Cover Story
Best of Tucson® 2017
Welcome to the Best of Tucson® 2017, celebrating the creature comforts of our bustling little burrow.
National Stars Shine on Tucson’s Comedy Fest
Kevin McDonald, co-founder of the legendary Kids in the Hall, emailed that he’d always wanted to visit Tucson, and asked if Tucson Improv Movement (TIM) might allow him to host a show and a workshop. As a matter of fact, TIM founder and owner Justin Lukasewicz thought that was a swell idea and, on the…
Quick Bites: Maize, Murder Mysteries and Meatballs
Get to tastin’, Tucsonans! Gelato Festival Tucson 2017. Get ready for a lot o’ gelato, and a lot o’ authentic Italian artisanal gelato to boot. Gelato’s a huge deal over in Italy, but is starting to gain popularity in the U.S., and the benevolent Gelato Festival America is taking on the noble mission of raising…
The Koch Brothers Are Spending Money To Make Arizona’s Education More To Their Liking
Grit and determination. They can go a long way if you hope to change the world. Especially when you’re the Koch Brothers and you have $97 billion to back up your grit and determination. Ninety-seven billion. That’s the combined worth of Charles and David Koch. Separately, they share sixth place on the Forbes 400 list…
The Weekly List: 29 Things To Do in Tucson This Week
Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo. For a Good Cause A 2nd Act. Listen to female cancer survivors share their stories–about their cancer, yes, but more importantly, about how they’ve chosen to live their lives after cancer and make a difference for other survivors. Founder Judy Pearson is a breast cancer…
Mac Needs a Home
Hello! I’m Mac! I am a 10-years-young which means my adoption fee is only $50 (+$19 license)! I am a friendly boy who will easily win your heart. I love taking pictures and already know how to pose with my good side showing. I love to go on walks and do very well on leash.…
‘Arizonans United for Health Care’ Wants You to Know, Healthcare Signups Begin Nov. 1, and You Can Get Help With Your Application
The goal of Arizonans United for Health Care is to educate the community about the Affordable Care Act in its current form, according to Alma Hernandez, senior organizer for the group. “We want to remind people the first day to enroll is November 1 and enrollment ends December 15,” she said, “and you can get…
The Weekly Take: As Khalil Tate Thrives, Attendance Dives
Darkness descended upon the three-tiered east grandstand at Arizona Stadium as the faint scent of mesquite wafted through the Southern Arizona sky. For the first time, after months of scorching heat, the weather seemed downright, dare I say, fall-like. It was a perfect night for football, and an evening fit for a showdown between two…
The Weekly Take: Khalil Tate and Arizona Welcome Luke Falk and Washington State
How do you frame a game against an opponent that beat you worse than any team since the Truman administration as a coach? That’s the issue confronting Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff this week, ahead of the team’s Saturday game against mighty Washington State. The Cougars are 7-1 this season, and still…
Best Dance Studio
4101 E. Grant Road Locally owned and operated for the past 20 years, Shall We Dance is asking Tucson a question to which the answer will always be yes. With ballroom, Latin, country and swing dancing classes available starting at the “absolute beginner” level, your excuse for not becoming the fabulous, sparkling star you always…
Best Thrift Store
1302 E. Prince Road If you’re looking for gently used (and bargain-priced!) furnishings, appliances, tableware, clothes or you name it, pop into the Casa de los Niños Thrift Store, tucked away on Prince Road on Mountain Avenue. And when you’re cleaning out the garage, be sure to donate the worthwhile stuff to them, too. Casa…
Best Annual Festival
Join in on a nearly 50-year tradition that draws more than half a million people to the Tucson area every year. Hosting international artists, entertainment, food trucks and fun, the Historic Fourth Avenue Street Fair is a truly Tucson festival. Did we mention it happens not once, but twice every year, on March and December…
Best Video Store
2905 E. Speedway Casa Video is one of those places that just makes you love Tucson. Choosing a movie online just isn’t the same as roaming the aisles of a video store, inspecting the cases and coming across long-lost wonders and tantalizing new mysteries. You might even come across that movie you watched over and…
Best Vietnamese
1072 N. Campbell Ave. If you have an Instagram and you live in Tucson, chances are you have seen a picture (or a dozen) of Miss Saigon’s delicious pho. If you haven’t tried one of these soups, then shame on you! Located at five different spots across town, Miss Saigon is known for more than…
Best Sushi
Multiple locations All-you-can-eat sushi. ‘Nuff said! Runners up: 2.Sushi on Oracle 3.Sushi Ten
Best Coffee
2458 N. Campbell Ave. This family-owned microroastery is equal parts quality and charm. They purchase their beans green from San Francisco, roast them in small individual batches, and sell the beans, the finished drinks and freshly made baked goods to eager coffee enthusiasts. They’ve won awards for best cafe, best blend and best espresso, but…
Best Tattoo Artist
3230 N. Dodge Blvd. #118 This UA alum started tattooing in 2008 and opened her own studio in 2012. She takes her business seriously and wants clients to understand as well as she does that their tattoos are not only an expression of individuality, but that they’re permanent, expensive and sometimes painful. She custom designs…
Best Donuts
4524 W. Ina Road We like to think of it as “that little donut shop that could.” This unassuming shop has several Tucson locations, one of which is located in the midst of the Ina Road construction. But the place has been providing the city with fresh, delicious pastries for over a decade, and it’s…
Best Diner
7010 E Broadway Blvd. At Little Anthony’s there is no mistaking the classic Americana feel. From the booths to the uniforms of the staff, guests are transported back to the heyday of the diner—the 1950’s—every time they enter Little Anthony’s. Guests are able to order classic meals like a burger and a milkshake, and even…
Best Reggae
Neon Prophet has been playing Thursday nights at Chicago Bar for more than three decades now, so it’s little wonder they’re Tucson’s best-known reggae band. When it’s time to dance and give a little love to Jah, Neon Prophet is there to provide the soundtrack. Runners up: 2. 8 Minutes to Burn 3. Rilen’Out
Best Menudo
1813 S. Fourth Ave. Mi Nidito is known for its superb menudo, a traditional Mexican dish made with beef-stomach and chili-pepper broth, onions and cilantro. But Mi Nidito’s broth has a magic ingredient, a draw that inspires people to wait around the block on a Friday night just for the taste, the smell, the sweet…
Best Place to Get a Glass of Wine
2905 E. Skyline Drive #168 When you’re feelin’ fancy (in a metro chic kinda way) the Living Room is a great place to get cozy on a couch and indulge in a well-deserved glass of wine and perhaps a board of some meats, cheeses and other yummy goodness (Bottle ‘n Board Tuesdays, yo—$20 all night…
Towering Inferno
After a slow start, Only the Brave rallies to become a solid tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Danehy
Seventy years ago this week, the United States government crapped all over itself and for much of the next decade
Best Dance Company
200 S. Tucson Blvd. It’s hard to not want to support a company that allows artists to make a living doing what they love, and even harder not love a company that puts on a good show so consistently. This season, keep an eye out for classics like The Nutcracker and an act from Swan…
Best Animal Supply Store
3701 E. Fort Lowell Road As you can tell from the horse on the roof, this ain’t PetSmart. As they boast in their motto: “If it swims, walks, crawls or flies, we feed them all.” Whether you’re raising bunnies for the fair, have exotic game birds wandering your ranch, need to feed your monkey something…
Best Farmers’ Market
4280 N. Campbell Ave. There aren’t much better places to experience the bounty of Southern Arizona than on weekend mornings at the enchanting St. Phillip’s Plaza. You’ll find a fresh harvest of seasonal fruits and veggies, alongside locally roasted coffee beans, an impressive selection of tea leaves, fresh-baked bread and salsa by the jar. Don’t…
Best Comic Store
4533 E. Broadway Blvd. Comic book movies are all the rage these days, but it’s harder than ever to find the source material. Gone are the days when you could just grab a comic book off the spinner rack at your local 7-Eleven. Fortunately, the heroes at Heroes and Villains are here to save the…
Best Place to Eat Lunch Downtown
326 N. Fourth Ave. Bison Witches, why are your sandwiches so luscious? The better to charm you with, my dear. Bison Witches, why are your soups so savory? The better to enchant you with, my dear. Bison Witches, why do your soups come literally inside a loaf of bread? The better to own you with,…
Best Panaderia
Multiple locations If a first-string lineup of churros, cupcakes, orejas and donuts doesn’t sound incredible enough already (not to mention the savory selections like tortillas, tamales and menudo), then consider that they’re all handmade, freshly baked and some of the most authentic pastries around. We’ve admired a lot of buns in our life, but we…
Best Breakfast
Multiple locations Prep & Pastry does a fabulous breakfast. Whether you’re looking for the usual bacon and eggs, something sweet like pancakes, something healthy like granola or the ever-trendy avocado toast, you’re gonna find it done right and with local ingredients here. And if you’re a day drinker, there’s a great selection of cocktails as…
Best Contemporary Restaurant
110 E. Pennington St. Café Poca Cosa is like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get. With an ever-changing menu that’s brought to your table on a chalkboard, you know that Suzana Davila’s longtime downtown restaurant is going to keep innovating with south-of-the-border flavors. Runners up: 2. Wildflower 3. Downtown…
Best Thai
2511 E. Speedway Blvd. Cozy, quaint and curry-ful, Bangkok Cafe has everything you’re looking for in a Thai restaurant (unless you’re looking for a cold, sterile and curry-less experience?). With fresh vegetables daily, USDA choice beef and a commitment to no MSG, it’s the city’s most happening place to get your Pad Thai on. Runners…
Best Barbeque
Multiple locations Smoking might not be good for you, but it’s great for the meats at Brushfire, where the meat is smoked for hours—up to 18 hours for the brisket—to bring the flavor. The end result is tender and juicy BBQ that can’t be beat. And as long as you’re getting your hands dirty while…
TMA Transformation
A striking statue of a dying horseman, crafted in fiberglass by the late, acclaimed Luis Jimenez, has long languished in a distant downstairs gallery in the Tucson Museum of Art.
