Cover Story
The Lost Treasures of Tucson
Welcome to the 2020 Best of Tucson
Trump Got What He Wanted at the Border. Would Biden Undo It?
Democrats agree that Trump’s caused asylum-seekers unacceptable misery. But the goal of deterring people from migrating to the U.S. — which has motivated Trump’s complex web of border policies — has seduced some Democrats, too. In early October, hundreds of migrants in Honduras set out in a “caravan” with plans to travel through Mexico to…
Mother of two killed; 14-year-old son arrested
A mother of two has been killed and her 14-year-old son has been charged with second-degree murder in her death. Pima County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance Sunday, Oct. 25, at a residence in the 4900 block of West Didion Drive near Cortaro Farms where they found Tiana Keen, 45, with obvious…
Delay of game: Pac-12 players focus on learning while awaiting start to pandemic-shortened season
PHOENIX – Saturdays on the West Coast look and feel a lot different this fall. In a time when college communities from Tucson to Seattle, and everywhere in between, are accustomed to college football Saturdays, the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out nearly half of the typical season. And for a time, it appeared as if…
Season’s Greetings: Calexico To Drop Holiday Album on Dec. 4
Fresh from a win as Tucson’s Best Musical Act in last week’s Best of Tucson®, Calexico announced this morning that they are releasing a new album of holiday music coming out on Dec. 4. “We had a blast making this holiday album sending tracks to friends and band members stretching from The States to Europe, Mexico…
Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Wednesday, Oct. 28: More Than 1,000 New Cases Today; Total AZ Cases Top 241K; TUSD Returning to In-Classroom Instruction in Two Weeks; Gem Show Canceled
With 1,044 new cases reported today, the number of Arizona’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases topped 241,000 as of Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Over the last week, the state has seen, on average, more than 1,000 new cases a day With 259 new cases reported today, Pima County had…
Air Trump: Cost of trips to campaign events still hard to pin down
WASHINGTON – When Air Force One touches down in Arizona for President Donald Trump’s campaign visits to Bullhead City and Goodyear on Wednesday, it will be at least the 20th campaign stop for the jet in the past eight days. Who pays for those trips? You do. Maybe. Or maybe the Trump campaign does. Or…
TUSD Students Can Return to Classroom for Hybrid Learning on Thursday, Nov. 12
Tucson’s largest school district will allow students to return to in-person classes starting Nov. 12. Tucson Unified School District’s governing board voted to return to school in a hybrid model in a 3-2 vote Tuesday night. Board members Kristel Foster, Bruce Burke and Leila Counts voted to approve the reopening date, and members Adelita Grijalva…
XIXA Releases Second Single from Upcoming Album ‘Genesis’
Tucson-based psych/cumbia rockers have released the second single from their upcoming sophomore album Genesis, set to release Feb. 19, 2021. The new track, “May They Call Us Home,” features the band’s familiar blend of borderlands guitar and trippy production, and ventures further into the esoteric themes teased by the first single “Genesis of Gaea.” The…
Healthcare Advocacy Group Blasts McSally for Supreme Court Vote
The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s appointment to the Supreme Court on Monday, with Sen. Martha McSally casting a vote in favor of the judge receiving a lifetime appointment on the nation’s highest court, which will now hold a 6-3 conservative majority. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the…
2021 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show Canceled
Today, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society announced that the 2021 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is canceled. While the overall Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase season that takes over Tucson from February to March is home to numerous showcases and exhibits, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem and Mineral Show is the largest and the show that…
Separate and unequal: Pay gap affects women, minorities, families
PHOENIX – The pay gap is confoundingly stubborn: On average across the United States, women make 81 cents for every dollar a man makes, with the size of the gap varying based on a woman’s job, family status and race. In Arizona, women fare slightly better than the national data, making 84 cents for every…
Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Tuesday, Oct. 27: More Than 1100 New Cases Today; Total AZ Cases Top 240K; Local Schools See a Handful of COVID Cases; UA Cases Remain Low; Free Testing Available
With 1,157 new cases reported today, the number of Arizona’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases topped 240,000 as of Tuesday, Oct. 27, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Over the last week, the state has seen, on average, more than 1,000 new cases a day. Pima County had seen 27,703 of the state’s 240,122…
Arizona senators split as divided Senate puts Barrett on Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – Arizona conservative groups hailed the confirmation of “capable, brilliant” Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, after a rushed vote Monday that split the Senate along party lines. Barrett’s confirmation comes less than six weeks after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and cements a conservative majority on the high court…
More COVID Cases in Amphi, Marana Schools
As local school districts allow students to return to campus in hybrid learning models, they’re reporting positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff, resulting in some students and staff members being asked to quarantine themselves if they were in contact with people who have tested positive. As of Monday, Marana Unified School District has reported…
Now Playing: Solid ‘On the Rocks’ Screening at RoadHouse Cinemas and Streaming On Apple+
Yes, the pandemic has been sucks for cinema. A lot of big movies have been pushed off into Whatever Land as far as their release dates. But even before this all started, there was a significant push for the smaller, artier films to find their way to streaming services rather than going all in on…
Report: Migrant deaths in the desert have reached seven-year high
WASHINGTON – Remains of 181 migrants were found in the Arizona desert through the end of September, 37 more than in all of last year and the most since 2013, according to the group Humane Borders. The rise in migrant deaths comes during a year of intense heat and little precipitation for Arizona – but…
Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Monday, Oct. 26: More Than 800 New Cases Today; Total AZ Cases Close in on 239K; Free Testing Available
With 801 new cases reported today, the number of Arizona’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases closed in on 239,000 as of Monday, Oct. 26, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. In a worrisome trend, the number of cases statewide has climbed by nearly more than 7,000 in the week since Monday, Oct. 19. Pima…
Trump cites Arizona’s success fighting COVID-19, as cases resume rise
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump name-dropped Arizona early in Thursday’s presidential debate, claiming the “very big spike” in COVID-19 cases in the state is “now gone.” Except that it’s not. New cases are up – twice in the past week they topped 1,000 – the rate of positive tests rose as did hospitalizations – although…
Pima County Recorder Candidate Takes a Salary from her Campaign Funds
The candidates for Pima County Recorder certainly have different approaches to the office, but one candidate recently criticized the other after third-quarter campaign finance reports were released. Republican candidate for county recorder Benny White posted a photo of Democratic candidate Gabriella Cázares-Kelly’s cash operating expenses that show she paid herself with campaign funds. The post…
Tucson Jazz Festival 2021 lineup announced
The two-day lineup has been announced for the 2021 Tucson Jazz Festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21, on the main outdoor stage at Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave. Saturday will include performances by Nayo Jones, Ghost-Note, Cory Wong, and Dirty Loops. Sunday will feature Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Marcus Miller, Dave Grusin…
University of Arizona team cheers success of asteroid-contact mission
WASHINGTON – After more than a decade of work, $800 million and 200 million miles of space travel, it all came down to six seconds. That’s how long OSIRIS-REx spent on the surface of near-Earth asteroid Bennu, collecting a small sample of soil before lifting off again for a return trip to Earth. But those…
September jobless rate rose, as more workers got back in labor force
WASHINGTON – Arizona’s unemployment rate bounced back up to 6.7% in September, but economists say there may actually be some positives behind what looks like negative numbers at first glance. At least one of the reasons for the increased jobless rate is that more than 150,000 people returned to the labor force, which suggests that…
Southern AZ COVID-19 AM Roundup for Friday, Oct. 23: Nearly 1K New Cases Again Today; Cases Appear in Amphi School District; Total AZ Cases Close in on 236K; Free Testing Available
With 975 new cases reported today, the number of Arizona’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases closed in on 235,000 as of Friday, Oct. 23, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. In a worrisome trend, the number of cases statewide has climbed by nearly 4,000 in just the last four days. Pima County had seen…
Friday is deadline to request mail ballot, arrange for remote voting from hospitals, nursing homes
PHOENIX – Time is running out for voters to request mail ballots and for voters in nursing homes and hospitals to get help from a special elections team, state and county election officials said Thursday. “There is still time to do so for this general election. But you must do it by tomorrow (Friday),” Secretary…
Wienermobile Comes To Pima County
“Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wee-ner” The world-famous Wienermobile is rolling through Pima County this weekend, giving residents an experience to relish—a chance to “meat” those bun-tastic hot doggers who are on a coast to coast weenie roast. Oscar Mayer Hotdoggers Mayochup Molly and Saucy Spence will be handing out wiener whistles…
Petitions call for ban on no-knock warrants in Arizona
In the wake of the shooting of Breonna Taylor by Louisville Police officers using a no-knock search warrant, discussions have taken place across the country regarding their usage and ethics. The Louisville city council voted unanimously to ban no-knock search warrants after Taylor’s death, and now this discussion has come to Arizona. Two petitions are currently…
Arizona COVID-19 cases surging toward 1,000 a day, expert warns
PHOENIX – Arizona is experiencing a COVID-19 surge similar to the one it saw in mid-June, and a vaccine that will get the population closer to herd immunity is in the distant future, the director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute said Wednesday. “We are very close for a seven-day trailing average to crossing the 1,000 new…
