Cover Story
The Battle for a Solar Arizona
A war on solar energy incentives and the ability of homeowners with rooftop solar to sell power back to utility companies is raging in parts of the U.S. as utilities attempt to derail the decentralized, “distributed generation” energy movement. And Arizona is in the crosshairs. At the forefront of this war is a scuffle between…
Best Way to Experience the Outdoors on a Small Scale
Yes, there’s the great outdoors. But there are plenty of places around town where you can enjoy being outside without having to wear your hiking boots and a backpack. In fact, you can wear flip-flops and enjoy table service. There are dozens of restaurants and coffee houses that offer patio seating that allows you to…
The Resonars
This compilation of Tucson garage rock legends The Resonars is timely, coinciding with the band bringing their British Invasion inspired music back home to the Liverpool Psych Fest, where they’ll be around the time you’re reading this, after their first European tour. But it also makes sense that Trouble in Mind is issuing this record…
Saint Rich: Beyond the Drone
Touring after the Luaka Bop debut record Wondervisions, Delicate Steve was essentially the solo project of Steve Marion – a wonderfully talented guitarist – fleshed out with additional musicians. Touring last year for the Positive Force record, Delicate Steve had become a band experienced at making music together. Now comes a surprisingly complete debut album…
Best Hike
Waterfalls? In the desert? Why, yes! And seven of them, no less. The Seven Falls trailhead is accessed via the Bear Canyon Trail in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area parking lot. It’s 7.8 miles round trip, and if you attempt the hike in the warm summer weather you’ll be rewarded with pools of refreshing, cool…
Best Bagels
As you stand in line to order one of Bruegger’s freshly made bagels or sandwiches, be sure to take a look over your shoulder and look through the viewing window that shows the cauldron of goodness, which cooks up their tasty offerings. With 15 to 20 different types of bagels and nearly the same amount of cream…
Best Outdoor Recreation Store
Water bottles, hiking sticks, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, little battery-operated fans that attach to organic recycled cotton sunhats… Yep, it’s true. Summit Hut has thought of every last detail for your outdoor adventuring needs. With locations in midtown and Oro Valley, Summit Hut is a locally owned business that gets it right with hyper-knowledgeable and…
Best Barbecue
Barbecue is more than a cuisine; it is a way of life. The flavor profiles and barbecue spreads can be vastly different from city to city, even neighbor to neighbor. Subtle nuances from the type of wood used in the smoker, to sauce choice, even the side dishes all make up the barbecue lifestyle. The…
Best Park
Surprise—the best park in Tucson is the one that features live elephants! Really though, as far as parks go it’s tough to compete with this one. It’s got a lake, an award-winning rose garden, a zoo, a shaded pool, 3 miles of paved walkway, numerous outdoor ramadas and two prime outdoor event locations in Hi…
Best Buffet
We have soliloquies blogged to the sensitive palate, televised lives of hot chefs foraging for earthy rhizomes, pages of exquisite, Pinterest food porn, and paeans to heritage varieties of tomatos, corn and pigs, to name a few. “You, too, can raise chickens!” “Eat Local!” “Ban GMOs.” “Choose sustainable seafood or the penguin gets it!” It’s…
And Now…Everything Else
Best of Tucson® 2013 is finally here, and while I can’t speak for everyone in the Tucson Weekly offices, now that it’s on stands, I’m going to try to relax for a few moments after the stress of getting all the various pieces of this annual puzzle together. It’s a big project, but yet, once…
Best Bulk Tea Selection
Choose from hundreds of teas in eight different categories—green, yellow, white, display, scented, wulong, black and puer—sourced directly from the growers. Seven Cups has a Chinese trading license that allows them to control the supply chain from tea maker to tea house, ensuring the quality. There’s an entire booklet of teas to look through in…
Best Public Garden
It’s really no secret, but tucked away in mid-town is a bit of heaven for those who love their green things. The Tucson Botanical Gardens offers several acres featuring not only plants that thrive in a desert clime, but those sometimes surprising ones which can indeed find a place here with a bit of pampering.…
Best Cafe Hangout
In the midst of the general craziness that can manifest itself on Fourth Avenue, Café Passé is a nice hideout with a European feel, providing a respite from the madness of the world. We’ve had a year and a half or so to enjoy the patio bar and it has become one of the city’s…
Best Recreation Area in Southern Arizona
Sabino Canyon provides everyone in Tucson a front row seat to the desert rock-and-roll show. Once you enter the canyon, you’re in an oasis of cottonwood trees, innumerable bird species, and most of the year, running water. The majestic saguaro, perpetually looking like it wants to receive several high-fives, is a familiar sight along the…
Best Casual Dining
Kade Mislinski, Jenny Rice, and co. have conjured up something magical within the ancient brick walls of HUB. We love the comfort-food dishes—mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, house-made pastrami and corned beef—but when we’re in a mood to eat healthy, we dive right into the Picky Farmer salad or the grilled vegetables. The cocktail…
Best Sporting Goods
Planning an excursion to Sabino Canyon and need hiking boots? Considering camping on Mount Lemmon, but you want to bone-up on local flora? Need something to keep your water in so you can wander the scorched Hellscape that is Tucson in the summer? Summit Hut has you covered with practically everything you need to go…
Fuzz: Fuzz
Characterizing Ty Segall as one of the most prolific musicians working today is easy. But he’s also a shining example of versatility. Segall’s mostly acoustic Sleeper album—released last month—found the singer-guitarist stepping a bit away from the garage-punk realm he’s known for, but on the debut record from Fuzz, Segall switches over to drums. Though…
Best Urban Landscaping
The entire UA campus is the UA Arboretum and the website offers a wonderful interactive map that helps identify the hundreds of different trees that call the campus home. On the side along Park Avenue is a pond with fish and slider turtles, and plenty of trees that offer shade and respite. Near Old Main…
Best Caterer
With the exception of 2003, when there was a tie for the top spot, Blue House Catering has either won, placed or showed in this category for more than 10 years. No doubt this has something to do with the outstanding service they provide (according to testimonials on their drool-worthy website). But catering is all…
Best Way to Start or End the Day
Located adjacent to A Mountain just west of downtown, a hike up Tumamoc Hill, a U.S. National Historical Landmark, is a popular way to gain perspective while getting a great workout. It’s approximately 1.4 miles of paved road and 700 feet of climbing to the top, with the reward being a perfect view of the…
Best Cupcake
Creating the perfect cupcake is an act a little short of performing magic—it’s an act that requires combining the right amount of basic ingredients, with the right touch of flavors, cooked at the right temperature for just enough time to create a light, airy and delicious cake capable of being carried in the palm of…
Best Off-Leash Area for Four-Legged Companion
Rolling around in the dirt, attempted mating, public defecation, and the occasional spat that requires breaking up … Another night at the local dive bar? No way! It’s the greatest time you can have with your best friend, should your best friend happen to be of the canine variety. Miko’s Corner Playground near the southwest…
Best Custom Cakes
“Let them eat cake,” Marie Antoinette is said to have so flippantly declared. Well, from our viewpoint, we think it’s a great idea. And if you want to celebrate with a creation which, well, takes the cake, look no further than Cake Boutique. Their catalogue of you-gotta-see-this worthy concoctions is chock-full of clever, too-cute and…
Best Place to Look for Bigfoot
About 70-some-odd miles northeast of Tucson as the crow flies, the trip into the Pinaleño Mountains will take you about three hours by car. Get through the twisting roads to one of the many campgrounds in the area and you will be rewarded with scenic forest views, access to Riggs Lake and Soldier Creek, and…
Best Delicatessen
If you’re looking for a magical sandwich to eat while gazing in a crystal ball, or at least a free plate of dill pickles, look no further than the base of the foothills. This East Coast-fashioned deli is a hidden gem. Your taste-buds will thank you when you bite into their signature corned beef Reuben,…
Best Birding Destination
Many Tucsonans may not know it, but southeastern Arizona has been billed as the third-best birding location in the U.S. since WildBird Magazine said it was in a 1996 article. Madera Canyon was no doubt at the heart of that declaration. Home to more than 230 unique species including the illusive elegant trogan and flame-colored…
Best Fishin’ Fix
If you are a true angler, there is nothing quite like that tug-tug on the line to send a charge racing through you, but desert dwelling fisher folk can feel deprived. But behold! In our desert valley there are a variety of opportunities to dip your hook. Silverbell, Lakeside and Kennedy Lakes are located in…
Come Celebrate Tedy Bruschi’s Induction Into the College Football Hall of Fame
Tedy Bruschi, the University of Arizona great turned Super Bowl champ turned TV commentator, is among those getting inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Hall of Fame, the fourth such Wildcat player to earn the honor. The official induction ceremony isn’t until December in New York City, but the NFF’s local chapter is making…
Legal Battle Brewing Over Election Law Referendum
The battle is on over whether a referendum to overturn an overhaul of Arizona’s election law will make the ballot. Opponents of HB 2305, who say it is designed to disenfranchise voters and suppress turnout, told the press that they turned in more than 146,000 signatures last month. After reviewing the petitions, the Arizona Secretary…
The Story of a Fat Guy Riding a Little Bike: Part 1
Image courtesy of Shutterstock True story (unfortunately): Two weeks ago, when I got on a bike for the first time after a six- or seven-year hiatus, two teenage girls in my neighborhood laughed at me from their porch. Wait, that’s not even really the full truth. They came out of their house, presumably after seeing…
Good News, OKCupid Users: You Can Pay to Avoid the Unattractive
Image courtesy of Shutterstock I personally haven’t been in the market in a very, very long time, so the whole online dating thing is a little confusing to me, but I can imagine the whole process is probably a bit troubling. You, as the sort of person who generally thinks of yourself as date-worthy and…
Stream Cage the Elephant!
In case you hadn’t heard, Cage the Elephant is once more out of the cage and back on the streets. Remember Cage the Elephant? They’re the band that caught America by the balls back in 2009 with a self-titled debut album Cage the Elephant, a straight-up, no-additives-added offering of pure rock ’n’ roll. Since then,…
Toro y Moi, The Helio Sequence and Menomena in One Night. There Are so Many to Choose From.
It’s a good night for music lovers. Of course it’s happening all at once. Plush Facebook Page Two of Portland’s stellar indie rock bands Menomena and The Helio Sequence are performing tonight at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Gene Armstrong featured this show last week and Dan interviewed Menomena’s Danny Seim for the Phoenix New…
Everybody Wins at La Cocina’s Game Nite
King me or go fish tonight at La Cocina Restaurant. shutterstock.com When was the last time you enjoyed a board game with someone in the same room? Don’t you miss having actual words with friends? I know what you’re saying, “I can’t go because I work late.” Luckily for you, game night doesn’t start until…
Maker House Hosts First Monthly KXCI Show Tonight
I haven’t ventured to the Maker House but that might change tonight. Sabra Faulk and Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy are performing the first concert in KXCI’s new monthly series at Maker House, in the courtyard of the Bates Mansion. Doors open at 6:30pm with opening act Kaia Chesney taking the stage at 7 p.m. All…
Red Baraat Hype Night at Tap & Bottle Tonight!
