Best of Tucson® 2019 by Tucson Weekly

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

The Tucson Weekly is available free of charge in Pima County, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of the current issue of the Tucson Weekly may be purchased for $1, payable at the Tucson Weekly office in advance. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Tucson Weekly, please visit TucsonWeekly.com

STAFF ADMINISTRATION Jason Joseph, President/Publisher jjoseph@azlocalmedia.com Jaime Hood, General Manager, Ext. 12 jaime@tucsonlocalmedia.com Casey Anderson, Ad Director/ Associate Publisher, Ext. 22 casey@tucsonlocalmedia.com Claudine Sowards, Accounting, Ext. 13 claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com Sheryl Kocher, Receptionist, Ext. 10 sheryl@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor, Ext. 38 jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Logan Burtch-Buus, Managing Editor, Ext. 36 logan@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner, Associate Editor, Ext. 43 jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jamie Verwys, Web Editor, Ext. 35 jverwys@tucsonlocalmedia.com Christopher Boan, Staff Reporter, Ext. 37 christopher@tucsonlocalmedia.com Kathleen Kunz, Staff Reporter, Ext. 42 kathleen@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION David Abbott, Production Manager, Ext. 18 david@tucsonlocalmedia.com Louie Armendariz, Graphic Designer, Ext. 28 louie@tucsonlocalmedia.com Madison Wehr, Graphic Designer, Ext. 18 madison@tucsonlocalmedia.com Nicole Baloo, Graphic Designer, Ext. 26 nicole@tucsonlocalmedia.com CIRCULATION Alex Carrasco, Circulation, Ext. 17, alexc@tucsonlocalmedia.com ADVERTISING Kristin Chester, Account Executive, Ext. 25 kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray, Account Executive, Ext. 24 candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Lisa Hopper, Account Executive Ext. 39 lisa@tucsonlocalmedia.com Brek Montoya, Account Executive, Ext. 20 brek@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive, Ext. 27 tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com Meredith Hansen, Sales Admin, Ext. 19 admin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Liane White, Account Executive, Ext. 23, liane@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING VMG Advertising, (888) 278-9866 or (212) 475-2529 Tucson Weekly® is published every Thursday by 13 Street Media at 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125, Tucson, Arizona. Address all editorial, business and production correspondence to: Tucson Weekly, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125, Tucson, Arizona 85741. Phone: (520) 797-4384, FAX (520) 575-8891. First Class subscriptions, mailed in an envelope, cost $112 yearly/53 issues. Sorry, no refunds on subscriptions. Member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN). The Tucson Weekly® and Best of Tucson® are registered trademarks of 10/13 Communications. Back issues of the Tucson Weekly are available for $1 each plus postage for the current year. Publisher has the right to refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion.

Copyright: The entire contents of Tucson Weekly are Copyright © 2019 by Thirteenth Street Media. No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher, Tucson Weekly, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125, Tucson, AZ 85741.

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

We’re Off To See the Wizard…

t was just a few weeks ago that we were alerted to a tornado warning up in Marana, a sure sign we’ve been stirring up a bit of magic in these parts. It has surely been a whirlwind of activity here in the Tucson Weekly offices as we’ve assembled this latest edition of Best of Tucson®.

Huge thanks go out first and foremost to our readers, who are certainly not lacking in brains, heart or courage. Over our two rounds of voting, more than 12,500 of you cared enough to cast ballots for your favorite local shops, cafes, restaurants and more. The emphasis here is local— nothing against our national chains, but Best of Tucson® is about celebrating our local institutions. We added a new wrinkle this year, too, to allow us to celebrate even more people and places: Businesses could only win once in each section. So in some cases, winners were bumped to a second-place spot at our editorial discretion. Huge thanks to web editor Jamie Verwys, who was on the job for about 48 hours before we told her she would be running point on the balloting and tabulating the votes. I don’t think you’re in Sierra Vista any more, Jamie! Once the votes were tallied, our editorial team—managing editor Logan Burtch-Buus, associate editor Jeff Gardner, staff reporters Christopher Boan and Kathleen Kunz, calendar editor Emily Dieckman and Jamie the web editor—were off like flying monkeys on a quest to explore our little corner of the land of Az. Receptionist

Sheryl Kocher donned her ruby reading glasses to melt away our typos.

The sales team—Associate Publisher Casey Anderson and sales reps Kristin Chester, Candace Murray, Lisa Hopper, Brek Montoya, Tyler Vondrak, Meredith Hansen and Liane White—headed down every last yellow brick road in Tucson to give our local businesses every opportunity to be part of this magical production. The production crew, headed by newbie David Abbott, kept the show on the road. Louie Armendariz, Nicole Baloo and Madison Wehr tackled the job of assembling the paper like lions and tigers and bears, oh my. A special thanks goes out to Hector Acuña, a longtime friend of the Weekly who stepped up to handle the art direction of Best of. If ever, oh ever, a wiz there was, Hector is one because, because, because, because, because— because of the wonderful things he does.

Distribution manager Alex Carrasco and his team of munchkins made sure the paper got out on the street and into your hands, while general manager Jaime Hood and numbers tracker Claudine Sowards took care of business. Their endless reserve of magic would put Glinda the Good Witch to shame.

P4 P9 P 21 P 24 P 29 P 33 P 37 P 45

Great and Powerful Publisher Jason Joseph remains the man behind the curtain.

P 53

And now, it’s your turn to click your heels together three times and say: “There’s no place like Tucson!”

—Jim Nintzel Executive Editor

P 57

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Art Museum Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Ave. It’s been another spectacular year for the Tucson Museum of Art, from a celebration of African American artists with 30 Americans to a glorious retrospective of the work of the late Tucson artist James G. Davis. With its expanded exhibition space, the never-ending efforts to spruce up the entire Museum of Art Historic Block and the wonderful summer camps for kids, TMA remains one of Tucson’s finest treasures.

Runners Up

real people, places and feelings, but makes them all-around better and more beautiful. If that’s not art, what is?

Runners Up 2. Joe Pagac 3. Diana Madaras

Best Movie Theater Roadhouse Cinemas 4811 E. Grant Road #150 Dinner and a movie? Why not save

2. Arizona-Sonora Desert time and have them simultaneously? Museum’s Ironwood Gallery What really puts Roadhouse ahead of the other theaters in town is the 3. UA Museum of Art

Best Visual Artist Jessica Gonzales Maybe you haven’t heard Gonzales’ name, but we can almost guarantee you’ve seen—and probably loved— her art. She’s done some of the most vibrant, colorful, wonderful, Tucsonrific murals in town, including more than a dozen at the new Hotel McCoy last year, as well as a couple in the Cobra Arcade. And those are just a few examples. We’re pretty sure she has some work on display in the Emerald City, too. Her work captures

terrific kitchen that delivers delicious sandwiches, pizza, burgers, salads, desserts and drinks right to your comfy reclining seat. And when you’re paying a babysitter, saving that extra hour is a real buck-stretcher.

Runners Up 2. The Loft Cinema 3. The Fox Theatre

Best Film Festival Loft Film Fest Staff Pick: Boy, this town seems like it has a film fest every other

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

week these days! Whether it’s Film Fest Tucson, the Arizona International Film Festival, Tucson Cine Mexico or what have you, we have no shortage of opportunities to see challenging and independent film. But our fave remains the Loft Film Fest, which packs so many films into a week-long stretch that you have to take time off from work to enjoy it all. Last year’s festival brought us heavyweight cinema such as Roma and Killer of Sheep, fun stuff like Jurassic Park and Wayne’s World (with director Penelope Spheeris) and a performance from Tucson’s favorite rock outfit, Calexico. This year’s fest, coming up Nov. 7 to Nov. 14, promises to be just as much fun, with more than three dozen films that include buzz-worthy festival hits such as The Two Popes, Parasite and American Factory alongside pulp classics like Phantasm (with director Don Coscarelli) and even an experimental virtual reality trip aboard a bus.

Best Art Classes Tipsy Picassos Really, is there a better way to learn your way around an easel than while having a glass of wine? Tipsy Picassos believes that art is for everyone, and aims to create a laidback environment where even the simplest doodler can find their way over the rainbow. Everyone is trying something new, so don’t worry about it. And if you’re still worried, get another glass of wine! Plan a party, or hangout with friends new and old. Who knows what’ll end up on the canvas?

Runners Up 2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 3. The Drawing Studio

Best Musical Instrument Store

2. Rainbow Guitars 3. Instrumental Music Center

Chicago Music Store

Best Author

45 S. Sixth Ave. 5646 E. Speedway Blvd.

Even though it no longer occupies its landmark Congress Street vault of musical instruments, Chicago Music Store remains a landmark in our tin hearts. With a smaller downtown location in addition to its eastside outlet along Speedway Boulevard, Chicago Music Store offers a wide range of instruments, from electric guitars and drums to all the brass you might need. If you don’t know how to play, they’ll teach you. If something breaks, they’ll fix it. What more can you ask for?

Runners Up

J.A. Jance Not only is J.A. Jance a New York Times bestselling author and a UA alumna (go Wildcats!), but she’s also an absolute icon. A creative writing professor once told her that women should be teachers or nurses, not writers. Her first husband told her he was the only writer allowed in the family. And, when she divorced that guy and had to support her two children, she wrote her first three books between 4 and 7 a.m. before work. And if you think THAT story is interesting, wait until you read her novels!

Runners Up

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Outdoor Art Installation Collective Murals by Joe Pagac Outdoor art installation? How about an outdoor art institution? Local muralist and relentless creative genius Joe Pagac is transforming Tucson into a magical land we heard of once in a lullaby with his vibrant, surreal and eye-catching murals. Whether they’re near

2. Francisco Cantu 3. Richard Shelton

Best Dance Studio BreakOut Studios 5811 E. Speedway Blvd.

Dancing is good for you. Really. And, while we aren’t saying there’s a “right” way to get your groove on, taking a few classes couldn’t hurt. BreakOut Studios can teach people of all ages and abilities in a variety of dance styles. The space is comfortable and instructors are always willing to work with the group to ensure everyone has

the train tracks downtown or as far north as Oro Valley, Pagac’s murals are part of the city’s identity. And better yet, Pagac is still adding to his collection. Long may he may reign!

Runners Up 2. Rattlesnake Bridge 3. Metal Arts Village

the best experience possible. The studio even offers a work trade program where you can work three hours a week in the studio and earn unlimited classes. You’ll be ready for a musical number in no time!

Runners Up 2. Viva Performing ArtsDance Studio 3. Floor Polish

Best Dance Company Ballet Tucson 200 S. Tucson Blvd.

