Best Musical Act
Miss Olivia and the Interlopers
missoliviaandtheinterlopers.com
Miss Olivia and the Interlopers blend soul, blues and rock into an original sound anchored by vocalist Olivia Reardon and bassist David Hostetler. The band draws influences from Erykah Badu, Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes and Jeff Buckley. They’ve been voted “Best Musical Act” by the Tucson community multiple years in a row.
Reader Recommended
Mamma Coal Band
mammacoal.com
XIXA
xixamusic.com
Best Cover Band
Znora
znoraband.com
Znora covers hits from multiple genres with tight musicianship and crowd-pleasing energy. They are an award-winning three piece rock band with Adrian Negrete, lead singer, also writing original songs. The band is influenced by Chuck Berry, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.
Reader Recommended
Mark Miller Band
markmillerband.com
Top Dead Center
facebook.com/TDCTucson
Best Punk
Pork Torta
theporktorta.bandcamp.com
Pork Torta is a garage rock and alternative band whose sound is described as a “three-headed monster.” Their songs combine raw energy with lyrical directness. The band often plays at local events, festivals and parties.
Reader Recommended
Mudpuppy
facebook.com/mudpuppyaz
Closet Goth
closetgoth.bandcamp.com
Best Jazz
Pete Swan Quartet
520-990-0439
peteswan.com
The Pete Swan Quartet delivers refined live jazz that appeals to both devoted fans and casual listeners. Led by drummer Pete Swan, the group features piano, saxophone and bass. Their sound evokes the spirit of the ’40s while drawing on influences from across all eras of jazz.
Reader Recommended
Connie Brannock’s Little House of Funk
520-339-3494
conniebrannockband.com
Arthur Vint & Associates
arthurvint.com
Best Rock
Birds and Arrows
birdsandarrows.bandcamp.com
Birds and Arrows is a Tucson-based art rock duo whose sound blends classic rock influences with modern sensibilities. Much of their music draws from personal experiences, and during the pandemic, they wrote songs reflecting their time in lockdown. The band has consistently been voted Best Rock Band by the Tucson community.
Reader Recommended
Znora
znoraband.com
The Dirt
thedirtrocks.com
Best Folk
Leila Lopez
leilalopezsongs.com
Leila Lopez writes and performs songs rooted in personal experience and storytelling. Her acoustic style emphasizes vocals and lyrics. With over 20 years of experience, she draws inspiration from classic rock, jazz and folk.
Reader Recommended
The Tucsonics
facebook.com/tucsonics
Ryanhood
919-967-8655
ryanhood.com
Best Hip-Hop Act
Cash Lansky
cashlansky.com
Cash Lansky delivers dynamic hip-hop with confident flow and sharp lyricism. His music is influenced by historical and cultural icons. “Turning pain into purpose and building hope through raw truth and lyrical grit,” he said on his Instagram page.
Reader Recommended
Marley B
marleybmusic.com
CITY BOYZ
602-551-7849
facebook.com/cityboyznationwest
Best Country Act
Mamma Coal’s Band
mammacoal.com
Carra Stasney, also known as Mamma Coal, brings a blend of country and Americana in her performances across Tucson and beyond. She frequently performs solo, duo or with her full band, Mamma Coal & South Western Stars, depending on the event.
Reader Recommended
Hank Topless
hanktoplessmusic.com
Whiskey Treats
whiskeytreats.bandcamp.com
Best Reggae
Neon Prophet
Neon Prophet, a group based in Tucson, has been playing a unique blend of Reggae Music for over 30 years. Their music ranges from sweet harmony singing to dancehall style toasting.
Reader Recommended
Baja Caravan
facebook.com/BajaCaravanBand
DJ Jahmar
facebook.com/JahmarInternational
Best R & B
Connie Brannock and the Little House of Funk
520-339-3494
conniebrannockband.com
Connie Brannock & the Little House of Funk lead Tucson’s R&B scene with soulful vocals and a rotating band of top musicians. The group has been frequently booked across Tucson and beyond for their musical versatility and connection with audiences. “Music is my balm, my elixir, my why,” Brannock said.
Reader Recommended
Miss Olivia and the Interlopers
missoliviaandtheinterlopers.com
Funky Bonz
520-991-4825
facebook.com/FunkyBonz
Best Gay Bar
IBT’s Bar + Food
616 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-3053, ibtstucson.com
IBT’s Bar + Food has been a Tucson staple since 1985, featuring drag shows, trivia, DJs and dance nights several times a week. The venue combines a full-service bar, patio and live entertainment to welcome diverse crowds. “Just an absolutely incredible place with great staff, selection and prices,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Surly Wench Pub
424 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-0009, surlywenchpub.com
Brodie’s Dark Horse Tavern
2449 N. Stone Avenue
520-623-3970
Best Nightclub
Club Congress at Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
Club Congress, located in a historic downtown Tucson building, regularly hosts live music, DJs and dance events. Its mix of genres and a club floor that opens onto the plaza attract diverse crowds. Frequently recognized on ‘10Best’ lists, the venue has long been an iconic spot, hosting artists such as Nirvana, No Doubt, Sia and many others over the years.