Southern AZ COVID-19 AM roundup for Thursday, Oct. 22: Nearly 1K new cases again today; Total AZ cases close in on 235K; free testing available
With 994 new cases reported today, the number of Arizona’s confirmed novel coronavirus cases closed in on 235,000 as of Thursday, Oct. 22, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. In a worrisome trend, the number of cases statewide has climbed by nearly 3,000 in just three days. Pima County had seen 27,208 of…
Best Delivery
Multiple locations You know what else has become a bigger part of so many of our lives this year? Alcohol delivery. So thank goodness for Tap & Bottle, which delivers a huge variety of craft beers, sake, mead, hard cider, wine and even non-alcoholic beverages. You just gotta be within seven miles of the location…
McSally heaps praise on Barrett on eve of first confirmation vote
WASHINGTON – Arizona Sen. Martha McSally left little doubt how she plans to vote on Supreme Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, calling Barrett “a gift to America” during a brief meeting Wednesday. The meeting, one of a series between senators and Barrett, came on the eve of a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on the…
Best Ice Cream
Multiple locations At The Screamery, all the ice cream is made from scratch right here in the Old Pueblo. In fact, they’re Arizona’s first ice cream pasteurizers. Try the ice cream nachos or hearty banana split if you’re feeling extra hungry. If you can’t decide between chocolate, cookie dough, bacon and bourbon, pumpkin spice, orange…
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Multiple locations There are an abundance of websites these days where you can buy a million different pairs of glasses, but the experience of being able to try on your specs in person really is irreplaceable. That’s just one reason we’re so glad to still have places like Alvernon Optical, which has been in business…
Most Missed Gallery
154 E. Sixth St. STAFF PICK: Davis Dominguez Gallery closed its doors in June after 43 years in the business. This isn’t a COVID-19 story though, even if the pandemic did force the farewell shows to go online. Proprietors Candice Davis and Mike Dominguez had already planned to retire. Over their nearly half a century…
Best Sex Toy Shop
3658 E. Speedway Blvd. For the first-timer, a trip to the local sex toy shop can be nervewracking. But not at a place like Fascinations, which has a staff so helpful and courteous you might just become a regular. And for the regulars, they’ve got an extensive inventory of toys, attire, lubricants and more to…
Best Veterinary Clinic
6464 N. Oracle Road 2661 N. First Ave. Pet Doctor brands themselves as Tucson’s affordable pet clinic, but don’t let that distract from their wide range of professional veterinary care. They cover the basics like spay and neuter, but also offer radiology, pharmacy, cremation and vaccination services. Pet Doctor has won over Tucson with their…
Best Radio Host
For more than five years, Hannah Levin has helped Tucson finish out their work day as the host of “The Home Stretch,” a radio show where you can hear a wide range of contemporary and classic music, as well as live performances and interviews. If it’s not her skill and experience in the DJ biz,…
Best Raspados
4126 S. 12th Ave. If you weren’t treating yourself to raspados regularly throughout this year’s record breakingly hot summer, then you were sure missing out. This Mexican/Latin American version of shaved ice comes in more than two dozen different flavors at Oasis, including pineapple, tamarindo, banana, milk, coconut and plum. Add freshly chopped fruit and…
Best Dive Bar
538 E. Ninth St. What can you say about the Buffet that hasn’t already been said about downtown Tucson before the big renaissance—it’s dark, dingy and Tucsonans love the shit out of the place. While other watering holes tend to keep up with trends to keep ’em coming in, Tucson’s oldest bar rarely changes. It…
Best Place to Get a Salad
2829 E. Speedway Blvd. Sometimes, taking yourself to a nice meal out means eating too much food you know isn’t good for you, and feeling bad about yourself the second the meal is over. Not so at Choice Greens, where you can carefully craft salads that can be described as nothing less than kick-ass. You…
Best Greek
1439 S. Fourth Ave. Opa continues to serve some of the best gyros, salads and all around great Mediterranean fare you can find in Tucson. Using authentic Greek recipes, coupled with locally sourced ingredients set this eatery apart for the pack. Make sure to try their gyro or spicy chicken souvlaki next time you’re at…
Best Place to Eat Gluten Free
2526 E Sixth St. Tumerico has proven themselves as a restaurant unwilling to sacrifice flavor for the sake of meeting dietary needs. Whether you’re cutting out gluten, or a strict vegan, Tumerico’s new-by-the-day dishes are sure to wow with their taste and their portions. 2. Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro 3. Baggin’s
Best Salsa
533 N. Fourth Ave. BOCA Tacos y Tequila pride themselves on making salsa that are hotter than your wife. Yes, the salsa are on the spicy side but it’s not all heat—the salsa combinations Chef Maria Mazon creates are absolutely bursting with flavor while stinging your tongue (in a good way). As Chef Mazon likes…
Best Folk
A native Tucsonan, Leila Lopez has been making music almost her entire life. In this time of COVID-19, she has been performing shows that are streamed. In a review of one of her albums, Lopez was described as “vulnerable, resilient and authentic, kind and loving…and her richly layered folk songs are imbued with these attributes.”…
Best Bookstore
Multiple locations A crazy idea—a store that cycles through used books, music, magazines, and videos—quickly caught on and then became a Tucson institution. Bookmans has it all and does it all. It hosts gatherings, provides an opportunity to clean out that closet/garage/bookshelf, and gives the avid reader the chance to go back and read the…
Best Bike Riding
There’s no place like The Chuck Huckelberry Loop! With more than 130 miles of paved pathways that connect Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and unincorporated Pima County, you can travel all over the place. If you’re a biker for whom the journey is really the destination, you can be assured the journey will be…
Best Farmers Market
4502 N. First Ave. Those who’ve spent a weekend morning at the Rillito Park Farmers Market know why it scored first place for Best of Tucson. The market has the standard staples of fresh produce and spices, but also sports fresh-cooked dishes from various national cuisines, a variety of salsas and jerky (dried meat) as…
Best Playground
900 S. Randolph Way It’s no mystery why our readers love the recently renovated playground at Reid Park. When you get tired of rolling down slides or climbing up the monkey bars, you can go feed the ducks in the lake, take a ride on a train, stop by a pool, visit the zoo or…
Best Alternative Health Center
2231 E. Speedway Blvd. It might not be any one service at Natural Healing Care Center that landed them as Best of Tucson, but the fact they’ve established themselves as a one-stop-shop for holistic and natural medicines. Whether you’re looking for acupuncture, massage therapy, mind/body medicines, nutrition recommendations, CBD, or getting your MMJ card, Natural…
Best Handyman
Nathan’s Handyman Service argues they have Tucson’s best handymen, and are prepared to prove it in nearly any manner of work around the house: drywall, painting, plumbing, power washing, ceiling fans, roof coating, electrical, doors and windows and more. What could that “more” entail? As registered contractors, they’re ready to show you. 2. Ronnie’s Handyman…
Best Beer Selection
Multiple locations Tap & Bottle may not have the largest selection of beer in town, but it has more than enough to satisfy us. Everything from pilsners, porters, IPAs, stouts, saisons and lambics from all over Arizona and the world are to be had at both of their locations in town. The bottle shop also…
Best Wings
8838 E. Broadway Blvd. 5004 E. Broadway Blvd. For more than two decades, Wings Over Broadway has been frying up wings, so they have definitely passed the 10,000-hour rule and can consider themselves experts. The wings come in your choice of more than a dozen sauces, whether you want ’em habanero spicy, sweet BBQ or…
Best Comedian
Ali Musa’s comedy is made for this moment. He’s an affable Arab American whose best jokes are about his dad, Mexican food and the character of a southside Circle K. He’s also the hardest working comedian in Tucson. He hits every open mic, and guests on booked shows internet-cast from all over the southwest. Find…
Best French
1803 E. Prince Road If you ever wanted to sample the cuisine of Southern France but only got a few francs in your pocket, Chef Ghini has got you covered. Whether it’s eggs provencale, strawberry crepes, chicken basil and cream pasta or Croque Monsieur (my personal favorite), it’s hard not to find a dish you’ll…
Best Thai
2511 E. Speedway Blvd. Located near the University of Arizona, Bangkok Café is family-owned by May Morris, who was born and raised in a restaurant family in Thailand, and her husband, Bob, a native Tucsonan who lived in Thailand for several years and is smart enough to love his wife and her food. The chefs…
Best Burrito
Multiple locations For decades, Nico’s has been a staple across Southern Arizona for serving up burritos that are always delicious. While there is no shortage of great taco stands and burrito joints in Tucson, Nico’s stands out for the consistent quality and freshness. Definitely try their carne asada burrito or any of their breakfast burritos…
Best Reggae
OK, this is crazy. Neon Prophet has been pumping out reggae music for 34 years. That’s almost as long as the entire amount of time that Bob Marley was alive. The band’s dedication to the music and their audience has created a bond and a phenomenon in the desert. Band members may come and go…
Best Marijuana Dispensary
78 W. River Road 2075 E. Benson Hwy. Describing themselves as “specialists in feeling better,” Earth’s Healing has won over the hearts of Tucson cardholders with their wide variety of cannabis. This includes more than 70 types of edibles, 50 strains of flower and dozens of concentrates. And with two locations in Tucson, you won’t…
Best Place to get Great Hair Color
27 N. Scott Ave. When you’re going on the lam, you sometimes need to change your look, maybe go from a redhead to a brunette. When that happens, head downtown to English Salon Spa. Sure, they do everything from nails to facials, waxing and haircuts. They even carry local and certified green products. But they…
Best Local Clothing Designer
Established in 2005, this local clothing company specializes in streetwear with a timeless vibe—think old school tattoo art, or something you could rock while driving down the street in a classic car. Do something cool by supporting a local business, and look cool while you’re doing it. A win-win if we ever saw one. 2.…
Best Farmers Market Vendor
The Benson-based Sleeping Frog Farms aims to improve the health of both the land and the community by growing high-quality produce without the use of chemicals. And if you’ve seen the Sleeping Frog growers at a local farmers market, you know they walk the walk. They offer a wide range of fruits, vegetables, honey, beans…
Best Art Treasure
135 S. Sixth Ave. STAFF PICK: Housed in the historic Oddfellows Hall building downtown, Etherton Gallery is a treasury of museum-quality photography and contemporary art. The gallery, 39 years in the business, is known internationally for its expertise in photography; exhibitions cover work from the medium’s early days in the 19th century all the way…