“I have been a part of ZUZI! since I was seven years old. ZUZI! has given me a place to grow and a place to move. Being able to have a place to dance and to create has allowed me to express myself in a truly special and unique way.” -Madeline Brown

AERIAL TRAPEZE • AERIAL DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY • MODERN & CONTEMPORARY DANCE • SKINNER RELEASING TECHNIQUE 738 NORTH 5TH AVENUE (IN THE HISTORIC Y) 520-629-0237 • ZUZIMOVEIT.ORG

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Ballet is an artform most of us can only enjoy from the audience, where there is little likelihood of falling on our faces. Thankfully for us, Ballet Tucson are masters of this classic dance discipline and their company features dancers who have performed all over the country. Their performances range from the classics to contemporary pieces and their children’s company helps in productions of family-oriented shows, like The Nutcracker.

Runners Up 2. Breakout Studios 3. Zuzi

Best Theater Company Gaslight Theatre Company 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.

When they said you’re gonna make it on Broadway, kid, they probably didn’t mean Broadway and Kolb. But that’s where you’ll find the Gaslight Theatre, which performs nightly sendups the likes of Star Wars, Spider-Man and Indiana Jones, complete with heaping loads of slapstick, wacky props and silly situations along with an encore olio show. You’ll find more performances and classic cover bands at Oro Valley’s Gaslight Music Hall. This is old-time fun for the whole family.

Runners Up 2. Arizona Theatre Company 3. Unscrewed Theater

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Gallery DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun 6300 N. Swan Road There’s a reason they call it Gallery in the Sun: The grounds themselves are just as much art as the iconic paintings found within. Adobe structures, bedazzled walkways reminiscent of Dorothy’s yellow brick road

and desert gardens are just some of the features of this magical place. This 10-acre National Historic District is the life work of Ted DeGrazia, one of the most recognizable artists of all time. The man was such a prolific artist, the gallery continues to unveil not only new paintings, but entirely new exhibits, decades after DeGrazia’s passing. Whether you want to be inspired, or simply wander in wonder, the Gallery in the Sun is a monument to DeGrazia.

Runners Up 2. Solar Culture 3. Madaras Gallery

NOW OPEN!

Tucson’s Premier Crafting & Painting Class Location. Drop-in canvas price is 50% off through Nov 15th. BYOB! Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase.

Park Place Mall

(Between Journeys and Hot Topic)

Find us on

520-790-1083 www.artebellapainting.com

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Marijuana Dispensary

Best Farmers’ Market

Downtown Dispensary

Rillito Park Heirloom Farmers Market

221 E. Sixth St. Downtown Dispensary carries a wide range of flower, concentrates and edibles. Its house line of iLava vape cartridges are potent and affordable. And we hear high praise for the iLava Touch cream from people who have found relief from chronic aches and pains. Whatever your condition, Downtown Dispensary is sure to have the cure for what ails you.

Runners Up 2. Earth’s Healing 3. Botanica

Best Annual Festival 4th Avenue Street Fair The 4th Avenue Street Fair feels like a trip to the wonderful world of Oz itself. Take all the quirky art, fun clothing, desert-themed décor, soy candles, delicious foods and wacky inventions (last year there was a booth selling adorable toilet decorations), put it all on one street and there you have it. It’s hard to resist stopping by to do some holiday shopping, some treatyo’-self shopping or some aimless wandering.

Runners Up 2. All Souls Procession 3. Tucson Festival of Books

It’s a dog-friendly gala. Do we even need to say anything else? You get to put on your fancy clothes for a night out on the town, but you don’t have to leave Toto behind. This event also includes special treats for your animals, a cocktail bar and a silent auction. And all the money raised goes toward helping animals.

2. Humane Society of Southern Arizona 3. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Best Gym

Platinum Fitness 2. Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market Multiple locations at Mercado San Agustin Locally owned and operated, Platinum Fitness will 3. Food in Root St. Phillips Plaza

Pima Animal Care Center

help you build up your stamina for the next time you have to outrun a storm of flying monkeys. Whether you’re looking to work on your cardio in an indoor cycling class or build some muscles with the free weights, Platinum has what you need. There’s even childcare provided on-site staffed by certified employees who’ll take care of your munchkins while you sweat. Platinum Fitness is the place to be when you want to get your pump on.

4000 N. Silverbell Road

Runners Up

Best Place to Donate Your Time and/or Money

Who—besides that mean ol’ Miss Gulch—doesn’t like hanging out with dogs (and cats)? PACC sure needs animal lovers to help take care of their fourlegged guests, as well as a heaping helping of other tasks that are sure to leave you feeling better about

2. Jewish Community Center 3. The Nerd Gym

Thank You Tucson Weekly Readers!

BEST OF TUCSON® 2009-2013

“Best Alternative Health Center”

Thank you for Votes!! Local. Independent. Honest

Affordable Acupuncture Since 2008!

Sliding Scale: $20-40 (plus additional $5 fee for first-visit)

The Three Things You Want In An Auto Repair Shop 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. • (520) 881-1887 tucsoncommunityacupuncture.org High-Quality Services • Group Setting Evening and weekend hours available

You decide what you can afford!

Runners Up 2. The Event (Boys & Girls Club) 3. The Centurions

Runners Up

Best Charity Event Puttin’ on the Dog (HSSA)

yourself. Need a stress break? Well, forget that $100-a-month gym because spending a day with the dogs and cats at PACC is sure to do more to restore your balance than a fancy SpinCycle class ever could.

4502 N. First Ave. Is it because it’s Tucson’s largest year-round farmers market? Because it’s conveniently located right along The Loop? Is it because there’s so much shade? Is it just the sheer quantity, quality and diversity of the vendors? There’s so many good things about this farmers market that it’s hard to say. We’ll see you there this Sunday!

620-1957 www.whypaythedealer.com

$10

First-Time Visit with this ad! Limit one per person. Expires 01/31/20

$10

Return Visit with this ad!

Limit one per person. Expires 01/31/20

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Auto Repair Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care Multiple locations

Best Bowling Alley Lucky Strike Bowl 4015 E. Speedway Blvd. The Tucson Weekly editorial crew has some fantastic memories of that one time everyone’s schedule matched up enough for us to all go bowling together. The stylish shoes. The huge number of lanes. The

incredible little animations on the screen anytime someone knocks down pins. The fact that it’s smokefree. If you’ve never felt beckoned by its big, bright sign along Speedway, take this as your sign: It’s time to go to Lucky Strike.

When your car isn’t working but you’ve got to get moving down the ol’ Yellow Brick Road, you want someone you can trust under your hood. Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care has built a solid reputation over nearly six decades of serving Tucsonans. The prices are fair and the work is always solid. There are plenty of locations all across the metro area and the shop remains locally owned, so you know you’re supporting the local economy every time you get an oil change.

Runners Up

2. BRAKEmax 3. Dan’s Toy Shop

2. Golden Pin Lanes (RIP) 3. Bedroxx Bowling

Best Car Wash Mister Car Wash Multiple locations

Best Yoga Studio

Best Sex Toy Shop

Yoga Oasis

Fascinations

Multiple locations

3658 E. Speedway Blvd.

We get it: You want to try out yoga to relax, but it can seem such a diverse and foreign concept the very act of signing up can make you even more stressed out. Luckily, Yoga Oasis allows you to breathe a sigh of relief with their wide variety of yoga classes for every type of person. With three locations across town, Yoga Oasis’ classes range from rooftop yoga to LGBT-friendly yoga to prenatal yoga. No matter what your needs, Yoga Oasis has your back (and your core as well).

Remember that scene in After Hours where Roseanne Arquette tells Griffin Dunne about how her husband loved to cry out “Surrender, Dorothy!” during sex? Hey, everybody has their thing—and the sex-positive gang at Fascinations will make you feel no shame as you explore yours. Fascinations features nearly every sex accessory you can imagine (and plenty you probably can’t), along with lingerie, games, lubes and more. Whatever you need or desire, Fascinations welcomes you.

Runners Up

2. 4th Avenue Yoga 3. Tucson Yoga

2. Jellywink Boutique 3. Adult Expectations

With practically a jillion options for how much you want your car cleaned, Mister Car Wash (and its ever-friendly, ever-informative, never-too-pushy-about-making-you-pick-the-pricier-option-if-you’reusing-the-change-you-found-in-your ashtray-to-pay-for-this staff) wins points for both quantity and quality of options. Plus, they have popcorn in the waiting room! And WiFi! A true 21st-century car wash.

Runners Up

well. Arizona Feeds Country Store offers food and supplies for every animal you could hope to raise: horses, birds, cowardly lions, flying monkeys, you name it. And if you’re at the early stages of starting your farm, their home and garden section is hard to beat. But perhaps more important than any one item, their staff has a wealth of knowledge for whatever your pettime project.

Runners Up 2. OK Feed & Supply 3. PAWSH (Humane Society of Southern Arizona)

Best Computer Repair SWS Electronics & Computers 3731 E. Speedway Blvd. We get it: No one wants to get their computer repaired. That’s why the folks over at SWS Electronics & Computers make the process as clean and streamlined as their totally slick building. And even if you’re not looking to come in and fix your broken PC, their store offers computer monitoring and remote help services to fix problems on the go. As they say, “Let us worry about the details.”

Runners Up 2. Geeks 2 You 3. University of Arizona Bookstore

2. Octopus Car Wash 3. Clean Freak Car Wash

Best Place to Get Your Pet Groomed

Best Animal Supply Store

Bark Avenue Dog Wash

Arizona Feeds Country Store Multiple locations It’s not just about dog and cat food, although they have plenty of that as

1011 N. Pantano Road Lonely single guys and divorcees aren’t the only people who need to glam up sometimes. Even Toto needs a cut and shampoo from time to time, especially if he has an appointment

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

with the Wizard. Luckily, Tucson is of services, including stem cell therapy, home to Bark Avenue Dog Wash, complete medical and surgical care, where you can wash your pet yourself, dental care and more. or let a professional pet groomer do Runners Up all the work. We know which we’ll be choosing.

