Are you looking to discover the best bars in Tucson?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of all the bars in Tucson. (More in-depth further below). And, each with why it’s best to go.
Feel free to check out each bar’s official profile to find out more and to find out which is best for you.
We’ve also created separate shortlists for each genre you might like to visit on your time out.
So check out these articles as well:
Furthermore, you can get on the guest list or book a table with bottle service on some of the more exclusive bars. We are happy to help you out with either.
11. The Owl’s Club Bar Tucson
Located in a 1920s building, The Owls Club is a Western bar with an envious amount of whiskey options, a wine list, a humble beer list, and a few cocktail options. It’s expensive and cozy and perfect for a date night. It is located in the former Brings Funeral Home but has now been transformed into a sophisticated and elegant space. There’s dark wood furniture, low lighting from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and windows decorated with stained glass. This sets a certain kind of mood that you would look forward to.
You can sit on the patio by the fireplace and grab one of the cocktails for yourself. You will find cocktails on the menu are ‘Tin Lizzy’ – which features gin, ruby port, genepy, honey, and seltzer and is bubbly and sweet. Another option is ‘Burro Brava,’ which mixes Blanco tequila, mezcal, ginger, lime, mint, absinthe, and seltzer. It looks good and tastes even better. The cocktails are $9 a glass. Their signature whiskey is ‘Aspirational West’ and is sweet with herbal absinthe; you better try it. Happy hours are from 5 to 7 pm every day that they’re open.
Drop by anytime between 5 pm to 12 am from Tuesday to Sunday with your friends, family, or loved ones. The bar is rustic with lots of wooden accents all around you. There is even a grand piano sitting in one part of the bar. The place reflects the lifestyle of the Tucson bachelors in the 1900s as they held lavish parties.
10. Ermanos craft beer & wine bar Tucson
Erman’s is a place that has transformed craft beer and food with its touch to it. Located in a 1926 structure, the texture and materials added to the pre-existing building have added character to the whole space. There are wooden beam ceilings with lights hanging from above. In the middle of the roof, we have a glass opening that brings natural light to the space. It’s a wonderful mix of mystery and freshness. The place has been repurposed but still holds its historic essence with a bit of swagger.
You can take a seat at the bar, a high stool table, or one of the tables that run along the length of the bar. There’s a testing room and outdoor dining as well. Their wine and beer tap list keeps updating, so you will get to sip something from every part of the world. They have modern classics, quickies, and cocktails on the menu. The ‘Portal Daiquiri’ has pineapple rum, spiced pear liqueur, lime, and demerara, which has the pear’s sweetness, pineapple, and spice. It retails at $14. They have quirky names for each drink, like ‘Hairtoss.’ ‘Hypnotizer’ and ‘Cereal Killer.’
The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, mains with sides, and dessert. You could go with a classic buttermilk chicken or the barramundi if it’s some seafood food you’re in the mood for. You can also grab white, red, or rose wine with your food. Their spirits list is intensive, with rum, scotch, agave, whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy. Comfortable meeting spots have become a necessity, according to the owners, and this place is the one you should be at!
9. Sidecar Bar Tucson
A fresh and bright neighborhood bar, Sidecar is where everyone knows you and maybe your drink too! It’s the perfect place for a solo night out, a date, a meeting, or get together. Bring whoever you want with you or just be by yourself. The bartender will welcome you with smiles. Grab a seat at the bar or one of the plush seats at a table by the window. A whole wall is made of leather patches that represent a brick wall. The deep dark tones go well with the lime green sofas. On one side runs the bar with its marble top and bottles displayed behind it. The owner can tell you the story behind each bottle, from the farm to the bottle.
Imagine a drink called Iced Chicken Soup. Yes, it exists here at Sidecar. There’s Canadian whiskey, ‘bouilla,’ which is chicken broth, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and egg white. It’s shaken well and served in a long glass. You have ‘Broyled Chicken’! Drink it cold and be surprised. The bartenders will pretty much mix up anything for you. If you’re a whiskey person, then get that. Their list is full of classic drinks with a contemporary flair to them. Sit on the bar, listen to jazz, and maybe try out ‘Some dark some stormy,’ ‘Cosmonaut,’ or ‘Rye Hanky Panky.’
