5 Favorite Watering Holes in Tucson

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It’s a Tucson tradition to hit your favorite watering hole, bar, pub, or tavern after a day at the gem shows. Whether you’re comparing purchases, planning new projects, or talking about the one that got away, this annual gathering of friends and colleagues demands commemoration with libations and good times. Tucson’s amazing weather means there are plenty of places with patios, too. Here are four of my favorite spots, plus, one I want to try. Visit their websites for up-to-date hours and information.

Above: Cocktail trio image courtesy of Hotel Congress.

Hotel Congress

311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

You can’t beat this historic hotel for meeting up. The award-winning Cup Cafe, two bars, a nightclub, and a music and events venue are all rolled into one in downtown Tucson. Each aspect of the Hotel Congress is imbued with the same classy but suitably legendary style that attracted John Dillinger and his gang back in the day.

One year I planned to meet an industry friend for a cocktail at the Hotel Congress patio before heading inside for an event. An unfamiliar person approached me and asked if I was there for “the shows.” I answered yes (Oops! Forgot to remove my badge!), and he launched into an explanation of why he’d come to town—his company builds hotels and was currently working on new construction in Hawaii. He was in Tucson to shop for the largest quartz crystal points he could find. He’d found some that he described as the size of a car that day, started negotiations, and expected to arrange shipping by sea the next day. I’m pretty sure my bourbon and ginger ale needed a refill while I listened to the rest of this gemtastic tale.

https://www.instagram.com/hotelcongress/
https://www.facebook.com/hotelcongress

Tucson Hop Shop

3230 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson AZ 85716

Tucson Hop Shop is tucked into the Metal Arts Village, which is a cool place to visit in and of itself. Situated between art, yoga, and tattoo studios, Tucson Hop Shop regularly hosts classes, tastings, live music, readings, and other events. They pride themselves on guiding people through “ongoing journey into the magical world of beer (and it’s grapier friend, wine).”

Beads of Courage founder Jean Gribbon introduced me to Tucson Hop Shop, where we have dwelled in possibility over craft brew pints and kombucha. Some of our envisioning sessions have led to outreach projects such as our Designing with the Stars fundraisers. It’s easy to dream big under the fairy lights and starry Tucson skies. Be sure to check out the Beads of Courage HQ next door, where you can shop for merch and handmade goods, and take in the Aspire Higher Beads of Courage tribute tower while you’re visiting the Metal Arts Village.

https://www.instagram.com/tucsonhopshop/
https://www.facebook.com/Tucsonhopshop

Union Public House

4340 North Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718

All my favorite whiskeys are bourbons—and there’s a huge selection at Union Public House. Located in St. Philip’s Plaza at the corner of River and Campbell, you’ll surely be in the neighborhood on your way to and from the shows. It’s worth stopping in for a bite and staying for drinks. You’ll find an impressive whiskey list here, along with creative food, craft beer and cocktails.

I once invited my Texan friends Laura and Patti Bullard of Wubbers tools fame to join me at Union Public House after a day of walking the shows. They both had a taste for diet Coke or sweet tea, I’m not sure which. We had a good laugh over the fact that the bar menu is gigantic and we weren’t taking advantage of it at all. We resolved to meet back there on a day when it was warm enough to enjoy the patio and plan-ahead for a Lyft. This could be the year!

https://www.instagram.com/uniontucson/
https://www.facebook.com/UnionTucson

Barrio Brewing

800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719

Arizona’s longest-operated brewery has been in operation for 30 years, and it’s employee-owned. Located on 16th street in an industrial area close to downtown, you can enjoy beers, cocktails, and food indoors or out. You can order $1-off “rail pints” when a train passes by outside, and there are always different beers and snacks to try.

One year my husband and pre-teen sons joined me in Tucson. We took them to Barrio Brewing on the way out of town to taste Sonoran hot dogs and try this famous, homegrown Arizona brewery’s beers fresh on tap. Rojo and Blonde did not disappoint! And it made us chuckle when one of our sons asked, “Why do you always bring us to these beer places?” Thank goodness for tabletop shuffleboard.

https://www.instagram.com/barriobrewing/
https://www.facebook.com/BarrioBrewing/

The Boxyard

238 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

The Boxyard is located on 4th Avenue, which is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, and well worth a visit when you’re in town. The Boxyard is made of 10 brightly colored shipping containers that house local food entrepreneurs and two full bars. You can enjoy the indoor/outdoor atmosphere as you eat and drink.

One of my favorite side trips in Tucson is visiting the huge variety of murals gracing the walls of the city. The Boxyard is home to one of Joe Pagac’s latest works, “Floaters.” The painting depicts shipping containers filled with cactus and a woman in a red dress levitating above the Sonoran Desert. If only the containers were overflowing with gemstones and beads . . .

https://www.instagram.com/theboxyardtucson/
https://www.facebook.com/BoxyardTucson/

Enjoy Tucson

There are so many ways to unwind after the gem shows. Enjoy these watering holes, hike nearby beauty such as Tanque Verde Falls, and take the mural walk. See you there!

Katie Hacker, Content Manager – Bead & Jewelry
Host of Jewelry Artist podcast