Best TV Newscast
All three local networks do a decent job of providing a mix of local and national news. (Although, occasionally, all three are guilty of starting off their nightly newscasts with a story that leaves the viewer screaming at the screen, “How is THAT news?”) KGUN sticks close to the successful formula of providing news, weather…
Best Mariachi Band
There are few performances as infectiously enthusiastic and full of passion as those of mariachi bands. And there’s something extra special about watching youth perform. Mariachi Rayos Del Sol has been performing for Tucsonans—keeping our spirits soaring and our feet tapping—for more than 25 years. And we’re so lucky to have them! 2. Mariachi Aztlán…
Best Bartender
Not only does she tear it up on stage with Miss Olivia and the Interlopers, Olivia Reardon mixes up a mean bloody Mary on Sundays at St. Charles Tavern. But mixology skills and singing aren’t the only things that make Miss Olivia the best bartender around these days—it’s her personality. Anyone lucky enough to be…
Best French Fries
Multiple locations There are a lot of different types of fries in this world, and some people have strong opinions about the best type — crinkle cut, steak, shoestring? But true fry fans can all come together in support of a delicious fry when they taste one. The perfectly crisp, impeccably seasoned french fries are…
Best Place to Eat Lunch Downtown
58 W. Congress St. This fast-casual joint knows how to make a taco: a fresh tortilla, grilled meats, plenty of fixin’s and a side of rice and beans. You’ll also find tortas, burros and Sonoran dogs. This ain’t a fancy downtown lunch with the suits, but it’s sure a delicious and inexpensive one. 2. Bison…
Best Jamaican
5305 E. Speedway Blvd. Feeling adventurous? Wanting to try something new? Well, CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen has Curry Goat. Yeah, well now tell me how adventurous you are. If you’re suddenly feeling a little bit less so, they have dynamite Jerk Chicken, Coconut Shrimp, Curry Chicken or Beef, and Irish Moss, which is a type of…
Best Birria
4573 S. 12th Ave. Chef Mateo Otero understands what good birria is. In fact, his birria tacos have such a cult following the chef regularly takes this beefy staple to the next level creating specials like birria ramen noodles or his birria burro pan-fried in chili oil. Really, anything you get here is sure to…
Editor’s Note: Be Best
Here it is: Best of Tucson our annual celebration of this town’s finest businesses. My thanks to everyone, from the readers who voted to the entire staff here at Tucson Local Media who put their shoulders to the wheel to make it happen to the advertisers who made it possible to publish “The Lost Treasures…
Best Place to Grab a Slice
534 N. Fourth Ave. Every city needs a pizzeria where you can stop and sloppily gobble down a slice toward the end of a long night out downtown. Brooklyn serves this role, yes, but their quality ingredients and attention to detail make them more than just a late-night drunk spot. In fact, their variety of…
Best Place to Get Pierced
1927 E. Grant Road Even if you’ve never been inside Straight to the Point, you can tell from the cool piece of tree art outside the building that they’re something special. Step inside and into an environment that’s clean, cozy, professional and irrefutably pleasant. They use implant-grade materials, unmatched safety and sterilization procedures and a…
Best Local TV News Anchor
Calm and cool, straightforward and informative, professional and likeable. That’s pretty much the description for a news anchor straight out of the manual. Dan Marries joins with Brook Wagner to form a solid local news team. Marries puts in the time in the community, adding to his stature and trustworthiness. 2. Valerie Cavazos (KGUN9) 3.…
Best Children’s Entertainer
Mr. Nature is an instrument-toting, birthday-party-attending, folk-singing entertainer who is the perfect guest for birthday parties, park gatherings or other get-togethers with kids. Or at least he would be the perfect guest, if we weren’t for the damn bug that’s going around! But even if you can’t have Mr. Nature over, you can buy and…
Best Public Pool/Splashpad
3482 E. River Road This northside attraction is a perennial winner in the category—maybe because it’s got extraordinary flower buckets that pour down on kids and super-cool water cannons—but they may need to up their game, given that the City of Tucson is working on opening up a bunch of new splash pads around town.…
Best CBD Store
7710 S. Wilmot Road In a rough year like 2020, stress relief is crucial. So when a CBD store rises to the top amid so much anxiety, you know they’re doing something right. Green Halo offers a wide range of CBD products at varying strengths and prices, but never varying quality: gummies, capsules, tinctures, patches,…
Best Brewery
800 E. 16th St. It’s not just that Barrio Brewing makes some damn fine beer (we’re looking at you, Ruby Red and Citrazona), it’s that on top of being master brewers, they find time to cook up great food and host special occasions, all while being 100 percent employee-owned. Barrio Brewing is the complete package.…
Best Smoothies/Juice Bar
2502 N. Campbell Ave. “Goodness” really is a perfect name for such a lovely little spot. While they’ve got a stellar menu all around, the smoothies are definitely one of the stars. This is the kind of place that can make a smoothie with egg white protein and chia seeds taste amazing. Their juices are…
Best Eggs Benedict
Multiple locations Baja Café wins this one by the dizzying list of variations on eggs benny: Not only the classic version with seared ham and two poached eggs atop English muffins and slathered with hollandaise sauce, but options like the coyote (English muffin topped with Hatch green chilies, three slices of jalapeño bacon, two poached…
Best Indian
7607 N. Oracle Road They say that Saffron is the world’s most legendary spice—and our readers say Saffron is Tucson’s most legendary Indian restaurant. You’ll find delicious samosas, paneers, masalas, biryani and all the rest, all prepared with care and style. It’s no naansense: Saffron is right-on! 2. Sher-E-Punjab 3. India Oven
Best Vietnamese
Multiple locations No. 66 on the Miss Saigon menu is Chicken Veggie Delight, but really, that’s a bit redundant. Whether you’re looking for fresh spring rolls, rich pho, vermicelli bowls, wok-tossed vegetables or any other Vietnamese fare, you can be assured it will be a delight. You don’t expand to four locations without doing something…
Best Guacamole
Multiple locations It’s admittedly pretty difficult to mess up guacamole. But it’s almost just as difficult to make guacamole as perfectly balanced and seasoned as they do it at Guadalajara Grill. Honestly, if you get the handmade salsa AND the guacamole, you might as well just ask for your entree in a to-go box, because…
Best Cover Band
BEST NAME EVER! This group has been around for more than a decade, providing fans in Arizona and Southern California with a high-energy show of rock anthems, power ballads, and hits ranging from pop to New Wave. They play night clubs and weddings, festivals and casinos, and they do it all with expert musicianship and…
Best Clothing
Multiple locations Creations is the type of store that, if you’ve ever walked by it on Fourth Avenue, makes you want to stop in to take a quick peek even if you’re in a hurry/broke/not in need of any more clothes. And once you’re in there? You and your timeframe/budget/plans to downsize your wardrobe are…
Best Day Spa
8600 E. Rockcliff Road You can only do so many at-home facemasks before they start to lose their luster, you know? The atmosphere at this local resort is so pleasant that, honestly, just stepping foot on the property, and maybe even driving by the property, may count as self-care. But if you’re looking to really…
Best Biking Group/Community
What sets Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage (BICAS) apart is that this nonprofit isn’t just about getting together to ride bikes. The group offers programs about how to fix bicycles, and how to create unique art out of salvaged bicycle materials. Many of these programs are geared specifically toward youth. They believe bikes and other…
Best Event Venue
2200 E. Elm Street Whether your event is a wedding, a graduation or even a memorial service, the grand old Arizona Inn is the Tucson place to go. It’s drenched in history — Eleanor Roosevelt is just one celebrity who stayed there – and ever since it opened in 1930 it’s been a charming oasis…
Best Auto Repair
2502 E. Fort Lowell Road Much like the humble Toyota they focus much of their work on, the mechanics at Dan’s Toy Shop have won over Tucson thanks to their combination of reliability and quality. Look up any review site and you’ll see locals praising the midtown repair shop for their professionalism and service. When…
Best Radio Station for News
Remember when radio stations used to provide news? Heck, there was a station here in town that called itself Newsradio. Those days are mostly long gone. Former news stations now just spout right-wing talk-radio propaganda, pausing only at the top and bottom of the hour to bring listeners sorta’-news from the biggest purveyor on right-wing…
Best Torta
Multiple locations The torta is one of those culinary delights that defy classification—is it a sandwich or a burrito? Does it matter? Not really. Put it in your pie hole and pipe down. Not only does El Güero make Tucson’s best hot dogs, now they also make the city’s best torta. We’re hoping one day…
Best Food Truck
Spicy chicken is perhaps one of life’s simplest pleasures. At Pop’s, they really take it to the next level. Choose your spice level, from no spice to x-hot, and pick out a sandwich, which comes with a pickle and avocado slaw. They’ve got delicious side and drink options if you’re looking to further complement this…
Best Jukebox
1632 S. Fourth Ave. For years, downtown barflys have engaged in heated discussions over which establishment has the best, most eclectic mix of music on their jukebox—Che’s Lounge or St. Charles Tavern? While both dive bars boast fantastic selections that any red-blooded individual would be blessed to hear while knocking back a few crispy boys,…
Best Downtown Restaurant
110 E. Pennington St. In the latest bit of heartbreaking news brought to us by the coronavirus, Suzana Davila recently announced she wouldn’t be reopening Cafe Poca Cosa, the dazzling restaurant she opened in a tiny storefront way back in the 1980s. A native of Guaymas, Sonora, Davila is a passionate dynamo who built one…
Best Korean
5532 E. Speedway Blvd. While they’re currently not offering their popular all-you-can-eat sushi, they are open for dining, featuring an extensive Korean menu, highlighted by traditional favorites Kim Bop, a sushi roll with marinated ribeye steak, yellow radish, carrots, egg and spinach; and Kimchee Pajeon, Korean-style flat cakes with kimchee and vegetables. 2. Korea House…
Best Punk
Sisters Marina and Leann Cornelius have been bringing punk ferocity and instrumental dexterity to Tucson for more than a decade. But unlike many aggressive musicians, Acorn Bcorn (as the name may imply) are hardly one-note. Their music can jump from blistering noise to a slow dirge, and actually flow at the same time! 2. The…
Best Gallery
