Best Musical Act
Miss Olivia and the Interlopers
instagram.com/missoliviaandtheinterlopers
missoliviaandtheinterlopers.com
Olivia Reardon and her crew of interlopers have become Tucson’s finest musicians for all the right reasons. Since their debut EP, “Tiny Tales,” Miss Olivia and the Interlopers have unveiled a mesmerizing blend of blues, soul and rock that feels like a mixtape with impeccable taste. The band continues to push boundaries, ensuring joy, heart and craftsmanship exude from every note they play and every piece they perform. Whether as an intimate trio or dynamic ensemble, Miss Olivia and the Interlopers are a blooming oasis of sound in the Tucson desert.
Reader Recommended
XIXA
instagram.com/xixa_tuxon
xixamusic.com
Mamma Coal Band
facebook.com/mammacoal
mammacoal.com
Best Cover Band
Jukebox Junqies Band
facebook.com/JUKEBOXJUNQIES
Think of this band as Tucson’s personal modern-day jukebox. The cleverly named Jukebox Junqies Band is a sonic storm of melodies, spanning from classic rock and R&B to country, Latin and even Tejano tunes. The group has effectively mastered the role of live DJ at any event, keeping the dance floor alive with their musical versatility and captivating performances. In all accounts, Jukebox Junqies Band is the heartbeat of Tucson’s party scene and will keep that beat alive and well for some time to come.
Reader Recommended
The Dirt
facebook.com/TheDirtHairband
Top Dead Center
facebook.com/TDCTucson
Best Punk Band
The Pork Torta
tinyurl.com/The-Pork-Torta
The Pork Torta is a dynamic music that calls Tucson its home and punk music kingdom. Its high-energy performances are fueled by a creative blend of punk, garage rock and alternative influences. This fearless band has made a mark on Tucson’s music scene with its raw, energetic sound; loyal following; and standout reputation in the city’s vibrant punk music scene.
Reader Recommended
Mudpuppy
facebook.com/mudpuppyaz
Closet Goth
facebook.com/closetgothisgood
Best Jazz Band
Connie Brannock’s
Little House of Funk
conniebrannockband.com
facebook.com/LittleHouseOfFunk
Connie Brannock is a Tucson music staple with her smooth vocals, diverse genre range and blissful lyrics. Combined with the talents of her Little House of Funk, the band reigns supreme as the city’s favorite jazz group. Its ability to seamlessly blend jazz, funk and soul genres proves its infectious groove and makes any performance an unforgettable music experience.
Reader Recommended
Crystal Stark
instagram.com/crystalstarkmusic
crystalstarkmusic.com
Arthur Vint & Associates
instagram.com/arthurvint
arthurvint.com
Best Rock Band
Birds and Arrows
instagram.com/birdsandarrows
birdsandarrows.com
Andrea and Pete Connolly are the geniuses behind Birds and Arrows, the undisputed rock royalty this side of Arizona. Starting their career in the folk scene, the pair traveled from North Carolina to Tucson and found their rockin’ chamber sound in the vast and open desert. Songs like “Stay Down” are raw and passionate, inspiring listeners to white-knuckle the steering wheel and floor it on the road of life. With the success of their recent album, “Electric Bones” (2022), Birds and Arrows continues to show musical prowess in their authentic rock and roll.
Reader Recommended
The Dirt
facebook.com/TheDirtHairband
Drop D
facebook.com/dropdaz
Best Folk Band
The Tucsonics
facebook.com/tucsonics
The Tucsonics is an iconic music group that features the swing style of Tucson and Western folk. The band refreshes old tunes from the 1930s to 1950s, combining its efforts on guitars, violin, bass and drums to resonate with audiences of all ages. The Tucsonics are an example of the thriving desert spirit of the West Coast; their commitment to preserving and evolving the folk tradition sets them apart as trailblazers in the local scene.
Reader Recommended
Leila Lopez
facebook.com/leilalopezsongs
leilalopezsongs.com
Ryanhood
instagram.com/ryanhoodmusic
ryanhood.com
Best Hip-Hop Act
Marley B
instagram.com/uglyassmarley
Emerging on the scene with mixtapes in 2012, Marley B quickly landed in the top tier of Tucson hip-hop. Under the renowned talent of Murs, Marley Bertrand, aka Marley B, released his first album in 2014, going on to produce the successful “Grow” and “Time Again” albums of his solo career. The artist spits high-energy stories over slick lo-fi and chill instrumental beats, transforming his poetry into a stage-worthy masterpiece. With a wide range of performances and recognition under his belt, Marley B is a standout act and an artist to watch this year.
