Tucson - American Southwest - page 397

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Barrio Brewing Co. Located in a warehouse district southeast of downtown and a
few blocks south of Broadway, this big brewpub, which is affiliated with Gentle Ben's
Brewing Co., isn't easy to find, but it is definitely worth searching out. Grab a seat on
the loading-dock patio and sip a stout as the sun goes down. 800 E. 16th St. (at E. Euclid
Ave. and Toole St.). & 520/791-2739. www.barriobrewing.com.
Cascade Lounge This is Tucson's ultimate piano bar. With a view of the Catali-
nas, the plush lounge is perfect for romance or relaxation at the start or end of a night
on the town. Sunday through Thursday nights, there's live piano music or a jazz band,
and on Fridays and Saturdays, there's a DJ and dancing. At Loews Ventana Canyon Resort,
7000 N. Resort Dr. & 520/299-2020. www.loewshotels.com.
Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant Located on the edge of the Barrio Histórico
district just south of the Tucson Convention Center, this restaurant/bar is in a historic
1860s adobe building and has loads of old Tucson character. There's also live jazz on
Saturday nights and occasionally other nights in the month. 198 W. Cushing St. & 520/622-
7984. www.cushingstreet.com.
The Kon Tiki With a Polynesian luau theme, this joint is not some modern-day
designer's idea of what the 1950s were like; this is the real thing. Tiki lovers rejoice, but
be careful, those sweet tropical cocktails can pack a Hawaiian punch! 4625 E. Broadway
Blvd. & 520/323-7193. www.kontiki-tucson.com.
Nimbus Brewing Located in a warehouse district on the south side of Tucson,
this brewpub is basically the front room of Nimbus's brewing and bottling facility. The
beer is good, and there's live blues, rock, folk, and reggae on a regular basis. Hard to find,
and definitely a local scene. 3850 E. 44th St. (2 blocks east of Palo Verde Rd.). & 520/745-9175.
www.nimbusbeer.com.
Thunder Canyon Brewery This big brewpub is a convivial and convenient place to
down a pint if you're staying at a foothills resort. There are always plenty of different
brews on tap. At Foothills Mall, 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. (at Ina Rd.). & 520/797-2652. www.
thundercanyonbrewery.com.
¡Toma! This bar, in El Presidio Historic District and owned by the family that
operates El Charro Café next door, has a fun and festive atmosphere complete with a
Mexican hat fountain/sculpture in the courtyard. Drop by for cheap margaritas during
happy hour (Mon-Fri 3-6pm). 311 N. Court Ave. & 520/622-1922.
Sports Bars
Famous Sam's With 10 branches around the city, Famous Sam's keeps a lot of Tuc-
son's sports fans happy with its cheap prices and large portions. Other locations include
7930 E. Speedway Blvd. ( & 520/290-9666 ) and 2320 N. Silverbell Rd. ( & 520/884-
7267 ). 1830 E. Broadway Blvd. & 520/884-0119. www.famoussams.net.
Gay & Lesbian Bars & Clubs
To find out about other gay bars around town, keep an eye out for the Observer
( & 520/622-7176; www.tucsonobserver.com), Tucson's newspaper for the gay, lesbian,
and bisexual community. You'll find it at Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave. ( & 520/
792-3715; www.antigonebooks.com), as well as at the bars listed here.
Ain't Nobody's Bizness Located in a small shopping plaza in midtown, this bar has
long been the lesbian gathering spot in Tucson. There are pool tables, a dance floor, and
a quiet, smoke-free room where you can duck out of the noise. This bar also has nights

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