6300 N. Swan Road To put it simply, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun needs to be seen to be believed. The Gallery is unique: its architecture and landscape are just as important as the artworks housed inside. Described as the “life’s work” of Southwestern painter-sculptor-visionary Ted DeGrazia, the Gallery in the Sun is 10 acres…
Best Caterer
Multiple locations Mexican food is usually a great option for big catered events (ah, remember big events?): Who doesn’t like beans, cheese, meat and tortillas? You’ll never go wrong with El Molinito, with an array of suggested combination plates (including a vegetarian special!) or the option to customize your catering order, they have no shortage…
Best Barber Shop
Multiple Locations You always feel fresher after a good haircut, but in 2020, where many of us have spent months either going without haircuts or DIYing our way through the pandemic with varying levels of success, a professional cut feels particularly luxurious. Treat yourself affordably at Headliners, where they cater to all hair types and…
Best Hike
Yes, there really are seven waterfalls on this hike! It feels like that’s all we really need to say, but we’ll add a few other details for garnish: This 8.2-mile hike is moderately easy, with only 917 feet in elevation gain and with flush toilets available at the beginning of the trail. There are some…
Best Stay at Home Activity
There are a few ways you can look at Netflix beating out such time-honored hobbies as “reading,” but we’ll say this: In a year that might as well be titled the Year of the Recluse, it’s a good thing we had Netflix. They’ve come a long way from their DVD mailing days. Now they keep…
Best Outdoor Art Installation
Why are these mosaics the most celebrated outdoor art installations in town? Well, aside from the much-needed reminder to be kind, they’re nearly as prolific as saguaros around these parts. For lesser art pieces, this could be redundant, but Ben’s Bells’ mosaics are often as gorgeous as they are important, showing how many pieces can…
Best Way to Entertain Kids During the Summer
200 S. Sixth Ave. 11015 N. Oracle Road When we think of the places the ’rona has taken from us, the Tucson Children’s Museum is at the top of the list. When you’ve got a few hours to kill with the kids, there are few places that are more fun than the downtown branch, where…
Best Place to Get a Glass of Wine
220 N. Fourth Ave. Curation is the name of the game at Ermanos, which offers a wide variety of wines and a knowledgeable staff that will help an embarrassed wine beginner find their favorite (what is a tempranillo, anyhow?) Whether you want a wine from Italy, Spain, Argentina or Arizona, you can enjoy it here…
Best Shot
14 S. Arizona Ave. This sweet and legendary cocktail is a powerful combination of cultures, not unlike Tucson itself. Served on a specialty spoon and glistening with spice, these Sonoran pearls are dangerously enjoyable, especially when paired with their twin, the pop rocks shot. 2. Harry Potter Shot (Club Congress) 3. Mexican Candy Shot (Elliott’s)
Best Place to Sing Karaoke
3501 E. Fort Lowell Road Here’s a great Final Jeopardy question: This fictional movie character is on the American Film Institute’s list of Top 50 Movie Villains and Top 50 Movie Heroes. (Answer below so you can think about it.) Along those same lines, one of the greatest and worst inventions of all time is…
Best Italian
434 N. Fourth Ave. The Weekly once ran an article about how the Tucson school system was segregated back in the 1940s. One of the people interviewed for the story told of how he had attended the all-Black Dunbar school before moving on to the sorta-integrated Tucson High. After his graduation, the Korean War broke…
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
2526 E. Sixth St. Featuring scratch-made local food, Tumerico brings a vegan approach to Mexican and Cuban dishes with astonishing results. One of the favorites is the Cuban dish Ropa Vieja (which translates to “old clothes,” but tastes way better). It includes jackfruit carnitas with mushrooms and poblanos in a cilantro sauce. Other featured dishes…
Best Hotel
311 E. Congress St. What’s left to say about Hotel Congress after more than a century as the core of Tucson? As a hotel, it succeeds with its quaint rooms, delicious food and multiple bars. But what makes it the best hotel is that it’s more than a hotel: It’s home to festivals and concerts…
Best Rock
In the world of rock, stage presence can make or break you. Lucky for Tucson audiences, the folks in Drop D know how to get a crowd moving regardless of what they’re covering. Those who’ve caught one of their raucous live shows know what we’re talking about. 2. Miss Olivia & the Interlopers 3. Chateau…
Best Resale Clothing
2001 E. Speedway Blvd. A longtime favorite for this category, Buffalo Exchange takes the cake again for its high-quality, high-fashion selection. Locations of this treasure of a store are beloved all over the country, but it started right here in Tucson. It’s the perfect place to go to combine the latest styles with some vintage…
Best Fresh-Baked Bread
18 S. Eastbourne Ave. 2020 turned out to be the year where a whole bunch of us learned how to make our own bread. But even if you have, there are some things that the artisan bakers over at Barrio can do that are difficult to replicate at home. Owner Don Guerra named the biz…
Best Local Sportscaster
PAUL CICALA LOVES HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS! HE LOVES COLLEGE SPORTS! HE LOVES PRO SPORTS! AND HE LOVES THEM ALL WITH THIS LEVEL OF ENTHUSIASM AND AT THIS VOLUME! He’s great. 2. Damien Alameda (KOLD) 3. Brian Jeffries (UA Athletics)
Best Annual Festival
The fact the street fair beat out all the other wonderful festivals throughout town proves that the magic of Tucson isn’t just our culture, but our inventiveness. At the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, you can wander between vendor stalls, finding custom jewelry, screen-printed clothing, kitchen gadgets, junkyard sculptures and designer notebooks, and then treat yourself…
Best Restaurant With a Kids Menu
7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Despite the pandemic, Little Anthony’s is still finding ways to bring the fun, with limited seating in the classic diner along with carhop and carryout service and—Hollywood confidential—evening shows featuring tributes to the likes of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. The kids menu hits all the major food groups, from chicken nuggets…
Best Photographer
Sean Parker didn’t win Best of Tucson because he’s a world-renowned photographer, but because he perfectly captures the vibe of the Sonoran Desert, and he does so with a masterful touch. A look at his shots of saguaros illuminated by the night sky or mid-monsoon lightning bolts is proof of his skill. They’re vibrant, powerful…
Best Tacos
58 W. Congress St. 10785 N. Oracle Road When the craving for tacos strikes while traversing downtown streets or avoiding the speed traps of Oro Valley, those in the know go to Street Taco. Everything they serve is super fresh and sure to make mouths happy. Their carne asada, topped with fresh pico de gallo…
Best Coffee
3401 E. Speedway Blvd. Ah, there’s nothing like pulling off Speedway to treat yourself to the Coffee Times drive through. Their daily specials, cheerful baristas, broad selection and speedy service are just a few of the features that have made this small but mighty building a Tucson staple for more than 20 years. Treat yourself…
Best Hot Dog
Multiple locations You wanna start a fight in Tucson? That Trump-Biden stuff is just Chump Town. The real action comes when you start talking hot dogs—Sonoran style or hot chili (enchiloso, not temperature). For what seems like forever, Pat’s Chili Dogs on Grande, with their burn-your-mouth chili dog and the real-potato fries, ruled the Old…
Best Northwest Restaurant
6453 N. Oracle Road Sometimes, you just have a craving for the taste of the Crescent City—some jambalaya, some gumbo, some andouille sausage and beer-battered catfish. When in the mood, there’s no better place to satisfy that hunger than The Parish, where you can wash it down with a glass of Abita. Let the good…
Best New Restaurant
811 E. Wetmore Road If you’re bold enough to call yourself Fat Noodle Ramen House, you’d better deliver some fat (and phat) noodles. And they do, in spectacular style. How about their signature FN Burger, a sesame ginger beef patty with lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo—all sandwiched between two “buns” made of noodles! It seems…
Best Video Store
2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Well, it looks like it’s gonna be a while before we’re back in crowded movie theaters, so home cinema is the way to go. And sure, streaming is an option, but there are plenty of movies that aren’t available on the various platforms. That’s why Casa Video remains a great option.…
Best Hip-Hop Act
This year’s Best of Tucson winners knew exactly what they were doing putting “family” in their name. This collective of local musicians spreads positive vibes in a wide variety of genres, from soul to jazz to hip-hop. Reymon Murphy and co. have lit up stages all around town, and even stayed busy with live streams…
Best Movie Theater
3233 E. Speedway Blvd. The Loft Cinema is much more than an ambitious movie theater that shows high-quality films. Beyond screening everything from arthouse cinema to mondo cult classics, The Loft succeeds in being a hub for the community, allowing local organizations to rent out theaters, hosting outdoor movies in the city’s parks, and presenting…
Best Diner
Multiple locations If you’ve been to Baja Cafe, your stomach is probably rumbling in anticipation right now just thinking about it. If you’re a savory breakfast person, you can’t go wrong with the Baja Breakfast, the King Kong or one of their many varieties of eggs benedict. Got a sweet tooth? Try their snickerdoodle pancakes,…
Best Jewelry
330 N. Fourth Ave. Silver Sea is a precious little Fourth Avenue staple filled to the brim with tons of awesome, handcrafted pieces (both local and from all over the world). Due to COVID-19, they’re currently doing home shopping, so you can check their Facebook page for updates on what’s available. As their page says,…
Best Backpacking Trail
How lucky are we to live in a place where it’s hard to decide what the best local backpacking trail is? The 800-mile Arizona trail links biomes ranging from deserts to forests to mountains across Mexico, Arizona and Utah. It’s divided into 43 individual passages, each with its own unique flavor and points of interest.…
Best Fun for the Whole Family
2021 N. Kinney Road While exhibits like the packrat playhouse and the Warden Oasis Theater are temporarily closed and animal shows and interpretive talks are on hold, the Desert Museum is still a place of wonder for kids and adults alike. Since attendance is limited, you have to make a reservation in advance, but as…
Best Car Wash
Multiple locations It stands to show how beloved Mister Car Wash is by the fact that no one at the Weekly is surprised that they landed in first place. If you didn’t think community and car washes could go hand-in-hand, you’ve never been to Mister Car Wash, a company that engages in local fundraising and…
Best Thrift Store
Multiple Locations The fact Buffalo Exchange has locations in more than a dozen states shows how effective their model is, and how lucky Tucson is to house its headquarters. More than an average thrift store, it’s a destination for high-quality vintage clothes for those who are looking to buy or sell. Kerstin Block and company…
Best Bagel