Best Torta
Multiple locations Known for the Sonoran hot dog, it should come as no surprise that El Guelo Canelo boasts several other delicious options on its menu. These hearty sandwiches come with either chicken, beef or ham, and will be more than enough for one stop. If you decide to get a beef caramelo afterwards, we…
Best Liquor Store
2642 N. Campbell Ave. Whether you’re looking for name-brand booze or one of the many fine local moonshines being distilled today, Plaza Liquors has your drink. For nearly four decades, owner Mark Thomson has been delivering outstanding customer service to a loyal clientele—and amusing the drivers on Campbell Avenue with his ever-changing sign out front.…
Reel Indie
This week’s movie offerings
Best Comedian
Tucson’s collective stand-up community may scratch its head over Best of Tucson voters’ breakaway choice for 2017, but besides Laff’s Gary Bynum, almost nobody has done more to provide for Tucson comedy lovers’ interests. Chris Seidman joined the Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed improv company in 2005, three years into its 15-year history. Now he’s…
Staff Pick: Best Alternative Gallery
talesfromthetrash.com Tales from the Trash is literally just two guys who pick up paintings and art that lives on that borderline between interesting and ugly from places that could be described in the same way: thrift stores, swap meets, flea markets, yard sales and—here and there—a dumpster. The “current favorites” section on their website is…
Best Smoke Shop
Multiple locations Known as Tucson’s one-stop smoke shop, Moon has four different locations to service Tucson’s smoking community. Whether you’re looking for old-fashioned tobacco, new-fangled vape pens or just a new bong for your medicine, Moon has what you need. If the selection and prices don’t keep you coming back, the friendly—and always interesting—cast of…
Best Place to Donate Your Time/Money
3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. A part of the local community for seven decades (decades!), the Humane Society of Southern Arizona has become one of the region’s most influential animal welfare organizations. The no-kill shelter hosts hundreds of volunteers, who are responsible for more than 150,000 hours of work a year. Dog walkers, foster pet-parents and…
Best Video Games Store
Multiple locations Whether you want to raid tombs, fight zombies, steal cars or explore alien worlds, it’s always better if you can do it on the cheap. Bookmans Entertainment Exchange sells video games for half the retail price and it’s not as if a used cartridge is any less fun than a brand-new one. Plus,…
Best Downtown Restaurant
110 E. Pennington St. Cafe Poca Cosa is bringing home the gold this year, having already scored in the Best Upscale Restaurant, Contemporary and Elote categories. Downtown is Tucson’s dining destination and all we can do is congratulate owner Suzana Davila on a job well done. Runners up: 2. HUB Restaurant & Cafe 3. 47…
Best Bike Shop
311 E. Seventh St. It never fails: Every time we’re riding a bike around downtown, we get a flat tire right on the corner of Sixth Street and Fourth Avenue. But that’s OK—because Ordinary Bike Shop will fix a tire in 15 minutes, which is barely enough time to get a cup of coffee at…
Staff Pick: Best Chicken and Waffles
429 N. Fourth Ave. When you walk in to the newly opened Drunken Chicken, the smell of fresh paint and veneer greet you. Soon, your palette is met with another, more welcome sensation: The crispy white meat chicken breast and fluffy waffles that the restaurant hangs its hat on. The restaurant, which offers a new…
Best Local Clothing Designer
410 N. Toole Ave. #110 If you want to support a local mom-and-pop (or even just mom) business, Laura Tanzer Designs is the real deal. She teaches the people helping her sew her designs (whom she pays higher than the industry standard) to achieve her impeccable standards. Her high-end fabrics and perfect seams manage to…
Best Dog Park
900 S. Randolph Way We get that you love your dog and want Rover to run free, but it’s a lousy idea to take her off the leash while you’re strolling around town. When it’s time to let your beast run free and socialize, head to Reid Park instead. There’s a spacious pen for her…
Best Caterer
Multiple locations Known for providing authentic Mexican cuisine to the people of Tucson, El Molinito has four locations across town, and offers complete catering services for any size group. From combination plates to vegetarian specials, or even a fajita dinner, every hungry stomach will be satiated with just one phone call. Runners up: 2. Feast…
Best Jukebox
2910 E. Fort Lowell Road Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge has always felt like the basement rec room we always wished we had growing up (but with booze!): A bar, pool table, darts, air hockey, pinball and maybe the coolest Western wallpaper you’ve ever laid eyes on. The faux paneling fits right in, especially that night someone…
Best Cover Band
For a dozen years, 80s and Gentlemen have channeled the greatest new wave, pop and power ballads. Yeah, we know what you’re thinking. But wait. Their approach is shockingly and refreshingly unburdened by irony; it’s wholly revelatory and can cram your head—guilt-free—with schoolyard nostalgia and that bittersweet yearning for lost or forgotten loves. In that…
Best Gay Bar
616 N. Fourth Ave. IBT’s is soul food. You may just find yourself there when you’re soul searching. When you go through a breakup, you might spend a drunken night there dancing your ass off in a room full of sweaty men who couldn’t care less how hard your hips grind. When you’re trying to…
Arcane Soundscapes
Thirty-year-old Tucson electronic producer Altrice moves gazelle-like through the pulsing field of instrumentals and drinkers gathered at R Bar
Mother Knows Best
The mornings here in Tucson are beginning to get that early autumn chill.
Best Visual Artist
3035 N. Swan Road In another life, Madaras owned a marketing company in Tucson, but when a trip to Greece spent painting changed her life, she returned to Tucson, sold the company and never looked back. As president of the Art for Animals Foundation, she has won awards for both her philanthropy and her artwork.…
Best Music School
Multiple locations Chicago Store isn’t just the spot to get your instruments–it’s also the spot to learn how to play them. You can learn how to play guitar, bass, violin, piano, brass and woodwinds. Best of all, most of the teachers give the first two lessons for free so you can get a sense of…
Best Gym
3800 E. River Road Located in the beautiful Foothills, the Tucson Jewish Community Center is undoubtedly one of the most popular recreation centers in the city. The 110,000-square-foot facility boasts (just for starters) a brand new fitness facility, a wide variety of fitness classes included in each membership and a helpful staff. For those looking…
Best Blog
Tucsonfoodie.com When it comes to creature comforts, food has to be at the top of the list. And nobody has a better nose for Tucson’s restaurant news than Adam Lehrman, aka Tucson Foodie. With a dynamic website that’s easy to navigate, Lehrman’s insatiable appetite for scoops means he’s always cooking up a juicy morsel about…
Best Northwest Restaurant
7037 N. Oracle Road Wildflower was one of the early entries in Sam Fox’s restaurant empire, but it remains one of his best. With fresh twists on American classics—think pan-roasted chicken, home-style pot pie and wood-grilled New York steak—Wildflower is the destination of choice when you’re on the northwest side. Runners up: 2. The Parish…
Best Day Trip
Thank God for Mount Lemmon. For those summer days when you dream of an outside that doesn’t feel like you’re standing on Venus. For those winter days when you long for snowmen. For any day you just feel like smelling trees. The drive out of the city is beautiful, with the climate and surroundings turning…
Best Chinese
Multiple locations Golden Dragon’s long history in Tucson is, in itself, a testament to the quality of the Chinese goodness plated with every single meal. Once you have your first dish, you truly come to realize that traditional, informal Chinese dinner is the way to go. With options of chicken, duck, beef, seafood, pork and…
Staff Pick: Best New Restaurant on 4th Ave.