Reader Recommended
Cash Lansky
instagram.com/southwestlansky
Black Diamond BDMG
facebook.com/CIABDArizona
Best Country Act
Hank Topless
hanktoplessmusic.com
instagram.com/hank.topless
Hank Topless is a Western music powerhouse with his distinct honkytonk/country blues sound and spirit. His songs capture the raw and unpredictable nature of life, covering all the good and bad that comes with it. In his five albums, Hank shows a knack for storytelling as he navigates dark, humorous and downright weird tales with soulful vocals and Western twang. The artist has shared the stage with some of Tucson’s most iconic entertainers, and whether with others or flying solo, Hank Topless promises an unforgettable show.
Reader Recommended
Backroads
facebook.com/BackRoadsTucson
Mamma Coal’s Band
instagram.com/mammacoal
mammacoal.com
Best Reggae Act
Neon Prophet
facebook.com/NeproMusic
With an organic blend of harmonious melodies and dancehall beats, Neon Prophet has entranced audiences in its reggae revolution. The group frequents the Chicago Bar’s stage with a set that remains both relevant and rooted in the genre’s traditions. Playing reggae for more than 30 years, Neon Prophet has won multiple Tammie awards and the heart of the community, solidifying their claim in Tucson music history.
Reader Recommended
ZeeCeeKeely
instagram.com/zeeceekeelyofficial
zeeceekeely.com
DJ Jahmar
instagram.com/djjahmarintl
facebook.com/JahmarInternational
Best R&B Band
Connie Brannock’s
Little House of Funk
conniebrannockband.com
facebook.com/LittleHouseOfFunk
Connie Brannock and her Little House of Funk once again prove an ability to insert soul into the desert community. Along with its jazz accolades, the group is the R&B voice of Tucson with Brannock’s smooth vocals over the band’s passion-dripped groove. Connie Brannock and the Little House of Funk will continue to spread their award-winning love for music in Tucson for some time to come.
Reader Recommended
Miss Olivia and the Interlopers
instagram.com/missoliviaandtheinterlopers
missoliviaandtheinterlopers.com
Funky Bonz
instagram.com/funkybonz
facebook.com/FunkyBonz
Best Gay Bar
IBT’s
616 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-3053, ibtstucson.com
This establishment asserts its best gay bar title by creating an inclusive and welcoming community like no other. IBT’s mixes a modernized bar food menu with a range of cocktails and drinks as colorful as the rainbow. Guests can expect top-tier entertainment, including captivating drag shows and themed nights, with safety and inclusivity at their heart. Check out IBT’s for an unforgettable night out with Tucson’s LGBTQ+ community.
Reader Recommended
Surly Wench Pub
424 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-0009, surlywenchpub.com
Brodies Dark Horse Tavern
2449 N. Stone Avenue
520-623-3970
brodiesdarkhorsetavern.godaddysites.com
Best Nightclub
Club Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
The history-steeped Club Congress has made a contemporary name for itself with world-class acts and immersive nightlife. This Tucson gem provides the ultimate night out with its hard-working staff, creative bar menu, and weekly lineup of diverse music talent. Explore the venue’s offerings, from its nightclub to The Century Room, a borderlands jazz club and mezcal lounge. Coupled with its electrifying energy, Club Congress continues to stand out as a top choice in the heart of the city.
Reader Recommended
IBT’s
616 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-3053, ibtstucson.com
Playground Bar and Lounge
278 E. Congress Street
520-396-3691, playgroundtucson.com
Best Casino
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Road
1-855-765-7829, casinodelsol.com
Both on and off its grounds, this casino prides itself on being a memory maker. Casino Del Sol is an entertainment paradise, with over 1,300 slot machines and live gambling, a renowned event center and luxury experiences galore. The casino is proudly rooted in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tucson community, providing millions of dollars to charitable organizations across Southern Arizona. Casino Del Sol’s unwavering commitment to supporting people and fun has allowed it to rise above the rest, creating a future where the sun never sets.
