What do you need in a sports bar? Big TVs and something on, obviously, are the basics. But then there must be pastrami. There must be fries. There must be cold beer and servers to bring it all quickly. Famous Sam's has expanded from one dingy location to the edges of the known universe, because it furnishes these necessary things, dependably and with a dignified, endearing lack of fuss. You can eat there in your work clothes, your workout clothes or your uniform, and no matter what you're wearing, you'll eat well: Famous Sam's serves some of the best sandwiches and, very possibly, the best french fries (hand-cut, skin-on, smoking hot, perfectly salted) in Southern Arizona.
Runners up:
2. Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille, 2075 W. Grant Road, 623-3363, www.rustystucson.com
3. TIE
Fox and Hound Smokehouse and Tavern, 7625 N. La Cholla Blvd.575-1980, www.baileyspubandgrille.com
Sam Hughes Place Championship Dining, 446 N. Campbell Ave., No. 150, 747-5223, www.samhughesplace.us