7315 N. Oracle Road Around this time of year, we start hearing the myth that will not die about how a turkey can drown during a rainstorm by looking up in the air and having rainwater go into their tilted nostrils. It’s definitely a myth and fortunately, the same applies to humans. That’s a good…
Best Donuts
101 E. Fort Lowell Road As is tradition, in lieu of trying to use original words to describe what’s so great about the wonderfully zany Amy’s Donuts, we will list some of their donut options: Andes Mint, Chips Ahoy, Chocolate Coconut Yeast, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cotton Candy, Heart Attack, Maple Bacon Fudge, Peanut Butter Oreo…
Best eegee’s Flavor
At the Tucson Weekly, we stand behind the founding principles of the eegee’s frozen drink: It should be flavorful, it should be colorful, and it should above all be refreshing. With the integrity of Tucson’s most iconic drink in the balance, the outcome of this voting category could have changed life as we know it…
Best Japanese
2741 N. Campbell Ave. Stepping into Yoshimatsu really is like being transported into another world full of adorable kitty keepsakes, toy robots and absolutely delicious Japanese food. Whether you’re looking for sushi, a ramen bowl or a teriyaki chicken bento box, Yoshimatsu delivers. And they’re even carrying cute handmade Japanese fashion masks. Humble little Yoshimatsu…
Best Upscale Restaurant
6440 N. Campbell Ave. The view is spectacular from Vivace’s Foothills location, and so is the food. Daniel Scordato continues the tradition of the family name with elegant preparations of salads, pastas, and entrees such as grilled chicken with eggplant and mushroom, pork parmigiano, roasted shrimp with seafood stuffing and, of course, osso buco. It’s…
Best Dulceria
Multiple locations La Estrella is a force to be reckoned with when it comes Mexican pastries in the Old Pueblo. Make the trip down to their storefront to get all sorts of fresh baked sweets like pan de muerto, rosca de reyes or pan fino. If you stop by in person, don’t forget to pick…
Sheriff Showdown
Pima County’s voters will decide between two familiar faces for county sheriff this election season. Republican Mark Napier is running for re-election against Democratic challenger Chris Nanos, who lost against Napier in 2016 after serving a year as the county’s interim sheriff when Clarence Dupnik stepped down in 2015 after a 35-year run as the…
Best Art Classes
633 W. 18th St. Perhaps it’s the heat required by glassblowing that makes the Sonoran Glass School a natural fit for Tucson, but this great school makes sure their classes go beyond the basics of the craft. The staff artists teach furnace glassblowing and torchworking and even kiln fusing, which has artists-in-the-making using cold glass…
Best Home Furnishings
Multiple locations With all of us spending so (so, sooooo) much time at home lately, it feels more important than ever to make sure home is a place that feels comfy, cozy and just the way you like it. And Sam Levitz has been a trusted provider of all things home furnishings for years. You…
Best Lash Boutique
Multiple Locations If you’ve ever talked to anybody who’s gotten lash extensions, they’ve no doubt told you how much they love them. It’s one of those small things that can make you feel vastly more confident. They offer subtle sets to slightly enhance your existing eyelashes, volume sets for a more dramatic look and a…
Best Campground
There are a lot of beautiful places to camp in Arizona, but we think everyone can agree that any campground near a body of water, which can make a summer day vastly more bearable, automatically gets an extra 1,000,000 points of credit. That being said, Patagonia has a lot going for it, with nice, private…
Best Place to Donate Your Time and/or Money
In a year with such a need for volunteering and charity, the fact the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona rose to the top shows just how important it is for Tucson. More than working to keep Southern Arizona hunger-free, CFBSA also facilitates community gardening, supports farmers markets, advocates for public policy and does leadership…
Best Plant Nursery
8005 E. Speedway Blvd. Is there anything quite like the atmosphere of a plant nursery? Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery nails it with their gorgeous grounds, offering a wide variety of desert plants and fruit trees, as well as ceramics, lawn ornaments and more. We’re talking multiple greenhouses filled with so many gorgeous plants you’ll forget…
Best Local Twitter Feed
What makes What’s Up Tucson stand above the rest is their understanding of their platform. What’s Up Tucson wins as the best local Twitter feed thanks to their up-to-the-minute coverage of everything from traffic info to police reports to humorous sights around town. It’s a great destination for keeping your finger to the Pueblo’s pulse.…
Best Michelada
2680 N. First Ave. When you can’t decide whether you want to enjoy a bloody Mary or a Mexican lager, choose a michelada. BK Tacos takes their michelada to a new level by mixing up a tasty concoction of Mexican beer, tomato and clam juice, fresh celery and their secret spicy sauce. Trust us, that…
Best Wine Bar
416 E. Ninth St. Currently open only for takeout on Friday-Sunday, Revel is located between funky Fourth Avenue and would-really-like-to-be-funky Downtown. Revel features an international wine selection, an extensive selection of beers and hand-crafted meat-and-cheese plates. 2. Ermanos 3. Postinos
Best Bloody Mary
2660 N. Campbell Ave. 6450 E. Grant Road It stands to reason that one of Tucson’s brunch destinations would have a killer Bloody Mary, Sonoran style. With vodka that’s infused with guajillo pepper and garlic and an herbed mustard mix, their House Bloody Mary is the perfect pick-me-up cocktail, and even comes with a “morning…
Best DJ
What makes a great DJ? It’s hard to say. It’s so much easier to identify a bad one (like in the wedding scene in Love Actually where the guy plays Donny Osmond singing “Puppy Love”). Mother Tierra would never do that…unless her dizzying mix of musical styles had whipped the crowd into such a frenzy…
Best Central Restaurant
2616 N. Campbell Ave. Set in a charming one-time bungalow right in the heart of Campbell Avenue, Blue Willow has been cooking up hearty fare for Tucsonans for more than four decades. Whether you want breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re gonna find delicious diner comfort food with a Sonoran accent—fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, sweet pancakes…
Best Outdoor Dining
201 N. Court Ave. The downtown gathering space formerly known as La Cocina has rebranded itself as LaCo—for Love and Community, which is what this spot has always offered. Jo Schneider, who also brought us Bentley’s, has created a wondrous eatery built around a lush garden inside the ancient walls of Old Town Artisans. In…
Best Tortillas
849 N. Anita Ave. If you never had a fresh tortilla, then you probably haven’t been in Southern Arizona that long. Those of us who call the Sonoran Desert our home know there are few things on the face of God’s green earth better than Anita Street Market’s fresh tortillas, especially when they’re still steaming.…
Best Country Act
Hank Topless is a treasure for connoisseurs of county music far and wide. With his live band, Topless whips his audience into a beer-soaked frenzy that could give Walon a run for his money. When playing solo, Topless exudes the soul and fingerpicking precision that’s on par with late, great Rev. Gary Davis. He isn’t…
Best Musical Instrument Store
2550 N. Campbell Ave. It’s fitting that this year’s best instrument store has the word “rainbow” in its name; anyone who’s paid them a visit can see why. It’s the full spectrum of guitars on offer that makes this dazzling Rainbow unique; their styles range from standard acoustics to multi-thousand-dollar electrics. The store’s electronics run…
Best Tattoo Parlor
Multiple locations Black Rose has stayed in business for the last 25 years by providing such a solid blend of quality and variety. If you want a custom piece that will take several hours-long sessions, their talented team of artists will work with you to get you what you’re looking for. Want something quick and…
Best Nail Salon
Multiple locations In 2011, Christina Rossetti Thompson, a native Tucsonan and full-time teacher, had a dream that she needed to slow down, and create a place where she could do it. Then she did it! She opened Greentoes, an eco-friendly mani-pedi studio that uses organic and vegan products, in 2012. They also offer facials, massages,…
Best Instagram
Whether it’s a gorgeous sunset, outdoor opportunities or even breaking news, Visit Tucson has proven itself a must for anyone interested in the view around town. More than 50,000 followers can’t be wrong: Visit Tucson is the showcase for Southern Arizona. 2. Tucson Foodie 3. Brunch Babes
Best Gym
15 E. Toole Ave. With a name like that, you know Nerd Gym has it in their DNA to change the status of gyms. Inviting those who’ve been let down by “regular gyms,” Nerd Gym offers individualized workouts in their semi-private fitness studio. More than a gym, Nerd Gym strives to be a welcoming space…
Best Story Time
Remember being a kid? Everyone loves dressing up, gender roles aren’t so rigidly defined and imagination reigns supreme? When you think about that, then, really, who better to lead story hours in libraries, schools and bookstores than a group of drag queens? By providing kids glamorous and positive queer role models who are unabashedly themselves,…
Best Place to Get a Massage
Multiple Locations Massage Envy wants you to feel like your best self again, and they do this through a variety of services: stretches, facials, rapid tension relief and the classic massage. But because everyone’s body is different, they know the key is to organize a personal message. Whether you’re looking to improve your mood, to…
Best Tamales
Multiple locations Nobody makes tamales quite like Tucson Tamale Company. Perhaps the secret is their dedication to the craft. Perhaps it’s the masa they use. Or maybe it’s the endlessly creative variations on the standard tamale, whether they are stuffing a Thanksgiving dinner or an Indian buffet into the masa inside that corn husk. No…
Best Barbecue
2745 N. Campbell Ave. 7080 E. 22nd St. Sure, we all have plenty of time to slow-cook our own barbecue now, but it’s probably not going to be nearly as good as the succulent ribs, smokey brisket or juicy chicken we’ll find at BrushFire BBQ Co. One really good thing about barbecue: It’s really good-to-go.…
Best Cafe Hangout
415 N. Fourth Ave. It’s easy to spend hours at Cafe Passe, chatting with friends, getting work done on your laptop, or reading a good book. Their patio—covered in vines, well-shaded and home to a fantastic community bulletin board—is so pleasant that it’s not uncommon to see plenty of people there even in the ungodly…
Best Signature Dish
Multiple locations El Charro’s sun-dried carne seca has become a thing of legend. This stringy dry beef combines perfectly with El Charro’s red salsa to produce one of Southern Arizona’s finest plates. Whether you enjoy it in a burro, a taco or with that lavish platter with beans, rice, guacamole, salad or more, you won’t…
Best Middle Eastern
2310 N. Country Club Road People absolutely rave about Za’atar. It’s one of those places where you don’t even want to start eating right away; you want to just sit for a while and smell stuff. There are the pita and flatbreads that are baked in a brick oven that owner Ari Baban built by…
Best African