The party band Red Baraat is having a Red Baraat Hype Night at Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. The party comes complete with a DJ spinning Red Baraat tunes, Tap & Bottle’s beer and wine selection and vittles from the Twisted Tandoor. You will also…
Peek Behind The Screens
Here’s your chance to meet the cast and crew from the martial arts “classic” Return of the Kung Fu Dragon! It’s not really a “classic” nor will the REAL actors or directory be there. Some of the super funny and talented improve actors from the Tucson Improv Movement will screen clips of the film and…
You Should Go Check Out Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers
Indie/Alt Band, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, are playing tonight at Club Congress. The catchy band has been doing their own music and touring since 2008, (and went viral in 2012, with their cover-song videos, entitled: “Van Sessions” with this Hall and Oates remake), are making their first appearance in Tucson. The 21 and Over…
The Loft Cinema Shines A Spotlight On John Carpenter This Month, Here’s Some Haikus About It
Starting tomorrow night and continuing each Wednesday night in October, the Loft Cinema will be screening five films from sci-fi/horror auteur John Carpenter. You’re not going to want to miss The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, Assault on Precinct 13, Christine and Halloween on the big screen. To cap it all off, there will…
The Littlest Bird is The Word
The Littlest Birds is kicking off their two month tour tonight in the Old Pueblo. The Littest Birds Facebook Page The eastern California traditional folk band will be performing a free show from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile. I’m always trying to scope out new bands and…
U of A Confessions: Where Affirmation, Partying and Slut-Shaming Collide
In the last five minutes, I’ve read Facebook posts where people admitted to stealing clothes, stringing along dates, terrible gas and fifteen-to-thirty minutes of porn fame. All of it was posted within an hour or so of having read it, and all of it comes from one source: the student body of the University of…
The Periodic Table of PRIDE Can Use Your Support
Time to drop some science and educate you on who and what has been instrumental towards civil equality. Kara Bishop is trying to raise money to print a 24″ x 36″ poster featuring a colorful tribute to those that paved the way for the LGBT of today. The poster celebrates 60 important LGBT “elements” in…
Mixed Media: Joe Pagac and Chamberlab
C. Elliott Chamberlab and Joe Pagac Chris Black’s Chamberlab and muralist Joe Pagac, whose mural on the Rialto Theatre has taken Best of Tucson® honors since 2010, put their arts together for a collaborative work at Club Congress last Saturday night. Black and the Chamberlab players composed original works inspired by some of Pagac’s paintings.…
Pet of the Week: Xander the Pit
Xander – #753718 Xander – #753718 — 3 Years Old — Pit Bull Mix — Male You know how sometimes you come across that special dog who makes your heart skip a beat? That once-in-a-lifetime companion? Xander wants to be that for you! This sweet and sensitive guy has a baby face and an endless…
[UPDATED] Help Keep The Ooh-Aah Man From Losing His Home
We all know the Ooh-Aah Man. Anyone who’s ever gone to a UA men’s basketball game at McKale Center — heck, even if they just watched one on TV — knows about Joseph Cavaleri, who for more than 30 years would entertain the crowd during a second half timeout with his odd-but-endearing U of A…
We Have a Federal Government Shutdown
Congressman Ron Barber was one of nine Democrats who joined with Republicans to support a continuing resolution that would have kept the federal government open while delaying for one year the Affordable Care Act’s mandate requiring individuals to buy health insurance and blocking the Obama administration’s effort to help congressional staffers to purchase health insurance…
Don’t Miss Carla Morrison at The Rialto Tonight
Rialto Theatre Facebook Page Carla Morrison is gracing us with her presence tonight at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street. I can’t resist this show even though I won’t understand everything she’s saying because all her music is in español. GRAMMY nominated album Mientras Tu Dormias- Dejenme Llorar (Out On Carla Morrison Musica/Cosmica Records…
Come Work For The Tucson Weekly
shutterstock.com Looking for a job? Your dream job awaits. Inside Sales RepresentativeTucson Weekly is looking for an energetic, well organized, full-time Inside Sales Representative with excellent phone and computer skills. This position will be responsible for generating new business through phone and email contact. Ability to work under the pressure of deadlines and handle details…
Heist Pizza Parlour Opens Today
From Aaron May, the man who brought you May’s Kitchen Counter and Lodge Sasquatch, comes a new artisan pizza joint, Heist Pizza Parlour. The Grand Opening is today starting at 11 a.m. Heist is located in the old Big Fat Expensive Chain Greek Restaurant, 7131 E. Broadway. In browsing the menu, I got both hungry…
Cardboard Ball Fund Raiser for All Souls
Photograph by John de Dios Attendees enjoy the Cardboard Ball revelries at the restored Steinfeld Warehouse to help raise funds for this year’s All Souls Procession. The second annual Cardboard Ball was held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at the restored Steinfeld Warehouse on the outskirts of Downtown Tucson. Hosted by artist Mykl Wells, the event…
After Rooftop Accident, Artist Moises Orozco Needs Our Help
The Range talked with Moises Orozco’s partner yesterday about an accident the Tucson artist had this week on Friday, Sept. 27, falling off the roof of the two-story Sculptors Resource Center and landing on a jagged metal sculpture below. Phoebe Jenkins told us Orozco was in serious condition when he first arrived at UMC, but…
Check Out The Streetcar in Action, Finally.
Tucson Modern Streetcar Facebook Page Love it or hate it, the streetcar is coming. The Sun Link website says that the project is currently 85% complete, so don’t expect a joy ride until midsummer of next year. Sunday night party animals caught a glimpse of a unicorn, or AKA the modern streetcar. Allan Sturm gave…
Butch Hancock Carries the Tune Like a Legend
C. Elliott Butch Hancock Townes Van Zandt’s roughshod life somehow created space and breathed life into a pack of uncontainable West Texas singer-songwriters whose time arrived like a haboob in the early ’90s and departed just about as quickly a decade later. Still, they abide. Among even his fellow Flatlanders, Butch Hancock could be considered…
Your Monthly Potted Color Palette – Got Pink?
Want to keep your money out of the compost heap? Sign up for the Desert Potted View and our Free Monthly Potted Garden tips. The Potted Desert My Desert Garden Pinks Must be BOLD I have to admit. I have a resistance to pink. I am not sure why — maybe because I had a…
Alien Life on Fourth Avenue?
Philip Franchine of The Green Valley News notes that property on and near downtown’s Fourth Avenue is getting snatched up by a religious group with UFO tenets—and that has been accused of being a cult: Why all this activity in Tucson? “We fully intend to take this message to the entire world,” Lilly said.…
Chinese Cultural Festival Celebration Ends with Health Day
Photograph by Robert Alcaraz The Confucius Institute at the University of Arizona collaborated with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Canyon Ranch Center to host the closing events for the Second Annual Chinese Cultural Festival in Tucson. Held at Gene C. Reid Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, the festivities…
AZ Illustrated Politics: McCain vs. Cruz, Gov’t Shutdown, Ronstadt Transit Center’s Future & More
On last night’s AZ Illustrated Politics: Former Tucson City Councilwoman Carol West, Tucson Tea Party founder Trent Humphries and Pima County Democratic Party chairman Don Jorgensen discussed Sen. John McCain’s criticism of Sen. Ted Cruz; weighed the chances that the government would shut down over the funding of the Affordable Care Act; introduced viewers to…
What’s Going on This Weekend?
There’s a lot going on this weekend: Fantasy Comics Comic Sale: Fantasy Comics is having their annual Fall sale this Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fantasy is the oldest comic shop in Tucson and the runner up for the best comic shop in this year’s 2013 Best of Tucson competition. Here’s…
The Replacements Ruled Riot Fest
Stephen Seigel The Replacements at Denver Riot Fest 1. I’m not a fan of huge outdoor music festivals. I’ve been spoiled by shows in clubs and theaters, so the idea of milling about with tens of thousands of people in a place vulnerable to the elements, standing on my tiptoes to get a brief glimpse…
Arizona is Numero Uno in Forbes Top State For Job Growth
Beggars can’t be choosers in this state. Today Forbes placed Arizona first in their top ten states for job growth. Arizona beat Texas even with an unemployment rate of 8.0. This is promising considering this week’s layoffs in the financial district. But the economic picture has brightened considerably in Arizona, as the housing market stabilized…
You Should Check Out ‘Heavy Nova’ Tomorrow Night
If sci-fi murder mystery comedies set in the future are your thing, you’d do well to check out Heavy Nova playing at the Crossroads Cinema on Saturday night. The best part? It’s written, directed by and starring Tucsonans! I appreciate the Dark Star meets Outland vibe, and the humor looks to be slightly off-centerish. Co-writer…
The Gaping Maw of the Internet Drove “Popular Science” to Shut Down Comments Section Entirely
Popular Science, the long-running magazine and gateway to hard-science discussion, recently made a drastic change to their website: The editors are cutting out the discussion. This week, PopSci.com decided to close the comments for their publication, save for selected stories “that lend themselves to vigorous and intelligent discussion,” say the site’s powers that be. Now,…
Pedersen Prep Football Preview
Word came down earlier this week that the Arizona Interscholastic Association was looking to host the Division II and III state title games at Arizona Stadium on Nov. 29-30. This, after apparently JUST REALIZING Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe wasn’t going to be available because of some little thing called the Duel in the Desert.…
Flesh-Eating Krokodil Loose on Phoenix Streets
Holy cow, this report on the drug “krokodil” has to be one the creepiest things I’ve every seen. I thought Russians had hit rock bottom when they were making vodka out of industrial disinfectant, but making poor man’s heroin out of codeine, iodine, red phosphorus and paint thinner? And of course it would start turning…
Lazy Tucsonans, Here’s Your Chance To Get Someone Else To Clean Your Yard
During my three-plus years living in a master-planned community I’ve received my fair share of threats letters from the homeowner’s association regarding the inevitable weeds that pop up in the yard thanks to all-or-nothing rainfall we get around these parts during the summer. (There was also that note a year ago about having an “illegal”…
To All My Friends (Well, Maybe Only if They’re All Boys)
This new Dewar’s scotch advertisement using the Charles Bukowski poem “So You Want to be a Writer” is beautifully done and the narrator’s voice is cool, although it would be even more beautiful with Bukowski’s smoke-singed voice. But you know what I do have a problem with? And I know this going to seem very…
Group Complains Foreclosed Tucson Homes Kept in Poorer Condition in Minority Neighborhoods
By Sophia SolisCronkite News ServiceWed Sep 25, 2013 6:54 PM Bank of America Corp. keeps foreclosed houses in Tucson’s minority neighborhoods in poorer condition than foreclosures in predominantly White areas, a national advocacy group said Wednesday. The Washington, D.C.-based National Fair Housing Alliance made that claim in expanding a complaint it filed last year with…
Republican Ed Martin Wants To Challenge U.S. Rep. Ron Barber
Republican Ed Martin evidently plans to announce tomorrow that he wants a chance to challenge Congressman Ron Barber in Congressional District 2. Martin, a onetime spokesman for former U.S. senator Alfonse D’Amato, has been an occasional guest host for Best of Tucson(TM) award-winning radio show host Jon Justice since moving to Arizona. Martin plans to…
Last Chance to Catch ELECTROLAZE
The Flandrau Science Center is known for its world-class mineral museum, marine biology exhibits, and trippy laser light shows.This weekend is your last opportunity to catch ELECTROLAZE at Southern Arizona’s only Planetarium Theater. Feast your eyes on the laser effects to the music of Skrillex, deadmau5 and Daft Punk at 8 p.m. Friday and 5:30…
Watch the Breaking Bad Finale at Espresso Art Café, yo.
