This Unforgettable Arizona Italian Restaurant Was Built Inside A 1906 Funeral Home
Some restaurants have a good vibe, but this one in Arizona has something far more memorable: a building that used to prepare people for their final journey. We all have that one friend who is obsessed with finding the perfect “vibe,” but this place truly takes the cake, or should I say, the pie.
This isn’t just another dinner spot, it’s a beautifully preserved piece of history nestled right here in Arizona. Imagine biting into the perfect, chewy artisan slice while surrounded by the hauntingly beautiful original architecture of a 1906 funeral parlor.
I know it sounds a little macabre, but I promise the only thing actually dying here is your hunger. It’s some of the most authentic and delicious Italian food you’ll find in the entire state, wrapped in a setting so unique you’ll be talking about it for weeks.
It’s warm, inviting, and just the right amount of weird. Honestly, if eating dinner in a former morgue is wrong, I don’t think I ever want to be right.
It transformed it into a modern Italian restaurant in 2012, keeping the original architecture while filling every corner with the smell of wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta.
The Fascinating History Behind The Building
John Reilly opened his funeral home in this Tucson building back in the 1890s, and for roughly 80 years, it stood as one of the most recognized businesses in downtown. The structure carried on until the early 1990s when the doors finally closed, leaving behind thick brick walls, original architectural details, and a whole lot of stories baked into the mortar.
When the Fenton family took over in 2012, they made a smart and respectful choice: preserve as much of the original building as possible while creating a welcoming space for food lovers. Walking up to the entrance today, you can still feel the weight of history in the facade.
The bones of the old funeral home are still very much present, from the vintage windows to the sturdy stonework that has survived well over a century of Arizona sun.
That layered past is exactly what makes Reilly more than just a place to grab pizza. It is a building that has genuinely lived.
The Fenton Family Transformation Story
Turning a century-old funeral home into a thriving Italian restaurant is not the kind of project most people would take on, but the Fenton family saw potential where others might have walked away.
Their renovation approach was thoughtful and detail-oriented, keeping the original character of the 1906 structure while weaving in sleek, modern design touches that feel fresh without erasing the past.
The result is a space that genuinely surprises first-time visitors. You might expect a renovation this ambitious to feel awkward or forced, but Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink flows naturally from room to room, each area offering its own personality.
The main dining area feels warm and inviting, with exposed brick and high ceilings that make the space feel both intimate and grand at the same time.
The Fenton family proved that great vision and careful craftsmanship can turn almost any space into something worth traveling for. Their work here has become one of Tucson’s most celebrated success stories.
Handcrafted Pizzas Worth Every Bite
The pizza at Reilly is the kind that makes you pause mid-bite and genuinely appreciate what is happening in front of you. Each pie is handcrafted using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and the attention to detail shows in every single slice.
The crust has that satisfying chew that only comes from proper dough preparation and a well-calibrated oven.
Toppings are chosen with care, balancing bold flavors without overwhelming the palate. Whether you lean toward a classic combination or something more adventurous from the seasonal menu, the kitchen delivers with consistency.
Fresh herbs, quality cheeses, and thoughtfully paired sauces make these pizzas stand out well above the average. What really sets Reilly apart from other pizza spots is the intention behind each recipe. This is not a menu designed to impress with flashy gimmicks.
It is a menu built around honest, satisfying food made with skill and respect for the ingredients. Every pizza here tells you something about what good cooking actually looks like.
Fresh Pastas And Small Plates On The Menu
Pizza might be the headline act at Reilly, but the fresh pastas and small plates are the supporting cast that keeps the whole show interesting. The pasta is made in-house, and you can taste that effort in every forkful.
Silky textures and well-balanced sauces make each dish feel like it belongs in a serious Italian kitchen rather than a casual neighborhood spot.
The small plates are designed for sharing, which makes them perfect for groups who want to sample a range of flavors before committing to a main course. Salads are crisp and thoughtfully dressed, using produce sourced from local farms when possible.
Nothing on this menu feels like an afterthought.
Dining here with a group is genuinely fun because everyone gets to try a little of everything, and the conversation naturally flows around what landed on the table. Good food has a way of doing that, and Reilly’s menu is built with exactly that kind of communal energy in mind.
The Rooftop Bar And Its Panoramic Views
Few things in Tucson beat sitting on a rooftop as the desert sky shifts from golden to deep purple at sunset. Reilly’s rooftop bar is one of the best vantage points in all of downtown, offering sweeping views of the city skyline that stretch out beautifully in every direction.
It is the kind of spot that makes you want to linger long after your plate is empty.
The rooftop setup is casual and comfortable, with outdoor seating that works well during Tucson’s cooler months. On a clear evening, the mountain silhouettes visible from up here add an extra layer of drama to an already impressive setting.
String lights and a relaxed atmosphere make it feel like a neighborhood gathering rather than a touristy rooftop destination.
Getting a table up here during peak hours can take some planning, so making a reservation ahead of time is a smart move. Once you are settled in with a view like that stretching in front of you, the wait will feel completely worth it.
The Basement Tough Luck Club Experience
Hidden beneath the main restaurant, the Tough Luck Club is one of those places you tell friends about in a hushed, conspiratorial tone. The basement lounge has an atmosphere that feels completely separate from the dining room above, with low lighting, cozy seating, and walls that carry the quiet energy of a space that has seen a lot of Tucson history.
The vibe down here is intimate and a little theatrical, which makes it ideal for a date night or a small gathering with close friends. The decor leans into the building’s storied past without being heavy-handed about it.
Every corner of the Tough Luck Club feels carefully considered, right down to the choice of lighting and furniture.
Spending time in the basement lounge is a genuinely different experience from eating upstairs, and that contrast is part of what makes a visit to Reilly so memorable. The building has multiple personalities, and each one rewards exploration in its own satisfying way.
The Garden And Outdoor Dining Space
Tucson’s sunshine is practically legendary, and Reilly makes great use of it with a vibrant garden that adds a whole different energy to the dining experience.
The outdoor space is lively and well-designed, with greenery, comfortable seating, and a laid-back atmosphere that draws locals and out-of-towners alike on nice evenings.
The garden works especially well for casual meals with friends or family, where the open air and relaxed setting encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy the moment. It pairs naturally with the wood-fired pizza menu, giving the whole experience a festive, communal feel that is hard to manufacture but easy to appreciate when you find it.
Tucson’s warm evenings are made for exactly this kind of outdoor dining, and Reilly’s garden delivers on that promise consistently. If you visit during the spring or fall when temperatures are at their most comfortable, sitting outside here feels like a genuine treat that rounds out a memorable evening downtown.
Practical Tips For Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink at 101 E Pennington St, Tucson, AZ 85701, is straightforward once you know the details. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind when scheduling your trip.
Tuesday through Sunday, dinner service runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with Friday and Saturday hours extending to 10 p.m. Lunch is available Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends when the restaurant fills up quickly. You can call ahead or book through the official website at reillypizza.com. For larger groups of 14 or more, the event inquiry form on their site is the best way to get things organized in advance.
Parking is easy, with the Pennington Parking Garage located directly across the street and street parking available throughout the surrounding downtown area. Note that Reilly does not validate parking.
Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to soak in the building’s remarkable exterior before stepping inside for one of Tucson’s most distinctive dining experiences.