Best of Tucson 1996: Best Alcohol-Free Selections At A Bar

Best Alcohol-Free Selections At A Bar

READERS' PICK: T.G.I. Friday's, 4901 E. Broadway, offers an incongruous Southern California-style respite from the rigors of desert living, as exemplified by the chain's stubborn persistence in shading its windows with those trademark red-and-white striped awnings that sure as hell don't belong under the Arizona sun. And they're just as steadfast with fans of the foo-foo drink specials: They'll make any frozen or mixed drink you can name without the alcohol. We're particularly fond of their Virgin Mary, with a twist of cumin and lime providing a zesty change from the usual black-pepper-and-Tabasco flavor. But the real treats here are those Blue Hawaiians, Mai Tai's and fruit-flavored frappes that'll cool any palate, no ID required. Sink your straw into a Tropical Oasis, pineapple and papaya juices with peach nectar and orange sherbet; or a November Sea Breeze, cranberry and apple juices with lime and a splash of soda. Then settle back, admire the unapologetically un-Southwestern decor and pretend you're in a place where it never gets hot.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, three locations.

STAFF PICK: Nothing makes our illusions of sophistication fizzle faster than being reduced to ordering a Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers when the desire to walk on the wild side takes over, and alcohol is not an option. This is a dilemma we never have to face at Café Magritte, 254 E. Congress St., where sweet innovation puts those barley pops and spirited distilled waters to shame. Try instead an Italian cream soda, sparkling raspberry-n-cream cooler, mocha cola or simply refreshing limeade. Magritte's takes all manner of fresh fruit juices, flavorful Torani syrups, aromatic teas and bubbly waters and combines them in ways you never would've imagined. No deprivation here. And you can order them at bar or table, at any hour of the day or night. Now that's something worth raising a glass to.