This is it folks. You can catch the last episode of AMC’s Breaking Bad at 7:45 p.m. this Sunday at Espresso Art Café, 944 E University Blvd. This is ideal if you’re like me and wait for the latest season to hit Netflix, but can’t wait that long because the internet and all your friends…
The Arizona Daily Star Has an Odd Definition of “Insurmountable”
While I generally agree with the morning daily’s point that GOP legislative leaders are barking up the wrong tree—and wasting taxpayer dollars—in their latest attack on the Independent Redistricting Commission, I can’t help but scratch my head about this assertion in today’s Star editorial: While districts can never be completely equal, the redistricting commission has…
Win Free Tickets and Enjoy ‘An Evening of Pink Floyd’
We have two 4 tickets packs to for An Evening of Pink Floyd: TSO Rocks the Fox show next month. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s legendary Dark Side of the Moon with the TSO at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Friday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m. Experience classic rock masterpieces including “Money,”…
Arizona Underground Film Festival Wraps Up, Announces Winners
The 6th annual Arizona Underground Film Festival wrapped up on Saturday night after a week of thrills, spills, and chills. While I wasn’t able to attend every screening, I caught a few flicks of note. Check it out. Truth or Dare (directed by Jessica Cameron): Normally, I’m not a fan of the “torture” genre. Save…
Recording Engineer George Nardo: “I Got Into This When the Beatles Came on Ed Sullivan”
If you picked up this week’s copy of the Tucson Weekly, you may have seen our Nine Questions Interview with George Nardo. Nardo is the owner of and lead audio engineer at one of Tucson’s most well-known recording studios, the Luna Recording Studio. He has been a dedicated musician since the ’60s, written songs for…
Tucson Meet Yourself Celebrates Four Decades
I really love this new video on Tucson Meet Yourself, probably because it’s one of my favorite Tucson events to share with friends and my son. Every year is a different experience for us because my son experiences it differently as he grows older—what foods he’s more willing to try, what crafts he’s interested in…
Best Non-con Place to Geek Out
There are quite a few places for geeks to gather around Tucson, but the Fox Theatre is one of the best options. In August, the theater is the home of the annual Can’t Stop the Serenity event, which presents screenings of Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog and Serenity to raise money to support Equality…
Porn Problems
Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) only has time in his life for a few things. He takes care of his body and his apartment, loves his family, attends Sunday mass each week, works out just as religiously, hangs out with his friends, and sleeps with a lot of women. Granted, that’s a pretty packed schedule. But he…
Best Up-and-Coming Spectator Event
Tucson’s hoped-for downtown renaissance isn’t going to include a much-needed sports arena anytime soon, so we’ve gotta take what we can get. Thankfully, some local cycling enthusiasts got together three years ago to capitalize on downtown’s sadly empty streets to create a racing environment that’s hard to match anywhere nearby. The Old Pueblo Grand Prix…
Best Country Music Station
Here are the most significant things worth noting about KIIM. They’ve been doing the country music thing a long time and they (generally) have local people talking between songs. Yes, the new-ish Clear Channel take on country music might have a slightly more contemporary feel, but Wild’s morning show sidekick Lunchbox is still broadcasting from…
Best Bike Shop
Think about bikes for a second. The majority of them have two wheels, two pedals, a frame and a chain. They’re human powered. They can take you far; they can take you near; they can take you damn near everywhere. What kind of black magic is this? The best kind! Ordinary Bike Shop has been…
Best French
Most people would not think that the best French food in town could be found in a strip mall next to a grocery store, but Ghini’s restaurant is no stranger to bucking trends. Ghini’s offers up delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch and the occasional dinner (Ghini’s is only open on Friday nights for dinner). This charming French café…
Best Thai
Some of the best Thai you can find outside of southeast Asia is right here in our beloved Old Pueblo. Char’s Thai has fresh, classic, and delicious Thai dishes from top to bottom of their menu. Even patrons who have spent time in mother Thailand rave about this quaint little restaurant located in the strip…
Sound Bites
POWERHOUSE FEMALE VOCALISTS Some of the finest female singers to emerge in recent years will visit Tucson for concerts this week. All are worth your time and money, if you’ve some to spare. I’ve been a fan of Nicki Bluhm since the first moment I heard her voice. With her San Francisco-based backing band, the…
Best Wings
Sitting on the south side of Broadway near Rosemont in a nondescript dirt tract is a hidden Tucson treasure. Wings Over Broadway, or more affectionately known as WOB, serves up piping hot, perfectly deep fried wings. You can order them by the dozen or the hundred, in one of 15 flavors that range from Garlic…
Best Guacamole
Long time Best of Tucson® champ, Guadalajara Grill’s guacamole reigns supreme. Guadalajara has their guacamole trick down pat. Complex in its simplicity, it is a great dip enjoyed with the fresh tortilla chips provided, but also a perfect condiment to pair with carb-heavy Mexican food, with its creamy texture, fresh citrus and cilantro, and a…
Best Cheap Yet Swanky Thrift Shop
Goodwill thrifting can be hit-or-miss, but at the Tanque Verde location there are far more hits than misses. Located in the Tucson Foothills, this is the Goodwill where all the rich and famous take their unwanted threads and furniture. Each piece of clothing piles up to create a veritable gold mine, with name brands like…
Best Burger
Tucson’s favorite burger-flipping gentle giant is grilling something sexy. Co-owner and cook Lindy Reilly took the title away from four-year running champion Zinburger for this, his first Weekly Reader’s Choice. Lindy’s meaty masterpieces come topped with everything from fried eggs to mac and cheese—try a signature special with “hot and smothered” tots or onion rings…
Welcome to the 25th Annual Best of Tucson
I was never all that into magic. Even as a kid, I was a grumpy realist, reading books like William Poundstone’s Big Secrets which gave away how David Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear. I remember being dragged to a magic store once and openly discussing how some of the tricks worked. In fact,…
Best Alternative Health Center
The fees are affordable because they make it so. The ambiance is businesslike, uncluttered. You are welcomed with gentle smiles by quiet people who seem instantly to generate trust in their concern for your well being. After discussing your requirements, they lead you into a large, darkened room, lined with reclining chairs holding other patients,…
Best Fresh-Baked Bread
Beyond Bread may not (yet) serve up the magical Elvin bread lembras, but they’ve got just about everything else you can create with flour, water and yeast. This place goes way beyond the standard baguette, rye and wheat. Depending on the day, you’ll find sun-dried tomato and basil or green chile and provolone or cranberry…
Best Place to Find Video Games You Forgot Existed
Let’s face it: You can buy used video games at any number of stores in Tucson, from Best Buy to Goodwill to Bookmans to Gamestop. But what makes a place like Game Trader special is the care they offer to their customers, conversing about games, offering special deals for purchasing multiple used games, and throwing…
Best Independent Bookstore
Maybe you go to Antigone Books because you think it’s cool that it’s the only solar-powered independent bookstore of its kind. Maybe you go there because it’s a locally-owned Fourth Avenue Tucson institution. Keeping local dollars local is always a good excuse to spend some time between the fantastic book selection and the unique cards…
Best Greek
Inside a strip mall on a busy stretch of Campbell Avenue lies a lively simulation of a Greek village. The walls are painted with murals of a seaside town, piled high with homes on hills. Fake ivy crawls atop bone-white columns. Mezzo Luna tables face outward, so patrons can look out onto other patrons and…
Best Upscale Cuisine
Café Poca Cosa’s main chef, Suzana Davila, has been spotlighted in The New York Times, Gourmet Magazine, Great Chefs Magazine, and the list goes on. But no one needs these publications to tell us what we already have known for years: When it comes to fine Mexican dining, you go to Poca Cosa, bar none. Sure,…
Best Upscale Bar Snack
Sometimes you want to see how the other half does happy hour. At Smoke Cigar Patio and Bar they offer very reasonable drink and food specials at their happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., daily. One dish in particular is a must try while sipping on your half-priced scotch (Thursdays), the Emery’s Beef…
Best Place to Make Pork Fried Rice Your New Addiction
Driving by Old Nogales Highway everyone almost always passes Food Spot; it is right next to Bojangles and Lucky Wishbone. You would never know that inside the sketchy looking store is a hole-in-the-wall, gem of a place, which makes the best pork fried rice in town. You seriously have to go all the way to…
Best Beer Selection on Tap
When you’re in need of a beer selection that will boggle your mind, head on over to 1702 (it’s the address). Whether you’re craving an IPA so hoppy it’s skunky or a smooth blonde that goes down easy (second date not guaranteed), 1702’s constantly rotating selection of up to 50 beers on tap won’t disappoint.…
Not-So-Fresh Feeling
I’m all for fresh takes on the classics. If you can bring something new and illuminating to Antigone by setting it in World War I, have at it. If you can take Death of a Salesman, and by setting it in present-day Detroit discover something we have heretofore overlooked, go for it. If you think…
Best Forthcoming Place to Drink Outside
The atmosphere inside at Reilly is pretty great, but when they announced they were building a beer garden out back, that made the Pennington spot even more appealing. A columnist at our city’s daily paper made the contention that downtown Tucson might be based too much on booze, but give people another comfortable place to…
Best Art Classes
Some come because they are curious. Some come to face their fear. Some come because they want to build on the skills they have developed in past training. But all come because creating visual art offers the allure of powerful connection—within oneself, with the world, with others. In a few short years, The Drawing Studio…
Best Annual Festival
Melting pot? Or stew? Somehow this great encompassing event has eluded controversy around ethnic identity. All involved have blythely celebrated our hometown’s diversity, united in love of all things flavorful, colorful and musical. Recently, though, and wisely, TMY has been reminding us that we are diverse 365 days a year.The costumes, the foods and games…
Best Pet Supplies Store