Reader Recommended
Desert Diamond Casino
7350 S. Nogales Highway
1-866-332-9467, ddcaz.com
Best Venue for Live Music
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress Street
520-740-1000, rialtotheatre.com
The Rialto Theatre celebrated its centennial in 2020, committing to its long history as a leader of the city’s entertainment industry. With the help of its loyal fans and the Rialto Theatre Foundation, the theater has earned worldwide recognition as a top 100 major club venue, consistently ranking among the top 55 venues for ticket sales. The Rialto Theatre now hosts over 200 events annually, featuring a diverse array of entertainment that furthers its unwavering legacy.
Reader Recommended
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W. Congress Street
520-547-3040, foxtucson.com
Club Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
Best College Bar
Frog & Firkin
874 E. University Boulevard
520-623-7507, frogandfirkin.com
Frog & Firkin has beaten tough competition as Tucson’s college bar, and for good reason. What sets the bar apart is its remarkable ability to host a lively atmosphere, excellent beer selection and British-inspired pub fare. Among the bars near the UA, Frog & Firkin shines as a true gem, offering a festive environment that complements its impressive Firkin menu.
Reader Recommended
Gentle Ben’s Brewing
865 E. University Boulevard
520-624-4177, gentlebens.com
The Hut
305 N. Fourth Avenue
520-623-3200, facebook.com/TheHutTucson
Best Neighborhood Bar
The Shelter
4155 E. Grant Road
520-326-1345
facebook.com/TheShelterCocktailLounge
The Shelter is as much a dive as it is a 1961 time capsule. The bar plays on Cold War culture, embodying a fallout shelter with vintage decorations, vibrant neon signs, pinball machines and JFK memorabilia. The Shelter’s alcohol menu is eclectic like its atmosphere with an extensive martini selection of 13 creative concoctions. Patrons can enjoy cheap and potent drinks while soaking in the vibes of this retro-themed establishment.
Reader Recommended
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Avenue
520-623-2088, tinyurl.com/ches-lounge
Sky Bar
536 N. 4th Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
Best Comedian
Priscilla Fernandez
instagram.com/priscillacomedy
ladyhahacomedy.com
Growing up as the daughter of a Jewish preacher, Priscilla Fernandez brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to Tucson’s comedy scene. Her popular sets range from stand-up and improv to character performances. Fernandez is also Lady Haha Comedy Open Mic, Tucson’s first female- and queer-centered comedy night. Renowned for her hosting and roasting skills, this comedian is a highlight of inclusive humor for the region.
Reader Recommended
Matt Beaudry
instagram.com/bigdaddiescomedy
Allana Erickson-Lopez
facebook.com/allana.erickson
Best Happy Hour
Trident Grill & Pizza Pub
Multiple locations
520-795-5755, tridentgrill.com
Trident’s weekly happy hour not only offers $1 on craft beers, wine and well cocktails but a wide selection of bar bites that keep on giving. Dive into a plate of tacos, sliders and other bar classics, as well as an “Any Slice & Any Pint” $10 deal from the pizza menu. Founded by retired U.S. Navy SEAL Nelson Miller, Trident Grill also carries the spirit of patriotism and service at its core.
Reader Recommended
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Union Public House
4340 N. Campbell Avenue
520-329-8575, uniontucson.com
Best Place to Sing Karaoke
Bumsted’s
1003 N. Stone Avenue
520-323-1010, bumstedsaz.com
This karaoke destination recently opened bigger and better for music lovers of Tucson. On a nightly basis, Bumstead’s will pair ’80s nostalgia with custom lighting and acoustics to unleash every patron’s inner star. Add a vast menu of exceptional food and Bumsted’s promises to satisfy all of the talented — and well, practicing — singers in the city.
Reader Recommended
Shooters Saloon
3115 E. Prince Road
520-322-0779, shooterstucson.com
Silver Room
673 S. Plumer Avenue
520-849-5115, tinyurl.com/silver-room-tucson
Best Pool Hall
Pockets Pool & Pub
1062 S. Wilmot Road
520-571-9421, pocketstucson.com
With a valley of tables as far as the eye can see, Pockets is the perfect place to hit stripes and solids on the green. This pool bar and pub hosts 10 regulation-size pocket tables with weekly league meetups and tournaments every Sunday night. Along with daily game specials, enjoy fun discount nights on refreshments and affordable gear at its in-house pro shop.