Runners Up 2. Rosie’s Barket 3. Posh Paws Grooming

Best Veterinary Clinic Speedway Veterinary Hospital

2. Broadway Animal Hospital 3. Catalina Pet Hospital

Best Farmers Market Vendor Yellow Brick Coffee 3220 S. Dodge Blvd. #1

Follow the Yellow Brick beans! Yellow Brick Coffee has become a mainstay at the Rillito Farmers Market, with 3736 E. Speedway Blvd. whole bean coffees for sale, as well Even when you’ve got your pet looking as a nitro cold brew coffee that’s sure sharp, accidents and injuries do hapto get you where you’re going. The pen, and the good people at Speedway coffee roaster has a brick-and-mortar Veterinary Hospital are more than location, at 3220 S. Dodge Blvd., but capable of taking care of your favorite is probably better known for their farmfamily member. Headed by Dr. Kayla ers market offerings. The single-origin R. Boyer, D.V.M., the staff of Speedway roastery was started by Anna Perreira Veterinary Hospital provides a variety

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

research. With a variety of degree programs, 19 different instrument studios and more than 300 concerts produced annually, students at the Fred Fox School of Music have the ability Multiple locations to learn, collaborate and perform Moon Smoke Shop is kind of like with some of the best in the industry, Tucson’s Cheers for the smoking crowd. before they go off to become musical Walk in and run into someone you know legends themselves. while you browse their wide variety of glass pipes, rolling papers, cigarettes, Runners Up lighters, fun accessories and everything 2. Tucson Jazz Institute else you need to light up.

Best Smoke Shop

Moon Smoke Shop

Best Place to Take a Phoenician Mount Lemmon Who cares about the Emerald City? We have an Emerald Mountain! Too hot in town? Head up to Mount Lemmon. Feeling like some fresh, crisp air? Go to Mount Lemmon. Craving the feeling of being transported to a completely different world but not in the mood to spend more than 45 minutes getting there? Mount Lemmon. Every city should have its own Mount Lemmon, but, of course, Phoenix doesn’t. So we should at least let the Phoenicians know it exists.

2. eegee’s 3. Fourth Avenue and her brother, David, in 2011, and has fast become one of the Old Pueblo’s best coffee outposts in short order.

Runners Up 2. Sleeping Frog Farms 3. Adventure Coffee Roasters

Best Alternative Health Center Tucson Acupuncture Co-op 204 E. Fort Lowell Road The practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, but the Tucson Acupuncture Co-op (also known as TACO) has been around since 2013. In just those few years, they’ve provided more than 50,000 acupuncture treatments. A place that’s dedicated to improving quality of life for people from all walks of life and at all income levels is a place worth supporting, and a place worth heading to be stuck with some needles, in our book.

Runners Up 2. Peaceful Spirit Massage and Wellness Center 3. Tucson Community Acupuncture

Best Photographer Jade Beall Have you ever heard that thing about how people in old black-and-white photos wouldn’t smile because they were afraid the camera was going to capture their souls? Jade Beall has a way of capturing souls in her photography (as in, recording, not holding hostage, though). She specializes in truthful images of women and the imperfections that make them complete. Just take it from her website: “I am here to stand in my Authentic Beauty and reflect Your Divine Gorgeousness.”

Runners Up 2. Sean Parker 3. Casey James

Runners Up

3. Schoolhouse of Rock

2. Chico’s Smoke Shop 3. Sticky’s Smoke Shop

Best Summer Staycation

Best Music School

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

UA Fred Fox School of Music

3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

You probably already know that sipping a drink and watching the sunset as you sit in a pool overlooking the The university boasts a music school city is a great way to spend your time. that retains some of the best musical JW Marriott’s Starr Pass resort, nesartists and scholars who are recognized internationally for their talent and tled amid the saguaros on the edge

1017 N. Olive Road

Best Plant Nursery Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery 8005 E. Speedway Blvd. If you want to while away the hours while conferring with the flowers, there’s no better place to get your gardening on than Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery—Tucson’s onestop shop for all your planting and landscaping needs. You can stroll through 20 acres of annuals and perennials, flowering plants, fruit and shade trees, indoor plants, cacti and succulents and plenty more. Worried you don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry! Mesquite Valley is also home to plenty of plant professionals more than ready to help you find the perfect leafy friend.

Runners Up 2. Green Things 3. Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

of Tucson Mountain Park, is an awesome place to take advantage of low summer rates for a luxurious in-town getaway.

Runners Up 2. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 3. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

Best Handyman Handyman Matters 9102 E. Holmes St. A good roof over your head is important, and if you’re anything like most of us in the office, fixing or improving said roof—or anything else that requires a hammer and screwdriver—is best left to the professionals. Handyman Matters of Tucson offers a full range of home repair and renovation services for every room of the house. Known for their fair pricing, timeliness and quality

work, Handyman Matters delivers great craftsmanship.

Runners Up 2. WeGottaGuy 3. Jared Smith Handycraftsman

Best Gym To Visit in the Witching Hour Tucson Racquet Club 4001 N. Country Club Road STAFF PICK: If you want to work out at the crack of dawn or at the witching hour of midnight, you can do it at the Tucson Racquet Club’s 24-hour facility. But that’s just one of the perks. It’s got dozens of courts for tennis, racquetball and pickleball, plenty of cardio and circuit equipment, a spacious weightlifting room, two pools, a restaurant and bar, summer camps for kids and a terrific nursery.

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Peaceful Spirit MASSAGE & WELLNESS CENTERS

our hands, your peace

5 Locations to Servefor You, voting Including Yours Thank you Tucson us Tops in Highly Trained Therapists to Help You Get The Results You Expect Massage Therapy*Acupuncture*Chiropractic And More... Massage and AlternativeCare* Health

Highly Trained Therapists Help You Get Real Results with Mara toConcordia, Massage Therapy* CEO-Owner Acupuncture* Chiropractic Care* Serving Tucson for 23+ years!

info@BestMassageInTucson.com

Visit our website to schedule an appointment (520) 320-1953 www.BestMassageInTucson.com OR Call or Text (520) 320-1953 5 Locations to Serve You, Including Yours!!

www.bestmassageintucson.com “Best Massage - Best Value” Same Day Appointments Available - Open 7 Days

www.BestMassageInTucson.com

Best Thrift Store Casa De Los Niños Thrift Store 1302 E. Prince Road It’s always nice when there’s an easy way to support a good cause. It’s even nicer when there’s a way to support a good cause that’s fun, and that involves you just doing something you were

Best Place to Get a Massage Peaceful Spirit Massage and Wellness Center 2930 N. Country Club Road When you get to feeling like a tin man, you know your muscles need a little

planning to do anyway—throwing yourself into the throes of thrifting. Why would you not want to stroll through 12,000 square feet of furniture, clothing, household jewelry and more, and to support an organization that works to support children and families?

Runners Up 2. Buffalo Exchange 3. Tucson Thrift

oil. Peaceful Spirit promises to help you “find your serenity” through massage, acupuncture and chiropractic care. This place will have you ready to chop down trees in no time.

Runners Up 2. Rubs Massage 3. Gadabout

Oct. 24, 2019

Thank You for Nominating Us “Best Hotel in Tucson”

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Tucson nominated us for “Best Thrift Store” We nominate Tucson for “Best Community!” Thrift Store

2200 E Elm St, Tucson AZ • www.arizonainn.com

Come Celebrate with an EXTRA SPECIAL discount gift card offer Buy a $30 gift card for only $20 dollars

Stop in to get your GIFT CARD

520.325.2573

Store hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat • 10am-5pm Sun 1302 E. Prince Road • casadelosninos.org

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Hotel Arizona Inn 2200 E. Elm St. It’s as easy as this: If you’ve been to the Arizona Inn, you know why our readers picked it as the best hotel in Tucson. From the casita-style suites to the lush outdoor areas, the Arizona Inn lives up to the phrase “boutique hotel retreat” in every

sense. Since 1930, the Arizona Inn has offered great rooms, great cuisine and a great escape. It’s simply a destination as magical as the Emerald City. We dare you to not be charmed.

Runners Up 2. JW Marriott Starr Pass 3. Hotel Congress

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best TV Newscast KGUN 9 On Your Side 7280 E. Rosewood St.

KGUN 9 brings you the TV news you need: Breaking stories, outrageous crimes, up-to-the-minute weather and sports coverage all shine on the morning, afternoon and evening newscasts. The morning crew will get you going and the evening crew will help you wind down. After all, they’re 9 On Your Side.

Runners Up: 2. KVOA News 4 Tucson 3. KOLD Tucson News Now 13

Best Local Twitter Feed @whatsuptucson The go-to place for “what the heck is going on” right here, right now. With more than 85,000 tweets, Ken Carr’s @ WhatsUpTucson delivers up-to-the-minute info on traffic jams, power outages, interesting local sights and more, all delivered with a sense of humor. Nothing captures the Tucson Zeitgeist like this feed.

Runners Up 2. @tucsonfoodie 3. @thisistucson

Best Local Weatherperson Lisa Villegas (KOLD) Where do you turn when a tornado is threatening to take your house into the sky? Or when rains are coming that melt you away? Or when a swarm of flying monkeys is on the horizon? None other than Lisa Villegas at KOLD, Channel 13. In just two years, Villegas has won over the Tucson Weekly readership with her insightful forecasts and charming delivery.

Runners Up 2. April Madison (KGUN9) 3. Matt Brode (KVOA)

Best Radio Host Cyndi & Chris (My 92.9) In between music from the likes of Taylor Swift, Panic! At the Disco and the Jonas

Brothers, Cyndi & Chris provide listeners with entertainment news, weird trivia, helpful advice and general banter. Have a problem you need solved? Cyndi & Chris will crowdsource a solution. Dying to know the latest Hollywood gossip? They will dish. Want to know the new flavor of Mountain Dew? These guys will let you know.

Runners Up: 2. Frank Brinsley

(96.1 KLPX) 3. Hannah Levin (91.3 KXCI)

Best Bookstore Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Multiple locations

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Tucson Games & Gadgets

Best Radio Station for News KUAZ/NPR/ AZPM (89.1 FM)

There’s a lot going on out there in the world, and it can be hard to keep track. And for that reason, if you’re seeking the news on radio, your best bet is to choose a station that cov-

Thank You Tucson Players for Helping Us Achieve Inevitability! Enter the realm at Park Place or Tucson Mall

Books are our passageway into the castles of the Emerald City, the elven halls of Rivendell and the cold frontier of Winterfell. And nowhere are you more likely to find unexpected discoveries than at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, where the shelves are stacked with treasures of mysterious libraries from across the globe—and possibly even your home! You never know what someone is going to trade in next at Bookmans, which makes every visit an adventure. Most books are half their cover price—a bargain by any measure—and if you get lucky at the trade desk, you might not have to pay anything at all. Plus, you can shop for music, movies, magazines, video games and even musical instruments while you’re there. Young munchkins will love the story time along with the many wellloved books in the kid section. It’s little wonder Bookmans remains a Tucson favorite.

Runners Up: 2. Antigone Books 3. UA Bookstore

ers both local and national news with accuracy and class. The local newsroom, headed by veteran journalist Andrea Kelly, is stacked with talent. This is a news organization you can trust.