600 N. Fourth Ave. There are plenty of new food options on Fourth that are worth your time, but TallBoys get the nod, simply because of the unique menu. TallBoys, which is located across Fifth Street from Sky Bar, opened this summer, and offers a small menu that we’ve grown to love. Their menu of…
Best Desserts
2458 N. Campbell Ave. This family-owned microroastery is equal parts quality and charm. They purchase their beans green from San Francisco, roast them in small individual batches, and sell the beans, the finished drinks and freshly made baked goods to eager coffee enthusiasts. They’ve won awards for best cafe, best blend and best espresso, but…
Best Smoothies/Juice Bar
Multiple locations Made with the perfect mix of healthy, delicious ingredients, Xoom Juice mixes up the finest smoothies in the biz—all without added sugar, high fructose corn syrup (yes, that’s still a thing) or any artificial flavors. Xoom can be found at three different locations across town, though you can get the same delicious flavors…
Best Place to Sing Karaoke
3115 E. Prince Road When life has handed you a raw deal, sometimes you just need to go to a cowboy bar and belt out “I Will Survive.” And when that day comes, the place to go is Shooter’s Steakhouse and Saloon. Runners up: 2. Best Western Royal Sun 3. Surly Wench Pub
Best Guacamole
Multiple locations Holy guacamole xerocole-y! (Xerocoles are animals adapted to live in the desert, like Tucsonans.) Guadalajara Grill is here for all your chip dippin’, margaraita sippin’, belt-undoin’ and pants unzippin’ needs with their titles reigning champs for best salsa and best guacamole. Their menu proclaims that only the finest avocados are selected to be…
Best Carnicería
1310 W. Prince Road El Herradero not only carries plenty of fresh meat, they will grill it for you right outside their shop. It’s something of minor miracle that drivers distracted by the smell of carne asada don’t end up in more wrecks outside this place. Runners up: 2.Carniceria La Noria 3.Los Amigos Meat Market
Best Punk
Foxx Bodies have all the ants-in-socks unrest of the best Riot Grrrl combos, the visceral rock ‘n’ roll spittle of vintage punk rock, and the feminist (humanist) punch of, say, author Naomi Wolf on a speed jive. Go ahead and try to escape the tragic lyrical hum in “Mercy Fuck” or the face-slap irony of…
Fermented Tranquility
It was hard to tell which was brighter at Starr Pass’ monthly Full Moon Beer Meditations…
Best Theater Company
7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Known for slapstick humor and a light-hearted attitude toward the performing arts, the Gaslight Theatre Company has entertained native Tucsonans and visitors alike for decades. The troupe, which performs at The Gaslight Theatre and Gaslight Music Hall, was founded by Anthony “Tony” Terry Jr., and performs a wide and wild variety…
Staff Pick: Best Midtown Hotel
2200 E. Elm St. Still family owned, the Arizona Inn remains a spectacular and elegant midtown place for your out-of-town guests (or a staycation!), as well as a perfect spot for a special occasion. The restaurant is open late and we can’t think of a better patio for a spring or fall afternoon. And we…
Best Yoga Studio
2631 N. Campbell Ave. With three locations throughout town, this studio has struck a balance between offering both quantity and quality in their classes. Whether it’s Jennifer Zimmerman’s “Love yo Body” class, Travis Arnold’s Yoga 4 Sobriety or a yogahour give! class in which half of the proceeds of the class go to charity, there…
Best Local Twitter Feed
Tucson Foodie’s Twitter feed is the companion to the website. Check here for the micro-scoops and then follow the links to the big story. Runners up 2. @Whatsuptucson 3. @totallyTucson
Best Public Garden
2150 N. Alvernon Way When you’re feeling like you need a break from the urban experience, take a trip to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. You’ll find a lush oasis right in the middle of town that will calm your nerves and restore your balance. Runners up: 2. Tohono Chul 3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Staff Pick: Best Place to Have Some Pizza While the Kids Play
8987 E. Tanque Verde Road The newly opened Bear Canyon Pizza offers good old-fashioned pizza pie (with individual slices that seem large enough to feed some families!) along with the usual assortment of wings, pastas and salads. And we also love the dozens of beer on tap alongside plenty of wines on tap. But what…
Best Resale Clothing
2001 E. Speedway Blvd. Though there’s now 49 locations throughout 20 states, the original Buffalo Exchange is right here in Tucson, and is still run by the original founder and her daughter. It’s resale clothing without as much work: you don’t have to dig through every rack in the store to find one gem at…
Best Barber Shop
2523 N. Campbell Ave. Located in the heart of Tucson, The Men’s Room is not a new name on the best of list. This old-school chop shop harkens back to what made barbershops an American classic: solid customer service, an inviting atmosphere, pleasant employees and top notch cuts. This locally owned and operated business has…
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120 Lovin’ Spoonfuls demonstrates that you don’t need meat to make a meal. This place may be Tucson’s only cruelty-free restaurant. Besides a great selection of pastas and salads, they offer up mock shrimp (made from potatoes!) and soy sausage so vegans can enjoy the same flavors that meat-eaters do. Runners…
Best Burger
Multiple locations Sam Fox hit on another winner when he opened Zinburger. Whether you want your burger plain or simple or loaded with eggs and bacon, you can make it your way here. The menu isn’t complicated, but it has everything you want from a burger place, including some of the best milk shakes in…
Editor’s Note
We are giving our best to those who are the best: the best shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, festivals, trails, parks and places that make Tucson a great place to live.
Best Margarita
Multiple locations Guadalajara Grill doesn’t just serve a margarita. It serves more than a half-dozen of them, ranging from the classic to the diablo azul, which features a shot of blue curacao paired with Jose Cuervo Gold. And that’s not counting the mashup they call margatinas. On a really rough day, consider the super-sized Guadalarita,…
Best Sports Bar
Multiple locations Pick a metaphor: Trident is a grand slam! Touchdown! Gooooaaaaaallll! Whatever your sport, you can bet Trident will have it on the screen. While you’re watching the innings go by, you can enjoy one of two dozen draft beers and a burger or a salad. There’s no doubt former Navy SEAL Nelson Miller…
Best Venue for Live Music
318 E. Congress St. There aren’t many 97-year-old dames who rock like downtown’s Rialto Theatre. And truth be told, as she closes in on the century mark, this grand dame is looking pretty damn good. The list of acts that have passed through these doors since it reopened for rock ‘n’ roll some two decades…
Best Author
Denied entrance to the UA’s creative writing program in the 60s because of her gender and told by her husband that he was going to be the only writer in the family, Jance went on to become a New York Times bestselling author and the author of over 50 mystery books. (Her now ex-husband, on…
Best Place to Take a Phoenician
Multiple locations Widely considered Tucson’s best-kept open secret, the delicious trip that is heading to Eegee’s for a sub and a slushy is a must do for anyone visiting The Old Pueblo. While some may prefer to stick with traditional flavors like piña colada and lemon, the flavor of the month always offers something interesting…
Best Bowling Alley
4015 E. Speedway Blvd. The lizards have shown us how to survive summer in Tucson: Retreat to a dark place while the sun is shining and only come out at night. That’s why we like to hang out at Lucky Strike on those sizzling July afternoons: It’s cool, it’s relaxed and it’s so quiet you…
Best Local TV News Anchor
We’ve been inviting KGUN-9’s Guy Atchley into our living rooms for three decades—and it’s a little uncanny that he hasn’t seemed to age a day in all that time. We don’t know what kind of deal he’s struck in exchange for his Dick Clark-esque immortality, but we are glad to hear the news from someone…
Best Central Restaurant
2564 E. Grant Road Oh, Kingfisher, how we love you. Your seafood is second to none, your summer road trip takes us all around the United States, and your crew always make us welcome. There are few places we’d rather be than in your bar with a plate of shrimp or that astounding hamburger. Runners…
Best Playground
900 S. Randolph Way Reid Park’s playgrounds don’t necessarily outrank those at other parks, but there’s so much else to do there when you get bored with the swing sets and monkey bars: a lake with ducks, the magnificent zoo, a swimming pool, train rides, baseball diamonds and even a ballpark where you can watch…
Best Greek
500 N. Fourth Ave. Founder and executive chef Andreas Delfakis’ backstory alone is almost enough to make you want to try this place out (born in Greece during WWII, moved to Montreal after attending carpentry school, worked restaurants in L.A., Sacramento and Chicago, opened a construction company in Tucson and ultimately opened Athens on 4th…
Best Italian
434 N. Fourth Ave. Situated in the center of Tucson’s culture district—North Fourth Avenue—Caruso’s is the perfect stop for a full-fledged Italian meal at any time of day. (They’re open for lunch!) Run by the Zagona family for four generations, Caruso’s may have gone through technological updates over the years, but the beating Italian heart…
Best Bike Riding
Pima County’s Loop—the network of parkways alongside the rivers and washes—is pretty spectacular all around (if you’ll forgive the pun), but Weekly readers love the Rillito River Path best of all. We can see why: When the weather is right, it’s a delight to roll past mesquite bosques, old horse property, parks and public art.…