2731 E. Broadway Blvd. 119 E. Speedway Blvd. Founded more than a quarter-century ago by refugee Amanuel Gegremariam, Zemam’s has long been Tucson’s go-to place for a mix of Ethiopian dishes such as Yedoro Alica (chicken cooked in a spicy berbere sauce) and Yekik Wat (yellow split peas mashed with onions, garlic and green peppers)…
Best Place to Buy a Piñata
640 N. Stone Ave. Show me a person who doesn’t like a piñata and I’ll show you a person who doesn’t like to party. Whether filled with candy or little bottles of booze, a piñata always gets a good response from young and old alike. Piñata Factory is the premier place to purchase those papier-mâché…
Best Liquor Store
2642 N. Campbell Ave. With so many of our watering holes closed during the pandemic, we’ve definitely had to pick up our bartending game at home. There’s no better place to shop for supplies than midtown’s Plaza Liquors. Plenty of beer from local and independent breweries, wines from around the world, top-shelf booze and knowledgeable…
Best Music Store
5646 E. Speedway Blvd. 45 S. Sixth Ave. Recently celebrating a century of serving Tucson, Chicago Music Store has another streak going: landing first in Best of Tucson year-after-year! And it’s no wonder the store is so adored by locals: the place has staff ready to teach you how to play the piano, guitar, saxophone,…
Best Specialty Food Store
2805 E. Skyline Drive If you’re already the type of person who enjoys grocery shopping, you’ll have a field day at AJ’s, which has a huge selection of everything from produce to meats and all the aisles in between. Check out the huge selection of international wines, the bakery or the entire bar dedicated to…
Best Dog Park
3482 E. River Road Brandi Fenton is a great place to take yourself, your friends, your kids, and—of course—your dogs. The off-leash park has double-entry gates, separate areas for small and large dogs, water bowls, a plastic bag holder and plenty of shade. As one reviewer on Bring Fido put it, “You’ll make friends, and…
Best Park
900 S. Randolph Way This 156.2-acre park has everything you could ever ask for from a park and more. A rose garden, horseshoe pits, ponds and public art! Baseball fields, a performance center, ramadas, picnic tables and grills! Playgrounds and a dog park! AN ENTIRE ZOO. If you’re looking for a pleasant place to spend…
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
4155 W. Ina Road 7333 E. Broadway Blvd. For nearly four decades, Twice as Nice has been buying those gently used kids clothes and flipping them at bargain prices. Really, why should you buy brand-new clothes for rugrats that are gonna outgrow them within a year—or maybe a month, if they hit a growth spurt?…
Best Art Museum
140 N. Main Ave. Just in time for this much deserved Best of Tucson win, the Tucson Museum of Art unveiled its new Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art. Over the summer, pre-Columbian and up-to-the-minute contemporary art went on view in a new space that spans over 3,000 years of the art history of…
Best Radio Station for Music
220 S. Fourth Ave. With DJs like Jim Blackwood, Cathy Rivers and Bridgitte Thum, it’s easy to see why KXCI has won over the heart and ears of the city, and why they’ve consistently landed first in Best of Tucson. Not every city can boast a truly community radio station, but that’s only the beginning…
Best Margarita
Multiple locations While so many Mexican restaurants claim to have the best margarita, El Charro actually delivers the goods. Their Margarita Elegante with Patron Reposado is legendary, but it doesn’t stop there. El Charro’s bartenders mix up some of the best creations in the margarita world using strawberries, mango and even prickly pear juice. We…
Best Happy Hour
326 N. Fourth Ave What makes Bison Witches’ happy hour stand above the rest? They offer more than one happy hour every day, for one. In addition to their daily happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m., they also host a special from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. During these most magical…
Best Old Fashioned
30 S. Arizona Ave. Embodying the spirit of “independent,” this local distillery creates their Old Fashions in a unique and precise way, featuring house-made bitters poured over a sugar cube, and mixed with a touch of soda water and Old Forester Rye Whisky. The staff of Independent Distillery prides themselves on being able to discuss…
Best Drag Queen
Tempest DuJour is back! She’s hosting a Game Show Night at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Bumsted’s at Wonderland. BOT voters apparently missed her towering eminence and golden heart. She has been laying low following an allegedly ill-considered reference to transsexual women she made during one of her many benefit appearances. Critically, the fallout…
Best Eastside Restaurant
Multiple locations These Serial Grillers have come a long way from the days of running a food truck! Not only do they have an eastside restaurant—they have branches in Vail, on the northside and in Marana. With a menu featuring sandwiches, pizzas and salads named for your favorite horror movies (A burger named Leatherface, a…
Best Dining with a View
5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road A one-time girls school nestled in the Catalina Foothills, Hacienda del Sol has enough rustic charm and sophisticated lodging to land a Forbes four-star rating as well as placement on the National Registry of Historic Spaces. But you don’t have to stay there to enjoy a classic American meal…
Medical Marijuana: Growing Support
Support for legalizing marijuana is getting higher as the election approaches, according to a recent poll, and if the trend continues it looks like Arizona might become the 12th state to legalize recreational weed for adults. A Monmouth University poll released on Oct. 15 shows support for Prop 207, Smart and Safe Arizona, increasing just…
Best Casino
5655 W. Valencia Road Casino del Sol is so much more than just gambling. Sure, the resort has loose slots, blackjack, poker, bingo and more to wager on. They also have some of the best eating establishments Tucson has to offer with cuisine ranging from burgers and fries all the way to sushi. Make sure…
Best Theater Company
7010 E. Broadway Blvd. The secret to Gaslight’s charm—and placement as the Best of Tucson—is how they truly have something for everyone. Their rotating show schedule throughout the year means whether you enjoy oldies concerts, Western comedies, holiday shows or parodies of Hollywood blockbusters, the Gaslight has something for you. Their cutout props, old-school stage…
Best Vintage Shopping
424 E. Sixth St. There’s something special about wearing vintage clothing, and feeling just a little bit more like you’re a part of a larger story, or inheriting an item that has its own past. Open since 1974, How Sweet It Was is Tucson’s original vintage clothing shop. Right now, they’re doing weekly virtual vintage…
Best Comic Store
4533 E. Broadway Blvd. Between distribution hassles and the pandemic, it’s been a rough year for comic-book stores and we’ve lost a few in town. But just a Captain America never gives up, neither does the crew at Heroes and Villains. New comics, back issues, trade paperbacks, action figures and other collectables—these guys have it…
Best Outdoor Recreation/Sporting Goods Store
5251 E. Speedway Blvd. 7745 N. Oracle Road Summit Hut has the shiny, put-together quality of a larger outdoors store, with the cozy, friendly feel of a locally grown business. Gear up to go camping, backpacking, climbing, biking, running, birding, traveling or even to the gym. Summit Hut is chock-full of the supplies, clothing and…
Bess Crossfit
7225 E. Broadway Blvd. #170 If you’re gonna be rescuing friends and laying haymakers on goons, you better build up some muscle. Old Pueblo Crossfit doesn’t just offer crossfit—you can also learn jiu-jitsu, yoga, bodybuilding, and even first responder-inspired training. It’s a fitness club covering stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination. And if you aren’t sure,…
Best Animal Supply Store
3701 E. Fort Lowell Road Celebrating more than 80 years of supplying Tucson’s livestock and pets, OK Feed has taken this Best of Tucson trophy in the past. Sure, your average pet store can offer food for dogs and cats, but why stop at food? (And why stop at dogs and cats?) OK offers pet…
Best Local Weatherperson
Remember the Bon Jovi line, “Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye?” It is the nature of local news in a mid-size market like Tucson to view a stint in the Old Pueblo as a stepping stone to bigger (markets) and better (pay). Most are looking to move onward and upward. In her…
Best Pool Hall
3143 E. Speedway Blvd. What more do you need in a pool hall besides pool tables, cold beer and greasy burgers? Red Garter has all of this and more, including plenty of big-screen TVs so you can watch sports when you’re not gripping your stick and sinking your balls. Just be careful of the hustlers!…
Best Burger
6390 E. Grant Road Zinburger’s whole menu is mouthwatering (try the double truffle fries or the salted caramel shake). But let’s talk about the main event: the Zinburger itself. While they’ve got a solid selection of burger choices, you can’t go wrong with the combination of manchego cheese, Zinfandel braised onion, lettuce, mayo and certified…
Best Tea
Multiple locations If you’re a tea lover, you’ll love that Scented Leaf has more than 60 different types of tea! If you like to try unique flavor combos, you might like the honey vanilla nectar, the green tea mango, or the blueberry bliss. If you like to stick strictly to the classics, like earl grey,…
Best Burlesque
With a name like The Surly Wench, you wouldn’t expect the place to put on something called The Mike Pence Revue. No, they bring the burlesque in a way that is over the over-the-top. Their First Fridays Burlesque (presented on the first Friday of each month) is a raucous undertaking—bold, bawdy, and wildly entertaining. 2.…
Best Contemporary/Fusion Restaurant
135 S. Sixth Ave. Janos Wilder has shed a few layers of skin from his start in the Tucson Museum of Art’s lovely Carriage House to his stint in the Foothills to his glorious return to DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. But through all these incarnations, his commitment to celebrating the food of the Sonoran desert…
Best Restaurant to Dazzle Out-of-Town Visitors
6541 E. Tanque Verde Blvd. A visit to Trail Dust Town, with its old-school carousel, stagecoach Ferris Wheel and that train ride that concludes with a pulse-pounding charge through an exploding mine, remains a step into a more nostalgic Tucson. Take a visitor there to browse the candy shop, pan for gold and catch a…
Fight Island Vibes
It’s only been three weeks since bantamweight MMA fighter and Tucson resident Casey Kenney ended China’s Alateng “Mongolian Knight” Heili’s four-win streak during UFC Fight Island 4. Once the southpaw’s hand was raised by the referee, Kenney jumped from the octagon to the judge’s table yelling, “I want to fight again next weekend.” “That was…
Best Strip Club
2130 N. Oracle Road Physical distancing is putting a bit of a kink in the strip club biz these days, but before the pandemic hit, Curves was the place for gentlemen and the occasional lady to venture into a little sinful activity. The lovely ladies put on an excellent show, customers were treated well and…
Best Author
The purpose of writing is not simply to tell stories, but to tell stories that matter. Francisco Cantú’s stories that matter have propelled him onto the international stage. A former Border Patrol agent who worked throughout the Southwest, Cantú’s borderlands memoir The Line Becomes A River: Dispatches from the Border recounted the horrifying behavior of…
