Drinking in Tucson

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Tucson has an active "wine community" - with many retailers, restaurants and wine bars regularly offering scheduled wine tasting events. Cochise County, southeast of Tucson has many wineries, some of which welcome visitors.

• Kon Tiki, 4625 E Broadway Blvd, ☎ (520) 323-7193, www.kontiki-tucson.com. A Polynesian-themed bar with fruity, Cruzan-laden concoctions that's been in Tucson since 1963. Don't mind the snake behind the bar, the servers are nice and there is no cover. A reasonable place to drink, as $10 can get you feeling quite good. The Scorpion here is a must--but it is illegal to drink one by yourself, so be sure to arrange for a designated driver. Weekends can be very busy. $4.50-7.50.

• Barrio Food & Drink, 135 S. 6th Ave., Tel. (520) 629-0191. Popular, microbrewery near the train tracks that meander through downtown Tucson. One of the best bars in Tucson, with fully-stocked offerings, good food, and knowledgeable, friendly staff. The decor is quintessentially Southwestern, and is both casual and elegant.

• Bison Witches, 326 N. 4th Ave., Tel. (520) 740-1541. Located at the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic district, Bison Witches is a funky little bar and restaurant that serves amazing sandwiches, has a large selection of beer and has great margaritas. Bison Witches is always full but the wait for a table is never more then 15 minutes. At night, it can get crowded now that the back patio has been remodeled into an outdoor bar.

• The Surley Wench, 424 N 4th Ave. While a popular hangout for the local punk and lgbt crowd everyone is welcome. When bands are playing a $5 dollar cover is often charged. The Wench has two pool tables, an air hockey table and a lot of fun decor to peruse. They also often play B movies on a big screen over the entrance.

• Maloney's, 213 N 4th Ave. Large bar with pool tables, dance floor and multiple rooms. 2-for-1-drinks on Thursday nights, but beware, it can get packed on Thursday and Saturday nights with locals and college kids.

• Nimbus, 3850 E. 44th Street Suite 138, (520) 745-9175, nimbusbeer.qwestoffice.net. Popular microbrewery that serves quality food, with a monkey as its mascot.

• www.kontiki-tucson.com
• nimbusbeer.qwestoffice.net