Best Veggie Burger
Multiple locations Zinburger not only does the meat right, the Sam Fox joint also serves up Clint’s Almost Famous Veggie Burger, topped with avocado, tomato, lettuce, smoked mozzarella and mayo. If you ask us, you might as well strike the “almost” from the famous title. This one deserves to be known ’round the world. Runners…
Best Strip Club
2130 N. Oracle Road When your inner werewolf wants to get frisky, there’s no better place to howl than Curves, where the girls will most definitely bring out your wild thing—or have you begging like a dog, if that’s your kink. It’s all about animal attraction under the dim lights. Runners up: 2. TD’s Showclubs…
Best Empanadas
Multiple locations La Estrella Bakery is quite possibly the only place you can find Mexican pastries and pan dulce that’s close to downtown. And their empanadas—the sweet bready pockets filled with fruity flavors—are good for breakfast or a snack, with coffee or an horchata. So next time you’re stopping in at El Mercado, grab some…
Best Dulceria
Multiple locations When was the last time you felt like a kid in a candy store? Probably when you were a kid, unless you’ve been to La Estella Bakery, in which case it was probably the last time you were there, drooling over the selection of revolcadas, jelly rolls, Napoleons and monitos. Treat yourself to…
Best Nightclub
311 Congress St. The gang at Club Congress sure know how to have fun. On any given night, you can see a local or touring band, a magic show, a live game show, spoken word poetry or who knows what else. It doesn’t hurt that that if you want to take a break from the…
Best Dance Studio
4101 E. Grant Road Locally owned and operated for the past 20 years, Shall We Dance is asking Tucson a question to which the answer will always be yes. With ballroom, Latin, country and swing dancing classes available starting at the “absolute beginner” level, your excuse for not becoming the fabulous, sparkling star you always…
Best Car Wash
Multiple locations They might be a big ol’ chain—they have more than 200 car washes across 21 states—but they’re our chain: Mister Car Wash opened up its corporate offices right here in downtown Tucson in 2014. They have more than a dozen locations in town, so you’re probably driving by one right now while you…
Best Sex Toy Shop
3658 E. Speedway Blvd. Gone are the days when you had to order your sex toys through the mail and hope that whatever arrived wouldn’t catch fire after you installed the batteries (and that none of your neighbors would see the package arrive). Everybody is kinky these days, and there’s no shame in indulging our…
Best Local Sportscaster
The Sunnyside alum has made it his mission, since coming home after a stint as a sports anchor in El Paso, to highlight those overlooked by other outlets. Cicala’s enthusiasm and energy for his work stand out in a crowded field of quality journalists, due in no small part to his love for the Old…
Best Eastside Restaurants
Multiple locations There’s no love like a mother’s love—except for our love for Poco & Mom’s. Whether you want to grab a quick bite at the original, tiny location or make it more of an occasion at the new Tanque Verde spot, Poco & Mom’s is the spot for eastsiders to get their Mexican food…
Best Way to Entertain Kids During the Summer
200 S. Sixth Ave. When it’s time to seek out a way to entertain the kids during the triple-digit temps, head over the air-conditioned environs of the Tucson Children’s Museum. The museum has plenty of ways for the kids to play, from climbing on a police motorcycle to filling up small shopping carts to studying…
Best Jewelry
330 N. Fourth Ave. Thingamabobs? They’ve got plenty. Silver Sea offers sparkling costume jewelry as well as sterling silver pieces and handmade local pieces in a decor that evokes a sandy, seaside, driftwood-y feeling. Owner Lizzie Mead makes and sells bracelets with Beading Divas to the Rescue, a nonprofit that raises money for animal welfare…
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Multiple locations True story: We’ve wandered into Alvernon Optical more than once with a busted pair of frames and a couple of weeks later, we get a phone call saying our glasses have been fixed for only a couple of bucks. That’s amazing service! This local chain has on-site eye exams, a wide selection of…
Best Cafe Hangout
415 N. Fourth Ave. Cafe Passe is our second home. The only difference is the food is much better. The nicest, most down-to-earth people work there (and they have the cutest hair on Fourth Ave.—just sayin’). There’s an awesome patio, where you can sit in the shade of mesquite trees all day, sipping coffee, drinking…
Staff Pick: Best Place to Eat Way Too Much Food And Not Even Feel Bad About It
3843 E. Pima St. Devour a plate full of breakfast foods at Frank’s in the morning, where they enforce a slew of rules like “feel the love,” “no wag nags!” and “eat, tip and get out.” If you’re not still full at dinnertime, come back to see the venue transformed into Francisco’s. You can enjoy…
Best DJ
Saturday afternoons, 2 to 5 p.m. KXCI Community Radio, 91.3 FM Kidd Squidd has been hosting Saturday afternoon’s Mystery Jukebox for more than a quarter century and it never fails to dazzle, inform, amaze and just plain rock. Squidd curates shows that range from the best surf guitar to the oldest Americana, and each program…
Best Elote
110 E Pennington St. The elote at Café Poca Cosa is as unique and charming as the rest of the joint, with their surprise menus and unique renderings of old favorites. This is not your average corn on a stick smothered in butter, cream and chili. This is savory, luscious art on a plate. The…
Best Salsa
Multiple locations To fully appreciate a work of art, it helps to understand all of the moving pieces. That’s why watching your salsa get made tableside makes the symphonic masterpiece that salsa inherently is a truly elevated experience. Grab a table, grab a chip and grab the opportunity to fully understand what it means for…
Best Rock
Swirling guitar hooks, off-kilter drumming, Yo La Tengo-y backing vocals and a lead singer (Mike Barnett) who is sincere and wholly connected in his delivery, Mute Swan feels like a less jittery Of Montreal or an extension of Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips. No wonder their fanbase extends well beyond the 520. Their up-to-the-moment, artful psych lifts…
Best Gallery
6300 N. Swan Road Ted DeGrazia established this site up above the Catalina Foothills in 1950—before the “bulldozer invasion,” as a photo at the gallery notes—to display his artwork. Now, this must-see Tucson destination features six permanent collections of his artwork, a panel of rotating pieces and the “Little Gallery,” which gives lesser-known artists an…
Staff Pick: Best Local Circus Freaks
Best Local Circus Freaks The Strange Family Circus Have you ever seen a human blockhead, a glass-walker or an electric lady? These are all dying artforms that are just a part of the Strange Family Circus. And these are not tricks, no. Sahar Strange, the better half of the husband and wife duo, knows exactly…
Best Auto Repair
Multiple locations It’s important to put quality over quantity, but it’s best of all if you can do both, like BRAKEmax does. They do everything from oil changes to transmission repair to fixing your car’s AC (which just might be the most important service of all. Who cares if your car runs as long as…
Staff Pick: Best Downtown Bookstore
411 N. Fourth Ave. Antigone Books is one of the things that makes our town home. The Tucson staple, right there on Fourth Avenue across from the Co-op, has energy like being in the womb or on the edge of a cliff under a starry night sky. And that energy never changes, even while the…
Best Southside Restaurant
1813 S. Fourth Ave. If a restaurant is good enough for Bill Clinton, it’s good enough for us. And Clinton loved this place so much, he had a little bit of just about everything on the menu, as you can see if you order the president’s plate, which includes a bean tostada, birria taco, chile…
Best Restaurant With a Kids’ Menu
7010 E. Broadway Blvd. A part of the Gaslight family, Little Anthony’s dinner has a variety of options for young eaters under its “The Little Be-Bopper” section of the menu. Tiny diners can choose from choice child chow like chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, a burger or a hot dog. After the main course, dessert options–including…
Best Seafood
2564 E. Grant Road Kingfisher remains the king of the seas in Tucson. Whether you’re fishing for salmon, trout or just a bowl of New England clam chowder, you won’t go wrong here. The chefs mix up the menu on a regular basis to keep things fresh (as you always want to do with seafood).…
Best Japanese
Multiple locations Ah, Sushi Garden. You had us at “all-you-can-eat.” With every roll made fresh to order, Sushi Garden provides the perfect oppoturnity for patrons to discover how many sushi rolls the human body can really contain. If you’re one for moderation (or at least moderate moderation), try the lunch buffet, which includes not only…
Best Wings
Multiple locations Well, this a switch: Magpies is bringing home the gold in the wing category rather than the pizza category! Magpies roasts its wings in the oven and slathers them with your choice of several sauces besides the standard hot or mild, including chili-lime, teriyaki, BBQ (spicy or plain) and General Tso. These wings…
Best Pizzeria
534 N. Fourth Ave. Let’s hear it for the little pizza parlor that could! Brooklyn Pizza Company has come out on top over the big guys across the street (who still make a solid pie, BTW). This unassuming shop on Fourth Avenue cooks up a classic pizza pie, with the classic toppings, for a classic…
Alt vs. Indie
The race to replace Ward 3 Democrat Karin Uhlich on the Tucson City Council pits a Democrat against an independent candidate.
