Desert Views and Killer Cocktails Mix in Tucson, Arizona

Sun-soaked, high-desert Tucson, surrounded by Southern Arizona’s mountains, beckons more than 6 million annual visitors with outdoor recreation, world-class observatories and more than 4,000 years of cultural amalgamation. 

The mixture of influences in the city has led to its “third culture cuisine,” an intersection of the Indigenous Tohono O’odham and the Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and African diasporas. These complex flavors have helped elevate Tucson to a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, but its culinary prowess doesn’t stop on the plate. Drinks showcase this heritage, too, making it an outstanding destination for bars. 

There are cocktail dens for every desire, cozy breweries in industrial shells and patios that satisfy the sun-seekers and shade-lovers. Try cocktails mixed with agave, prickly pear and chiltepin chiles. Or belly up to just about any counter to hear passionate opinions on what makes “real neighborhood bar” (St. Charles Tavern is a local favorite). And be sure to have a shot chased with fresh watermelon juice—a regional rite of passage (Che’s Lounge’s the place for this.) 

Tucson’s industry experts picked the heralded spots that check all the boxes, but dial in your priorities before you head out; it’s easy to lose hours in the desert city’s tranquil allure. 

Best Cocktail Bars

Bar Crisol

Downtown–Barrio Viejo   

Coffeehouse by day and a mezcal-focused bar by night, Bar Crisol has the experts gushing. The 1885 adobe home is classic Tucson, with an interior courtyard and curiously homey, vintage touches like maps, typewriters and low-slung couches. 

“Everything about Crisol just feels right,” says John Martinez, the James Beard-nominated chef and owner of Tito and Pep. “The building itself, the ways the rooms are appointed, the vibe is dialed in.” 

Besotted pros also hail the owners’ knowledge, deep connections to agave producers and mouth-watering list of drinks. “Each [cocktail] is unique, balanced and incredibly delicious,” says Sarah Fox, wine professional and general manager of La Esquina. “I love it because I always leave inspired.” 

Barbata

Downtown

Like Bar Crisol, experts highlight Barbata’s use of native ingredients in their rotating cocktail list, which also includes playful experiments like the Dagroni Sour, a daiquiri that combines flavors of a Negroni and classic sour. 

Barbata’s decor is intentionally sparse, dominated by the clean lines and blonde maple and oak floors for a European wine den feel. Spanish and Italian-influenced small plates complement the mood. 

“It is one of my favorite places to bring out-of-town friends,” says Rebecca Safford, co-owner of Tap and Bottle. “You feel like you are stepping into a speakeasy, entering from a dimly lit side street. On my last visit, my girlfriends enjoyed cocktails and I was psyched to see the orange wine selection.” 

Best Restaurant Bar

Coronet and Nightjar

Downtown–Barrio Viejo 

The competition is fierce in this foodie town, but industry insiders are won over by this 1860 compound. Options include the dark wood and brass bar in the Coronet restaurant, the neighboring shotgun-style bar at Nightjar or the white-walled courtyard oasis filled with trees, flowers and herbs. “Every detail makes you feel both decadent and earth-bound and grounded,” says Amy Smith, seasoned barista and co-owner of Exo Roast Co. 

Fox echoes the sentiment, craving the Oaxacan white molé with butter-basted locally grown oyster mushrooms, the curated wine list and sunset in the courtyard.