Best Tattoo Artist
Lisa Cardenas has been the owner of the tattoo studio Haunted Hands since 2012, been tattooing since 2008, and been an artist for even longer than that. This is her fifth time winning in this category, and if that doesn’t tell you just how much Tucsonans love her excellent linework, use of colors and creativity,…
Best Tanning Salon
943 E. University Blvd. #179 If you’re looking for the perfect bronze skin tone to look good for a party, wedding or your own damn self, Beach Bunnie has you covered (literally). Get a spray tan (all-organic mixtures available upon request) that lasts up to 12 days, or choose from several different types and levels…
Best Bike Shop
1301 E. Ajo Way The history of Ajo Bikes—which used to be located in the basement of the Loft Cinema, then in an old Circle K building, before finding its current location—is remarkably and completely Tucson-y. And they can tend to a wide array of bike needs, whether you want a repair, need to pick…
Best Place for a Children’s Party
7980 E. 22nd St. What’s more fun for a kid than strapping on wheels and going for a spin? And a certain pint-sized source tells us they have “the best popcorn and really yummy lemonade.” Talk about a classic birthday party. Turn up the jams and have yourself a skate time! 2. Get Air 3.…
Best Summer Camp
The Triangle Y Ranch Camp really is the quintessential summer camp: obstacle courses, hiking, swimming, singing camp songs and making s’mores are really what it’s all about. They host about 1,000 campers every season who spend their days learning about nature, making new friends and learning how to express themselves. They say it’s better to…
Best Cigar/Tobacco Shop
Multiple Locations Moon Smoke Shop really means it when they brand themselves as “Tucson’s One Stop Smoke Shop.” Now it’s one thing for them to be selling what you need, but it’s entirely different when they’re selling something you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s pipes, rolling paper, hookahs, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco or rigs, Moon…
Best Elote
188 E. Broadway Blvd. While typically known as a snack or a side dish, Charro Steak’s equites de crema eats like a meal. The delicious blend of charred corn topped with homemade crema, cojito and chile spice is roasted to perfection and large enough to share. Pair it with a steak or share it with…
Best Sports Bar
Multiple locations What do you really want from a sports bar? Plenty of TVs to watch the games, a friendly atmosphere, plenty of cold beer and a decent menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads and some blue-plate specials for when you bring a big appetite. Trident, which now has locations across the city, scores every time.…
Best Bar Menu
536 N. Fourth Ave. Fourth Avenue’s Sky Bar pride themselves on having the best-mixed drinks in the universe. Now they have the honor of boasting the best bar menu in the Old Pueblo. But this should be expected considering the place voted “Best Place to get a Slice” is attached to your bar. More than…
Best Breakfast
Multiple locations The Bisbee Breakfast Club, with an ever-growing stable of locations across town, delivers your standard delicious diner breakfast: eggs and bacon, omelets, pancakes, waffles and the like, all done with style and a unique touch. This is just how you want to start your day. 2. Baja Cafe 3. Prep & Pastry
Best Southside Restaurant
1813 S. Fourth Ave. South Fourth Avenue has been home to legendary Mexican restaurants, but none more so than Mi Nidito, the humble little nest that has hosted the likes of Julio Iglesias, William Shatner, Madeleine Albright, Kurt Russell and even President Bill Clinton (You can order the President’s Plate—featuring a bean tostada, birria taco,…
Best Seafood
2564 E. Grant Road Kingfisher is all kinds of great (the burger is legendary), but it excels in seafood. You can’t go wrong with the oysters, the grilled and chilled shrimp or the clam chowder. And when it comes to the entrees, Kingfisher brings you everything from fish and chips (made with thick chunks of…
The Skinny: Sick and Twisted
Sen. Martha McSally doesn’t appear to have gotten the game-changer she needed in the Oct. 6 debate against Democratic challenger Mark Kelly. We’ve seen several polls that were taken after the debate and exactly none of them show McSally with a lead. A Monmouth University poll shows Kelly leading McSally by 10 percentage points in…
Best Neighborhood Bar
350 N. Fourth Ave. Tucson fixture Che’s Lounge has been a cornerstone (get it?) on Fourth Avenue for 20 years. It recently reopened with limited seating, but during the lockdown, they were offering “just add booze” take-out cocktails. One favorite is the Tucson Water, a crazy mix of Sprite, pineapple, saladitos (dried, salted plums), Tajin…
Best Dance Studio
5811 E. Speedway Blvd. BreakOut Studios hopped to the top of Best of Tucson thanks to its commitment to the community, through dance and movement. Even in a year when most physical and interpersonal activities were greatly hampered, BreakOut Studios kept active with a livestream schedule of cardio, tap, jazz, funk and ballet classes for…
Best Desserts
234 E. 22nd St. Do you ever see a piece of food that is so beautiful, so intricately crafted, so painstakingly and lovingly put together that you almost don’t feel like you can eat it? You might feel that way about Monsoon Chocolate’s handcrafted bon bons for about two minutes, before you give in and…
Best Florist
Multiple locations If you want to send your sweetheart a dozen roses, then Inglis has certainly got you covered. But they’ve also got you covered if you want to send your sweetheart a succulent garden in a cool little pot shaped like a camper, send your boss a bouquet and a teddy bear to congratulate…
Best Blog
Tucson Foodie cuts right to the chase for what’s important and interesting around town: the cuisine. But thankfully, they’re more than a list of restaurants. Tucson Foodie offers interviews with local chefs, features a calendar of local food events, and even covers daily news. What better way to understand a city like Tucson? 2.This Is…
Best Charity Event
What makes El Tour de Tucson the best local charity event? Aside from raising more than $5 million for various good causes over the years, this bike-race-turned-block-party embodies Tucson—and not just because the town is full of cyclists. El Tour de Tucson focuses on health, fitness and community engagement, all while offering up a great…
Best Computer Repair
5671 N. Oracle Road, #1107 When it comes to the arcane skill of computer repair, you’d really only want someone you’d trust your life with—because, well, isn’t that what our computers are these days? Geeks 2 You offers a wide variety of services on both Windows and Mac computers, from virus removal to screen repair,…
Best Place to Buy a Car
Multiple Locations Is it any surprise Jim Click won this category? Even if you haven’t bought a car from one of his dealerships, he’s likely the first name that pops in your head when you think of where to get a car in Tucson. He holds such a powerful place around town not only for…
Best Cocktail Menu
14 S. Arizona Ave. The word “mixology” might sound like puffery, but that’s only if you’ve never enjoyed one of Highwire’s many custom cocktails. Highwire has everything you could hope for in a downtown cocktail lounge: specialized drinks, a relaxing outdoor courtyard, and plenty of food offerings from nearby Johnny Gibson’s. If it’s not the…
Best Veggie Burger
2721 E. Speedway Blvd. 5635 E. Broadway Blvd. Our staff vegetarians can attest: It is a beautiful period in history to be a vegetarian. Most places have veggie-friendly options, but not everywhere has options as delicious as Graze. The smoky vegan patty is crafted out of Arizona tepary beans and other superfoods, then topped with…
Best Sandwich (the actual sandwich)
It’s amazing how many killer sandwiches are available to Tucsonans. The national chains (Firehouse, Subway, Jersey Mike’s, et al) actually have some pretty decent fare (although Ireland doesn’t believe that Subway’s bread is actually bread). But there are so many truly amazing offerings from Tucson home-grown sandwich shops. Baggin’s offers everything from a Ham and…
Best Brunch
6450 E. Grant Road 2660 N. Campbell Road When it comes to weekend brunch, Prep & Pastry can’t be beat. Enjoy their classic French toast and pork belly or cast-iron duck confit while sipping on a mimosa du jour to help drown out the previous evening’s festivities. If breakfast isn’t your thing, their Commoner’s Burger…
Best Foothills Restaurant
2870 E. Skyline Drive Chef Steven Schultz has picked up lessons about food in Paris and California’s Carmel Valley, so it’s no surprise that Wild Garlic Grill’s menu brings you fresh fish, beef and chicken prepared with a French accent. You really can’t go wrong with a San Francisco Pier Soup, a grilled Cabrilla seabass…
Best Menudo
614 N. Grande Ave. The medicinal properties of menudo should be studied to find out why that fatty, deep red broth loaded with chewy tripe and firm posole can cure hangovers that would typically sideline a person for days. While not researched by the FDA, the menudo at Tanias 33 not only cures hangovers but…
Tucson Salvage
Though he personifies “gentle giant,” Drew Berryhill cuts an imposing presence because he is big, gridiron big, literally; he played defensive end and tight end in high school and college. Played basketball too. The 6-foot-4 Berryhill came up inside white high-school systems often afraid of black kids, especially one like Berryhill, a giant for his…
Best Locally Brewed Beer
800 E. 16th St. Back when many of the kids now running breweries in town were still in their diapers, Barrio Brewing was already cooking up classics. It’s one thing for a local beer to be distributed nationally, but it’s another thing for a beer to so perfectly complement a Tucson afternoon. Lucky for us…
Best Dance Company
200 S. Tucson Blvd. It takes a strong presence to win the nickname “Tucson’s Dance Company,” but Ballet Tucson has been building its stellar reputation for more than 30 years. With a seasonal rotation, Ballet Tucson wows local audiences by dancing both historic classics and innovative modern works. The only professional ballet company in town—that…
Best Hair Salon
Multiple locations Gadabout, the longtime incumbent in the “best hair salon” category, takes the cake again with their dedication to self-expression, collaboration and craftsmanship. Whether you want a cut and color, waxing, a facial or a mani-pedi, Gadabout will have you covered. And they do plenty more too, including treatments like dermaplaning, microneedling and microblading.…
Best Video Games Store
3370 E. Speedway Blvd. With most video games being bought online these days and the national video games chain stores closing down, Zia has managed to carve out a niche and a very loyal clientele. Zia takes care of its customers and holds special events to keep people coming back for the latest releases. But…
Best Golf Course
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Even if you’re not a golfer, you may be a fan of the gorgeous views available from Starr Pass. If you are, hopefully you already know about the three nine-hole courses at this resort, complete with a clubhouse and golf shop, a driving range and a clubhouse restaurant. They offer…
Best Yoga Studio