Best Raspados
4126 S. 12th Ave. This is as good as a snowcone can get: shaved ice topped with fresh fruit, juice and even ice cream, if you’re feeling particularly decadent. The modest southside shop also serves up sundaes, banana splits and a whole bunch more. On a summer day, there’s no better way to beat the…
Best Happy Hour
4340 N. Campbell Ave. If the tony setting at St. Phillip’s Plaza or the rich wood interior didn’t make it obvious, Union Public House is a classy joint. So classy, in fact, that it doesn’t have a Happy Hour. It has a Social Hour, which sounds so much more civilized, n’est-ce pas? And what a…
Best Hip-Hop Act
In a game ruled by being hard, onetime TW cover star Lando Chill refuses to conform. Yes, he writes from a place of vulnerability, without the posturing or the boring braggadocio. Instead of enslaving his vision to the form, whether sung, spoken or rapped, Chill’s music is an organic extension of self. It is real and open-hearted,…
Best Movie Theater
4811 E. Grant Road #150 There’s no greater joy than Roadhouse Cinemas. It’s a restaurant, bar, movie theater and living room all mashed into one yummy sigh of relief. To start off, you hop into a recliner bigger than any your parents ever had. Then, whether you’re in the mood for a huge bowl of…
Best Bookstore
Multiple locations Walking into Bookmans is a thrill. Any direction you go, you’re surrounded by art, intellect, humor and quirk. Roaming the aisles, you’ll spot authors you love, authors you’ve never heard of and everything in-between. Inspect their covers and contents while also pondering whether you want to start using a typewriter. (There are usually…
Best Plant Nursery
8005 E. Speedway Blvd. Is there a better creature comfort than relaxing around a table in your garden over a meal in the cool fall air? Find everything you need to transform your backyard into a desert refuge at Mesquite Valley Growers, which has it all. Whether you want a vegetable garden, a citrus orchard,…
Best Radio Station for Music
Two things are likely to happen when we listen to KXCI: We’re gonna hear a song we love, and we’re going to hear a song we’ve never heard before. The little station that could continues to delight and surprise us under the strong leadership of longtime local radio personality Cathy Rivers, whose most recent triumph…
Best Foothills Restaurant
6440 N. Campbell Ave. Nothing says fine dining like an uninterrupted view of the entire seating. When you add out-of-this-world Italian food, there really is no better way to spend an evening (though you can also stop in for lunch). From Osso Buco to the Four Cheese Manicotti, the heart of the menu stands proudly…
Best Children’s Entertainer
“I like pizza in the morning, pizza in the afternoon. I like pizza at night time, how about you?” Mr. Nature, whose real name is Anthony Mark Aldinger, is asking the important questions in the title track of his album, Pizza! What kid would be able to reist shouting back an enthusiastic “Yes!”? When he’s…
Best Florist
Multiple locations This full-service florist has been based in Tucson for the last three-quarters of a century, and has three locations throughout town. Some of our favorite specialty arrangements are the fruit baskets that combine form with function, an arrangement garnished with a plush garden gnome, a UA spirit bouquet, and their silk flower collection…
Best Place to Get Pierced
1927 E. Grant Road Highly knowledgeable and always professional, few establishments even rival the pristine piercing experience offered at Straight to the Point. This is no hole-in-the-wall establishment, either, every product they use is top of the line, clean and safe for bodily use. Runners up: 2. Enchanted Dragon Tattoos 3. Sacred Art Tattoo Studio
Best Hike
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road Whether you want to start at the bottom and hoof up the main trail or take the tram and get off at one of the stops, Sabino Canyon is a hiker’s wonderland. There are so many different trails you can take, you could probably hike a different one every day…
Staff Pick: Best Iced Coffee Options
4024 E. Speedway The longtime coffee shop, located on Speedway just east of Alvernon, offers unique iced coffee drinks for those who prefer their go-go juice cold. The Tar Heel, which is basically an iced coffee with condensed milk and other sugary extracts, will leave you humming for hours in the best way possible. The…
Best Drag Queen
UA professor, father of two and “delicate flower of the desert” Tempest DuJour is everything you could want in a drag queen and more. You probably already knew you like your drag queens with hair bigger than a Christmas ham, over-the-top feather headdresses and lots of leopard. But enormous, realistic fish earrings, recreations of religious…
Best Tacos
533 N. Fourth Ave. Congrats to chef Maria Mazon, who did such a good job crafting standard and exotic tacos in the old off-campus Greasy Tony’s shop that she was able to move to much tonier digs in the old Delectable’s space on Fourth Avenue. These tacos go way beyond chicken, beef and pork. You’ll…
Best Tortillas
5330 S. 12th Ave. It’s not everyday that you hear the phrase “tortilla factory,” so it might seem niche, but when you think about it for even just a minute, you start to wonder why the surface of the earth isn’t covered with tortilla factories rolling out delicious discs of joy 24/7. They do deliveries!…
Best Country Act
Six Nashville-caliber cats, spearheaded by an Amazon beauty whose heart bleeds through her vocal cords, Blue Monsoon win folks before the first chorus. The understated arrangements of self-penned and cover songs are subtly masterful. With the strength of Grace Slick, the spunk of a young Wynonna Judd and the precision of Allison Krauss, singer Celeste’s…
Best Musical Instrument Store
Multiple locations While we sure miss that packrat’s nest of instruments and gadgets on Congress Street where so many of us took our first steps toward rock and roll fame, we know that times change and we’re glad Chicago Store is still with us and can still supply us with whatever gear we need. Plus,…
Best TV Newscast
Channel 4 With sharp graphics, a terrific set and an on-the-spot news team that’s easy on the eyes, KVOA News sets the local standard for delivering sports, weather, crime news, consumer alerts and the other staples of a TV news these days. Runners up 2. Tucson News Now, Channel 13 3. Arizona Illustrated, PBS 6
Best Computer Repair
3731 E. Speedway Blvd. Are the packrats eating up your circuit boards again? Has the Y2K bug finally struck? Have you been turned into some kind of tweeting bot by Russian hackers? Let the smart team at SWS Electronics & Computers crack open that hard drive and find out what’s ailing you. And if you…
Best Backpacking Trail
Need to get away from the tumult of city life? Need to escape the oppressive heat? Look no further than Tucson’s own sky island. Spending some time on Mount Lemmon can definitely help put thoughts of more stressful things in the rear view, especially when taking in the beautiful vistas along the way. Once you…
Staff Pick: Best Place To Take an Instagram Photo That Will Make All of Your Friends Think You Have a Green Thumb
If ever a place could be described as “whimsical,” it’s undoubtedly Harlow Gardens, which opened way back in 1939. Their colorful signage, fun garden art pieces and flourishing plants that range from cacti to vegetables make it a delightful place to spend the afternoon, and practical stuff like pots and soil make it a one-stop…
Best Fun for the Whole Family
2021 N. Kinney Road Sometimes, you have to do what the kids want to do, and sometimes, the kids have to do what you want to do, but sometimes, you find that magical middle ground where you both have a lot of fun. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum wows the kid in all of us by…
Best Day Spa
8600 E. Rockcliff Road Nestled on the edge of Sabino Canyon, Canyon Ranch has become renown across the globe for its luxurious pampering. Sure, you can always settle for an hour-long Swedish massage, but why not explore some restorative touch therapies or a maybe just let someone massage you with their feet? This place is…
Best Sandwich (the actual sandwich)
Multiple locations Nat King Cole said it best: Unforgettable, that’s what this sandwich is. Baggins puts roasted turkey breast, bacon, avocado, sprouts, tomatoes, cream cheese and mayo between two perfect slices of 12-grain bread to create a masterpiece of a sandwich. Unforgettable in every way. Runners up: 2. Bart’s Bag (Beyond Bread) 3. Sundowner (Baggins)
Best Place to Get a Slice
534 N. Fourth Ave. Brooklyn Pizza has the kind of slice that’s covered in grease (We usually do a napkin blot), but doesn’t give you a stomach ache! You can ask for whatever toppings you want on one of their full-plate slices. And watch out if you ask for garlic because they are serious about…
Best Hot Dog
Multiple locations Loaded with all the fixins, this Sonoran Dog is hard to beat. El Guero Canelo is a Tucson staple with three locations around town. Order at the window, grab a real Coca Cola and head to the salsa bar to prepare yourself for a delicious and filling hot dog. They also serve a…
Best Burlesque