Reader Recommended
Red Garter Saloon
3143 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-0483, redgartertucson.com
Clicks Billiards
3325 N. First Avenue
520-887-7312, clicks.com
Best Comedy Night
Laff’s Comedy Caffé
2900 E. Broadway, laffstucson.com
Coming out of the pandemic, the Tucson comedy scene exploded. At the same time, an avalanche of touring comics was selling out tickets at elevated prices so they, and the venues, could make up lost income. New to the scene, in droves, are all the folks who blogged, podcast or YouTube’d virally under lockdown. Meanwhile, Laff’s Comedy Caffe abides. Family run, now in its second generation, Laff’s hums with savvy. From the moment you walk in the door, you are in the realm of things you can count on: The price is right, the comedy is always hilarious, the bartender is like your best friend, the food is delicious, and the menu is filled with wishes you know and love. Pro tip: Laff’s is also the best date night in town.
Reader Recommended
Unscrewed Theater
4500 E. Speedway Boulevard
unscrewedtheater.org
Tucson Improv Movement
414 E. Ninth Street
tucsonimprov.com
Best Sports Bar
Trident Grill & Pizza Pub
Multiple locations
520-795-5755, tridentgrill.com
Trident Grill & Pizza Pub is the ultimate hub for all your favorite sports, especially for Redskins or Browns fans. The pub features professional and college sports on their lot of HD flat-screens and DirecTV access throughout their locations. Follow any league or team with Trident’s access to all major sports packages, beer and bar food in hand.
Reader Recommended
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Putney’s Pitstop Sports Bar and Grill
6090 N. Oracle Road
520-575-1767, putneyspitstop.com
Best DJ
DJ Herm
instagram.com/djherm
DJ Herm has jockeyed for two decades and holds a wealth of experience too big to burn on a disc. From weddings to sporting events, he’s showcased unparalleled skill and creativity in mixing music. DJ Herm’s unique transitions and multigenre style have left many partygoers glued to the dance floor all night long. His top-notch performances have solidified his status as one of the city’s most popular and sought-after mixers. At the end of the day, no one can spin it like DJ Herm.
Reader Recommended
Big Brother Beats
instagram.com/bigbrotherbeats
tinyurl.com/bigbrotherbeats-memorial
Mijito
instagram.com/_mijito_
Best Drag Queen
Tempest DuJour
instagram.com/tempestdujour
As a trailblazer and pop-culture icon, Tempest DuJour has enhanced the drag scene in Tucson. Her appearance on season seven of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” catapulted her to stardom, and Tempest continues to deliver her beloved persona by hosting retro game show nights, headlining events like Honeybaked Glam and performing on well-acclaimed stages. The queen balances her drag appearances with teaching costume design at the UA as professor Patrick Holt. Her talent, community engagement and dedication make her the ultimate Tucson drag queen.
Reader Recommended
Lucinda Holliday
tinyurl.com/Lucinda-Holliday
Diva
instagram.com/diva_az
Best Liquor Store
Plaza Liquors
2642 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-0452, plazatucson.com
This family-owned and -operated store has been selling great liquor and even better service since 1978. Plaza Liquors is the neighborhood store of choice with its array of hard alcohol, wine and an impressive collection of over 500 beers. What sets Plaza Liquors apart is its dedicated and knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to assist and guide customers to make the perfect selection. With an extensive range of Arizona products to boot, Plaza Liquors serves a friendly community feel with every purchased libation.
Reader Recommended
RumRunner
3131 E. First Street
520-326-0121, rumrunnertucson.com
Tap & Bottle
Multiple locations
520-344-8999, thetapandbottle.com
Best Country Western Bar
The Maverick King of Clubs
6622 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-298-0430, tucsonmaverick.com
Saddle up for a night to remember at The Maverick King of Clubs, the heart of Tucson’s Wild West country music scene. This honkytonk oasis offers a daily calendar chock-full of events, weekly dance lessons and flowing whiskey in a vibrant refreshment menu.