While the joy that pets bring into our lives is plentiful, sometimes doing the pet-related shopping can be less than fun. But Tucsonans once again pick Petsmart as the place to get it all done in one fell swoop. Whether you’re shopping for cat treats or parakeets, Petsmart is number one. With six locations in…
Best Birthday Party Place
When talking kid’s birthday parties, let’s be honest—we want a place where the kids can be loud and entertained by bright, shiny, blinking things. At the same time, the adults have to be there for two-plus hours as well. This can be quite the magic trick for the hosts. Peter Piper Pizza has given us…
Best Local TV Newscast
Perhaps it’s the tenacity of the “Investigators,” or Tom McNamara’s impeccable knack for elocution (we like to picture him going over tough phrases during those insufferable local commercial breaks: “Yemen Embassy, Yemen Embassy, Yemen Embassy…”), but we have to admit that there is something a touch sharper about Channel 4’s broadcast. It certainly doesn’t hurt…
Best Indian
A repeat winner, and with good reason, Saffron Indian Bistro is a wonderful spot to share the wonders of Indian cuisine. Start with several types of samosas and then from the tandor, order the sublime ajwain fish. The rogan josh rocks with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Want it simple? Opt for the…
Best Vegetarian
Govinda’s has always been a giver of love, and in 2013, Tucson is giving the love back. This restaurant definitely has the best selection of cruelty-free eats, and with a bang for your buck. For less than $10, get yourself a plate piled high with rice, seitan, potatoes and delicious coconut chutney. And then do…
Serraglio
I had my 50th birthday last month. It’s not every day you turn 50. In fact, most people only do it once—unless you’re like Satchel Paige, whose true age was such a moving target that he probably hit 50 three or four times. Satchel was the oldest “rookie” in Major League Baseball history, debuting for…
Best Jalapeno Poppers
Chili, Cheese, Bacon—Deep Fried. Not sure much else needs to be said about this magic trick. BZ’s Pizza, on the far eastside, takes fresh jalapeno peppers, stuffs them with their own secret cheese blend, wraps the stuffed chili in bacon, and deep fries it to perfection. The poppers are paired with a house-made ranch and…
Police Dispatch
AT LEAST HE GOT PAID FOOTHILLS AREA AUG. 27, 4:50 P.M. A passenger trashed the interior of a taxicab and then flogged the cab with a bike chain when he got out, according to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department report. A deputy patrolling the foothills was called to a neighborhood where a taxi driver had…
Best Salsa
Salsa is the secret to any Mexican restaurant’s offerings, and Guadalajara Grill masters it. Shortly after you sit down, you will be greeted by a salsa cart that is ready to whip up your favorite pico de gallo all the way to the spiciest taco condiments. In addition to salsas, Guadalajara Grill offers up some…
Best Clothing Fashions (Locally Owned)
Chic is back! Oh, we adored the cozy retro and funky looks of those stylin’ pre-loved threads that swept this category last year. Long-time followers of the BOT—that’s Best of Tucson®, newbies—style, though, remember when the swanky likes of Cele Peterson’s dominated the category. Now the will to look enviable appears to have returned, in…
Best Antiques/Kitsch/Collectables
For a day that you’re “in a mood” to shop, visiting Copper Country Antiques can be one of the best antidotes this side of a long hike in the Catalinas. And for a certain kind of shopper, attuned to serendipity, it can be an unparalleled delight. “There is something in there I need,” said shopper…
Best Art Museum
Sure, Tucson Museum of Art probably garners some votes based on its name … it is the Tucson Museum of Art after all, so there’s good reason to give the place a vote in the “Best Art Museum” category. But on the other hand, TMAs combines being a great place to see art—both in the…
Best Auto Repair
Maybe it’s the cuddly cartoon dog from its TV commercials. Maybe it’s the fact there’s a location seemingly everywhere—there’s 12, actually—but they are unlike other all-over-the-place auto shops that specialize, in well everything. They even have windshield repair, thanks their new foray, Max Auto Glass. Or maybe it’s because, though like all such places, they…
Best Plant Nursery
These days we hear a lot about “green” this and “green” that, but what about that most venerable of pea-hued assets, the “Green Thumb”? Whether you think you have one, or might desire one, you should immerse yourself in the magic of Mesquite Valley Growers. Throbbing with verdant life on more than 20 acres, MVG…
Best Catered-to-Kids Restaurant
There are probably places with better pizza, or better games, or better prizes. But none of them have pretty good versions of all of those, along with a diverse menu that goes far beyond just dough, cheese and sauce and an atmosphere that just screams ‘bring your large group of small children here for a…
Best Pop Music Station
The best thing about listening to KRQ is that pop music means a world where Daft Punk and Taylor Swift live in harmony, Jay Z is on Justin Timberlake’s song, Justin Timberlake is on Jay Z’s song, and it’s all played back to back. Even Mumford & Sons, you ask? Sure. Whatever’s hot, you’ll most…
Here’s a New One
I have been reflecting on the problems pointed out in this insightful article (“By the Numbers,” Currents, Sept. 19) regarding the problems with stray, neglected and abandoned cats and dogs and how the city of Tucson is currently dealing with the issue. I think I have come up with a solution …. a modest proposal,…
Best Vietnamese
Miss Saigon unpretentiously sits at the end of a strip mall off the corner of Speedway and Campbell, but inside is an obvious year-after-year favorite with Tucson Weekly readers. For good reason: There are veggie spring rolls with peanut sauce, large bowls of pho—rice noodle soup in a rich beef broth—that may cure the flu…
The Skinny
SEX PLOT BLOCKED IN SIERRA VISTA! We’re right in the middle of Banned Books Week in America, so be sure to break out a copy of The Kite Runner, Beloved or (if you’re not all that motivated) Captain Underpants, which were all on the Top 10 list of books that were challenged in 2012 by…
Best Hangover Breakfast
Had a rough night? Stop by Poco & Moms, on Kolb just north of 22nd street, and order the red chili pork tamales and fried eggs. These are smoky, spicy, red chili pork-stuffed tamales, with creamy refried beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, topped with two perfectly sunny-side up eggs (actually eggs to order, but sunny-side up…
Best Billiards
What every city needs is a pool hall that cares. (We didn’t realize that either, but websites never lie.) So Tucson is fortunate to have Clicks, a fixture on North First Avenue for years. A full-featured game room including foosball and darts, Clicks re-covers its pool tables every month, guarantees no crooked cues, and, gosh,…
Best Place to Dance
Club Congress is almost always packed and you can almost always catch a band playing or a DJ spinning music. Regardless, there is always something playing for everyone. Once the music starts, the dancing begins. Yes, it has a small intimate dance floor and at times you need space to breathe, so you just head…
Best Day Spa
Want to feel like a million bucks? Gadabout has been pampering and beautifying the people of Tucson since 1979, when founder Pam McNair-Wingate opened the first location. Since then, the business has expanded to include five day spas citywide. Services include hair styling/coloring, manicures/pedicures, waxing, various types of massage and makeup. Whether you require relaxation,…
Victory in Vignettes
In the year 2000, the waning days of Al Gore’s doomed quest for the presidency, the man who would later joke that he used to be the next president of the United States gave a speech. Gore was outdoors, standing on a makeshift platform painted with American flags. Darkening clouds hovered overhead, and a wind…
Best Fine Art Museum
Yes, another year with Etherton Gallery winning this category, which by next year, we might just rename “The Etherton Gallery Best Fine Art Galley Award,” but unquestionably, Terry Etherton’s Sixth Avenue landmark continues to put on great shows on a week-to-week basis, drawing national attention over and over again (seriously, just look at the list…
Best Bowling Alley
When you want to invoke the God of Thunder, you can do one of two things: You can either slap on Alive! by Kiss or you can head on down to Lucky Strike and hear those balls of reactive resin smash into pins made of maple wood. Lucky Strike is a favorite amongst leaguers and would-be Lebowski’s…
Best House Blend
Tucsonans obviously like their coffee dark. The house blend at Raging Sage—two parts French roast and one part Vienna—is roasty without being burnt or acidic, making for an extremely drinkable cup. It’s actually very light, despite its darker origins, and has a slight sweet-tea note that transfers from the nose to the palate. It sweetens…
Best Kids Clothing Store
This local shop has plenty of stylish new, handmade, or gently used clothing for babies and toddlers. You can sell your own used clothing for cash or trade. The store supports cloth diapers and holds workshops on how to use them. They sell other things like toys, gear, accessories, and furniture—whatever finds its way into…
Best Radio Personality
During the late 1800’s in France, there was a man who performed a “special” kind of magic. His name was Joseph Pujol, but he was better known by his stage name, Le Pétomane. His talent? Farting on command. The crowds loved him—much like the crowds today love Johnjay and Rich, Pujol’s modern-day descendants. The duo…
Best Italian
Who knew? Caesar has been misquoted all these years. What he really said was “Veni, vidi, Vivace!” The exclamation has echoed through the years, sending diners seeking something spectacularly Italian to St. Philip’s Plaza and the tables of Daniel Scordato’s venerable Vivace. The upscale restaurant features unique twists on pasta dishes (artichoke-goat cheese cannelloni, anyone?),…
Best Decadent Tofu Moment
Both vegan and gluten-free, this pie has converted wheat-eaters and meat-eaters alike. Rich, silky chocolate that sticks to your teeth—in a good way, so you can save some for later. A lacing of fudge syrup on top. Crumbly graham-cracker-like crust (it’s actually almond flour!) that will have you pressing your fork to the plate to…
T Q & A
Bryan Sanders Tucson writer Bryan Sanders had never written a play before, but his interest in the writer David Foster Wallace, who committed suicide in 2008, influenced him to give the medium a try for the Tucson Fringe Festival in early March. If you didn’t get a chance to see the play he wrote and…
Best Fish Fry
On the surface this bar looks like any other neighborhood watering hole, but there’s a culinary secret here. Somewhere in the back of the house is a kitchen that is putting out some damn fine bar food, the best of which is the Friday fish fry. For a mere $7 you get three pieces of…
Best Huevos Rancheros
Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe makes such epic huevos rancheros, they have gained national fame. Throwdown with Bobby Flay visited this Tucson staple (since 1984), and issued a huevos rancheros challenge to the proprietors. Quintessentially Tucson, this dish has everything you could ask for in a Mexican breakfast. Creamy re-fried beans, fried eggs, and topped with garden…