413 E. Fifth Street Right off Fourth Avenue, this yoga studio is perfect for the quirky, creative community surrounding it. 4th Avenue Yoga offers both leisurely and fast-paced classes, as well as hot yoga and discussions on the form’s history and roots. They offer yoga classes for both skilled practitioners and beginners, keeping to the…
Best Place to Get Your Pet Groomed
2860 W. Ina Road #124 Our pets are basically family these days, so we should aim for what’s best for them. As Wags My Tail says: grooming your dog isn’t just cosmetic, it can be critical to their well-being. Some furry dogs just feel unhappy with all that fur. That’s why they offer more than…
Best Summer Staycation
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. While the words luxury and desert might not sound too connected, a trip to JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass resort will show you otherwise. The grounds feature multiple pools, spas, golf courses, and even a custom aromatherapy bar. With so many ways to unwind and escape without actually leaving Tucson,…
Best Empanadas
5330 S. 12th Ave. Just as empanadas come in a huge, delightful variety of flavors and types, Alejandro’s Tortilla Factory does so much more than just make tortillas. Lucky for us they do. A local favorite for the four decades it’s been around, this family-owned biz is a perfect example of how food tastes better…
Best Place to Get a Sandwich
Multiple locations If you’re a Tucson native who grew up with Beyond Bread as a part of your life, then you might not even realize how special it is. The quality ingredients, the incredible flavors and the sheer amount of options mean that Tucsonans have, in our opinion, one of the best places to get…
Best Country Western Bar
6622 E. Tanque Verde Road Lyle Lovett, with able backing from soul singers Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowens—both late of the ’80s funk band Was (Not Was)—does a song called “You’re Not From Texas.” The song pokes gentle fun at newcomers and interlopers whose pants are too short and who put their boots…
Best Chinese
6433 N. Oracle Road There is definitely something to be said for longevity in the restaurant business, and the fact that the Golden Dragon has been serving Tucsonans fine-dining Chinese cuisine for 30 years speaks volumes. The secret to their success is simple. They offer a varied menu with dishes featuring beef, duck, pork, seafood…
Best Steakhouse
310 E. Benson Hwy. Would Raul Grijalva lie to you? Well, he’s a career politician, so there’s always that chance. But if he happens to be raving about the Silver Saddle Steakhouse and Tapadera Lounge, he ain’t lyin’. They grill ribeye steaks over an open mesquite wood fire pit and then serve the meat on…
Best Panaderia
18 S. Eastbourne Ave. Anyone’s first bite of Barrio Bread is usually considered a life-changing experience. It’s been said baker Don Guerra’s bread is so good it makes the eater want to punch Dr. Atkins in the face for ever suggesting people limit their carbohydrate intake. Using centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains,…
Best Jazz
Pete Swan is a drummer extraordinaire, equally able to move things along or hang back and let others get their licks in. The Pete Swan Trio plays lounges and venues like Haciendo Del Sol, treating fans to a show that is reverent of big band jazz’s past while spinning out clever new vibes. Groups like…
Best Venue for Live Music
318 E. Congress St. We like to keep BOT upbeat, but it’s been a grim year for the Rialto Theatre. The arrival of the pandemic meant the historic downtown venue had to go dark just months before a planned centennial party that would have rocked this town inside out. We’d like the salute the entire…
Best Place to Take a Phoenician
Even after a summer of unprecedented heat and fire, the magic of Mount Lemmon lives on. The Bighorn Fire burned across the Catalinas for multiple weeks, but as the mountain highway reopened, Tucsonans were happy to see the majority of the forest, the scenic lookouts and the alpine communities still standing. The Coronado National Forest…
Best Tattoo Removal/Alteration
5655 E. Grant Road Most of us don’t want the same things we wanted when we were 22. For some of us, that means no longer wanting the tattoo we got when we were 22. If you decide to go down the removal route, Oops is here to come to the rescue — professionally and…
Best Public Garden
2150 N. Alvernon Way Our local botanical gardens are the perfect place to go to be reminded of all the beauty the desert can hold. Spend an afternoon wandering through a wide variety of garden types: the cactus and succulent garden, the moonlight garden, the Zen garden, and the herb garden are just a few…
Best Day Trip
Talk about having a rough year—Mount Lemmon saw the horrifying Bighorn Fire tear across 100,000 acres this summer. But the mountain is already recovering and a day trip to Mount Lemmon remains nothing short of magic. In just about an hour, you make your way up from saguaro city all the way to a beautiful…
Best Bowling Alley
4015 E. Speedway Blvd. With its neon lights catching the eyes of Speedway passersby, Lucky Strike perfectly fits the bill of the beloved hometown bowling alley: fresh pizza, arcade games, a full-service bar and plenty of zany carpet. Combine this with a helpful and friendly staff and you’re bound to have a pleasant outing, even…
Best Daycare
2701 N. Swan Road Choosing the right daycare can be daunting. The Sandbox has been around since 1980, and they’ll keep your kids engaged with art and music, educational opportunities and plenty of outdoor activities. There are even field trip opportunities. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Sandbox also…
Best Curbside Pickup
Multiple locations Curbside pickup has certainly become a bigger part of our lives in 2020 than most of us were expecting, eh? There’s something particularly satisfying about picking up a nice, hearty sandwich from Baggin’s (with one of those delicious little cookies on the side) for lunch or dinner. They’re even doing bag lunch bundles,…
Best Signature Cocktail
6453 N. Oracle Road The Parish bills itself as “Tucson’s only Southern Fusion Gastropub,” reflecting the tastes of its three co-owners who hail from Tucson, Louisiana, and Texas. The menu is varied and exciting, but many people rave about the infused spirits that make Happy Hour a very special time at this northside restaurant. 2.…
Best Pizzeria
2707 E. Broadway Blvd. If you’ve ever had Chicago-style pizza, whether the classic thin, deep dish or stuffed, you know it can be almost a transcendent experience. When done right, the combination of insane amounts of cheese, mouthwatering sauce and the toppings of your choice will have you feeling physically full and spiritually fulfilled. And…
Best Nightclub
311 E. Congress St. Club Congress has held this spot for decades, and while they have closed thanks to the pandemic, we fully expect them to hold it for decades in the future once they can reopen. This is the spot to hear up-and-coming bands so you can say you saw them when they are…
Best Chef
One of our contributors once stole the ball from Basketball Hall of Fame member Paul Westphal. Sure, it was in a pick-up game at some nondescript park in Orange County and it happened more than 40 years ago, but it happened. You have to wonder if that’s how Mateo Otero feels after being named the…
Best Westside Restaurant
130 S. Avenida Del Convento 1765 E. River Road There’s a reason our readers named Seis as one of their top choices in so many categories in this year’s Best of Tucson: They’re so damned good. Seis boasts styles from six regions in Mexico and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Whether you’re…
Best Carnicería
1310 W. Prince Road Do you like carne? I mean, do you really like carne? Then come on down to El Herradero Supermarket, where you will find some of the best, most fresh cuts and marinated meats needed to get the Sunday BBQ off to a good start. And if you don’t feel like cooking,…
Music from the clouds
Desert Angels album release show Polychromatic Transmission Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. $8. Because of Pima County protocols, all guests will be required to wear a mask anytime they are in the courtyard or restrooms unless seated at their table. Capacity is greatly reduced to allow for adequate distancing.…
Best R&B
Miss Olivia & The Interlopers—aka Miss Olivia—know a thing or two about putting on a show. With frontwoman Reardon’s commanding voice and the titular interloper’s instrumental cohesion, this R&B group has rocked the house all throughout downtown and Fourth Avenue. A debut EP, Tiny Tales, dropped earlier this year and impressively captured the soulful power…
Best Visual Artist
In a town filled with murals and vibrant art, it’s no small feat to be voted the Old Pueblo’s best visual artist. But Jessica Gonzalez’s energetic combination of botanical designs, soulful faces and arresting colors makes her work rise to the top. Her murals adorn several establishments across town, including Hotel McCoy, the Loft Cinema…
Best Toy Store
2905 E. Skyline Drive Mildred & Dildred humbly bills itself “a rather excellent toy store” and they won’t get any argument from us. They have all the stuff kids love—stuffed animals, dolls, costumes, books and a dizzying array of gizmos. If you time your visit right, you can even catch a storytime session. And they’re…
Best Gay Bar
616 N. Fourth Ave. Some of us are old enough to remember when IBT’s was scandalous. Established during the Reagan Era in 1985, IBT’s has been THE gay bar/nightclub for a third of a century and it shows no signs of being anything other than a great place to see, be seen, and shake your…
Best Drive Thru
Multiple locations You wanna talk about Tucson treasures? Look no farther than our very own fast-food chain, which no one else seems to have or understand. How lucky are we to know the joy of being able to pull up into a drive-through and order a meatball sub, some crinkle-cut fries, and—of course—a refreshing eegee?…
Best Family Dining
7010 E. Broadway Blvd. There’s nothing like the vibes inside a classic ’50s diner to make you feel like one big happy family. With a huge variety of food for the grownups, plenty of options to satisfy picky kids and classic milkshakes and banana splits for all ages to enjoy, you’ll leave with a full…
Best Musical Act
The pandemic cheated us out of Calexico’s planned performance at the Tucson Folk Festival this year, so it’s been way too long since we heard the blaring trumpets announce the start of “Crystal Frontier.” The members of the band may be scattered from here to El Paso to Boise to Germany to Spain these days,…
Best Comedy Night
2900 E. Broadway Blvd. Through decades of economic and cultural changes, the Bynum family has adapted Laff’s Comedy Caffe to provide a great evening to its guests. As Tucson’s only supper club, Laff’s brings top regional and national comedians to town, but its philosophy and its stage also support development of local talent. Laffs can…
Best Delicatessen
6472 N. Oracle Road 7955 E. Broadway Dickman’s is the place to go when you want high-quality beef, chicken, pork and fish—and that’s just getting started with the selection in their freezers. You want venison for your stew? Check. Alligator for your gumbo? Check. Squirrel for your—well, we don’t really want to know what you’re…
Best Sushi
Multiple locations Currently open for takeout and delivery only, Sushi Garden is best known for its all-you-can-eat sushi, both for lunch and dinner. The lunch buffet includes sushi rolls; beef, chicken, and seafood entrees; soup, rice, salad bar, and desserts. The evening sushi is handcrafted by skilled sushi chefs. Our favorite admonition on the website…