They have about five servers in total. So everything seems familiar around here. The place gets jam-packed on weekends, with everyone standing all around. Only about 70 people can fill up the space in total. If you have a bigger party, then definitely get a reservation beforehand. Your experience will be fulfilling, and you will leave the place after gaining knowledge about your drink.
8. Kon tiki restaurant & lounge Bar Tucson
Named one of the best bars in America, Kon Tiki has been serving drinks and food since 1963. The place survived the downfall of tiki bars and stands firm to date. It spreads the spirit of aloha and is a kind place. It has the most extensive collection of Milan Guanko carved tikis and assorted island curios. There are lots of tiki cocktails and comfort food you can try out. It is located on a busy street and has malls and office buildings all around it.
There is a tiny mosaic pond by a garden by the front. You can walk over it by a small bridge and go inside the bar. The place is dark and mysterious, and most of its decor is still original from when it was built. There are bamboo dividers along each table, so you feel more at ease. There is lots of bamboo and no windows inside the place. On the back is what used to be an aviary which is now converted into a back patio. Lights illuminate the space from every side and set a great mood.
The crowd is mostly college students who pack up the place most evenings. However, it gets pretty crazy when that happens. Better to visit in less rushy hours to soak in the decor and enjoy the music more. They serve pupus, which are appetizers, and some Polynesian-inspired dishes as well, like barbeque ribs. There’s also fish and crab. Lobster and shrimps are available, fresh from the sea. If you fancy tacos, then drop by on Taco Tuesdays.
There are cocktails with vodka, gin, and whiskey bases. The mixed drinks include the ‘Devil’s Triangle,’ their take on a Bermuda triangle. Their rum mixes have a lot of options. A must-try is the ‘Kon Tiki Mai Tai’ inspired by the outlying islands.
7. Red garter bar and grill Tucson
The place understands the affection for Italian cuisine, serves meat, food, drinks, and burgers, and serves it just as you would like. Red Garter has a fantastic and friendly staff ready to help you with a smile. They will give you a good description of each menu item, making your choice easier. The place has a cozy atmosphere and makes you feel at ease while you’re here. The place has been up and running for over 50 years. The place has a vast horse mural outside; you can’t miss it when driving by.
Many TVs are put up all over the place, and game nights are a big hit here. There are non-smoking and smoking area pool tables available at $0.75 a game. Give it a shot while you’re here with friends. There are 15 ice cold beers on tap and a few bottled options. Their burgers and steak are a big hit amongst locals and tourists alike. The steak is seared to perfection on the outside and is tender on the inside.
A smoking lounge, eight pool tables, poker nights, and a jukebox will teleport you to the 70s with its music. It is open every day from 11 am to 2 am. You will always find the place fun, entertaining, and overall a good spirit. That is why it attracts so many customers every evening.
6. Cattletown steakhouse bar Tucson
Cattletown Steakhouse and Saloon is an old Western steakhouse in Tucson. It is a very comfortable and cozy spot to visit with friends and family. The atmosphere is easygoing, the food is tasty, and the service is always on point. Locals, critics, and tourists all say so! It is located on Drexel road and is an authentic Western bar open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. Drop by anytime for a fantastic woodfire steak with a chilled beer bottle.
The place has been open for 40-plus years, so it has a lot of experience in its field. They use fresh ingredients straight from the farmers. The menu is creative and has a wide variety of seafood like ‘The Captains Bake,’ which is baked cod baked in seasoned lemon butter, or ‘Triple Lobster,’ which has lobster tails. The seafood is fresh every day, and the taste is unbeatable. ‘The Gunslingers Porterhouse’ is the best part of a short rib, and after being grilled over a wood fire, there’s a pleasant smoky taste. Also, keep an eye out for daily and summertime specials like batter-fried cod or a pork sandwich. Some Fridays are all you can eat but the cod version for $12.99 only!
The staff is friendly and will elaborate on the menu items for you. They’re also professional and will make your night a memorable one indeed. Their prices are very reasonable, and the food is worth it!