Best Sonoran Hot Dogs
It’s possible that El Guero Canelo could serve toadstools and gruel and still be the most popular Sonoran hot dog restaurant on the planet, having been promoted worldwide with the song “Guero Canelo,” a runaway crowd-pleaser in the ever-more popular Calexico canon. But in a town where literally everyone can argue a favorite Sonoran dog…
Best Eyeglass/ Optical Retailer
Everyone knows by now who glasses are making a sexy comeback. People who used to be called four-eyes are now being called the most interesting women and men on earth. We have plenty of pop culture peeps to thank, from Tina Fey to Zooey Deschanel, and from Justin Timberlake to Justin Bieber. And while going…
Best Sports Bar
The trident is a touchy symbol around these parts, being it is the logo for our loathed in-state brethren up north. However, Trident Grill has given it a new meaning for us Wildcats. They have taken the sports bar scene to a new level. Their menu is more Eastern-seaboard gastropub (you HAVE to try the…
Best Indoor Venue
Some of our most enchanting evenings have been spent at the Rialto Theatre, a venerable concert hall that gets better year after year. The concert business is a tricky one; it’s easy to see how many players come and go (often after some kind of financial wizardry has left them in trouble with the law).…
Best Car Wash
Probably the best (and most charming) reason to go to Simoniz for a car wash is this: At each location, there is a pet bunny hopping around in the lobby. This lovable quirk is just one of many things that make this car wash place memorable. The Simoniz staff is fast, thorough and friendly. Plus,…
Best Public Servant
Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik was an unlikely candidate to become one of Tucson’s favorite politicians—but over his first term in office, he’s emerged as a no-bullshit guy who tells it like it is and takes on entrenched interests. Sadly, his support for women, gays, minorities and local control were out of step with the…
Best Fun for the Whole Family
Whether you’re young or old, the Reid Park Zoo is still a favorite among families and it’s no wonder. Families can explore different pathways that will lead you to Tanzania Expedition, where elephants are free to roam or, you can head on over to where the giraffes are, where both parents and children can feed…
Best Radio Station for News
Don’t be fooled that this is just our NPR affiliate or that it’s on the UA campus. There is an emphasis here on local when described as the local outlet. It’s what makes those morning drives to the office good for us—the talented Andrea Kelly giving us a report on the latest city or county…
Media Watch
CICALA RETURNS TO ROOTS Finally, the timing was right. Former KOLD Channel 13 reporter Paul Cicala had spent the bulk of his media career in the desert Southwest, but wanted to return to Tucson at some point after leaving to pursue jobs in Las Vegas and, most recently, El Paso. “A lot of times when…
Best Gluten-Free Food Coma
If you have a gluten allergy, you know the difficulty in finding a decent breakfast at a restaurant (oh, hooray, another omelette). The Gourmet Girls have your back. The options are endless—try pancakes, breakfast quesadillas or quiche. When was the last time you had biscuits and gravy? The specials board offers even more selections, and…
True TV
Dr. Feelgood The Crazy Ones Thursday, Sept. 26 (CBS) Series Debut: In his … triumphant? … return to television, Robin Williams (over) plays advertising exec Simon Roberts, a whacked-out genius who’s as difficult to tolerate as he is, of course, brilliant. His daughter and partner, Sydney (Sarah Michelle Gellar), is his uptight polar opposite; forced…
Tucson Weekly City Week
Bring Back the Greek Festival Benefit Concert for St. Demetrios 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Fox Theatre17 W. Congress St. 547-3040;stdemtucson.org One of Tucson’s most popular annual events was sidelined earlier this year when a fire tore through St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, causing more than $1 million in damage after a prayer candle accidentally…
Best Menudo
It’s a hangover remedy. It’s a Christmas-season family tradition. It’s a breakfast soup. It’s a giveaway on where your family comes from—red or white. It can also be an acquired taste, so if you’re going to try the tripe and hominy soup best to try it at Tania’s 33. The Barrio Hollywood restaurant makes delicious…
Guest Commentary
n Oct. 1, open enrollment begins for the Health Insurance Marketplace, part of the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, also known as Obamacare. Whether you were for or against this legislation, it’s here, it’s the law of the land, and here’s what you need to know. Young adults were some of the first beneficiaries of…
Best Florist
Readers Pick Villa Feliz Flowers 6538 E. Tanque Verde Road, Suite 160 790-9500 What makes this longtime Tucson favorite a “best of” is owner Georgeanne Fimbres’ unique design sense, exceptional taste and understanding of characteristics and quality in a wide range of flower and plant varieties. Part of that comes from her decades in the…
Best Wine Bar
This isn’t the first time that this La Encantada wine bar brought home the coveted title of Best Wine Bar. It is here, after all, where one can enjoy a flight of wine—three 2-ounce tastes of wines that complement one another. What a great way to get a taste of something you might otherwise never…
Best Local Performing Artist
Calexico, the musical collective built around guitarist Joey Burns and drummer John Convertino, continues to practice its musical alchemy, mixing up the elements of indie rock, Latin rhythms, blues and jazz to create that unique desert noir. We haven’t seen that much of Calexico in 2013, as the band has been on the road across…
Best Farmers’ Market
By sheer number of vendors, this Farmers’ Market should win this category. Here you can find vegetables galore or seeds to grow your own. Homemade treats run from jams and jellies to treats for your pup. Tamales, salsas, desert honey, hand-roasted coffee by the bag or the cup. Baked goods, knife sharpeners, pita bread and…
Best Ice Cream
People sometimes complain to us that they’re too scared to come downtown, but the only thing that worries us is the temptation to get a scoop of Hub ice cream every time we’re on Congress Street. The line-up of house-made flavors changes on a regular basis, but there’s a lot to love beyond the standard…
Best Playground
Located along the Rillito River walk where horses are nearly as common a sight as bikes and cars is this little gem of a park. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park’s namesake would be proud of the outdoor activities that this park sees on any given day. With tons of green space, two basketball courts, a dog…
Best Radio Talk Show Host
Although this year the race was a bit closer than most years, this category will likely belong to Jon Justice as long as he’s handling the morning show on the dubiously monikered “The Truth” (hey, we had to get that one in there). While as a staff policy, we agree with Justice as rarely as…
Best Japanese
The healthful food is a great draw on its own, but it’s the atmosphere at Yoshimatsu that puts us under a spell. We love the feeling that we’ve been transported to another world altogether whenever we walk through the doors: A place that celebrates Shogun Warriors, Godzilla and manga of all stripes. And if you…
So Many Details
Chaz Bundick is surprisingly modest and soft-spoken, considering that with his project Toro y Moi he’s making some of today’s most fascinating and engaging electronic music. Toro y Moi’s specialty is primarily playing chillwave music, a shimmering, dreamy amalgam of ambient, electronic, shoegaze and pop. The term also has been applied to the work of…
Held Captive
Prisoners, the new kidnapping thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, is one of those movies that impresses while you are watching it, but loses a bit of its power upon reflection. By the time I got to my car in the parking lot after the screening, my head started going “Wait a minute ……
Best Hot and Sour Soup
In most Asian restaurants this soup is a toss away item—something put on the menu because customers expect it. There’s not much thought put in to the prep and the results are terribly greasy or totally tasteless or too salty or all three. But that’s not the way this ubiquitous soup is done at this…
Best Mexican
El Charro has been serving up burros, rice and beans for nearly a century in this town. What’s the secret to the Flores family’s long run? We happen to think there’s a lot that goes into the show, from the festive atmosphere to the regular experimentation with the menu to the classic meals like the…
Best Tamales
Now here’s a neat trick: Transforming the humble tamale into a work of art. The gang at Tucson Tamale Company didn’t just settle on serving up green corn or red chili tamales. They use that masa base to create culinary masterpieces, filling them with everything from Italian sausage to curry and potatoes. It’s a sad…
Best Goth/Leather Shop
There are plenty of shops in Tucson for all the good little magicians, but where does the wicked witch get those killer duds? We’re betting at Hydra, Tucson’s favorite goth shop. While they may not deal in magic wands or love potions, Hydra’s got the goods if you’re looking to play the part of a…
Best Upscale Bar Ambience
The reason this gastro-pub in St. Philip’s Plaza is so popular has a lot to do with the food. But what makes Union an “upscale” winner is its bar. The bar itself dominates the room and on any given night it will be three deep in a mix of young professionals, well-heeled foothills folk and…
Best Movie Theater
What a great year the Loft Cinema has had, from the opening of a third screen (and the Backlot Bar) last November to the Coen Brothers retrospective on the screen this month. No matter what kind of movie magic you love, you can bet the Loft will indulge your tastes sooner or later. You’ve got…
Best Gym
Sorry to say, but there’s no simple solution to getting in shape—the magic only comes when you’re willing to put in the time and dedication into making your body better. That’s the message coming out of Evolution Fitness, which bills itself as Tucson’s School of Strength. That’s not just a talking point, either: The gym’s…
Best Sex Toy Shop
Fascinations has almost everything a typical sex-toy shop will carry—a variety of vibrators, dildos, cock rings and even an assortment of 50 Shades of Grey-inspired BDSM paddles and such. But what probably helps Fascinations win the adoration of Tucson Weekly readers is the fact that the store feels accessible and not on the seedy side…
Best Toy Store
To be frank, if you don’t like Yikes, a Tucson favorite for seemingly forever, you hate joy. There are so few places to actually buy toys these days, without resorting to the giant box stores, but Yikes is still there, providing a home for wind-up toys, bodily-fluid shaped novelties and those amazing fortune telling fish.…
Best Retail Music Store
Downloading music is fine, but sometimes you just want to feel it in your hands. As in an actual CD. In an actual case. You want to peruse its cover. Read the fine print. Feel its heft. Sometimes you may want a brand-spanking new version; sometimes second-hand is just what you’re looking for. And sometimes…
Ask A Mexican!