Reader Recommended
Whiskey Roads
2290 W. Ina Road
520-219-0134, whiskeyroadstucson.com
Cowpony
6510 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-721-2781, cowponybar.com
Best Signature Cocktail
The Owls Club
236 S. Scott Avenue
520-207-5678, owlsclubwest.com
It’s only right that an aspirational Western bar carries a signature cocktail called “The Aspirational West.” This whiskey concoction offers a delightful twist on the Boulevardier, replacing the bitterness of Campari with the herbal notes of absinthe. Enjoy the drink in an elegant building from the 1920s, decorated with ornate stained glass and chandeliers. Along with The Aspirational West, The Owls Club houses an innovative menu for every cocktail connoisseur in Tucson.
Reader Recommended
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Road
520-797-1233, theparishtucson.com
Portal Cocktails
220 N. Fourth Avenue, portalcocktails.com
Best Burlesque
Surly Wench Pub
424 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-0009, surlywenchpub.com
Since 2006, Surly Wench has created a legacy of exceptional burlesque with both traveling troupes and original performances. It offers fresh and innovative shows with First Fridays Burlesque, bringing a new producer’s vision to the stage each month. Past shows include themes like the “Haunted!” spooky event with Retrolesque and “Nerdlesque: The Full Frontier!” With its rich, ever-changing cast of performers, Surly Wench Pub proves a dedication to the art of burlesque and ensures a unique and energetic experience with every show.
Reader Recommended
Libertine League
facebook.com/tucsonlibertineleague
tucsonlibertineleague.com
Don’t Blink Burlesque Troupe
instagram.com/dontblinkburlesque
dontblinkburlesque.com
Best Strip Club
Curves Cabaret
2130 N. Oracle Road
520-884-7210, curvescabaret.com
This strip club is a go-to for any size event, party or experience. Curves Cabaret hosts a group of stunning, friendly and lingerie-clad performers who serve refreshments during exotic strip shows on multiple stages. This professional establishment offers a fully stocked bar with top-shelf liquor, an exclusive VIP section for private dances, and a champagne room for special encounters. With exceptional performances and service, Curves Cabaret is the Tucson destination that will always leave you wanting more.
Reader Recommended
Ten’s Showclub
5120 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-8367, dejavu.com/tens-showclub-tucson
Raiders Reef
6475 E. Golf Links Road
520-745-8125, raidersreeftucson.com
Best Beer Selection
Tap & Bottle
Multiple locations
520-344-8999, thetapandbottle.com
This local bottle shop has been crowned craft brew royalty, offering unique experiences at every location. Take your pick of Tap & Bottle historic Downtown and Northwest Tucson stores, each with its own flare, exceptional bar selections and entertainment space with a variety of weekly events. Enjoy the Tap & Bottle Westbound location, too, housed in a shipping container and surrounded by a local business scene. All three locations boast curated bottle shops catering to all different preferences, making Tap & Bottle a go-to destination for Tucson residents and visitors alike.
Reader Recommended
Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N. Dodge Boulevard
520-908-7765, tucsonhopshop.com
Arizona Beer House
150 S. Kolb Road
520-207-8077, arizonabeerhouse.com
Best Brewery
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
As Arizona’s oldest brewery, Barrio has had nearly three decades to perfect the craft and make its mark across the entire state. The taproom, or “brewpub,” is just outside Downtown Tucson, offering a unique local spin on bar food in a quirky industrial atmosphere. In 2020, Barrio Brewing made the bold move to become Arizona’s first 100% employee-owned brewery, a nod to the dedicated staff that has helped grow the brewpub and solidify its legacy.
Reader Recommended
Dragoon Brewing Company
1859 W. Grant Road
520-329-3606, dragoonbrewing.com
Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
228 E. Sixth Street
520-444-5305, facebook.com/crookedtoothbrewing
Best Dive Bar
The Buffet Bar
538 E. Ninth Street
520-623-6811, buffetbartucson.com
Opened in 1934, this venue has the rare title of Tucson’s oldest bar and sells more Coors than any other in America. With drinks like the Sportsman, Trash Can and The Rainbow Shot, The Buffet Bar has a vast collection of innovative cocktails as well as craft brews and classic drafts. Join in for Ted Blaire’s Happy Minute, where every day at 6 p.m. it’s two drinks for the price of one, and at 11 p.m., it’s buy one, get one for $1.