The bumping, grinding, singing, dragging, dancing and passionately performing run of Black Cherry Burlesque ended in February, but the show from the heart of Tucson is still No. 1 in heart of Tucsonans. The aerial performances, over-the-top humor and general fierceness of the show, which ran for 11 years, made Lola Torch’s revue and its…
Best Musical Act
Has it really been 20 years since we first bought Spoke, the first album by Calexico? Over the last two decades, we’ve seen Joey Burns and John Convertino form the spine of a band that has collaborated with half the musicians in this town and plenty of others around the globe. These guys are always…
Best Burrito
Multiple locations Known by many as the best place to get a burrito—or is that blurrito?—at 4 in the morning, this Tucson mainstay has treated generations of hungry Tucsonans and their guests. With spots all across the city, you don’t have to look hard to find a Nico’s serving up hot burritos in only a…
Best R&B
A pair of rousing saxes, a straight-up Chicago-style bluesman, a sweetly alluring singer, and male-female back-up singers ensure Bad News Blues Band has depth, warmth and range. Whether covering blues-y radio-rock standards like “Lay Down Sally” or R&B originals like “One More I Gotta Go,” the players prove themselves to be great listeners, playing with…
Staff Pick: Best Variety of Films
3233 E. Speedway Blvd. If you’re looking for something besides Hollywood blockbusters, the Loft is the spot for you. Every week, this place has so much going on that it pretty much outdoes Netflix in terms of variety. Whether you want to see the art films that come through for regular engagement, the weirdness of…
Best Local Weatherperson
We don’t know if Erin said the Best of Tucson results would be like this—but we know that we can count on her, rain or shine, to deliver the forecast we need to plan our day. Runners up 2. April Madison 3. Matt Brode
Best Place to Get Your Pet Groomed
122 S. Kolb Road If you’re looking to make your creature a little more comfortable with a spa day, Broadway Grooming is the place to go. They handle all sizes of dogs—from your little Jack Russells to your giant Irish wolfhounds—and will even bathe your cats, which—let’s face it—is nobody’s idea of fun. The prices…
Best Campground
Best Campground Mount Lemmon Once you make it to the top of the mountain, there is a strong chance you won’t want to return to the city any time soon. Instead of spending money on a cabin, Mount Lemmon offers a variety of campgrounds and locales across its peaks, meaning campers can find their own…
Best Middle Eastern
4122 E. Speedway Blvd. The crowds are sure shawaming over to Zayna’s for legit Middle Eastern food. With a menu based on old family recipes, this relatively new Middle Eastern joint has risen to the top of the pack in town. You sure won’t falafel after eating here! Runners up: 2. Ali Baba’s Restaurant 3.…
Best Public Pool/Splashpad
3482 E. River Road Brandi Fenton’s splashpad has everything you could want: bursts of water that erupt from the ground, buckets that pour down on your head and water cannons that allow you to blast your pals. On a hot summer day, it’s a great way to cool down without the worry of the little…
Best French
1803 E. Prince Road Ghini’s keeps things simple with a breakfast and lunch menu that evokes the flavors of France. The signature eggs Provençal is spectacular with those grilled tomatoes alongside eggs in olive oil. We like over-easy so we can soak up the yolks with the perfect baguettes baked at the companion La Baguette…
Best Steakhouse
6541 E. Tanque Verde Road Don’t dress fancy if you’re headed here—they’ll cut your necktie right off. It’s just one of the many charms at this old-timey steakhouse that’s fun for the whole family. If the kids get impatient waiting for dinner order to arrive, no worries: You’re at Trail Dust Town, so just take…
Best Casual Dining
2616 N. Campbell Ave. Midtown’s Blue Willow remains a Tucson institution after all these decades. We love the sandwiches. We love the salads. We love the baked goods and the opportunity to get breakfast from open to close. And we most especially love the vibe on the lush patio. Plus, it’s a great place for…
Best Food Truck
Various locations (it’s a truck, it moves around!) Fat Noodle combines two of our favorite recent innovations in the foodie world: Food trucks and noodle houses! You’ll want to noodle around this menu, which includes various noodle bowls as well as a ramen burger, which puts a patty of local meat between two noodle buns.…
Best Folk
With shine-eyed acoustic guitar and clear-hearted vocal harmonies, sharp-dressed Old Pueblo duo Ryanhood (Cameron Hood and Ryan Green) is an easy listen. Yet through so much sweetness, they sidestep the maudlin and oversentimentality (and blandness!) by tearing a page from the Simon & Garfunkel hookbook and including the occasional minor, descending progression. Even their most…
Best Neighborhood Bar
350 N. Fourth Ave. Che’s Lounge features a huge back patio, jukebox, bartenders who remember what you’re drinking and great live music on the weekends. Be sure to study the two-headed sheep painting above the bar for a while—it’s full of hidden wonders. When you wanna get away from those drunk college kids and hang…
Best Birria
1813 S. Fourth Ave. Mi Nidito’s birria is one to rival the birria of Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta. The spicy meat stew will turn your lunch, dinner (or breakfast—porque no?) into a tastebud wonderland. And to match, the service and atmosphere at Mi Nidito is a regular wonderland, imbibed with South Tucson charm and history.…
Staff Pick: Best Burlesque Show Featuring Men
Surley Wench, 424 N. Fourth Ave. The art of burlesque has long been a celebration—a reverence, even—of the female body in all her many forms. Yes, the occasional man would jump on the stage, an outlier and therefore provocative in his very daring to share the stage with the bold, rabble-rousing women of burlesque. And…
Best Place to Buy a Car
Multiple locations Given his decades in the Tucson car biz, it’s no surprise that Jim Click is synonymous with buying a car in this burg. Whether you’re shopping for new or used, Click’s lots will probably have the ride you need. On top of that, the Click Family Foundation gives plenty to the Boys and…
Best Veterinarian
4984 E. 22nd St. At the VCA Valley Animal Hospital and Emergency Center, the mission is to help pets live longer, happier and healthier lives with their loving families. Located on the east side, the center has been around for more than 50 years, and is open 24/7 to take care of everyone from your…
Best Upscale Restaurant
110 E. Pennington St. The menu is always a surprise, the service is always on lock, but the atmosphere at Cafe Poca Cosa makes this the winner in the upscale restaurant arena. The sleek design and soft lighting make this a must-visit downtown destination, whether for a meal or just a cocktail. Runners up: 2.Vivace…
Best Golf Course
6200 N. Club House Lane Considered to be a desert paradise, Ventana Canyon sits on a swath of beautiful land under the captivating peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The golf experience at Ventana Canyon offers a unique blend of challenge and playability for participants of all skill levels Runners up: 2. La Paloma Country…
Best Place for a Children’s Party
330 S. Toole Ave. #300 With foam pits, dodgeball and even one of those giant inflatable clear plastic balls that you can get inside of and be rolled around in (which is fun in a way only a kid could understand), this place is the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy in…
Best Home Furnishings
Multiple locations With deep roots and several locations in Tucson, Sam Levitz is pretty Sam Legit. There’s not much they don’t have: mattresses, dining sets, office furniture, entertainment centers, barstools, couches. They don’t have any Iron Thrones for display on the floor, but they offer so much else that they’re likely to bring one out…
Best Vintage Shopping
2001 E Speedway Blvd. Their tagline is “new and recycled fashion,” and that pretty much sums it up. Founded in Tucson in 1974, the store accepts clothing from local customers that are vintage, designer and one-of-a-kind. They let potential sellers know what they’re looking for at different times of year to keep up with supply…
Best Ice Cream
245 E. Congress St. Recently branched off from its original downtown location, this cute sky-blue ice cream shop serves a plethora of flavors ranging from Nutter Butter Marshmallow Crunch to Strawberry Tres Leches Cake. While usually busy, the line chugs along quickly, along with the model train that circles the shop’s ceiling. A perfect way…
Best Place to Get a Sandwich
Multiple locations If variety is what you crave most when deciding on a sandwich, look no further than Beyond Bread’s impressive selection. From meaty meals to lighter, vegetarian affairs, every palate will find satisfaction between two pieces of bread. Some sandwich monikers become household names: The Maddy’s Madness and the Enzo’s Ending, and there are…
Uneasy Street
Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy wants a countywide half-cent-sales-tax increase to deal with the county’s dilapidated roads.