Dear Mexican: With the current state and federal prison system spitting out even harder criminals due to over crowding and gang activity allowed to a certain degree by the ‘system,’ while considering the small percentage of inmates who actually make it out and live a positive life…why are some legislators, government officials, American citizens gone…
Nine Questions
George Nardo is the owner of and lead audio engineer at one of Tucson’s most well-known recording studios, the Luna Recording Studio. He has been a dedicated musician since the ’60s, written songs for platinum albums, and toured everywhere from Hollywood to London. What was the first concert you attended? 1968 or ’69 at the…
Best Organic Food Store
Yes, this is the store that a San Francisco newspaper said makes “Whole Foods look like 7-Eleven,” and while we’re not entirely sure what that’s supposed to mean, the folks behind the Food Conspiracy took a great store and made it even better over the last year, growing and changing to reflect the needs of the community…
Best Future Addition to Tucson’s 100 Essential Dishes
Prior to its May opening, the buzz surrounding Proper was deafening, and these wings were seemingly half of the reason why. Lightly breaded, fried, coated in a ginger-based spicy sweet-and-sour sauce and topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, these wings more than hold their own against the other strong items on Proper’s “bites” menu,…
Best Cocktail Menu
The reason for Scott & Co. and 47 Scott’s success in running two of Tucson’s top cocktail programs is simple: They don’t take shortcuts. The ingredients are high-quality, from the spirits to the mixers to even the ice; the bartenders are walking encyclopedias of cocktail history; and the drinks themselves are as adventurous and delicious…
Best Tortillas
I am not sure you can call the folks at La Mesa Tortillas magicians, but they sure seem like it. They take simple, basic, ingredients and consistently churn out the best tortillas in a town that is not lacking in tortilla consumption. They offer all different sizes of flour tortillas, corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas…
Best Hair Salon
With the exception of 2005, when they came in second place, Gadabout Salonspas has consistently won this category. Some may ask why. Well, maybe that’s because the staff here is well-trained, keeps up with all the latest tools of the trade and remembers who you are, much like at your favorite bar or diner. Or…
Best Wine/Liquor Store
This is not your grandfather’s liquor store. OK, maybe part of it is, because that’s one of the attractions of Plaza. On the outside, it looks like the locally owned neighborhood liquor store where Tucson’s Archie Bunker may have patronized. But inside it is so much more—refrigerator cases filled with beers from every corner of…
Best Mural
Painter Joe Pagac has created some masterpieces with the ever-changing murals on the side of the Rialto Theatre, although the new Cadence student housing complex may be bringing that acclaimed run to a close. But fear not: Pagac has a bottomless reservoir of imagination, as his work along Congress Street has demonstrated. Whimsical dinosaurs? Wandering…
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Back on top for another year, it’s clear that Raging Sage knows their joe. The Sliker family and staff have been brewing the magic beans that keep us caffeinated at their Campbell and Grant location since 1998, and their flair for Arabica is sure to amaze and astound. Their beans are hand-selected, roasted to perfection…
Best Off-the-Wall Museum for Kids
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures isn’t your usual boring stuffy museum. It’s a trip through time! Styled as a miniature time machine, you can take trips through real and make-believe places, spaces and eras. With hundreds of miniatures, from houses to paintings, enchanted castles and witches’ realms, there’s something to spark all kinds…
Best Video Games Store
The magic is at your fingertips at Gamestop. Any kind of magic you might want to do, you can find a game to suit you. Maybe you’re after some good ol’ Harry Potter spellcasting, or maybe you’re more into the fireball throwing, dragon-slaying action that Skyrim has to offer. Or maybe you’re thinking more along…
Best Late-Night Eats
There’s a reason that HUB helped lead the charge into downtown Tucson becoming the latest center for the Old Pueblo’s nightlife: The food is damn good. HUB is open until 2 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday, offering such delicious evening fare as ribeye and fries, chicken pot pie and the Glory Curds—flash-fried cheese curds that…
Best Party in Your Mouth
Heads up to all those people who oppose the use of foie gras—STOP READING NOW! Dante’s Fire has only been open a few months, but these tiny pops are a big hit. They may be a bit pricey, but they’re totally worth it. First there’s the foie gras. Then there are the apple pops that…
Best Pizza
When it comes to pizza, it’s all good. But none is better than Brooklyn Pizza’s perfect recreation of the New York experience. This popular Fourth Avenue spot is filled to the brim with various pizzas, salads, subs, and did we even mention the calzones? They have beer and cigarettes for you folks who may consider yourselves semi-rebellious.…
Best Garlic Bread Item
With all due respect to multiple-time Best of Tucson® Best Pizza winner Brooklyn Pizza Company, downtown Tucson’s Empire Pizza and Pub has the best order of garlic knots (and garlic bread in general) in this city. No other knot in this city has the same combination of a crisp exterior with a doughy center. Empire’s…
DVD Roundup
Awkward: Seasons 1 & 2 Jenna (Ashley Rickards) narrates/blogs about the perils of being a teenager and dealing (awkwardly, duh) with cute boys, mean girls, dumb parents and wasting her child-bearing years on high school and learning—according to MTV, at least. (Paramount) Beauty & the Beast: Season 1 A detective (Kristin Kreuk—yes, really) fights her…
Best Westside Eatery to Help Survive a Monsoon
Sure, we can make excuses that raspados in this city should be eaten all year long, but in reality monsoon was made for raspados, or maybe the other way around. Either way there’s probably a myth somewhere that coyote descended on the valley with monsoon and introduced her to raspados. A love blossomed and it…
Best Home Furnishings
OK. You’ve had your fill of the metal kokopelli and geckos and howling coyotes. What’s next, design-wise, for your happy home? How about something really different, yet a Tucson fixture for 40 years? Copenhagen is the place. The family-owned business prides itself in providing quality furniture from across the globe, and design services which will…
Best-Tasting Local Brew
Dragoon Brewing has had the kind of auspicious start that homebrewers can only dream of, as they’ve gone from offering beer out of their tap room two days a week to selling their brews at restaurants around Tucson and winning Hotel Congress’ Born and Brewed Tucson Beer Cup. And the truth is, their original beers,…
Best Musical Instrument Store
A historic landmark on Congress Street for six years shy of a century, the Chicago Store is the go-to music shop for musicians, schools and studios. People come from across the country and even Mexico to have their gear needs met by a staff now in its third generation of family ownership. The greatest thing…
Best Bike Riding
We’ve long been delighted by the idea of getting out on Pima County’s river parks for a bike ride, but we’ve fallen in love with them all over again since they’ve been connected to one another and rebranded as The Loop, a 100-mile-plus network of trails that run through Tucson and stretch into Marana, Oro…
Best Spectacle for Charity
Puttin’ on the Dog has made a big impression on Best of Tucson® voters, winning the category seven years in a row. The event, held annually for the past 15 years, helps generate much-needed funding so the good people at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona can continue saving the lives of homeless dogs and…
Best Place to Burn Off Energy Indoors
Any kid who grew up in Tucson in the ’90s went to a Rocks and Ropes birthday party, or at least killed a few hours there every once in awhile. Since opening in ’92, Rocks and Ropes has improved and expanded, and it’s now a state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility. Safety is the number one priority…
Best Video Store
You’d think that keeping a video store alive in today’s world of streaming media and video-on-demand would require some of deal with the devil, but it’s evident that Casa Video has not bargained its soul away. We’d go so far as to say that it’s Casa’s soul—represented by a wide selection of movies in every…
Best Middle Eastern/African
At Zemams, you can’t help shoving food into your mouth the moment it gets to the table. It helps that you don’t need utensils. Rich and varied flavors keep you eating long after you’re full, so order extra if you plan on taking some home. There’s fare for every kind of taste—meat, veggie and vegan.…
Noshing Around
Tip of the Kappy Kappy’s Bar and Sandwich Place, 2190 N. Wilmot Road, a charming bar and grill known for superfriendly, Cheers-esque service and atmosphere, is celebrating 10 years in business. Owners Kurt and Kris Veitch are hosting an all-day party on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with a mélange of festivities including a bingo game (for…
Best Sandwich
With three locations around Tucson, whatever type of sandwich you have a hankering for, you won’t be far from the awesome selection of sandwiches that Beyond Bread has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for hot, cold, crunchy or soft eats, Beyond Bread won’t disappoint. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, the freshly made…
Bike, Hike Your Changing City
Thomas Prairie found Tucson atop his bicycle. He came to participate in the El Tour bike race, and decided that he loved the Southwest so much that he wanted to live here. So five years ago, he packed his bags, left Chicago behind and relocated, taking some game-changing ideas with him. Prairie, not only a…
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
IBT’s isn’t just a long-time Fourth Avenue establishment, but it happens to be one of those last gay bars in town where you are guaranteed some of the best drag-queen entertainment in Tucson, dancing seven days a week and yes, some pretty cute go-go dancers on Thursdays and Fridays. Woody’s is now closed, and only…
Best Eight Inches You’ll Ever Get in Your Life
You walk in and almost always are welcomed by owner Rudy Lira instantly treating you like family. Keep in mind this place still feels and looks like the same place as when it opened its doors in 1987. Of course it has been repainted and what not but it still feels like home. Right away…
Best Jewelry
For the sale and care of all things sparkly, Tucson has looked to the Silverberg family for about three-quarters of a century. This mom-and-pop jewelry shop proudly displays their selection of original and prefabricated pieces in a Broadway and Craycroft storefront complete with an armed guard that feels like something of a cross between a…
Best Damn Bloody Mary
If you want to watch some modern-day alchemy with guaranteed mind-blowing and taste-tingling results, look no further than Che’s Lounge. Donovan White, Che’s barkeep at large, can make one mean Bloody Mary. Like the misunderstood alchemists of yesteryear, White can concoct something magical using the basic raw elements. By combining tomato juice, vodka, A LOT…
Best Outdoor Venue
With the kind of weather that can allow for outdoor concerts nearly all year long—yes, you can still watch a show while wearing a jacket or sweater, wimps—you’d think Tucson would have more open-air venues. AVA more than makes up for this dearth with a welcoming amphitheater that over the years has played host to…
Best Campground
Near the summit of Mount Lemmon, Rose Canyon is an ideal spot for overnight camping. You can rest easy underneath a canopy of trees and stars, warm yourself and your mallows by camp fire, and even fish in the six-acre Rose Canyon Lake, located at the lower end of the campground. A popular place for…
Best Yoga Studio
In this warp-speed, high-tech, media-drenched world, it’s good to know where to turn to help reconnect to the quiet space within. YogaOasis’ downtown, central and east locations give people all over Tucson the opportunity to unwind, center themselves, and move their bodies. Yoga Hour, a concept developed by founder Darren Rhodes, is a popular and…
Best Place to Explore, See Owls and Talk Science and History
A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) is a gem, even better now with the new interpretive signs that showcase the area’s history and the trails that are just as wonderful as Tumamoc Hill. But there’s also a special place on the north side of A Mountain where our history and environment collide—the old quarry. From a distance…
Best Reason to Stay at Home on Saturday Nights
