Bison Witches Bar

326 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-740-1541

Description: DOWNTOWN. You're probably wondering where the name comes from. Well, if you run the phrase "buy sandwiches" together, it might sound a bit like "Bison Witches." OK, maybe that's not so creative, but the food at this neighborhood college hangout is. They serve sandwiches, soups, salads and beer ­ but what a selection. Soups and salads are served in big bread bowls, making them a complete meal in and of themselves. But the sandwiches truly are noteworthy, due to their variety, massive size and general tastiness. Try the Hawaiian chicken, brie and roast beef, or the Wildcat (roast beef, smoked turkey, smoked gouda, lettuce and spicy honey-mustard). If you're feeling homesick, there's grilled cheese or PB&J ­ now that's comfort food! The beverage list is impressive too ­ 8 domestics and imports on tap, plus more than 30 microbrews and over 20 imports in bottles. Great drink specials (this is a college bar, after all!).
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Boondocks

3306 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-690-0991

Description: NORTH TUCSON. You can't miss this place from the street ­ there's a giant Chianti bottle out front, left over from the building's former life as an Italian restaurant. And when you mosey up to the bar at Boondocks, your attention will no doubt be drawn to the buckets, seemingly hundreds of them, each with a character all its own, as individual as its owner. At their previous bar, the owners hit upon the idea of providing a safe storage place (the buckets) for regular customers to keep their spare change, extra lipstick, darts, and assorted other stuff. The idea was so popular that they brought it along when they purchased Boondocks. This is a lively place with plenty of diversions throughout the week like live blues, poker tournaments, golf, foosball, dart and pool leagues, and what is probably the most eclectic jukebox in town.
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Bum Steer

1910 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-884-7377

Description: NORTH TUCSON. Fun events fill the schedule at this tri-level hotspot, which is particularly popular among the college crowd and young professionals. The quirky interior is decorated with local art, assorted knick knacks, and television showing prominent sporting events. The dance floor fills up quickly when DJs play hip-hop and dance music. The kitchen serves an extensive menu until 10pm. Locals swear by the burgers, and the place is very kid-friendly.
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Cactus Moon

5470 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 520-748-0049

Description: EAST TUCSON. For line dancing, two-stepping, and beer drinking, this is a top venue. Country swing lessons are offered, so you can join in with the regulars for a honky-tonk good time. Or, if you prefer, the wide-open interior offers great spots to watch the action. Live country and Western music is often featured.
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Chicago Bar

5954 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712 520-748-8169

Description: EAST TUCSON. Along with walls full of Windy City memorabilia, Chicago has live music and lots of it. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, in fact. The schedule includes mostly blues, reggae and rock performers, with the occasional alt-rock band or cabaret singer. Local reggae band Neon Prophet takes the stage regularly, always drawing a crowd of happy revelers who sing along. And that's what it's all about here ­ laughing, dancing and cheering for the Bears whenever there's a game on TV.
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O'Malleys on Fourth

247 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-623-8600

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Irish-themed O'Malleys occupies a former warehouse, and has taken full advantage of the building's soaring ceilings and wood beams, creating separate spaces for various activities. Live music is on tap in one space, including a traditional Irish session every second and fourth Thursday. Big screen TVs dominate another area, drawing in a crowd of sports fans on game days. The bar area dominates, though, with a large bar, several tables and four pool tables. Food and beverage-wise, O'Malley's offers a full bar with sixteen draft beers and more in bottles, and serves a full menu of satisfying pub grub until midnight.
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The Shanty

401 E 9th St, Tucson, AZ 85705 520-623-2664

Description: DOWNTOWN. For 30 years, the Shanty has maintained its reputation as an excellent place to meet for a drink or to mix and mingle. The spacious patio and relaxed vibe are inviting on warm nights. Though the bar is near the University of Arizona, a diverse crowd comes here for the laid-back ambiance and the excellent selection of beers, drinks and tasty food.
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World Famous Golden Nugget

2617 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 520-622-9202

Description: NORTH TUCSON. Occasionally you find a restroom with walls that are just begging to be written on, usually in a high school or a bar. The World Famous Golden Nugget is one of the latter. In this case, the scrawls of former and current patrons run the gamut from platitudes and words of wisdom to social and political commentary, and warnings about which people not to date. At its heart, this is an amazingly friendly neighborhood hangout, with a bevy of loyal regulars. The crowd is comprised of an eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds, but you'll find that everyone is welcoming. Conversation, pool and shuffleboard are the main distractions, and classic rock is the music of choice.
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