Runners Up 2. KRQ (93.7 FM) 3. KXCI (91.3 FM)

Best Video Store Casa Video

2905 E. Speedway Blvd. With more than 50,000 titles in their library—including, of course, The Wizard of Oz—Casa Video is a Tucson institution. This is way more than a video rental joint with great specials, such as two-for-one rentals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a free family rental on Sundays and Thursdays. It’s more than a store with outstanding customer service, including helpful recommendations from the staff and an online ordering system that lets you pick up your movies right at the front counter—or even have them mailed to you. And it’s more than a spot to get free popcorn. It’s also a comfy spot to watch a movie, a neighborhood bar with an excellent selection of craft brews, and even a terrific place to get dinner on the nights when a food truck rolls up. In short, it’s a community treasure.

Runners Up 2. Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Comic Store

journalist Dan Marries knows how to pay attention to the man behind the curtain. He smoothly delivers the news that counts on the air and is a wizard of Twitter and Facebook, breaking news and starting conversations. And he’s out in the community, emceeing fundraisers and making sure kids have Christmas presents. There’s never been any question about whether this guy has a heart.

Heroes and Villains

4533 E. Broadway Blvd. With that Avengers flick becoming the biggest movie in history, it seems like comics are having a moment. If you want to find out what superheroes are all about, you should step right into Heroes and Villains, where you’ll find the big titles from Marvel and DC alongside cutting-edge books from independent publishers. There’s a decent stock of back issues and collected editions, along with plenty of action figures and other collectibles. It’s a lively joint for the gaming community as well, so if you roll the dice, you might end up melting a witch or rescuing a princess.

Runners Up 2. Bookmans 3. Fantasy Comics

Best Used Video Games Store Game Trader of Tucson

Runners Up 2. Valerie Cavazos (KGUN9) 3. Priscilla Casper (KVOA)

Best Local Sportscaster Best Radio Station for Music KXCI (91.3 FM) 220 S. Fourth Ave.

Let’s hear it for the little eclectic station that could! For more than three decades, KXCI has been bringing you real radio by real people. Under the leadership of Cathy Rivers, the station remains home to talents like

2130 W. Grant Road

Boasting Southern Arizona’s largest selection of retro games and consoles, Game Trader of Tucson is not your runof-the-mill game shop. Whether you’re looking for Starfox on Nintendo 64 or need to get your Xbox One repaired, the crew can get you on the fast track to hours of gaming in no time. The locally owned shop is run by actual gamers, so nerding out over game-winning tips or rapid-fire mods is highly encouraged.

Runners Up 2. Bookmans 3. Heroes and Villains

Best Games Store Tucson Games and Gadgets Multiple locations

Jim Blackwood, Jenny G, Hannah Levin, Amanda Shauger, Bridgitte Thum, Kidd Squidd, Al Perry, Duncan Hudson and so many more who ensure that you never quite know what you’re gonna hear next on KXCI. And that remains one of the best reasons to tune in.

Runners Up 2. KRQ (93.7 FM) 3. KIIM (99.5 FM)

Looking to delve into a new roleplaying adventure? Ride a tornado, battle evil witches and rescue scarecrows thanks to the plethora of fun available at Tucson Games and Gadgets. They’ve got miniatures, board games, cards, gadgets and everything in between. If you’re new to the gaming world, let an expert take you under their wing and learn the ropes. If you’re already well versed in battle, take on a competitive event. Who wants to go back to Kansas, anyway?

cused blog to dive into all the latest and greatest bites and drinks around town. Tucson Foodie does an excellent job of keeping up with the food and craft beer scene. With photos and videos of dishes that will make you drool, lists of themed eateries and food events, special guides for where to take your out-of-town friends, you’ll never miss a restaurant opening (or closing) ever again.

Runners Up

2 The Militant Baker 3. The Classy Alcoholic

2. Bookmans 3. Heroes & Villains

Best Blog Tucson Foodie It’s only right that a UNESCO City of Gastronomy would have a food-fo-

Runners Up

Best Local TV News Anchor Dan Marries (KOLD) After two decades on the job, veteran

Paul Cicala (KVOA) The prodigal son of Tucson has found himself atop this list more often than not over the past half-decade or so, thanks to his deep passion for all things Old Pueblo sports. The University of Southern California and Sunnyside High School alum returned home after cutting his teeth in El Paso. He’s become a mainstay in his hometown ever since.

Runners Up 2. Damien Alameda (KOLD) 3. Brian Jeffries (UA Athletics)

Best Instagram Why I Love Where I Live Of course a cause dedicated to encouraging folks to love where they live and engage in their community was started in Tucson. Why I Love Where I Live gets why Instagram is so fun: community and photography. If you’re trying to see beautiful shots from around town, this is the Instagram page to follow. Then again, it’s not too hard to get beautiful shots while living in Tucson.

Runners Up 2. Tucson Foodie 3. This is Tucson

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Clothing Creations Boutique 444 N. Fourth Ave. 6212 E. Speedway Blvd. What do we want? CUTE, UNIQUE CLOTHES! When do we want ’em? NOW! How much do we want them to cost? We’re looking for AFFORDABLE, WHOLESALE prices! What sizes do we want? X-small to 5XL! What we’re trying to say is we want this cute lil’ boutique on North Fourth Avenue and East Speedway Boulevard. We’ll meet you there for a shopping spree!

Runners Up 2. Buffalo Exchange 3. Razor’s Edge

Best Resale Clothing Buffalo Exchange 2001 E. Speedway Blvd.

Part of what makes thrifting fun is rummaging through racks of clothes looking for hidden gems—that dress to wear to your best friend’s wedding, that hat to go with your Halloween costume, those shoes that will go with that one shirt. The beauty of Buffalo Exchange is that you’re only sorting through clothing that’s fashionable or high-quality, so the selection process is just as fun, but with a much higher success rate for finding something cute.

Runners Up 2. How Sweet it Was Vintage 3. Twice as Nice

Best Home Furnishings Sam Levitz

3750 W. Orange Grove Road If you like furniture, boy, you’re gonna like Sam Levitz. Browse through thousands of square feet of living room, bedroom and dining room collections in search of the lamplight of your life, your

perfect pillow combination and the dining set of your dreams. If you get tired on your journey through the store, there are plenty of extremely comfortable places to sit down. They have free same-day mattress delivery (and free removal of your old mattress) too!

Runners Up 2. Copenhagen

3. Tom’s Fine Furniture And Collectables

Best Vintage Shopping How Sweet it Was Vintage 424 E. Sixth St.

Walking into How Sweet it Was feels a little like visiting a fashion museum,

except you can touch things and bring one of the beautiful pieces home with you to wear to a garden party or disco night. Tucson’s first name in vintage has been around since 1974 and offers well-kept fashion of the past for your inner mod or ’80s glam rocker. The shop brings in new stock regularly and features a different local artist each month.

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Runners Up 2. Buffalo Exchange 3. Tucson Thrift

Runners Up: so you can take a bit of the salon home with you.

Runners Up

Best Hair Salon Gadabout Multiple locations

Pampering yourself is serious business. Gadabout is Tucson’s favorite place for a new do, but why stop at a stellar haircut? There’s waxing and eyelash extensions to be had! Gadabout can make you feel like a brand new person or a totally recharged you, from head to toe. With a full range of salon and spa services, exquisite customer service and a relaxing atmosphere, you feel taken care of from the minute you walk in the door. They also sell a luxurious house brand of products, the G Line,

2. Circa 79 Salon 3. Salon Salon

Best Day Spa Mynd Spa & Salon (Formerly Red Door Spa) 3666 E. Sunrise Drive

The spa formerly known as Red Door stills smells as sweet as a eucalyptus sauna—which you can enjoy along with the usual services (massage, manicures, waxing) as well as more exotic options such as hypnotherapy and NeuroMovement bodywork. All that sounds like just what we need, but it’s the exquisite setting in the Catalina Foothills that elevates Mynd Spa & Salon to Tucson’s best.

Runners Up

2. Mayfield Florist 3. Flower Shop on 4th Avenue

2. Gadabout 3. Greentoes

Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer

Best Florist Inglis Florists Multiple locations

We would say that sending someone a flower arrangement is thoughtful, and that supporting a local business while you do it is even more thoughtful. But, really, just the opportunity to look at one of the beautiful arrangements, whether it’s a special Halloween jack-o-lantern arrangement, a fruit basket or a Wildcatthemed bouquet, means that every time you shop at Inglis, you’re giving a gift to yourself, too.

Alvernon Optical Multiple locations

Whether you need an eye exam or are just looking for another pair of prescription sunglasses, locally owned Alvernon Optical is here to help. The staff can help you pick out your best style, navigate your insurance options and ensure the right fit once the glasses come in. And if you’ve got an old broken pair of cheaters, they might even be able to fix ’em for you.

Runners Up: 2. Lesco Optical 3. Arizona Primary Eye Care

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Local Clothing Designer Laura Tanzer (Laura Tanzer Designs) 410 N. Toole Ave. #110

Laura Tanzer believes every woman is beautiful just the way she is. But she also invites women to think about the way in which they are beautiful—about the individual proportions and measurements that make up their body geometry. She designs clothes that are meant to flatter body geometries of all sorts. And she does it with all natural fibers too, without wasting any fabric. Anyone else feeling clothes-minded all of a sudden?

Runners Up: 2. Tierra Owens (Desertd) 3. Quinlan Wilhite (Qmulative)

Best Tattoo Parlor Sacred Art Tattoo Studio Multiple locations

Best Jewelry Silver Sea Jewelry 330 N. Fourth Ave.

Talk about entering a fantasy world: Fourth Avenue shoppers are drawn into Silver Sea Jewelry by the friendly mermaid lounging in the window. Inside, hand-crafted jewelry and costume pieces await the shopper looking for something unique to wear or a gift for someone special. Funky and ethereal, Silver Sea Jewelry is the best place to get everything you need for your Return of The Mermaids costume. Let your sparkly mermaid or steampunk flag wave proudly.

