Laid back, low lit, trendy and cozy are what attract people to this downtown Tucson intimate establishment. Of course, there’s an extensive and well-planned wine list, as well as a wide selection of European drafts. It may be small, but the atmosphere and selection make Unplugged a local favorite.
118 E Congress Street
(520) 884-1800
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 42 reviews
People don’t come to Tap & Bottle for the food, because they don’t serve any. (There is always a food truck or two out the front door though). The selection of beers is amazing. You can sample with a flight or an individual pour, fill a growler, or grab a six-pack to go. A great place to enjoy a laid-back, yet sophisticated approach to beer.
403 N 6th Avenue
(520) 448-2453
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 161 reviews
Batting cages, pool tables, darts, TVs always tuned to sports, plus beer and pub food; what else do you need in a sports bar? Play sports or watch sports at this low-key local favorite. The food is standard American fare, burgers, cheese steaks and fries, and like any respectable sports pub, they serve beer by the pitcher.
4880 E 22nd Street
(520) 745-8265
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 30 reviews
Sit on the outdoor patio for half-price whiskey Wednesday, drop in for happy hour after work or come in for the late night menu. The Union Public House is trendy and high tech, with an iPad wine list. Try their house special, Moscow Mule, or enjoy one of their boards (cheese, meat, combo) along with a Jameson neat.
4340 N Campbell Ave
(520) 329-8575
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 399 reviews
Located close to UofA, Pasco’s is a popular after work stop-off, known for their happy hour deals. The food gets high ratings and the restaurant bills itself as a farm-to-table outfit, sourcing food from local farms. The food may be from the country, but the décor is thoroughly modern.
820 E University Blvd
(520) 882-8013
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 294 reviews
Che’s has all the ingredients required for a good dive bar: strong drinks, live music and an eclectic surrounding. Add in the strong college presence and Che’s is one of the hottest spots in town on the weekend. Try the adult snow cones on a hot Tucson night.
350 N 4th Ave
(520) 623-2088
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 113 reviews
Step back in time at Scott & Co to a dark and intimate prohibition-style bar that takes it cocktails seriously. The low-key talented bartenders know their cordials and liqueurs. Their hand-crafted cocktails taste even better during a Flash Happy Hour, which can kick in at any time.
49 N Scott Ave
(520) 624-747
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 170 reviews
With one of the prettiest courtyards in Tucson, La Cocina offers a wide range of live music from bluegrass to eighties DJ music. Seating is outside (though there is an indoor bar). The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and being located in Old Tucson La Cocina’s vibe is definitely southwestern.
201 N Court Ave
(520) 622-0351
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 203 reviews
Reilly may be known for their pizza but they are also craft beer connoisseurs. With a beer garden where bartenders know their beers and a rustic downtown Tucson feel, this is a great place to play some corn-hole or watch sports on the big screen TV. Reilly’s has a great vibe for simply relaxing and having a few beers with friends.
101 E Pennington Street
(520) 882-5550
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 346 reviews
Located in Catalina Foothills, Acacia is a classic, low-lighting, wood-paneled bar with a spectacular view of the Tucson Valley. The bar has a full menu and an extensive beer list. Try a beer flight while listening to some low-key live music.
3001 E Skyline Drive
(520) 232-0101
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 101 reviews
An icon of Tucson and one of the oldest bars in the city, The Buffet attracts an eclectic crowd. The walls are covered with hand-written messages, some going back decades.
Stick around for Happy Minute, their take on Happy Hour, when drinks are just one dollar.
538 E 9th Street
(520) 623-6811
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 100 reviews
The Shelter (think Cold War bomb shelter) is a Tucson gem with a sixties/seventies vibe, complete with disco ball. The place may be small but the bartenders know their craft well, serving Bloody Mary’s with garlic and jalapeno vodka or and the unique key lime pie cocktail. Vintage TVs playing old movies and political memorabilia keep the eyes entertained.
The Shelter Cocktail Lounge
4155 E Grant Rd
(520) 326-1345
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 136 reviews
While the focus might be on craft cocktails and a comprehensive selection of whiskey, Dante’s has great food and is open until 2 a.m. The atmosphere is cozily warm and romantic. There is often live music, but not concert-style music, more like background music so you can actually talk to your date.
2526 E Grant Rd
(520) 428-1974
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 221 reviews
Tucson is eclectic and so is it’s bar scene. Any list should include a healthy option and a good juice bar is one. Urban fresh has created a refreshing menu of options for plant-based eaters or those who just have a hankering for something healthy. Try a smoothie, coffee, tea, or juice, all GMO-free and organic.
73 E Pennington Street
(520) 792-9355
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 59 reviews
Music, happy hour and a Friday night drag show! Brodie’s has become a top LGBT destination in Tucson. Brodie’s does serve food, but the drinks and entertainment are what draws the crowds, gay or straight.
2449 N Stone Avenue
(520) 622-0447
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 9 reviews
One of the newest players on busy 4th Avenue, Ermano’s has a well-curated selection of craft beer and wine and has received good press as the hottest new place in town. With a Main Bar, a quieter Tasting Room, and an out-of-the-way patio, Ermanos has created a unique space in downtown Tucson.
220 N 4th Avenue
(520) 445-6625
Yelp: 4.0 stars, 9 reviews