Police Dispatch
Cops effectively helped rescue a woman from what must’ve been a horrific psychological experience
Best Country Western Bar
6622 E. Tanque Verde Road After a half-century in this burg, The Maverick remains Tucson’s King of Clubs, with plenty of live music from local and touring acts, line dancing (as well as lessons if you need to learn your steps), plenty of drink specials and a whole mess of fun. Runners up: 2. Denim…
Know Your Product
Philadelphia post-hard core band Rosetta is justifiably proud of the fact
Best Farmers’ Market Vendor
18 S. Eastbourne Ave. Bread maker Don Guerra is on the rise, to say the yeast. The Tucson native got his first experience making bread in Flagstaff and honed his craft in Oregon before returning to Tucson and starting small-scale in his own neighborhood (hence the name Barrio Bread). It was such a hit that…
Best Clothing
2001 E. Speedway Blvd. Walking into Buffalo Exchange with a little money in your pocket is like listening to your favorite song while riding your bike with no hands with the wind blowing in your hair—retail therapy at its finest. If you’re looking for date-night digs or biz casual that doesn’t feel like a ’90s…
Best Hotel
3800 E. Sunrise Drive You had us at full body massage with hot and cold gel packs. Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa is all that and fancy pools with a view! This is the place, whether you’re lookin’ to staycation, treat your honey to a bomb-ass birthday or get your son and his buddies…
Best Park
900 S. Randolph Way With plenty of playgrounds, a lake, a zoo, a perimeter pathway, a train, a ballpark, tennis courts and a bandshell, Reid Park is a midtown community gem. Runners up: 2. Agua Caliente 3. Catalina State Park
Best Korean Food
5532 E. Speedway Blvd. Takamatsu lives up to its bold boast of “Asian food at its finest.” If sushi is your thing, they have you covered. If Korean BBQ is your thing, they have you covered. What about seafood and Teriyaki options? Don’t worry about it! This eatery has it all, plus a daily happy…
Best Toy Store
2930 E. Broadway Blvd. After nearly three decades in business, plucky Yikes Toys remains a go-to spot for toys that will spark your kid’s imagination. Whether you’re looking for wind-up robots, sea monkeys, puzzles, games, books or science kits, Yikes will have something to delight your kid—and probably you, too. Because owner Patricia Katchur also…
Best Indian
7607 N. Oracle Road #101 We are not (rogan) joshing when we say that Saffron has the finest Indian food in town. From the lunch buffet to the dinner options, this joint cooks spicy and flavorful Indian specialties. Curry up and head over there! Runners up: 2. Sher-E-Punjab 3. India OvenRestaurant
Best Place to Eat Gluten Free
5845 N Oracle Road Warm and inviting from the moment you walk through the front door, the gourmet girls have been pioneers in the local gluten free scene (though they aren’t doing it for the fad). Don’t let the name fool you, either, this joint offers beer, wine, cocktails, sandwiches, pizza and more—which means anyone…
Best Tea
2516 E. Sixth St. Anyone who reads tea leaves could have guessed that Seven Cups would come out on top in this category. The name comes from an ancient Chinese saying that tells you that the seventh cup of tea will send a wind that “will hurry my wings toward the sacred island.” It’s pretty…
Best Comedy Night
2900 E. Broadway Blvd. If you couldn’t tell by the name, this place knows comedy. Tucson’s oldest comedy club is also Arizona’s longest continuously running laugh house, and draws nationally touring shows twice a week. If you’re more interested in finding next year’s big stars, head out for Thursday night open mic; you never know…
Best Michelada
2680 N. First Ave. You should enjoy this hangover remedy at any time of the day—it’s for medicinal purposes, after all—and there is no better place to enjoy the perfect combination of beer, lime juice, hot sauce and peppers than BK Tacos. They make their “miche” with your choice of cerveza, tomato and clam juice,…
Best Beer Selection
Multiple locations How about pint of Mega Blazing World from San Diego’s Modern Time Beer? Or Ocean Beach Junk in the Trunkle Dunkle from Carlsbad’s Pizza Port? Or Fire & Flavor from Tucson’s own Iron John’s Brewery? You’ll find an ever-rotating selection of fresh beers from microbreweries around the country, broken down into categories of…
Best Locally Brewed Beer
Barrio Brewing Company 800 E. 16th St. We don’t know if blondes really have more fun, but we’ve had plenty of fun with Barrio Brewing’s Tucson Blonde, the flagship beer at Barrio Brewing Company. Barrio owner Dennis Arnold has been brewing beer since he took over UA institution Gentle Ben’s more than two decades ago…
Vintage Vinyl
Here’s a record with both Tucson and Phoenix ties.
Best Art Museum
140 N. Main Ave. Not contained to one building–in fact, barely contained to one block–the Tucson Museum of Art has been a fixture in the city, in one form or another, since 1924. Unlike flapper dresses, prohibition and ubiquitous vaudeville (but fortunately, much like jazz and women’s suffrage), the museum has stuck around ever since,…
Best Alternative Health Center
204 E. Fort Lowell Road If you’ve been lying on pins and needles about that pain, anxiety, arthritis, endometriosis, IBS, depression or insomnia you’ve been feeling, maybe it’s time to give acupuncture a try. At Tucson Acupuncture Co-Op, they can straighten out your chi and get your energy flowing right. With the brilliant acronym of…
Best Marijuana Dispensary
221 E. Sixth St. #105 Whether you want to howl like a coyote at midnight or chill like a sleepy gecko on a warm rock, you’ll find the meds you need at Downtown Dispensary. They’ve got your Redwood Kush, your Blue Dream, your Jilly Bean, your Pineapple Express. They brew their own smooth MedLava concentrates…
Best Radio Station for News
If you’re like us, you listen to KUAZ pretty much all of the time. Even driving across town in rush-hour traffic is entertaining and educational when you’re listening to NPR bring you breaking news and timely interviews with movers and shakers. And on the weekend, a little humor in your news with Wait Wait…Don’t Tell…
Best African Food
Multiple locations Wat do you know? You won’t need forks and knives at Zeman’s. You’ll just want to scoop up those delicious piles of Gomen Alicha and Yemisir Wat with that spongy injera bread. Go for the sampler to get a full range of these astounding Ethiopian flavors. Runners up: 2.Cafe Desta 3.Alafia
Best New Restaurant
78 W. River Road Classic American meals from a scratch kitchen, need we say any more? Kick back and relax at this new midtown spot, enjoy a beer, watch the game and even bring your dogs on the patio. While the regular fare is great, the internet has come alive with photos and retellings of…
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Multiple locations These days, kids grow so fast that it often seems wasteful to buy their clothes new. Twice as Nice, with locations across the valley, is an ideal place to find gently used clothes, shoes and accessories. And if you bring the kids with you, you might even find a new toy. Its combination…
Best Hair Salon
Multiple locations As a member of Intercoiffure America Canada, a VERY BIG deal in the hair industry that requires a portfolio submission by salons, Gadabout is very much in the loop in an industry that is always upping the ante. Nineteen employees have been with the company for over 20 years, and 94 have been…
Best French Fries
Multiple locations Some people say it’s the ranch, some go with the “pizza”-style (add marinara sauce), while others just enjoy a bit of ketchup on the side. Regardless of how you eat them, the Eegee’s French fry is more a culinary rite of passage in Tucson than a side order. Many learn the habit while…
Best Specialty Food Store
2805 E. Skyline Drive Nestled in the Foothills, AJ’s Fine Foods has provided the residents of Tucson’s north side with some of the best ingredients money can buy for years. While the fare may come with a higher price tag, it doesn’t take more than a glance to realize that the quality of product at…
Best Bartender
Club Congress 311 Congress St. Barb Trujillo is a pro at slinging drinks at the often-chaotic Club Congress. And don’t mess with her: She’s got years of roller-derby experience behind her and she works out at a downtown kickboxing gym, so you’ll regret it if you do. She’s gonna make you a good drink. Your…
Creepy and Kooky
If you need a friendly reminder, the season of Halloween is upon us.
