For this week’s feature, Saxon Burns and I–along with our plucky dive team–toured some of Tucson’s finest bars, including The Buffet, the Mint, The Bambi, Nancy’s Fort Lowell Pub, Gilligan’s, the Shelter and the Meet Rack. Along the way, we found God, undead zombies and a very nasty drink called Jekyll and Hyde.

We’re sure we missed some of your favorite dives, but we’re planning on doing more reviews in the future. So, Tucson: What are the best bars in this dusty cowtown, and why do you like ’em?

This article appears in Jul 12-18, 2007.

Getting hassled by The Man Mild-mannered reporter

11 replies on “Dive Expedition”

  1. I read that article with euphoric glee – loved it through and through. I can tell you all had fun doing it.

    Proost,
    Michael

  3. This is a fair comment – some places were lacking in detailed info.

    I really want to know more about the Bay Horse Tavern.

    Danny’s is okay for striking up a game of pool (more pool tables than the nearby Depot) but rather dark interior.

    I will have to check out The Shelter some night – I’ve passed by it so many times.

  4. You can tell a lot about a bar by how it serves cognac. Next time order cognac and see what you get. If they serve it well they’re a good bar. If they don’t they suck.

    It’s all about cognac.

    P.S. For bonus points ask them for grappa.

  5. The Golden Nugget! How could you omit this fine establishment on N. First Avenue? And then there’s that other place just up the road which for some reason I just cannot remember the name.

  7. What a fun assignment. Please include me in your next go around. It might be fun to go to some of those places at 6 a.m. to see who shows up. It won’t be breakfast at Tiffany’s.
    One weird night a few years ago, my neighbor Deb and I went to The Mint, the Shelter and the Maverick. At the Maverick she ran into a guy she used to know in Fresno. It was his first night in town and he showed up at the Maverick. What’s even more weird is that he had his pit bull tied up upside. She never saw or heard from him again.

  8. Yes, one should always read before commenting. If nothing else, The Nugget has always been known for the charming and hospitable bartenders.

  9. I like to Golden nugget but have had some serious issues with the bartenders being total dick’s when it wasn’t called for. My favorite dive bar is the Home Plate because of the batting cages. I’ve heard the Depot is fun too.

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