Runners Up 2. Blanca’s Jewelry 3. Heliotrope

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Barber Shop Gentleman Jack’s Barber Lounge 13360 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way Suite 118

l sales

PAGE

siness ucsonBu /InsideT

April

@AZBIZ

S R BU

INE

PAGE

ARE

with

Vice

can

Bruce

Wright,

compete

Book

g the Takin

PAGE

Associate

KNOW US, KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY E XPLORER DESERT TIMES The Northwest’s Newspaper

an Sonor ct 8 and Tech Proje MoreCorridor

PAGE

h stretc Home

Economic

of Lists

and

STD PRSRT POSTAGE US PAID AZ TUCSON,#1455

event

PAGE

PERMIT

ES T TIM

MARANA NEWS

a.com nlocalmedi www.tucso

DESER

The Voice

April

Volume

t Tucson of Southwes

2017

E INSID

31 • Number

N EDUCATIO

eon Lunch tes the celebra Marana best of d School Unifie ION FOUNDAT SCHOOLS HONORS Allis BradTimes

safety Watersummer

DisSchool and Unified teachers honarana students, recently 2340 trict were Marana the staffers when annual Celebraat the ored held its luncheon Foundation Excellence Mountain. Dove as a fundraiser tion of served also honored Ritz-Carlton, in the but The event school foundation and employees high for the MUSD Mountain top students Twelve Marana, received district. from High is seniors,and MCAT event Brad Allis View said of this part lives,” Dan scholarships. best “The are changing Presidentlives of we the that Foundation receiving are changing 2340 who are “We students. the Post. people Elementary attended the young anchor of 200 people news with Roadrunner scholarships.” was a hit Almost KOLD TV as Master and truck glory served event, and its monster Marries sponsors to do in all of Dan Max-D great ITY NEWS able Ceremonies. have in being are doing “We we COMMUN day for Superpartners what great show off said MUSD the special to plan said Kim- this our students,” Wilson. out scholand helped Doug handing honored “Based for to mind,” to Kids. Run was nothing him.“Gabe cameof Hope what he was intendent Quail Beth In addition appearthere and the foundation his famTrichel In reality, the truck’sand Hope berly his treatment thought of arships,MUSD employees. pathologist side. we about Jam of speech as Teacher one Road- off guard through,a little hope.” all smiles, three menacing Monster the Elementary honored crossing going was when up to give day. of use ance was tour of little Gutierrez ily could teamed a special also known Gapp a Thornydaleand director Kids Crawley At firstgetting a small student truck was on became the Year, Edmond Tamara the runner after moment he showcased employees into Johnnie Destruction, Max-D, and the five-year-old but his head driv- public relations the district’s for him , P14 surprise kindergarten truck, as Maximum acute too much burrowing Max-D named The to help uncheon with turned were side, shoulder. See L behand Gutierrez. then Gabe’s his shy at the Gabe com- his mother’s was diagnosed rest of Eichelberger leukemia since Mon- student Allis the a P18 has to , BradTimes He er Jared you see so you lymphoblastic truck 2016. of chemotherapy Desert his attention Monster classroom everyday school, when ginning of year but See in the a full at your surprise Elet is not pleted now back his recovery, the ster truck big trucks, out toa and is at Roadrunner can imagine he loved continuing ventured found knew and students School and with Hope Kids court the mentary basketballtruck, complete face on their menacing 10,000-pound and a spikes Desert

to When it’s time arrivesabout safety think 3 |Page

Camp to Kids few offeringsout A kids fun get your for summer 7 |Page

A MONSTER THE DAYCAME TO VISIT NER TRUCK AT ROADRUN

It’s sound get someto help with advice tax returns 15 |Page

Commu program nity makes bikes possible for kids |Page 4

A NEW S

service us what And the s to food they love and more best Special win sectionners inside are. today’s .. paper

Volume

24 • Number

Best Best

of the

of NW

Northwest,

April

12, 2017

MEMORI SERVICE AL

Remem the fallenbering

Marines remembe gather to died in r 19 who mission.training |Page 13

On the

Saturday, solemn April 8 is a as peopleday in Marana respects pay their Marines to the 19 who perished in an aircraft crash back in 2000. Marana Since then has erected small memorial the anniversary and a crash people of theon remember gather were killed. those whoto A number people on the lay yellow roses of See storystone memorial. on Page 13.

HEALTHC ARE

Loc urg new al emergent care to ency faci close, N lity to open

Menu Try a at this Power’s Pale Baja year’s Beer Festival |Page 19

Logan Burtch-Buus

Brad

Marana

Allis

News

orthwest Center planning Healthcare, second (NEC) Marana FSED. to move facility while first in Vail They will be their in the out tion ence plan to have will be in 2015. opened their ner. Marana of one in early seven-days-a-w open The new a freestanding 2018 a larger area, who 24 Th locawhen prespartment experienceeek to hours a day, vices e idea is to they as serve offer Tucson (FSED) emergency open cies. medical patients at NMC,the emergency the same Northwest emergen- tients Peaks Premium adjacent OVH deser- years and departments this new and ter reinforces Outlets to the ground Healthcare online will also and NEC The newI-10. this spring emergency at Twin first quarter Vail. mitment to reservebe able will our PaNorthwest “Marana to open break worked their to check-in nity. Th to caring long-term cenof vative leaders place in Emergency to in with 2018. Th for this comto the at commitment expedite Northwest e town the town vision line. have commu58 acres for new facility the process Healthcare an has of thatand we are the future inno- ine and Moore we have also extends is built to insure growth,” happy of the to evaluate care roads. near Tangerin a timely Market the Northwestto be part how best We continue the site CEO man- said. “We Kevin Health- vices in theto expand as we plan services have provided Stockton in Marana As part future.” healthcare for healthcare Healthcare serof the for more move than 11 tal Reserve will close Northwest Urgent the ContinenCare when See u their rgent cAre, P14

Runners Up TUCS ON SALVA GE: THE

LAST

OF THE

APRIL

AM RADIO

06-12,

2017

MEN

| PAGE

2. HiEndTight Barber Shop 3. V’s Barbershop

• WWW.TUCSO NWEEKLY.COM • FREE

FOOTHILLS NEWS

e gs hop truck brinstudent Monster drunner to Roa

to Time Taxnot too late

www.explo rernews.co m

The Voice Our reader of Marana since 2007 from s told

INSID E

Wheel for Kidss

raytheon.com

... ,”

going you’re point faster an entry as for trade.”conwe market the the attractivecenter better Sonoran sys- to be the believes is, the ion com- or logistical of the system of Wright strengthen relations transportatcan jobs. tion will our better wefair share struction create point of Arizona. our that should fectiveis, the says Corridor economic transporta and entry made our University an tem and get wealth region,” Vice country’s in Mexico as bringr- pete jobs and to our to effectiveat the serves Americanassembled Associate Arizo- with and Arizona back the are would Tucson Parks that shipped automopro- be coming Wright,Tech of Arizona. manufactu will for high-value efficientParks Analysis. for corridorand while ies Bruce pact morefor Tech the products then engines, industry The area items UniversityCorridorof “The Jet industrialthe opportunit, like President the Mexico aerospace thePort of U.S. the na at new jobs to President Sonoran movement of Mexican and are among s on the The the through the expansion companies Pima ing Business Systems, Tech reach biles Freeman percent put viding existing , P6 Tucson Hailey Inside MissileArizona al Air- facilitate 60 that comes to States, electronicsthrough destination a the for Air nearly lthough voterson of Special Nogales shipped to reachtechnoLogy United nthan Internation See Countybrakes project Raytheon the Tucson produce of of the ve- the Port road last year’s University the Tucson parts to Wright. to follow Wrightto Ari- Park, and Davis-Moalleviate area other major 19 in on port, Base. help in the tends and Southern trade according products resistance,” 2017 intent I-10 “Tradeleast get still the eco- Force major easy can of It would linking election,are congestion of path “If you BOOK bond officialsbenefitsnt initiative. a hicular connecting facilitatingproducts LISTS says. of the zona and efOF Corridor could while ion and reaping developme that jobs routes in transportat region.efficient nomic Sonoranplan the ted full-time The billion more cial accord- across “The 200,000 $32 multi-face create generate revenue,Corridor Imaphers s res, commer and regionalSonoran yearlyto the and Revenue Booksto photogrplanner ing

Menu the On Three Wells

12, 2017

RO n or pla rrid ry, n Co indust e ora scienc Son rease The inc benefit would ll as logy as wetechno and

MET SON TUC T H E ess.com FOR NAL onBusin OUR sideTucs SS J www.In

Volume

MARAN

Real Estatelook at

A monthly commercia area and leases 4

YO U 2017 3 3-17, Number March 25 •

Gentleman Jack’s Barber Lounge just opened its doors earlier this year and has already jumped to the top of the charts in Best of Tucson. You’ll find a sleek and sophisticated ambience that’s modern in design yet retro in spirit. And the glass of Gentlemen’s Jack whiskey they offer while you wait for an empty seat makes it feel more like an upscale lounge than a barber shop. Stay handsome!

EXPLO 1

April

5, 2017

www.explo rernews.co m

KIDS

Northw est

INSID E

Our Town

The Voice

of Marana,

CAMP

Oro Valley

offerin gs for sun summe and r fun, good times

Canyon del High School Oro decathlo n team take fourth title & state teacher Coyote Trail |Page awarded 4

Page

RER

and Northwes t Tucson

Volume

On the

with

e | P6 PY Steakhous

Wh Youro’sWeWatching b Trail?

GOP Congre rules meant ss, Trump By Jim to Nintzel protect White House | Page your online gut 4 browsiprivacy ng

.com LocalMedia

April

5 • Volume

9 • Number

06 • www.Tucson

OV ARCHERY

Golder fire dist Ranch and ricts con Mou sider conntain Vist solidati a on turkey. Logan Burtch-Buus

Logan

The ExplorerBurtch-Buus

s | P18 Happening

EWS ILLS N FOOTH Tennis|

On April Fool’s Day, 12-year-old Marana resident Santos Armando father and his dozens Robert joined of others Oro Valley’s at Park for Naranja Archery Demo Day. Hosted by the town, the event included archery basic vendor instruction, shootingbooths, target A practicedand more. Armando archer, dialed quickly a three in on his target: mock dimensional

COMMUN ITY NEWS

Scout

A local Pride meets scout the Presiden presenta t during Washing tion in |Page ton, D.C. 9

POP

24 • Number

p Kids Cam

he Golder roughly 38,000 tain Vista Ranch miles across and Moun- Maranaof northern fire districts day operate 19 banner. Pima square under may one Vista wasand Oro County, ment The a unified merger formed Valley, Mountain one formprospect grants of Health in 2008 North of the former of consolidation, Services, or another, a new after the rightground itage Ranch/Linda ambulance which the topic, La is by no Fire Hills to operate in District said Mountain districts, Vista Cañada, region. MVFD services lion of means total of Cheryl and Her- American in a a $6.2 To the 54 employeesand maintains Horvath,(MVFD) the proposition Medicalcontracts specific income derive million north, Fire Vista District Improving at two who explained Chief Response.through secondary going from in projected stations.a vices (GRFD)Golder Ranch and expanding arose efforts the district’s property its 2.1 eventually that four decades, residents as part percent to has operated Fire crease more tax. of living improve rate and currently ser- governing than 60,000 Horvathin revenue, requires Though Responding serviceson- personnel within for board can be raised an in- tricts a fact and both districts. to are ultimately approval, to a community on which from with a team serves Randy Karrer GRFD state-mandated by Additionally, eight fire disFire agree. stations. of 191 maintains a Certificate “As fire idential a roughly MVFD, Chief of awarded 3.25 limited GRFD districts rate cap. by a which that tax of district maintains for commercial 80 by the Necessity with percent res- talking cap we’re get little Arizona (CON), property requiredcloser to with tax as build-out, potential how we can our neighbors to Depart- of revenue. start a significantrelies ate rently on that shared create efficiencies,about In the adopted nature, services district’ssource ing taxes,” in lieu and thingscrebudget, $5.7 curHorvath of just of milsaid. increasSee F

ire,

summer s for est offering | P12 Northw times and good

fun, sun

P19

Tattoos aren’t for cowardly lions, but if you’ve got the guys to lay down some permanent art on your own body, head to go to Sacred Art. With several locations across town, you’re never far from the ink and needles of these talents tattoo artists. What’s your fantasy? Make it a reality.