Best Pool Hall
3143 E. Speedway Blvd. When you want your balls to drop, head over to the Red Garter. They’ve got the pool tables, along with dart boards, video games and high-def big screens so you can watch the Wildcats. They carry 15 cold beers on tap (and more in bottles) to quench your thirst and the…
Best Brewery
800 E. 16th St. Barrio Brewing Company owner Dennis Arnold was into brewing beer way before brewing beer was cool. He started with a few tanks at Gentle Ben’s back in the early ’90s and eventually, his hobby got so big he had to move to Barrio Brewing to have enough room for his tanks.…
The Skinny
It appears that Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is entirely out of fucks to give about Supervisor Ally Miller
Best Actor
When Petty won this award for the first time back in 2015, we said “she hasn’t left our desert city for the big lights, at least not yet, and our local theater community is richer because she calls us home.” Though Petty, now 24, made the big move to L.A. in June, she is still…
Best Photographer
650 E. Ninth St. They say art is supposed to imitate life, but in Jade Beall’s photos, of Syrian and Afghan refugees, of Standing Rock protestors, of mothers breastfeeding, and of un-airbrushed bodies that are lush in their wrinkles and rich array of colors, art and life are one and the same. The photographer and…
Staff Pick: Best Temporary Office Space
33 S. Fifth Ave. Connect Coworking is a great downtown work space. They’ve got coworking tables as well as private little booths you can hop into when you need to make a phone call or have some quiet, and tables that look out onto Club Congress if you don’t mind the noise of the traffic.…
Best Radio Host
Shannon Black has been on the air in Tucson for a quarter-century, starting out in Top 40 radio before landing at KIIM-FM. She anchors the morning show alongside Max and Porkchop, sharing the day’s news and other gossip in between the songs on the city’s best country-western station. Runners up 2. Bobby Rich 3. Frank…
Staff Pick: Best Place to go Running
The greatest thing about the Loop might be that it connects a huge network of paths from Marana to South Tucson over the course of its main route around metro Tucson. Or it might be that–per the Pima County website’s proclamation that “if it doesn’t have a motor, it’s good to go on The Loop”—it’s…
Best Outdoor Recreation/Sporting Goods Store
Multiple locations When it comes time to outfit yourself for the outdoors, no one does it better than Summit Hut. The shop is stocked with the gear you need to bring your creature comforts out to where the creatures are comfortable. Runners up: 2. Play it Again Sports 3. Fleet Feet
Best Storytime
Multiple locations There’s nothing like storytime to ignite the imagination of your kids—and it’s a whole lot better than sitting them down in front of Netflix again. Bookmans offers storytime that includes not just stories, but also songs, dance and crafts so that the rugrats can move around, get some energy out and concentrate on…
Best Brunch
3073 N. Campbell Ave. Can’t be bothered to make it out of bed early? We can’t blame you. Even if you don’t consider yourself an early bird, there is plenty of worm to be had at either of Prep & Pastry’s two locations. Late arrivals will have a few extra options to choose from while…
Staff Pick: Best Downtown Happy Hour
What’s not to love about discounted food and drinks, with a food menu to die for? At Maynard’s, the friendly staff serves a pared-down, but fantastic menu suitable to all food tastes. Of all the accolades we’d slap on the place, the one that stands out the most is their awesome happy hour food and…
Best Fresh-Baked Bread
Multiple locations Tucson bred and buttered, Beyond Bread has served leavened deliciousness to hungry mouths for the better part of two decades. Specializing in a sourdough taste, Beyond Bread has grown from a simple bread store to one of the city’s most recognizable businesses. Though the crust is sometimes tough, the airy center is often…
Best Dive Bar
4155 E. Grant Road The Shelter brings a lot of style to the dive bar. On the outside, it’s a one-of-a-kind concrete-and-rock hulk. On the inside, it’s all about retro swank, with Kennedy portraits and lava lamps and an all-around groovy scene. (Is that Don Draper at the bar?) Cocktails both plain and fancy alongside…
Best Tamales
Multiple locations While there’s nothing wrong with red chile or green corn tamales, the Tucson Tamale Company has shown that the tamale can be so much more. Who else ever imagined packing a pizza into a tamale? Or a Sonoran hot dog? Or Indian curry? Consider introducing your friends around the country to something new…
Best Cocktail Menu
536 N. Fourth Ave. One of the first stops to make while heading down Historic North Fourth Avenue, Sky Bar may stop you from making it much further down the avenue. While the live music and the fun atmosphere at Tucson’s only solar-powered astronomy bar and café may draw you in, the cocktail menu boasts…
Single Mom Scholars
While struggling to make ends meet at her teaching job, local mom Heather Burke decided that it was time to go back to college to improve life for she and her daughter. Inspired by the caring and helpful nurses that she met while pregnant, Burke discovered her true calling to be in nursing, and enrolled…
Saving Sisley
Our Friendly Neighborhood scientist, Sue Sisley, who has been studying the effects of marijuana in treating PTSD, needs some help.
Best Art Classes
140 N. Main Ave. Second SundAZe at TMA has free family fun which includes art-making activities, but their summer camp classes are really where it’s at. Five and six-year olds start off learning about topics like color and movement, and, by the end of eight weeks, are mastering how to depict “People of the Southwest”…
Best Place to Get a Massage
Multiple locations Let’s face it: We could all use a massage right about now. The masseuses at Rubs have good hands and stand ready to work out all those knots in your back. You’ll find a calming lobby—expect lots of rich purple—before you enter a first-rate massage suite with comfy tables, dim lighting and relaxing…
Best Charity Event
All over the place El Tour De Tucson might be the sweatiest you’re ever going to get for a good cause. Now in its 35th year, El Tour seems to bring out the entire population of Southern Arizona for a big ol’ ride all around our fine burg. Whether you want to hit the whole…
Staff Pick: Best Radio Talk Show Host
Noon to 1 p.m. KVOI, 1030 AM After building an audience over decades as the anchor of AZPM’s Arizona Illustrated, local legend Bill Buckmaster wasn’t ready to retire. So he found a new home doing independent radio Monday through Friday. Buckmaster, who has to be the most knowledgeable, fair and balanced host in town, continues…
Best Chef
Downtown Kitchen 135 S. Sixth Ave. Janos Wilder was doing the local sourcing way before local sourcing was cool. Combining his French training with the flavors of the Southwest put him at the top of the food chain decades ago and he’s remained there every since. We still miss his old place in the Tucson…
Best Westside Restaurant
2456 N. Silver Mosaic Drive What started as a small shack of a restaurant in the ’80s on the Westside has turned into one of Tucson’s must-visit culinary experiences. This spot serves up the finest in authentic Oaxacan and Sonoran food derived from longstanding family recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—plus there is an extensive…
Best Drive Thru
Multiple locations When you can’t be bothered getting out of the car, or you just don’t have the time in between appointments, there is no better option than Tucson’s own sub shop. Delicious grinders, unmistakable meatball subs and a to-die-for cookie of the month—it’s no wonder the drive thru lines get so darned busy around…
Best Tattoo Parlor
Multiple locations You want a classic Sailor Jerry tattoo? You want an intricate custom design? You want “Let It Be” with some birds on your lower back? Or do you need the “Dangerous Boi” on your forearm covered up? Whatever tattoo you want, you’re going to want it done right, and Black Rose Tattoo is…
Best Place to Get a Salad
2829 E. Speedway Blvd. Choice Greens has its chopped classics—a Cobb, a southwest chicken, an Asian—but we really love the chance to craft our own out of the dozens of options they give us. If there’s something you love in your salad, you’re likely to find it here. Heck, they have more than 20 dressing…
Best Delicatessen
Multiple locations When we’re making gumbo, we find our Cajun and andouille sausage right here at Dickman’s Meat and Deli. They’ve got usual cuts of cow, pig and chicken, plus an astonishing array of exotic meats—how about a little buffalo or ostrich?—and fresh seafood. If you don’t have time to cook, they make a wide…
Best Bar Menu
135 S. Sixth Ave. Well, this sure isn’t your usual hot wings and pickled eggs. At DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails, you can dine on za’atar dusted, crisp-fried frog legs, pork-belly donuts or griddled garlic-mushroom bread. We truly adore chef Janos Wilder’s take on the classic Sonoran dog, the J Dawg: A hot dog smothered in…
Best Jazz
Smooth and a bit bluesy, but fortified with a classic big-band drummer/bandleader, the Pete Swan Trio elevates any venue to a level of resplendence that’s absolutely foreign to Tucson. Their warm, Buddy Rich-meets-Acoustic Alchemy jazz soothes—repetitive guitar flirts with post-Pastorius fretless bass. Swan grounds and adorns the melodies at once with his light, shimmery brush-cymbal…
Police Dispatch
A college student’s library studies were interrupted by an unwelcome eyeful of penis
Parr in the Park
Children’s author Todd Parr has a way with words.
Come to an Adios
Many of ustedes must be scratching your heads right now. “What happened to ¡Ask a Mexican!” you’re preguntando yourselves.
