading the city’s app, but failed at that. I tried going to the website, where I was directed to download the app. No dice. So I called the phone and got an automatic service. It asked for the ZONE and SPACE. I input it. It then told me there was no such space in that zone, even though we were parked in it. I am sure the city can do better or maybe just catch up. So, not wanting a ticket, we moved.

We went around the block and found a spot in the TO-GO pickup bay. (Yes, They do it all.) I got out and asked the guy in the window where we were supposed to be. He came out to show us the correct door and told us we could leave the car there. Come to find out there is a WHOLE FREE parking lot just south of the Corbett Building. Handicap Parking is available with a gate to the Pickleball courts nearby. Wheelchair Pickleball anyone?

We made our way into a comparatively small indoor restaurant (4000 sq Ft?) with a huge outside seating area, three times that size. On this hot, humid day, the comfort of indoor air conditioning was well appreciated. There are plenty of outdoor seating areas and entertainment venue possibilities, many with electric fans, but no misters as of yet. It is my understanding that the misters are on the way, proper placement is to be determined. This should be a hit with UA school attendance. Summers will be interesting. But I am sure they have it all figured out.

Now there must have been the whole waitstaff there. Every single one of them had a smile for us and was happy to help and give us a bit of background.

So, on to the meal. My friend Rosemary took a look at the menu and declared it upscale bar food. Okay, so now Calamari is Bar food? It does seem like everyone is offering it these days. Probably a low-cost, high-return item. I ordered the Angry Italian Salad. Why it was angry, I have no idea except that there were peppers involved, both green and Pepperoncini. Those mildly spicy yellow marinated things. One of the young staffers came over to me and declared that everything in the salad was her favorite. Mine too. Guess I was in good company. Very Friendly. Keep it up. Reading the website menu, I learned that the salami was supposed to be the “Angry” part. Not the peppers. “Spicy Salami”.

Jim can tell you about his experience.

At the first opportunity, I ordered a margarita. Plus an order of Calamari and Shrimp for our appetizer. This was Tempura shrimp + Calamari with Sunomono Cucumber, Yuzu Ponzu, and Chipotle Aioli. The Aioli was very spicy. But also very good.

When our appetizers came, we ordered our lunches. Ms. Karen ordered a salad. This was an Angry Italian with Calabrese, Provolone, Gorgonzola, Peppers, Cucumbers, Hearts of Palm, and Oregano Vinaigrette ($17.00).

And I ordered the Hi Corbett Burger. This included Blue Cheese, Carmelized Onions, and Mushrooms ($13.00). I got this because of having one of the best Blue Cheese Burgers several years ago when Neighbor Roy, Ms. Karen, and I went to a Willcox wine festival and got an excellent Burger at the local food truck.

My Hi Corbett Blue Cheese Burger was nothing like the one I enjoyed in Willcox that day. The meat was dry and tasteless. The French fries were not bad, but nothing exceptional either. Very disappointing.

Between the old Corbett Lumberyard Building, there are 3 pickleball courts, and a whole lot of picnic tables and umbrellas, made for entertainment. Inside the beautifully reconstructed 1930’s building are two more pickleball courts. For those of you not up on the latest rage, Pickleball is a bit like “Tennis Light”, fun for all. Why they call it Pickleball, I have yet to find out.

Corbett’s Grand Opening is or was Tuesday, August 29. It is the concept of Loveblock Partners, Real Estate developers of the HUB, Playground, AC Marriott, One North Fifth Apartments, for starters.

Corbett’s could turn out to be a very fun place. They certainly have all the bases covered; sports, entertainment, at least 3 bars, a take-out corner, and a parking lot!

We rate Corbetts five Saguaros for decor, service, and overall concept. But only 3.5 Saguaros for food. Maybe they will improve over time. We hope so because Corbetts is a great concept, just needs some work in the food department.

Corbett’s
340 N. Sixth Ave. , Tucson
Pickleball is offered 7am – 11pm Everyday.
See the Corbett’s for the restaurant info.