Reader Recommended
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Avenue
520-623-2088, tinyurl.com/ches-lounge
The Shelter
4155 E. Grant Road
520-326-1345, facebook.com/TheShelterCocktailLounge
Best Locally Brewed Beer
(the specific beer)
Barrio Blonde (Barrio Brewing)
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
As the oldest, consistently brewed commercial beer in the state, the Tucson Blonde is, quite literally, an Arizona classic. Founder Dennis Arnold set out to create a drink that was light, crisp and refreshing, something that was smooth and easy to drink. According to its loyal fanbase, the Tucson Blonde is considered the perfect beer and a drink you can’t put down.
Reader Recommended
Dragoon IPA (Dragoon)
1859 W. Grant Road
520-329-3606, dragoonbrewing.com
Barrio Rojo (Barrio Brewing)
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Best Cocktail Menu
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
This cocktail bar is best known for its colorful drinks, solar-powered pizza partners and astronomy nights with patio telescopes. Sky Bar serves thoughtfully crafted drinks like the Golden Sunrise Mimosa, Cosmic Mule and the Starry Night. Enjoy a daily happy hour on beer, wine and taps, and for the brave, prepare for liftoff with $1 Cosmic Jell-O Shots and $3 Galactic Jungle Juice.
Reader Recommended
SideCar
139 S. Eastbourne Avenue
520-795-1819, barsidecar.com
Portal Cocktails
220 N. Fourth Avenue
portalcocktails.com
Best Bartender
Barb Trujillo - Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
facebook.com/barb.trujillo187
The barflies of Club Congress recognize Barb Trujillo as a force of nature with liquor and a beloved figure of the Tucson bar scene. Trujillo wins over customers with her engaging personality, in-depth knowledge of Tucson and remarkable ability to serve drinks with impressive speed. With over two decades of bartending, Trujillo is a go-to for her honest, straightforward manner and motherly attention to those who deserve it and, of course, for a quick and well-crafted drink.
Reader Recommended
Olivia Reardon – St. Charles Tavern
1632 S. Fourth Avenue
saintcharlestavern.com
facebook.com/reardonolivia
Kim Ireland -
Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge
2910 E. Fort Lowell Road, 520-795-3178
facebook.com/dannysloungetucson
(Now owns La Baguette Parisienne)
Best Place to Get a
Glass of Wine
Revel
416 E. Ninth Street
520-329-2123, reveltucson.com
Nestled in the heart of Downtown, this wine bar finds the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort. Revel curates its selection of wines from around the globe, inviting fermented fruit lovers on any refined journey, from intimate date nights and quality time with friends to solo unwindings. The bar also recognizes the impact of perfectly paired food and serves cheese and charcuterie as special as its wines. With a taste, a glass or a round, join Revel to savor life’s finer moments.
Reader Recommended
Arizona Wine Collective
4280 N. Campbell Avenue
520-329-8595, azwinecollective.com
Vivace
6440 N. Campbell Avenue
520-795-7221, vivacetucson.com
Best Bloody Mary
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
This Downtown establishment invites patrons to the Cup Cafe, which on weekends, transforms into a build-your-own bloody mary bar. Hotel Congress offers a fresh sense of autonomy with the ability to customize your drink, from alcohol choice and spiciness to classic and creative garnishes. Its homemade bloody mix features Mexican chili, Tucson-made green poblano sauce and Tabasco, which guarantees a bold and spicy flavor that sets its drinks apart. With long waits for weekend brunch, enjoy this delightful bloody mary experience and completely forget about your spot in line.
Reader Recommended
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Avenue
520-623-2088, tinyurl.com/ches-lounge
Baja Cafe
Multiple locations
520-495-4772, bajacafetucson.com
Best Bar Menu
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Road
520-323-7739, kingfishertucson.com
With new ownership at the wheel, Kingfisher takes guests on an unforgettable road trip of taste. The award-winning seafood restaurant serves up cuisines from all corners of the country, ranging from warm lobster rolls and sea bass tostadas to a bar of vibrant ocean treats. As for its drinks menu, the world is your oyster. Choose from a never-ending list of fine wines, local and foreign beers, and classic Kingfisher cocktails. Don’t forget the chilled seafood bar and iconic entrée selection during happy hour.
Reader Recommended
Red Garter
3143 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-0483, redgartertucson.com
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com