Years ago, before late-night television became a wasteland of infomercials and other paid programming, you could watch some pretty awesome low-grade B and Z movies into the wee hours. If you were lucky, they were presented by some local yokel in greasepaint standing in a cardboard graveyard. These were the horror hosts, and they had…
Best Modern Cuisine
Usually packed, this modern looking upscale restaurant has one of the most inventive menus around. Every month, the menu at Feast changes to provide the freshest ingredients depending on what is in season. Often times the ingredients are local and some herbs will come from Feast’s own garden. On most nights while dining in, you…
Best Use of Garlic
The outside of Chef Steve Schultz’s newest eatery may not look like much (it still resembles the drive-in it used to be). But inside? Now that’s a different story! As promised, garlic is found in most of the dishes. One of the best, if not THE best menu item, is the grilled shrimp. Schultz grills…
Best Smoothies
If you didn’t know exactly what’s in the smoothies at Xoom Juice, you might be inclined to believe that there really is a magic ingredient. But Xoom Juice proudly includes all the simple ingredients of each of their delicious drinks on the menu, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Xoom Juice isn’t as sugary…
Best Casual Downtown Breakfast
The B Line is one of those local secrets that we Tucsonans don’t like to advertise. The unassuming exterior is secretly housing some of the city’s best casual eats—especially breakfast. The menu is vegetarian-friendly, and there’s always local beer on tap (if that’s your thing during breakfast). The homemade biscuits (only available on weekends) are…
Best Happy Hour
With half-off deals on draft beer, cocktails, most wine and all appetizers, happy hour at Zona 78 is a delicious no-brainer. They have a great selection of beers, including locals like 1055 and Four Peaks, and a style for everyone. Cocktails use creative ingredients like celery syrup, lemongrass infused vodka and baked apple bitters. Appetizers…
Best Comida! Cookout
We love to fire up the grill in these parts, but sometimes—oh, say, when it’s 114 degrees—it may not seem that appealing, especially if you’ve got guests and other dishes to fret about. Not to worry. Carniceria la Noria will not only provide the meat, but the marinade and the grilling as well. At the…
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Certainly, Buffalo Exchange, with 49 stores in 17 states (although that might be outdated by the time you get to the end of this sentence), isn’t the resale shopping experience recently celebrated in Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop.” Nothing is likely going to be only 99 cents, but on the other hand, certainly you won’t find anything…
Best Bar Jukebox
You can learn a lot about a bar by checking out their jukebox selection. Hell, some bars don’t even have jukeboxes anymore; instead they have some type of Pandora station going on. Thankfully, the District Tavern on Congress still has one, and it is well-stocked with great tunes. Check out this short-list: Joe Jackson, Body…
Best Reason to Pack Your Own Lunch
Usually taking place near the close of an exhibition, the curator tours give you an up-close and personal chat with the featured artist and curator. Both curator and artist (often Tucson-based) discuss the meaning behind their exhibit, their process, and allow time for questions at the end. Tours take place during lunch-time, giving you an…
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group
Ben’s Bells, an organization whose primary objective is spreading kindness, has permeated the Tucson culture and the ripple effect has been nothing short of astounding. The founder, Jeannette Maré, has transformed personal tragedy into an idea that has extended well beyond Tucson. Bells are crafted and assembled by numerous volunteers in the community and then…
Best Vanishing Act
Jesse Kelly had already left Tucson for Texas (and he would have sold his house, too, if it hadn’t been underwater) when Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords stepped down last year, forcing a special election to finish her term. Kelly suddenly rediscovered his love of Southern Arizona and raced back to Pima County, where he swore up…
Best Place to Gradually Introduce Your Kids to the Haunted House Experience
It’s the old Farmer John’s slaughterhouse, so that alone on a dark Halloween-season night should be scary enough, which is why The Slaughter House haunted house concept is perfect for the former meat-packing plant. True, not every household likes to include haunted houses in their October traditions, but those who do and have little ones…
Trashiest Tucson Commercial
Some might say we’re living in a golden age of local color on TV. We have a plethora of amazing local jingles and we have iconic spokespeople like Mr. An and Chris Edwards all over radio and television. Then we have the commercials from Truck Stop Inc. Let’s just say these ads run a little…
Best Outdoor Seating
La Cocina’s all but enchanted split-level patio twinkles with lights in olive trees that spread their shade into every corner. You’re never far from the trickling sound of a small waterfall in a central pond, banked with plants and tall grasses in which a miniature ore cart sits as if waiting for someone to finish…
Best Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Boasting one of the only (if not the only) authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria certifications by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana Academy (VPN) in Tucson, Vero Amore serves up the best hand-tossed thin crust pizzas in town. Made with the freshest ingredients—like homemade mozzarella, and prosciutto—each dish is designed to satisfy your hunger, but not leave you…
Best Specialty Foods
Maybe part of the fun of Roma Imports is looking for this eatery hidden in the industrial neighborhood west of the Father Kino statue off Kino Parkway. The little Italian restaurant, deli and grocery store is a gem for lunch meetings and great for take-home treats. The homemade sausages in the freezer case are a…
Opinion
I know this guy; we’ll call him Nick (although he probably looks more like a Steve or a Dave). Anyway, Nick is a decent guy—college educated, hard-working, nice job that pays a lot of money. Nick and his wife were married for a couple of decades when things began to come apart. Who really knows…
Best Lowbrow Bar Ambience
Had a bad magic show? Rabbits didn’t come out of the hat? Your saw-a-woman-in-half bit went awry? Sounds to us like you need a drink, Houdini Jr. Let us take you to the World Famous Golden Nugget! SEE their amazing reverse happy hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., when well drinks cost you $2.50!…
Best Place to Be Full of Beans
Dozens of restaurants here offer down-home Sonoran-style food, and most offer refried beans. And they are very, very good. But those at St. Mary’s Mexican Food just west of downtown are the creamiest, taste-bud-thrilling and burrito-filling best in town. You can enjoy them as part of your meal at the small establishment, or you can…
Best Tattoo Parlor
In the 1970’s, if you wanted to be bitchin’, you bought a van. If you wanted to be wicked, you bought a van and airbrushed a wizard on the side of it. Well, it’s 2013 and you can forget the van. Just get the wizard tattooed on you! Look no further than Black Rose Tattooers,…
Best Hidden Watering Hole
Tucked in the Warehouse District near the building formerly known as 17th Street Market is perhaps the cleanest, coolest eating and drinking joint where no one would ever expect to find a bar, let alone a full-service restaurant. Situated right on the tracks at 16th Street and Toole Avenue, happy hour in this funky modern-industrial…
Best Place for a Poetry Reading
Like its name suggests, Casa Libre is a house on Fourth Avenue. Readings are held in the library, there’s a swamp cooler instead of a/c, and the room is small, forcing everyone to group together in a very friendly manner. But that’s all part of the charm. There’s even a resident cat that will sit…
Best Desserts
“How sweet it is!” The ghostly echo of departed actor/comedian Jackie Gleason can be heard exclaiming over and over. And that would be before even tasting anything. Simply staring in awe at the cases displaying desserts to die for at Beyond Bread could summon the return of the deceased. A feast for both the eye…
Best Indoor-Outdoor Historical Experience
You needn’t dive into the annals of the University of Arizona—or brave that area’s parking (and other) perils—to get a captivating historical education in and about the Old Pueblo. Head to the Fort Lowell Museum instead. Once you push past the park and its pond full of freshwater turtles and pompadoured ducks (cute, though probably…
Best Harry Potter Fun Times for Geeks of All Ages
For the last few years, folks who like recreating the fantasy world of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts have taken over Hotel Congress for a day, allowing kids of all ages who love the books and movies to pose for pictures with costumed characters and even imbibe in a little butter beer (kid friendly, mother approved). In…
Best Concert Venue
The Tucson Live Music Space is barely a year old, but it’s an example of how the kids are looking pretty alright. One of the only all-ages venues left in town, TLMS is described by main man Billy Brooks as not a “co-op, just kind of a loose organization.” Brooks is helped by volunteers in…
Best Seafood
While Tucson has a lot to offer, it certainly lacks a close tie to anything related to water. That’s where Kingfisher steps in and offers up the best seafood in town. For starters, diners are treated to an excellent option of oysters from their ever-changing oyster bar, and then an array of fresh fish (and other yummy…
Best DIY Dining
The idea of going out to eat is usually so somebody else can cook for you. However, at times, you go out for entertainment, for an event. What better way to achieve both than to barbecue with your family or group of friends, and still have the dishes done for you? Takamatsu is the perfect…
Overlay Overdose
The District on 5th is many things to many people. To roughly 750 UA students, the five-story megaplex is home, albeit one divvied into four-bedroom-four-bathroom apartments. To longtime residents in the West University Neighborhood, the building’s brief tenure—this is its second year—has been marked by speeding traffic, crazy parties and the aesthetic horror of a…
Best Pizza and a Pint for Less Than $10
There are plenty of pizza joints in this town, and Time Market is consistently a top-notch contender among the thin-crust, wood-fired options. With local brews on tap, and a pizza dough that’s perfectly chewy, crispy and comes out of the oven bubbling hot, Time Market is a local Tucson favorite. Pizzas are always topped with…
Best Margarita
Sure, you could have a standard ol’ margarita at El Charro, but why stop there? This place knows how to mix up some magic potions. There are margaritas de frutas (strawberry, peach, mango or melon); a prickly pear-rita (with prickly pear nectar), a crazy cool margarita (featuring Hornitos Silver with cucumber and mint) and—for the…
Best Breakfast
The legend of the Blue Willow is a Chinese tale of forbidden passion and lovers magically transformed into doves who live forever, immortalized in a blue china pattern. We’re delighted we get to share breakfast with our loved ones at Blue Willow, which happily serves breakfast all day long and into the night. We’re particularly…
Best Miniature Treasure Trove
If you’re not the Bed, Bath and Beyond type, or you’re feeling a little tired of the same old Ikea furniture, Another Man’s Treasure may indeed have what you’re after. It’s a tiny shop that’s been in Tucson since the 1970’s. Packed full of antique chairs, tables, lamps, dressers and knickknacks, you can walk around…
Best Birthday Bar Hop
It would seem like not much has changed in Tucson’s oldest bar since it opened almost 80 years ago. The walls are tagged from floor to ceiling and the furniture is chipped and worn, which is also a worthy description of the Buff’s regular clientele. But the people are friendly, the jukebox is among the…
Best Joyful Noise
Beyond the theaters, orchestras and the galleries, the arts scene in Tucson includes a plethora of choral groups, each with their own unique signature, celebrating the powerful harmony of human voices. The 50-member Arizona Repertory Singers perhaps tops the list. Folks are downright giddy for a chance to catch their holiday concerts at the Benedictine…
Sonoran-Style Spirits
While Tucson is already home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, whiskey fans have a new, locally distilled libation to look forward to—and by all accounts it’s a good one. Hamilton Distillery is pulling Tucson into microdistilling with Whiskey Del Bac, a take on single-malt whiskey with a decidedly Sonoran twist drawn from his years…
Best Seedy Rehearsal Building for Bands Seeking Street Cred
