Tucson’s Best Nightlife

Best Neighborhood Pub [1]: The Shanty [1] is the best place in town to become a regular. Its large patio lined with greenery and choice of a 100 different beers invites a mixed crowd of locals.

Best Dive Bar [2]: The Buffet [2], the oldest bar in town still in its original location, is the epitome of the great American shot-and-beer dive. It has been welcoming hard-core drinkers since the 1930s.

Best Student Hangout [3]: Dirtbags [3] is a longtime favorite student bar, just a few steps from campus, that is famous for its candy-like shot concoctions.

Best Bar Decor [4]: The Kennedy pop- portraits, memorabilia of Cold War culture, and looping cult films make The Shelter [4] a fun hideaway.

Best Historic Watering Hole [5]: The Tap Room [5], a cramped little watering hole off the Hotel Congress lobby, has been serving drinks to thirsty desert travelers since 1919.

Best Margarita [6]: Fresh-squeezed lime juice, top-shelf tequila, and some ineffable skill make the refreshing margaritas at Bar Toma [6] the best in town.

Best Cocktail Menu [6]: Beat the heat with a tropical cocktail inside Kon Tiki [7]’s cool, dark interior. Sip away at something pink, blue, or frozen, or try the Polynesian-style cocktail served in a bowl bigger than your head.

Best Dance Club [8]: Salsa night at El Parador [8] starts every Friday at 10:45 p.m., featuring dance lessons for $5; then you can try out what you’ve learned in front of the powerful, brassy, fun-loving band Descarga.

Best Place to See Local and National Bands [9]: The intimate space at Club Congress [9] in the historic Hotel Congress packs in local music lovers with a constant stream of homegrown and national touring acts.

Best Local Microbrew [10]: Whether purchased on tap at this local brewery’s on-site bar or in six-pack form at the supermarket, the varied flavors of Tucson’s finest craft beer will have you coming back to Nimbus Brewing Company [10] for more.