Thank You Tucson

For voting for us seven years in a row - Long term friendly staff - Exams, Glasses & Contacts - Insurance accepted Locally owned and operated for over 58 years Six Convenient Locations AlvernonOptical.com

Runners Up 2. Black Rose Tattooers 3. Enchanted Dragon Tattoos

Best Tattoo Artist Lisa Cardenas (Haunted Hands) Lisa Cardenas, the founder and owner of Haunted Hands, remains the baddest tattoo artist in town. Tucsonans can’t get enough of her work.

Runners Up 2. Ed Slocum (Tattoo Artistry) 2. Anthony Michaels (Metro Tattoo)

Best Place to Get Pierced Straight to the Point Multiple locations

It all depends on exactly what you want to get pierced, of course, but we’d prefer a professional over the crew the mall when it comes to sticking sharp objects into your body. That’s our advice. And if you’re looking for a friendly, professional environment to mod your bod, look no further than Straight to the Point, where you can safely get pierced and pick up some dynamite jewelry. Since 2009, Tucsonans have trusted STTP piercers with ears, noses and plenty more.

Runners Up: 2. Sacred Art Tattoo Studio 3. Black Rose Tattooers

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Botanical Gardens has been the definition of an oasis, because it’s a lush collection of green vegetation right in the middle of the desert. (Well, the middle of a city in the middle of the desert, but cities need an oasis or two, too.) In addition to the green scene, the gardens boast an art gallery along with a lovely cafe—and they’re dog-friendly, too. We wish we could be here every day.

Runners Up 2. Tohono Chul 3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Best Hike Tumamoc Hill Would we really be Tucsonans if we didn’t vote this popular hill as the best hike in town? If you’ve never gotten up early on a Saturday morning to pant your way up the switchbacks of Tumamoc, enjoy the view from the top, then slog down slowly and wonder when your knees started feeling so old before going out to breakfast to reward yourself, you’re missing out.

Runners Up 2. Sabino Canyon 3. Mount Lemmon

Best Backpacking Trail Best Dog Park Morris K. Udall Regional Park 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road This eastside staple has everything you could ask for in a dog park, including separated park space for big and small doggos. The well-lit park also includes drinking fountains for

humans and dogs alike, with an acre of grass for your four-legged friends to frolic about. There are seats as well, so humans can relax while the hounds enjoy their social hour.

Runners Up

Best Public Garden Tucson Botanical Gardens 2150 N. Alvernon Way While it’s a relaxing oasis, don’t worry:

2. Reid Park There are no poppy fields that are 3. Brandi Fenton Memorial gonna knock you out for good. For more than a half-century, the Tucson Park

Sabino Canyon/ Seven Falls Recreation Area 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road With the amount of backpacking space around Tucson, a trail has to be pretty great to win in this category. And Sabino Canyon and Seven Falls happen to be great. First off it has water, so that’s amazing. But more than that, it has seven waterfalls and some stellar views of East Tucson. Simply put, Sabino Canyon and Seven Falls

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Bike Riding The Loop There’s just a lot of good stuff to say about the Loop: It’s got more than 120 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes. It connects parks, trailheads, bus routes, workplaces, schools, hotels and shopping areas. There’s plenty of public art

remind us why we fell in love with the Sonoran landscape in the first place.

Runners Up 2. Mount Lemmon 3. Romero Pools/Catalina State Park

Best Campground Patagonia State Park

to enjoy along the path, and there are even a few bathrooms and water fountains. You’d have to be loopy to not want to ride your bike here.

Runners Up 2. Mount Lemmon 3. Sabino Canyon

away among getaways. While it’s a bit of a drive from Tucson, once you get there, you’ll find it tough to leave.

Runners Up 2. Mount Lemmon 3. Catalina State Park

Best Outdoor Recreation/ Sporting Goods Store Summit Hut

400 Patagonia Lake Road

Multiple locations

Why did our readers pick this as the best campground? Well, let me ask you this: Where else can you rent an island to serve as your campsite? With plenty of shoreline camping, boat rentals, and space to get wild and free, Patagonia Lake State Park is a get-

Whether you’re looking to get hardcore into rock climbing or backpacking, want to fuel your way through an endurance workout or need to replace your old birding binoculars, Summit Hut has got you covered. And the locally owned business, which started in the bedroom of a couple of 15-year-

Best Park Reid Park 900 S. Randolph Way It’s hard not to find something to love about Reid Park. If you’ve got kids and are big on playgrounds, it’s got plenty of those. If feeding the ducks at a pond is your thing,

olds, has now been around for more than half a century! No Summits, ands, or buts about it—it’s a great place to shop.

Runners Up 2. Miller’s Surplus

Best Bike Shop BICAS 2001 N. Seventh Ave. BICAS (or Bicycle Intercommunity Art & Salvage) is the go-to, do-it-yourself spot for two-wheeled gearheads in Southern Arizona. The space, which launched as the nonprofit Bootstraps to Share 30 years ago, gives Tucsonans of all shapes and sizes a space to fix, improve and build their own bicycles, spreading the love of bicycle upkeep to a new generation.

Reid Park has got you covered. Like to see live performances at your park? No problem. Grilling, horseshoes, dog parks, a rose garden, multipurpose courts, baseball fields and even a zoo? Reid, indeed.

Runners Up 2. Agua Caliente Park 3. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park

The friendly staff at the biking mainstay are happy to help anyone spiff up their man-powered machines.

Runners Up 2. Ben’s Bikes 3. Fair Wheel Bikes

Best Day Trip Bisbee, Arizona Affectionately called “Mayberry On Acid,” the quirky town of Bisbee is a popular destination for Tucsonans looking to chill out, enjoy a wild Pride weekend and run into a friend on Main Street. Bisbee’s hills are adorned with colorful, historic homes and art can be found in just about every little corner, making it easy to enjoy yourself. Park yourself on the brewery’s patio in Brewery Gulch to people-watch, or

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

WHEN YOU WANT TO STAY WITH THE BEST

THANK YOU TUCSON 3800 E Sunrise • 520.742.6000

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

drink with a local at St. Elmo’s to get the real Bisbee experience. The town hosts several great annual events and is home to a couple of museums. A visit is also a great way to escape the heat, as it’s always a little cooler and nestled in Cochise County’s green mountains. The drive there is about 90 minutes on I-10 or you can take the scenic state routes and get there in just under two hours. Just be prepared to search for parking.

Runners Up

6200 N. Club House Lane

2. Mount Lemmon 3. Tombstone

Fans of wide-open spaces and panoramic views will love the 36-hole facility at Loews Ventana Canyon, which offers a variety of views and opportunities to get your butt kicked by both the game of golf and Mother Nature herself. The 600-acre property is the brainchild of course architect Tom Azio, who designed the course in 1984 to provide jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, while sporting a target

Best Golf Course Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club

Bensbikestucson.com 7431 S Houghton Rd 520.574.2453

Thank you for making us one of the best! More than just a shop, we’re your neighbors...

golf course with narrow fairways and enough desert hazards to make your hair fall out by round’s end. If any of these tickle your fancy, then make your way up Kolb Road to the famed resort and try your hand at beating the thinking man’s game.

Runners Up 2. Sewailo at Casino Del Sol 3. La Paloma Golf Course

Congratulations to all Best of Tucson winners!

From all of us at

Free Admission for Cars and Crafts

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Place for a Children’s Party Get Air 330 S. Toole Ave. What do kids like to do best? Jump up and down, of course! So what better place for a kid’s birthday party than a warehouse full of trampolines? Get Air will keep the kids bouncin‘ until it’s time for pizza and cake—and really, what more do you want at a birthday party?

Runners Up 2. Pump It Up 3. Reid Park Zoo

Best Way to Entertain Kids During the Summer Children’s Museum Multiple locations When triple digits hit and trips to the park or zoo are out of the question, the Children’s Museum is there with air-conditioned fun. The museum has been doing some makeovers lately, with an expanded play area for toddlers and a new space that creates a sense of place in the Sonoran Desert—including a cool cave to clamber about along with a crank that launches bats into the air. Plus, summertime brings special kid camps and other programming, along with expanded hours on some Saturday nights.

Runners Up

Best Restaurant With a Kids’ Menu

2. Brandi Fenton Splash Pad 3. Reid Park Zoo

Little Anthony’s Diner 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Did you know there’s a restaurant in Tucson that offers kids free sundaes if they turn in a perfect reading test? Drop by Little Anthony’s Diner, adjacent to the ever-exciting Gaslight

Theatre, and enjoy the nostalgia of a ’50s eatery with your little ones. The kids menu is titled “The Little Be-Bopper,” and includes all the staples—chicken nuggets, hot dogs, grilled cheese and, of course, French fries. Our personal favorite? The “Pasgetti and Meatballs.” Dee-licious!

Runners Up 2. Zinburger 3. Prep & Pastry

Best Fun for the Whole Family Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Road There’s so much fun stuff to do at the Desert Museum that you and your whole family and all of your worst enemies could probably happily spend the day there and not run into each other.

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

THANK Y OU TUCS ON! Check us out at LA ENCANTADA! 2905 E. Skyline Dr. #186 Tucson AZ. 520-615-6266 MILDREDDILDRED.COM ThankYou Youto toOur Our Customers Customers for Over Thank Over 25 30 Years Yearsof of Loyalty! Loyalty! You are the Best of Tucson! You are the Best of Tucson!