Reader Recommended
The Maverick
6622 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-298-0430, tucsonmaverick.com
The Jackrabbit Lounge
2000 N. Oracle Road
520-372-2032, thejackrabbitlounge.com
Best Casino
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Road
520-838-6729
casinodelsol.com
Casino Del Sol is a resort-style casino offering over a thousand slot machines, table games, live poker, a high-limit room and bingo. It is also home to the AVA Amphitheater, a 2,000-seat performance venue that hosts big-name concerts and events. The casino is also just 15 minutes away from the Tucson International Airport.
Reader Recommended
Desert Diamond Casino
7350 S. Nogales Highway
866-332-9467, ddcaz.com
Best Venue for Live Music
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress Street
520-740-1000, rialtotheatre.com
The Rialto Theatre is a historic, downtown Tucson concert venue originally built in the 1920s and later revitalized for modern performances. It hosts a wide range of music genres, including rock, jazz, Latin and electronic. “Staff is friendly, drinks reasonably priced, good setup for a show,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Fox Theatre
17 W. Congress Street
520-547-3040, foxtucson.com
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
Best College Bar
Frog N Firkin
874 E. University Boulevard
frogandfirkin.com
Frog N Firkin is known for its craft beer list, wood-fired pizzas and lively game day crowds. It offers bar food, pool, darts and occasional live music. “Good service, nice atmosphere,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Gentle Ben’s
865 E. University Boulevard
520-624-4177, gentlebens.com
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
Best Neighborhood Bar
The Shelter
4155 E. Grant Road
520-326-1345
facebook.com/
TheShelterCocktailLounge
The Shelter is a retro cocktail lounge with a 1960s theme, offering strong drinks, low lighting and vintage décor giving it a distinct mid-century vibe. The lounge is decorated with JFK memorabilia and includes pinball machines. “Super funky place, cool staff, good prices and good drinks,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Tap and Bottle
Multiple locations
thetapandbottle.com
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Ave
520-623-2088, cheslounge.com
Best Comedian
Joseph Neibich
nybyk.com
Joseph Neibich is an actor, writer and director who has been recognized for his on-screen and off-stage performances. He performs at clubs and colleges nationwide and has had a long career in entertainment. Neibich has appeared in more than 20 commercials, and in 2004, he won the Phoenix Comedy Competition.
Reader Recommended
Mo Urban
instagram.com/somemocomedy
Priscilla Fernandez
instagram.com/priscillacomedy
Best Happy Hour
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
Sky bar is home of the galactic jungle juice and cosmic jello shots. Their happy hour is every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and they offer the “best mixed drinks in the universe.” The bar also doubles as a solar-powered café during the day and a stargazing spot at night.
Reader Recommended
The Buffet Bar
538 E. Ninth Street
520-623-6811, buffetbartucson.com
Trident
Multiple locations
tridentgrill.com
Best Place to Sing Karaoke
Bumsted’s
1003 N. Stone Avenue
520-323-1010
bumstedsaz.com,
Bumsted’s brings karaoke, drag shows and late-night food together under one roof. Guests can sing karaoke every Thursday to Saturday from 9 p.m. to closing and Sunday from 4 p.m. to closing. “Great food, fun drinks and amazing prices,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Surly Wench
424 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-0009, surlywenchpub.com
IBT’s
616 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-3053, ibtstucson.com
Best Pool Hall
Pockets
1062 S. Wilmot Road
520-571-9421, pocketstucson.com
Pockets offers many pool tables, chess and backgammon in a family atmosphere. Players of all levels can show up for tournaments, league nights and open play. The menu includes pub food and drinks to go along with the games.
Reader Recommended
Red Garter
3143 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-0483, redgartertucson.com
Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge
2910 E. Fort Lowell Road
520-795-3178
instagram.com/dannysbaboquivari
Best Comedy Night
Laff’s
2900 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-323-8669, laffstucson.com
Laff’s has been Tucson’s dedicated stand-up comedy club for decades. Since 1988, national touring acts have shared the stage with local comedians each week. Jerry Seinfeld, Damon Wayans, Ellen DeGeneres and George Lopez are among the comedians who have performed at Laff’s.