5. Sky bar Tucson
The bar is solar-powered during the daytime and an astronomy bar by night. The place is inspired by the Southwestern sun and nighttime starry sky. The place is fun and also educational. Those under 21 can drop by before 4 pm without supervision; afterward, they would need someone older to be with them. You can study or work here during the daytime, and in the evenings you can have a good conversation with a cocktail in one hand. The place focuses on giving back to the community and those in need. They have helped out a lot of NGOs, shelters, schools, churches, and other foundations that aim to help others.
You might want to grab one of the telescopes on the patio and look at the beauty the universe has to offer you today. They even have astronomers available on the spot to help you navigate your way through the constellations. The place also hosts events like team trivia, skyrocket, karaoke, the Jessica Micheal’s show, open mic, throwback Thursday with a Dj, and local artist performances every Friday and Saturday.
Their cocktail menu has drinks with some fun, astronomy-inspired names. These include ‘Golden Sunrise Mimosa,’ ‘Lunar Lemonade,’ ‘Cosmic Mule,’ and ‘Starry Night.’ The ‘Golden Sunrise Mimosa’ features house vodka, peach schnapps, grapefruit juice, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, topped with champagne. Happy hour is every day from 4 to 7 pm. They also offer wine, beers, and virgin cocktails. Their cosmic jello shots and galactic jungle juice are famous, so you must try them out.
You can order pizza from next door, the Brooklyn Pizza Company; they also have calzones, pastries, and bagels. You can grab a latte, cappuccino, americano, or espresso while you work.
4. Highwire Lounge Bar Tucson
Highwire Lounge is a cocktail bar in the heart of Tucson. They specialize in molecular mixology, and every drink is served in such a picturesque and unique way that you think twice before ruining its beauty. They do pearl shots which are vodka shots served in spoons. These come in unusual flavors like pop rock and even candy flavors! The place is now available to be booked for parties, receptions, yoga classes, and some fun entertainment, however, you would like!
The drinks menu has some yummy mimosas like ‘Molecular Mimosa,’ which you can get in strawberry, mango, or peach flavor; there’s also the ‘Glitter Bomb Mimosa,’ which has some cotton candy in it! Get a mimosa tower if you’re a bigger group. Cocktails include ‘Hibiscus Cooler,’ ‘Cucumber Smash, and ‘Sweet Thai Chili Mary.’ The latter is a concoction of Drakes organic vodka and Highwire Thai chili bloody mic with Thai basil and poached shrimp garnish. A delicacy that your palette will savor. Their signature dishes include ‘Pearl Shots,’ ‘The Contortionist,’ ‘PB and Jealous,’ ‘Center Stage,’ and ‘Waffles and Coffee.’ If pinnacle whipped vodka, lime juice, white grape juice, pop rocks, and cotton candy sound amazing, then get ‘The Contortionist.’ Otherwise, try out what sounds appealing to you but try out their pearl shots. They’re tried and tested! There are three wells for the bartenders to prepare their drinks! A dream for them.
The brunch menu has some yummy pancakes, eggs, and frittatas. Salads, shareable, sandwiches, and mains are on the menu if you fancy those. There’s an indoor Dj and outdoor live music simultaneously. Events include Disney-themed karaoke, muscles and mimosas, bingo night, and summer luau brunch! You can be a part of it if you choose to. The space itself has a big glass window front which lets in daylight and a view of the street.
3. Portal Cocktails Bar Tucson
The place in itself is an experience, and it aims to create an inspiring experience for the patrons of craft beer and drink lovers. The place is classy, chic, and has a super luxurious feel. Lines are running along the whole space, which directs your eyes to the inside of the room. A glass kaleidoscope stands at the end, reflecting the entire space. The name itself inspires interior design. The place is like a cavern that feels like a portal into another world. The place is described as ‘somewhere where you can find intimate connections to others. Tell us that does not sound inviting!
The lighting is indirect and creates this subtle glow which gives a sexy mood to the place. The colors change sometimes, and so does the aura of the space. The wooden and concrete furniture is also in dark tones, so everything goes together perfectly here. There are very few seats at the bar itself; other tables are scattered around the space with some plus sofas. There’s a whole bookshelf-like library of all the spirits offered here. The corridor directs the customers towards the bar. The seating is 30 to 40 people at max. So it is very exclusive.