Best Toy Store Mildred & Dildred

Runners Up 2. Kids Center 3. Mad Titan Toys

2905 E. Skyline Drive We may have fewer toy stores than ever—RIP Kids Center and Yikes!— but we’re lucky to have an emporium as enchanting as Mildred & Dildred. Your inner child will delight as you gaze upon the fun games, cute dolls, crazy books, adorable stuffed animals and the rest in search of a perfect gift at Mildred & Dildred. We especially like to swing by right around storytime with the little munchkins, although there is one small catch: getting them to finally settle on something because they usually want half the stuff the store! We have to save something for Santa’s list, kids. Stroll through two miles of walking paths to see nearly 250 animal species, check out the art gallery, touch the stingrays, play in the Packrat Playhouse, visit animals like bears and coatimundis, check out the aquarium, stop in for lunch and then go back out to experience even more.

Runners Up 2. Golf N’ Stuff 3. Reid Park Zoo

Best Kids’ Clothing Store

your closet door. Or the storage room. On the plus side, you can gather up half of those outfits and go trade them in for store credit—which you can then use to pick up more cute outfits. Whether you’re in the market for ruby slippers or a proper hat for your little witch, you’ll find what you need at Little Bird.

Runners Up 2. Twice as Nice 3. Sweet Repeats Children’s Resale Boutique

Little Bird Nesting Company

Best Children’s Entertainer

4508 E. Broadway Blvd.

Mr. Nature’s given name is Anthony, but even his friends and family call him Nature. He’s just that kind of guy who walks around with a guitar and loves helping little kids learn everything from literacy to teamwork to making crafts. And adults, too, have to love a guy whose discography includes songs like “Lazy Sloth” and “Mac n’ Cheese.”

Here’s the problem with Little Bird Nesting Company: The clothes are so cute and so affordable that you might discover that your toddler suddenly has hundreds and hundreds of cute outfits pouring out in to a mess every time you open their closet door. Or

Mr. Nature

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Runners Up

2. Unscrewed Theater 3. Friends of Make Pretends (Zack Armstrong)

2. Oro Valley Aquatic Center 3. Marana Splashpad

Best Public Pool/Splashpark

Best Story Time Pima County Public Library Multiple locations

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park

Sometimes it’s nice to read a picture book with your kids, and reminisce on your own childhood. Sometimes, it’s nice to have another adult read to you and your kid, so that you can join in on the fun as your child is whisked off to a magical quest for a broomstick. There’s no better place in Tucson to enjoy a bit of story time than the many branches of the Pima County Public Library. And hey: After you’ve triggered their love of reading, you can take home a few books! Check it out.

3482 E. River Road

Runners Up:

When your youngsters don’t know how to swim, a splashpad is a great alternative to a pool because it means you won’t have 20 pounds of kid crashing against your body every time they want to jump into the pool. (Not that we have firsthand experience or anything.) The splashpad at Brandi Fenton Park meets all the requirements, with water squirting up from below, crashing down from above and flying in all directions thanks to the little water cannons. The kids will have buckets of wet fun.

2. Bookmans Entertainment Exchange 3. Mildred & Dildred

Best Summer Camp YMCA of Southern Arizona Multiple locations Whether you have a toddler who wants a

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Runners Up 2. Tucson Jewish Community Center 3. Reid Park Zoo

Best Playground Reid Park

Best Daycare

A lot of criteria goes into what makes a playground good: A good slide is a must, as is something kids can clamber all over. But perhaps the most important feature of a playground is that it’s accessible for the people who want to play on it. Reid Park’s new playground near the DeMeester bandshell features wheelchair-accessible ramps and a rocking feature—sort of like a see-saw for wheelchair-using kiddos. Now that’s a playground!

Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road

Runners Up 2. Himmel Park 3. Tangerine Sky Community Park

FINALIST IN BEST OF TUCSON BEST DAYCARE BEST GYM BEST SUMMER CAMP

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TUCSONJCC.ORG/CALENDAR TUCSONJCC.ORG | 520.299.3000 | 3800 N RIVER RD

day full of educational games and songs, a grade-schooler who wants to attend a pirate camp or a teenager who wants to learn about leadership, volunteerism and career prep, the YMCA’s summer day camps are a godsend. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg—they also have sports camps and overnight camps. It’s summer fun you “camp” resist.

The J’s early-childhood education program is nothing short of spectacular, with endless art activities, wonderful playgrounds, a fun-filled splashpad and plenty of toys to keep the rugrats busy, all under the supervision of a loving and well-trained staff. The kids learn how to play well with each other and build the skills they’ll need to succeed once they start kindergarten. And they even end up potty-trained. It’s just about everything you could ask for when you can’t stay home with the kids yourself.

Runners Up: 2. Sandbox Early Childhood Learning Center 3. Brichta Infant and Early Learning Child Care Center

Best Old West Experience Trail Dust Town 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road STAFF PICK: Let’s hear it for the funky land of Trail Dust Town! When the kids need a little Old West action, a visit to Trail Dust Town is in order. They can ride the train, spin on an old-time carousel, take a flying wagon train up to the sky and even see a gunfight! If you’re hungry, you can grab dinner at Pinnacle Peak steakhouse,

which has a nice area for the kids to play when you get tired of them spilling their drinks. And if they’re really good, there’s even a candy shop for them to browse. Yee-haw!

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Thanks Tucson for Voting Us Best of Tucson 10+ Years!

Best Barbecue BrushFire BBQ Multiple locations

Brooklyn Pizza 534 N 4th Ave brooklynpizzacompany.com

Sky Bar 536 N 4th Ave skybartucson.com

4th Ave Yoga 413 E 5th St 4thavenueyoga.com

We appreciate your Votes! We want to thank you with a special offer

Buy one entree get second entree 50 % off

150 West Fort Lowell (At Stone Avenue)  Tucson, Arizona 85705 p. 520.292.1738  gandhicuisineofindia.com

We could start and end the entry for BrushFire BBQ just by saying this: The messy fries will change your life. Seasoned to perfection and covered in deliciousness, it’s a life-changing experience. If that’s not your thing (it should be), there’s plenty of other tasty things to try on the menu, including barbecue classics like pork and brisket sandwiches. But seriously, messy fries.

Runners Up 2. Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ 3. Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue

Best Place to Grab a Slice

Best Desserts

Empire Pizza

Nadines Bakery

137 E. Congress St.

4553 E. Broadway Blvd.

Though it is sometimes necessary to sacrifice your regular pizza standards when you’re making a late-night pizza run, you won’t have to if you’re near downtown’s Empire Pizza. Pick up an authentic New Yawk-style slice that’s topped with legit Grande mozzarella cheese and is significantly bigger than your face. And then get a hero sandwich, some garlic knots and dessert, too.

Runners Up 2. Brooklyn Pizza 3. Mama’s Famous Pizza & Heros

Tucson’s only kosher bakery is a little slice of midtown heaven, with the display cases full of pastries and goodies that will surely ruin your diet in the best way. Serving the local community for four decades now, Nadines is home to spectacular custom cakes for any occasion, including weddings, anniversaries and quinceaneras. And be sure to try the chocolate chip cookie, because they even do the simple things in a spectacular manner.

Runners Up 2. Monsoon Chocolate 3. Beyond Bread

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Caterer El Molinito Multiple locations In a region renowned for Mexican food, it’s all the more impressive that El Molinito snags a win for their complete catering service. There’s just so much competition! Throw down on some tacos, burritos and plenty more for your corporate event, wedding or family party. You bring the tacos, we’ll bring the tequila!

Runners Up 2. Roma Imports 3. Café à La C’Art

Best French Fries Zinburger Multiple locations Fries come in different forms at Zinburger. You want plain ol’ hand-cut

fries? You want double truffle fries, with truffle aioli and truffle oil? You want sweet potato waffle fries? How about zucchini fries? No matter what you choose, your taste buds are the winner.

Runners Up 2. eegee’s 3. Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar

Best Specialty Food Store AJ’s Fine Foods 2805 E. Skyline Drive Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountain range is a bougie supermarket chock full of fresh fish and exotic produce, alongside an expansive selection deli with plenty of to-go options. Oh, and we nearly forgot all the wine and beer! Show up for some groceries, leave with a box

of pastries, fresh sushi and a bunch of flowers. It’s that kind of place. You (and your wallet) have been warned.

Runners Up 2. Lee Lee International Supermarket 3. Roma Imports

Best Fresh-Baked Bread Barrio Bread 18 S. Eastbourne Ave. Some people might not understand the point of an artisan heritage bread. Those people have never eaten Barrio Bread. With white Sonoran grains, precision heritage flour, mesquite flour and more, Tucson is just as much a part of Barrio Bread as it is of Tucson. Take a bite into something like their sun-dried cranberry and walnut bread made from pain au levain dough and tell us you can’t taste the passion behind the bake.

Runners Up 2. Beyond Bread 3. La Estrella

Best Burger Lindy’s on 4th 500 N. Fourth Ave. Featured on Man vs Food for its OMFG Burger Challenge (get your meal for free if you can scarf down 3.5 to 4 pounds of burger in less than 30 minutes), Lindy’s is the place to go for an unusual—or just big—burger. You want a donut in place of a bun? You got it. You want a half-dozen patties? No problem. And if you don’t eat red meat, they offer veggie patties, chicken breast and a salad option.

Runners Up 2. Zinburger 3. Diablo Burger

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Veggie Burger

Best Place to Get a Sandwich

Best Pizzeria

Best Smoothies/Juice Bar Xoom Juice

Graze Premium Burgers

Bison Witches

Brooklyn Pizza Company

2721 E. Speedway Blvd.

326 N. Fourth Ave.

534 N. Fourth Ave.

You’ve got your good witches, your evil witches and your Bison Witches. The magic here is a menu of hefty sandwiches, which range from classics like BLT and club to specialties like the grilled PB&J and the Wildcat. No matter what your choice, you can be sure it’ll be great and fill you up. Pair it with a bag of chips or their awesome soup bread bowls and you’ve got a carb carnival.

When we’re close to last call at a Fourth Avenue watering hole, we love to hear the magic word “Brooklyn.” Whether it’s a classic pepperoni or a specialty deep dish, Brooklyn Pizza delivers hot and delicious pie. And they even deliver that pie through a takeout window late into the night. If you’re really feeling the call of the carb, you can stack some sandwiches, calzones and garlic knots on your order. In a town full of great pizza, Brooklyn remains a slice above.

Graze Premium Burgers realizes something many other restaurants don’t: A veggie burger isn’t just a chance to try to recreate meat, it’s a chance to make something unique. Made from Arizona tepary beans and infused with wood-smoked flavor, a Graze veggie burger really goes above and beyond. And when placed on a grilled brioche bun and topped with their special Graze sauce, it’s a meal all its own.