Reader Recommended
Unscrewed Theater
4500 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-289-8076, unscrewedtheater.org
Tucson Improv Movement
414 E. Ninth Street
520-314-7299, tucsonimprov.com
Best Sports Bar
Trident
Multiple locations, tridentgrill.com
Trident Grill combines a Navy-inspired theme with wall-to-wall TVs showing every major game. Burgers, wings and seafood pair with a long draft beer list. The bar’s owner, Nelson Miller, wanted to have a special place for veterans to grab a beer, eat and laugh together.
Reader Recommended
Red Garter
3143 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-0483, redgartertucson.com
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Best DJ
DJ Herm
djherm.com
DJ Herm is known for keeping Tucson dance floors moving with mixes of hip hop, Latin and electronic music. He has over 20 years of experience and has djed weddings, clubs, corporate events, quinceañeras, cardio classes and more. “Herm was awesome in making sure all guests heard their beat at our wedding and danced,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Mother Tierra
instagram.com/mothertierra
DJ Jahmar
facebook.com/JahmarInternational
Best Drag Queen
Tempest DuJour
instagram.com/tempestdujour
Tempest DuJour is one of Tucson’s most recognized drag performers. She is a professor at the University of Arizona and a former contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her shows blend comedy, glamour and community engagement.
Reader Recommended
Lucinda Holliday
instagram.com/lucindaholliday
Diva
instagram.com/diva_az
Best Liquor Store
Plaza Liquors
2642 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-0452, plazatucson.com
Plaza Liquors has been a Campbell Avenue landmark since 1978. The shop is known for its extensive wine, craft beer and spirits selection. Staff are hands-on with recommendations, helping customers track down specialty bottles.
Reader Recommended
Rum Runner
3131 E. First Street
520-326-0121, rumrunnertucson.com
Tap & Bottle
Multiple locations, thetapandbottle.com
Best Country Western Bar
Maverick
6622 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-298-0430, tucsonmaverick.com
The Maverick has hosted country acts and dance nights in Tucson for more than 50 years. Its large dance floor fills for line dancing, two-stepping and concerts. The bar also serves a full food menu and cocktails alongside its live music.
Reader Recommended
Whiskey Roads
2290 W. Ina Road
520-219-0134, whiskeyroadstucson.com
Cowpony
6510 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-721-2781, cowponybar.com
Best Signature Cocktail
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Road
520-797-1233, theparishtucson.com
At The Parish, their signature cocktail contains house-infused basil vodka, sweetened lemon juice, grapefruit bitters and orange flower water. The “Parishioner” is ordered by many and is known for its Cajun flair. “My go-to drink! Yummy!” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Owl’s Club
236 S. Scott Avenue
520-207-5678, owlsclubwest.com
HighWire
30 S. Arizona Avenue
520-333-6101, highwiretucson.com
Best Burlesque
Surly Wench
424 N. Fourth Avenue
520-882-0009, surlywenchpub.com
Surly Wench is home to Tucson’s longest-running burlesque nights. The venue hosts both local troupes and national performers, blending live music, comedy and variety acts. Since 2006, the venue has put on unique burlesque shows aiming to entertain the audience.
Reader Recommended
Libertine League
instagram.com/tucsonlibertineleague
Don’t Blink Burlesque Troupe
dontblinkburlesque.com
Best Strip Club
Curves Cabaret
2130 N. Oracle Road
520-884-7210, curvescabaret.com
Curves Cabaret combines stage shows with a full bar and late-night hours. The club has a reputation for regular events and specials that keep crowds coming back. It offers hot and fresh finger food and drink specials every day.
Reader Recommended
Raider’s Reef
6475 E. Golf Links Road
520-745-8125 raidersreeftucson.com
Eden
3650 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-326-9282 edenaz.com
Best Beer Selection
Tap & Bottle
Multiple locations, thetapandbottle.com
Tap & Bottle offers rotating draft lists, packaged beer and curated wine. Its locations serve as gathering spots for craft beer fans, with frequent tap takeovers and events. The shop also carries local favorites alongside national and international brews.
Reader Recommended
Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N. Dodge Boulevard
520-908-7765, tucsonhopshop.com
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Best Brewery
Barrio Brewing
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Barrio Brewing is Arizona’s oldest craft brewery, founded in 1991. The taproom on 16th Street serves a lineup that includes Barrio Blonde, Rojo and seasonal specialties. Its beer is distributed statewide, making it one of Tucson’s most recognized brands.
