As the sweet young thing opens the large glass door for you, you know immediately that NoRTH is different, offering subdued lighting, a cool color scheme, brick, wood and leather (OK, maybe leatherette). The black-clad servers are smiling and at the ready. The music is hip. The patio window is really part of the bar. NoRTH, being a member of the Fox Restaurant Concepts family, has a great wine list, but there are also clever cocktails. Opt for the succo di bacca, with 10 Cane rum, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, fennel syrup and a kiss of Moscato d'Asti. The crowd is a happening mix of boomers, X'ers and the in-betweens, so nobody should ever feel out of place.
Runners up:
2. TIE
Kingfisher Bar and Grill
2564 E. Grant Road
323-7739; www.kingfishertucson.com
Sullivan's Steak House
1875 E. River Road
299-4275; website