The place is open Sunday to Thursday from 4 pm to 12 am and Friday and Saturday till 1 am. They offer quickies like ‘Penasco’ or nightcaps like the ‘Espresso Martini.’ Other than that, there are modern classics like ‘Pornstar Martini,’ ‘Portal Cosmopolitan,’ and ‘Saturn.’ The ‘Saturn’ features gin, passionfruit, falernum, lemon, and orgeat. Just don’t have too many of these; you might see stars. Their original drinks include the ‘Portal Daiquiri,’ ‘Hairtoss,” Kiss the Ring,’ and ‘Goldmember.’ The latter mixes bison grass vodka, rye whiskey, ginger liqueur, and bitters. You must let your taste buds have a treat! There is also a long list of spirits like agave, gin, vodka, rum, cognac, and whiskey.
2. Red Light Lounge at The Downtown Clifton Tucson
The Red Light Lounge is the perfect date night spot for a romantic evening. Come here before the sun sets and grab a drink to watch while enjoying the view of Armory Park. It sits inside the hotel but is open for everyone whether or not you’re staying there. There is sitting indoors and outdoors as well. The ceiling is wooden with black leather stools sitting on the concrete floor. The patio also has seating and a courtyard-like feel.
The place features local and regional beer, spirits, and wines to go with Tucson cuisine, which is fantastic! Their artisanal fry bread is a big hit amongst all of the customers. There’s the ‘Elote fry bread’ and ‘Chorizo fry bread.’ The former retails at $10 and has ingredients like corn, chipotle crema, cilantro lime aioli, queso asadero, queso fresco, cilantro, and spicy greens. The latter has chorizo, tangy hibiscus pickled onion, and a sunny egg. The bread holds the toppings together really well. Other food options include quesadillas, caesar salad or wrap, cauliflower tacos, riblets, and flautas.
Their house cocktails are named ‘Bunkhouse Martini,’ ‘Smoking on the Beach,’ ‘Summerhaven,’ and ‘Night Cap.’ for a fruity taste, try the ‘Smoking on the Beach,’ and you will taste tequila, smoked pineapple, Campari, orgeat, rum. The ‘Night Cap’ has mezcal and cacao bourbon in it. So get that if you want a more potent drink. Their prices are better than those around the area retailing at $8 or 9 per cocktail. They also have some classic options along with margaritas. You can also get red or white wine with your food or beer that’s on tap or a bottled one.
1. Noble Hops Gastropub Tucson
Tucson’s original gastropub, Noble hops, offers craft beer, and the fine fare is a big hit here and the reason for its fame. The name was carefully selected. Hops are an integral part of beer, and Noble hops are old European hops that have a rich aroma and low bitterness. Their food menu is seasonal and delicious according to what is available at the farmers. Daily specials, salads, sups, burgers, entrees, and desserts exist.
The bar runs 30 ft long and is indoors as well as outdoors. The patio is occupied no matter what the weather is. Water coolers and firepits, and heather are also available for winters. The bar itself is mesquite and has seats by it along with indoor tables. There is also a dining room that is used for private events. Slate is used in the architectural elements around the place.
There are 28 beers on tap, some local ones, but there are also interesting Belgian ones and fruit beers. There are also kegs of house wines, and some fancy bottles are up for grabs. The happy hour is 4-6 pm daily. Margaritas and sangrias go for $5; house wine is $5 per glass, and a cocktail of the day is $7. The food menu includes an ahi poke bowl, crab cakes, pub nachos, bacon bleu fries, wings, steak sandwiches, lots of taco options, and burgers. There’s a yummy carrot cake for dessert too.
Conclusion
Tucson, Arizona, has an enjoyable and lively bar scene every night. The bars here don’t just focus on consuming alcohol. They’reThey’re places where friends, family, and loved ones come together to celebrate and connect. Forget the stress of your mundane work life here. There are a lot of different types of bars here. Some cocktail bars, some cool ones. Others are more exclusive and elegant, and some with great food. We hope that we have made the choice easier for you with this list.