Reader Recommended
Dragoon
1859 W. Grant Road
520-329-3606, dragoonbrewing.com
Crooked Tooth
228 E. Sixth Street, 520-444-5305
facebook.com/crookedtoothbrewing
Best Dive Bar
The Buffet Bar
538 E. Ninth Street
520-623-6811, buffetbartucson.com
The Buffet Bar, which calls itself “Tucson’s oldest bar,” has been around since 1934. With graffiti-covered walls and an energetic vibe, it continues to earn the title of Best Dive Bar. The menu ranges from draft beer to cocktails like margaritas, their signature Fun Dip, the rainbow shot and more.
Reader Recommended
The Shelter
4155 E. Grant Road, 520-326-1345
facebook.com/TheShelterCocktailLounge
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Ave
520-623-2088, cheslounge.com
Best Locally Brewed Beer (the specific beer)
Barrio Blonde (Barrio Brewing)
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Barrio Blonde is a light, crisp ale that has become Barrio Brewing’s flagship beer. It’s brewed for easy drinking, with a balance of malt sweetness and subtle hops. The beer is available statewide and is southern Arizona’s best selling craft beer.
Reader Recommended
Dragoon IPA (Dragoon)
1859 W. Grant Road
520-329-3606, dragoonbrewing.com
Barrio Rojo (Barrio Brewing)
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739, barriobrewing.com
Best Cocktail Menu
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
Sky Bar serves cocktails made with fresh juices, infused spirits and creative garnishes. The menu rotates with seasonal ingredients while keeping common drinks like margaritas and martinis. Signature drinks include the Whiskey Crush, the Painkiller with house rum, Peach on the Beach with house vodka, the Starry Night with house rum and more.
Reader Recommended
Sidecar
139 S. Eastbourne
520-795-1819, barsidecar.com
Nightjar
347 S. Meyer Avenue
520-222-9889, coronettucson.com/nightjar
Best Bartender
Barb Trujillo
instagram.com/barbicide187
Barb Trujillo is a Tucson bartender known for her inventive drinks and welcoming presence behind the bar. She is a bartender at Hotel Congress and often features her craft on Instagram, sharing recipes and cocktail photography.
Reader Recommended
Olivia Reardon
facebook.com/reardonolivia
Myles Niemeyer (Tap & Bottle)
thetapandbottle.com
Best Place to Get a
Glass of Wine
Sunshine Wine
15 N. Santa Rita Avenue
520-771-6279, thetapandbottle.com
Sunshine Wine features curated selections from Arizona and around the world. Their wines on tap include Scribe Una Lou Rosé, Folk Machine Sauvignon Blanc, Poggio Anima Toscana Sangiovese, Scarpetta Pinot Grigio, Rosé Sangria and Left Pinot Noir.
Reader Recommended
Revel
416 E. Ninth Street
520-329-2123, reveltucson.com
Arizona Wine Collective
4280 N. Campbell Avenue
520-329-8595, azwinecollective.com
Best Bloody Mary
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
Hotel Congress offers a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar on weekends. Guests receive vodka and can choose from a selection of tomato mixes, spices and seasonings to create their drink. ‘Build it tall, sip it slow, question your life choices later,’ Hotel Congress wrote on their Facebook page.
Reader Recommended
Che’s Lounge
350 N. Fourth Ave
520-623-2088, cheslounge.com
Baja Cafe
Multiple locations
bajacafetucson.com
Best Bar Menu
Kingfisher
2564 E. Grant Road
520-323-7739, kingfishertucson.com
Kingfisherbar & Grill offers a bar menu that highlights seafood and classic pub favorites. Items include shrimp tacos, fish and chips and house-made appetizers. Its drinks menu pairs well with the food and features craft cocktails, local beers, coffee, tea, soft drinks and wines.
Reader Recommended
The Neighborhood
Multiple locations
theneighborhoodbar.com
Sky Bar
536 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-4300, skybartucson.com
Best Venue for Live Jazz
Century Room
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848, hotelcongress.com
Since 2022, the Century Room has hosted live jazz in an intimate setting at Hotel Congress. Its stage sees both local musicians and touring acts performing regularly. The venue features an acoustically engineered stage, elegant decor and an extensive mezcal and agave spirit list.
Reader Recommended
Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
520-526-9345, haciendadelsol.com
Fox Theatre
17 W. Congress Street
520-547-3040, foxtucson.com
Best Adult Store
Fascination’s
3658 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-322-0757
4499 W. Ina Road, Tucson
520-447-2199
funlove.com
Fascination’s carries a wide range of products including toys, lingerie and wellness items. The stores are designed to be welcoming and educational for customers. Staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance on purchases.
Reader Recommended
Jellywink Boutique
416 E. Seventh Street
520-633-0280, jellywink.com
Adult Expectations
2505 N. Stone Avenue
520-623-8095, thepassionwarehouse.com