You’ve probably passed Francisco Studios (simply “Pennington” to its part-time inhabitants) on your way to Café Poca Cosa. Or maybe to the city courthouse. If the former, you may not be the type to even set foot in these studios, known for their super-crappy paintjobs and none-too-clean quarters. But if you’re in an up-and-coming—or totally…
Best Bookstore for New Books
These are not easy days for bookstores—we can scarcely count the beloved shops in Tucson that have vanished over the last two decades—but Antigone’s is still thriving on Fourth Avenue. (Blessings be to the goddess!) While it started out with a feminist focus, Antigone’s has expanded its collection to carry a wide selection of fiction…
Best On-Air Banter
When KFMA station owner Lotus decided in 2011 to move its popular The Frank Show over to KLPX, it lucked out by finding a strong replacement in Todd Fooks, who goes by just Fook when working the 6- to 10-a.m. weekday shift that requires a mix of music, mayhem and mischief. But it wasn’t until…
Best Steakhouse
Sometimes you just gotta have meat, so it might as well be the best. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse fills the bill. Using only USDA Prime—not Choice—beef, Fleming’s ups the ante even more by serving only the top 2 percent of the Prime beef available. Prime rib, New York strip and filet mignon are the main attractions,…
Sports
I spent my Saturday morning two weeks ago watching with immense pride as my 11-year-old daughter competed in her first cross-country meet. A sixth-grader, she and a couple of hundred other middle schoolers ran on a 1.665-mile course around the stinky fake lakes at Christopher Columbus Park with one goal in mind: Get to the…
Best Tea Service
The staff at Seven Cups have a way of making you feel dainty and elegant while you’re sipping and pinky lifting at their small, yet gorgeous abode. Surrounded by intricate wooden lattices and walls of classy teacups and kettles for sale, Seven Cups provides a welcome home for both the beginner and seasoned tea lovers.…
Best Burrito
Q: What would Tucson be like without Nico’s several locations spotted about town? A: A barren desert, but without fantastic burritos. Let’s face it: Mexican fast food is part of the fabric of our city, and Nico’s sure as hell know how to make a burrito. With a menu of all sorts and sizes of…
Best Martini
The Shelter serves martinis in whatever flavor you can think of—chocolate, pomegranate, coffee, lemon drop, or good old gin and vodka with olives or a twist. They’re strong and generously filled to the brim, giving you plenty of time to relax in the unpretentious, multi-mirrored disco lounge. This place looks like it used a time-turner…
Best Brunch
Sometimes, less is more. But when it comes to brunch at the fabulous Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, more is magnificent. The Catalina foothills setting of the historic Tucson treasure itself will nourish you, and the spread of dishes seems infinite. Each table is tastefully adorned with a vast variety of salads and appetizers,…
Best Fashion Production
Besides teaching fashion design and marketing at The Art Institute of Tucson, being a top-notch personal stylist, and publishing the book How to Produce a Fashion Show From A-Z (the textbook in more than 50 art/fashion colleges across the country), Paula Taylor of Paula Taylor Productions coordinates several annual national fashion shows, including Tucson Fashion Week. With a…
Best New Place to Drink Beer That Isn’t a Brewery
Tap & Bottle may be a newcomer to the Tucson beer scene, but they’ve started with a bang, already becoming one of the best places in Tucson not only to sit back and grab a pint, but to fill a tote bag full of 12 ounce bottles, 22 ounce bombers and even bottles of wine…
Best Marriage of Mental Illness and Musicals
It’s always exciting to welcome Arizona Theatre Company’s fresh season, but last year the Temple of Music and Art positively exploded with the energy of the company and the audience as the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal lit up downtown. Composer Tom Kitt and lyricist Brian Yorkey have created a smart and unapologetic musical…
Best Diner
Here’s why Bobo’s is the best diner in Tucson: It is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dinner specials every night. Well, that, and Grill closed downtown. Ever a contender for best bargain breakfast joint, the venerable hash-slingers’ haven has also been a perennial source of concern: Would the creep-along widening of Grant…
Best Poker Room
There are only two such rooms in Southern Arizona—though we can point you to a juicy home game or two, if you’re interested—but the 13-table poker room inside Casino del Sol is by far the superior one. There’s never a lack of no-limit Texas Hold’Em action, not to mention a tournament nearly every morning and…
Best Bookstore for Used Books
Whether you’re looking to complete your Harry Potter collection, searching for a spell-casting guide for your D&D dungeon master or just want to experience the magic between the covers of a good book, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has you covered. You might not find exactly what you’re looking for, but you’re sure to stumble across some…
Best Cheesy Radio Commercial
Tucson has no shortage of local businesses with … notable radio commercials that are as memorable for their hokiness as anything else. But Rocco’s and its blues-singer-on-a-bender clip takes the cake. The lyrics are almost unintelligible at first, but the more you listen to it you can’t help but pick up on what he’s babbling…
The Fight Continues
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Across the nation, cannabis advocates in and out of the medical marijuana arena in recent weeks have been trumpeting a New World Order where weed is concerned. The feds vowed to back off of dispensaries and the banks that want to serve them; and Sanjay…
Best No-Frills Approach
Sometimes a trip to a restaurant is as much about the atmosphere, ambience and presentation as it is the food selection and taste. If you’re looking for the former, this isn’t the place for you; but based on the constant fullness of these cafeteria-like eateries, the former is in the minority. Similar to most Asian-style…
Calling for More
Ann Yellott clearly remembers driving up to the Tucson Unified School District administration building 1010 E. 10th St. on May 3, 2011 wondering if the huge Tucson Police Department presence she saw that surrounded the building was needed or just a message to the community. “I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” Yellott said. “It was…
Best Empanadas
There are many delicious treats at La Estrella Bakery that folks line up out the door for early in the morning, but if there’s anything behind the bakery case worth every carb and calorie, it is the bakery’s empanadas. Apple, mango, pumpkin, apricot … basically it’s love with a yummy filling. If you think another…
Best Mexican Fast-Food/Drive-Thru
Let’s be honest, shall we? Mexican fast-food establishments in Tucson are an important tradition and that tradition is especially important for late-night eats. BK’s is a great spot for such after-bar, beer-soaking, good food. Nothing like a few caramelos or a plate full of asada, cabeza or pastor tacos to make the world seem like…
Best Chinese
No smoke, mirrors or illusions here! Guilin Chinese Restaurant is pure and simple Chinese food done right. The decor is not much to look at, and the service will get you fed without any schmoozing, but the result is tasty, fresh, quality, and healthful dishes, served hot and fast. You can not beat the lunch…
Best Personal Styling
Loreto Echevarria is LOLOCHIC. Taking a holistic, even spiritual, approach to personal styling, Echevarria offers made-to-order beauty and fashion makeovers from the inside out. Needless to say, this is far from the average cookie cutter salon. LOLOCHIC, more than anything, is about making the client the very best they can be, no matter what the body type,…
Best Cocktail That Passes for Something Else
With all the new and varied cocktails in town these days, one could get a bit overwhelmed. But then there’s Proper and it’s smartly crafted cocktails that will ease your boggled mind. Our fave (for this week at least) is the Porch Tea. Quality vodka is infused with black tea and the two ingredients seem…
Best (Hopefully) Annual Valentine’s Day Show That Comes With a Lap Dance
For two different years, Tucson’s Christopher Johnson has produced a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, with the Tucson actor deliciously playing the title role. Johnson raised money for the last production offering lap dances to big-giving sugar daddies—watching that take place in the Screening Room was a beautiful thing. The last show was…
Best Food Truck
Imagine a food truck, sandwiched underneath an abandoned gas station, with plastic tables and folding chairs set up where you would normally be pumping gas, and there you have Serial Grillers. This small and simple truck is run by two young dudes, who serve with speed and friendliness, even letting one take a peek inside…
Best Up-and-Coming Spectator Event
Tucson’s hoped-for downtown renaissance isn’t going to include a much-needed sports arena anytime soon, so we’ve gotta take what we can get. Thankfully, some local cycling enthusiasts got together three years ago to capitalize on downtown’s sadly empty streets to create a racing environment that’s hard to match anywhere nearby. The Old Pueblo Grand Prix…
Best Comics/Games Shop
Heroes and Villains, despite the store’s expansion to make more room for both comics and games in the Broadway Boulevard strip mall it calls home, remains all about comics and the people who love them. But the good people there happen to treat gamers right, too. One area of the business is the gamer side,…
Best Backpacking Trail
The Arizona Trail, an 800-mile multi-use path that stretches from Mexico to Utah, is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and nature lovers. One of the passages cuts right through the Santa Catalina mountains, which can be accessed via the Gordon Hirabayashi trailhead on Mount Lemmon. For those who are feeling adventurous and wish to…
Best Sushi
Watching sushi chefs waive their wands over fish and creating pure magic is the culinary version of watching David Copperfield. Where else is food so artistic, yet so addicting to devour? Sushi Garden has the complete sushi experience. You can down $4 sake bombs or half-off beer at happy hour, watch the UA game on…
Best Cinnamon Rolls
Old-style restaurants like Gus Balon’s are just as much about quantity as they are quantity, and for nearly 50 years this has described the size and splenditude of their massive cinnamon rolls to a tee. Just one of the fluffy, sticky, gooey treats is enough for two people, but if you pick up a six-pack…
Best Vegetarian Burger
Why is the veggie burger at Zinburger called Clint’s Almost Famous? There appear to be many tales, given all the different stories we heard from waitresses as we tried to get to the bottom of it. All we can conclude is that it truly is the stuff of legends, and little wonder that it is:…
Best Fish Tacos
These are the “O.M.G.!” of Tucson fish tacos. The awe begins with the crumbly corn tortillas, fresh from the griddle. These tortillas literally melt in your mouth. On top is a just-right stack of one-and one-half-inch pieces of fish, topped with a just-right amount of cabbage and a drizzle of creamy sauce. If you love…
Best Nightclub
The epicenter of downtown; the hotspot most-blogged about by hip, young travellers; the Nightclub of Perpetual Adoration: This is Club Congress. Boasting consistent dance nights, a full schedule featuring top-notch local and touring bands, and well-attended creative special events like the annual Naked Party, Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night and HoCo Festival, Congress remains on…
Live
La COCINA Sunday, Sept. 22 La Cocina manager Allie Baron celebrated her birthday in her place of business and invited two of her favorite local bands, Otherly Love and Texas Trash & the Trainwrecks to provide the soundtrack. Both acts graciously played for free. It was an early show, kicking off the proceedings during the…
Best Name for a Fruity House Cocktail
If anything in this issue embodies the idea of magic, it’s the Sexy Blue Jesus—a pint glass full of alcohol, pineapple and blue, and strong enough to knock you on your ass, depending on your tolerance for alcoholic beverages and if you’re secure enough in your self identity to order a fruity blue drink in…
Lost Dog, Please Help
My dog Chava, sleeping on her comfy dog bed. Got up this morning around 6 a.m., only to find that the gate to my front yard was open and my dog, who nudged me to go outside around 4:30 a.m., was missing. But this isn’t an ordinary lost dog — well, hell, I know everyone…
McCain Slaps Cruz Down for Nazi Comment in His “Extended Oratory”
Daily Koz’s Jed Lewison flags Sen. John McCain’s reaction to Sen. Ted Cruz’s crazy comparison of Nazis and Obamacare supporters: Less than an hour after Sen. Ted Cruz finished his long speech against Obamacare, Sen. John McCain took the Senate floor to rebut Cruz. McCain started out with two points to make: First, that Cruz…
