Tucson, AZ
For Cocktails in Tucson, the local food press points to Owls Club, SideCar, and Bar Crisol/Exo. Picks from Tucson Foodie and Arizona Daily Star, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Tucson Foodie, Arizona Daily Star, This Is Tucson, and Sunset. Updated July 2026.
Owls Club · Armory Park
A former funeral chapel gives Owls Club its arched windows, high ceiling, and hushed sense of occasion. The drinks favor classic structure, thoughtful spirits, and seasonal adjustments rather than theatrical clutter. Candlelight and the long wooden bar make it equally suited to a quiet first round or a conversation that lasts.
SideCar · Midtown
SideCar fits a serious bar program into a small brick room beside Falora. House cordials, bitters, shrubs, and desert infusions sharpen drinks that often begin with a recognizable classic. The patio offers more breathing room, while the bartenders can steer guests toward something spirit forward, bright, herbal, or alcohol free.
Bar Crisol/Exo · Downtown
Bar Crisol brings agave spirits into close conversation with Exo's coffee roots inside a historic Barrio Viejo house. Shelves of mezcal and regional bottles support focused pours and cocktails with Mexican ingredients. Maps, art, and the shaded courtyard slow the pace, making the room feel more like a place to learn than rush.
The Century Room · Downtown
The Century Room pairs live jazz with a bar that treats the music as part of the evening rather than background noise. Cocktails lean polished and classic, with enough variation for a full set. The Hotel Congress room offers intimate sightlines, table service, and a natural transition from an early drink to a late performance.
Tough Luck Club · Downtown
Downstairs from Reilly, Tough Luck Club turns a stone basement into a dark, playful drinking room. Seasonal menus mix punk references, desert flavors, and rigorous classic technique, while an affordable group of standards stays available. The bar's wit never replaces balance in the glass, and the tucked away setting remains part of the fun.
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