Runners Up 2. Lindy’s 3. Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegetarian Restaurant

Runners Up 2. Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches 3. Beyond Bread

Runners Up 2. Rocco’s Little Chicago 3. Empire Pizza & Pub

Best Wings Wings Over Broadway Multiple locations

There’s something weirdly satisfying about tearing into a juicy, sauce-soaked wing like some sort of caveman. Maybe it’s because they look so small in our meathooks that we imagine ourselves transformed into giants and we believe the rest of the world is filled with munchkins who will soon bow before us. There’s nowhere we feel more like commanding our minions than at Wings Over Broadway, which slings wings drenched in nearly any sauce you can imagine.

Best Drive Thru Eegee’s Multiple locations Look, it ain’t fine dining, but sometimes—especially when you have one or more toddlers tied down, er, safely secured in their car seats— you just don’t want to get out of your Honda when you you’re picking up dinner on your way home. And in those situations, it’s great if the kids happen to love the food at the Drive Thru you’re rolling up to. Fortunately, eegee’s fits the bill, since the kids love mac ’n’ cheese, hot dogs and most especially, those refreshing cups of slushy eegee’s. Now if you can just keep them from spilling half of it all over themselves on the drive home…

Runners Up: 2. Nico’s Mexican Food 3. Coffee Times DriveThru

2739 E. Speedway Blvd. Do you want a Berrystardust? How about a Green Spin? A Blastin Blackberry? Hearing the names of such magical potions makes us think we’re not in Tucson anymore. But you don’t have to be transported to a magical land. You merely have to make a drive to Xoom Juice for these delicious and healthy delights.

Runners Up 2. Goodness 3. Pure Love Juice

Best Food Truck Geronimo’s Revenge It’s called Geronimo’s Revenge because after culinary school, chef Mo Madril was irritated when he was told he’d only find success working for hotels or cruise ships. This fantastic food truck, serving up everything from mac & cheese to hot dogs to sandwiches to vegan options, is his revenge—and Tucson’s joy. If you’ve never grabbed some late-night Geronimo’s Revenge while you’re downtown, please treat yourself this weekend.

Runners Up 2. Fat Noodle 3. Pop’s Hot Chicken

Best Coffee

Runners Up

Cartel Coffee Lab

2. Rocco’s Little Chicago 3. Native Grill and Wings

2516 N. Campbell Ave. 210 E. Broadway Blvd. For a morning-pick-me-up or midday recharge, Tucson turns to one of Cartel Coffee Lab’s two locations. The coffee shop focuses on americano or latte classics, letting their beans shine.

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FOR 20 YEARS!! SMOOTHIES

$1.00 OFF ANY

COLD BREW

$1.00 OFF ANY

DRIVE THRU 3 4 0 1 E S P E E D WA Y B L V D , T U C S O N A Z 8 5 7 1 6 • ( 5 2 0 ) 3 1 8 - 3 6 9 8

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Along with espresso drinks and coffee, they serve hot and iced teas, cold brew and a small but mighty selection of morning pastries. Just don’t look for sugar-laden blends, as that’s not on the menu. Whether you hit up the downtown branch or the Campbell Avenue spot, you’ll find yourself in a cool space with plenty of room to meet a friend.

Full Servicce Catering - Gradution Parties, Weddings, Corporate Events and any occasion.

Thank You Tucson!

Runners Up

On behalf of ownership, our talented management and staff we would like to thank our loyal patrons for the privilege to serve our community for 12 years and look forward to being a part of Tucson for the next 12 years. Proudly locally owned and operated since 2007.

BrushFire Creamery

Central Tucson

Eastside

7080 E 22nd St Tucson, AZ 85710 (520) 268-9000 brushfirebbq.com

(Campbell & Glenn) 2745 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 624-3223

(22nd & Kolb) 7080 E. 22nd St. Tucson, AZ 85710 (520) 867-6050

49¢

Nominated for “Best Wings” 2019! Come by and enjoy for yourself! Thank You to all who Voted!

*Offered only at the Tucson Marana location. Only valid with the purchase of a drink. Dine-in only. For a limited time only.

ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY *For a limited time only

Best Donuts Amy’s Donuts These donut options sound like something Frank L. Baum himself would have cooked up: Bizmallow Caramel, Simpson Sprinkles, Crème Brulee, Maple Bacon Fudge, Lucky Charms, Butterfinger Glaze, Peanut Butter Oreos, Trix, Strawberry Cheesecake

8225 N Courtney Page Way (Cortaro / Az Pavilions) • (520) 744-7200

Best Cafe Hangout There’s something vaguely European about the vine-draped, back patio of Cafe Passe. It’s a cozy spot to while away the day while sipping a coffee— or maybe a beer. If someone ever tells Fourth Avenue doesn’t have a heart, all you have to do is point them in the direction of Cafe Passe. We know we lost our heart to this place years ago.

Runners Up 2. Cartel Coffee Lab 3. Black Crown Coffee Co.

Voted Best Hot Dog! World Famous Chili Cheese Dogs, Chicken & Shrimp Dinners, Pat’s CC on Toast Planning a Party? Call ahead for our Family Packs

ALL DAY TUESDAY | MONDAY- FRIDAY 11AM-3PM

2. La Estrella Bakery 3. Donut Wheel

415 N. Fourth Ave.

101 E. Fort Lowell Road

WINGS ARE BACK!

Runners Up

Cafe Passe

2. Raging Sage Coffee Roasters 3. Exo Roast Co

Gently Smoked Meats, Fresh Side Dishes, Grilled Bread, Messy Fries, 5 BBQ Sauces, and 16 Beers on Tap

and Apple Pie Glaze. And they’re open 24 hours a day. Yeah. We’ll see you there for a late-night donut run.

We have been in business for over 58 years and still going strong! Thanks Tucson

Open 7 Days a Week

Come try our Chili Cheese Fries... they’re the Best in the West! 1202 W. Niagara St. Tucson, AZ 85745 (Between Grande and St. Mary’s)

520-624-0891

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Casual Dining Seis Kitchen 130 S. Avenida del Convento 1765 E. River Road

Runners Up 2. Beyond Bread 3. Culinary Dropout

The Scented Leaf Multiple locations The Scented Leaf is a delight for several reasons. First of all, they have teas on tap! On TAP! They also have in-house specialty drinks ranging from fruity yerba mates to Thai teas to matcha lattes and dirty chais. And they’ve got a killer loose leaf selection, of everything from herbals and rooibos to oolong to black, green and white. You’re guaran-tea-d to love it.

Runners Up 2. Seven Cups 3. Maya Tea Company

Best Sandwich (the actual sandwich) Unforgettable (Baggins) Here’s to local success story Baggins, which proves that you can open mul-

Best Eggs Benedict

Runners Up

Five Points Market

2. Oregano’s 3. Sauce

Best Hot Dog

If you like mouth-watering tacos or breakfast burritos the size of a football, you’ll love this Tucson staple. Whether you go to the company’s smaller window-service brach inside the Mercado San Agustin or their brick-and-mortar locale off River Road, you’ll find a fresh and tasty take on Mexican food favorites that are sure to satisfy patrons of all ages. Seis has fast become one of the go-to spots for great Mexican fare in the Old Pueblo, with food and drinks that are sure to leave your stomach happy.

Best Tea

Greens also offers grain bowls, paninis and mac and cheese.

El Güero Canelo Multiple locations The people have spoken, and we can put to rest the raging debate over Tucson’s best Sonoran hot dogs, at least for a year. Owner Daniel Contreras has been in the hot dog game for a long time, and knows his stuff, so much so that he picked up a James Beard Award for his culinary excellence last year. Find out for yourself why this spot is on every Yelp list of spots to eat in Tucson. tiple locations but maintain your high standards. We can’t blame Tucson for falling in love with The Unforgettable, with roasted turkey breast, crispy bacon, tomato, sprouts and avocado secured between two slices of 12-grain bread complete with mayo and cream cheese spread.

Runners Up 2. BK Tacos 3. Pat’s Chili Dogs

756 S. Stone Ave. This isn’t your dad’s eggs benedict. Five Points Market and Restaurant builds its benedict on an English muffin and includes the poached eggs, but lays down smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese in the place of Canadian bacon. And in lieu of hollandaise sauce, there’s a balsamic reduction with parsley oil. It’s easy to see why our readers are enjoying the plate, whether they are sitting inside the brick walls of Five Points Market or outside on the lovely patio.

Runners Up 2. Baja Cafe 3. Bisbee Breakfast Club

Best Barbecue Club Butt Club at Holy Smokin’ Butts 6940 E. Broadway Blvd. STAFF PICK: Holy Smokin’ Butts’ Texas

Runners Up 2. Grinder (eegge’s) 3. Chicken and Tamal (Time Market)

Best Place to Get a Salad Choice Greens 2829 E. Speedway Blvd. It’s easy to end up with up with the largest salad you’ve ever eaten with the Design Your Own option at Choice Greens. But it will also be one of the freshest salads you’ve had in town, too. With a variety of veggies, protein, grains and dressings to choose from, it’s a safe bet for folks of almost any kind of diet. There are plenty of already “designed” salads to choose from as well, in case the options prove to be too overwhelming. Choice

Runners Up

Best Diner Welcome Diner 902 E. Broadway Blvd. Located on the Sunshine Mile at the edge of downtown, Welcome Diner has brought a fresh shine to a classic mid-century modern diner. The menu matches the stylish digs, with big ol’ helpings of delicious fare like fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, bacon-covered burgers— you get the idea. It’s our favorite place to break our diet.

2. Little Anthony’s Diner 3. Baja Cafe

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

barbecue gained enough fans to expand Orange Screamsicle and Mississippi from an operation in food truck to the Mudpie, try a flight of six sample brick-and-mortar joint on Tucson’s east scoops. side. Whether you want your meat by the pound or between slices of bread, Runners Up Holy Smokin’ Butts crafts a slow-cooked 2. HUB Ice Cream Factory feast that’s full of deep flavor. And regulars will want to join the Butt Club, which 3. Frost Gelato gives you 15 percent off your orders (excluding alcohol) for an entire year. That’s enough to make us feel bold and saucy.

Best Drink Variety

Best Ice Cream The Screamery Multiple locations When Kenny and Linda Sarnoski decided to start eating all-natural, they were dismayed to find that there wasn’t any ice cream that fit the bill. So they made some themselves. The Screamery uses premium hormone-free milk and cream, and was the first in Arizona to be certified to pasteurize its ice cream. If you can’t decide between the Bourbon Brittle,

Coffee X Change Multiple locations STAFF PICK: The first time you look at Coffee X Change’s menu, it can seem a bit overwhelming. But fear not! Because you’ll receive a delicious drink to perk you up no matter what you pick (unless it’s decaf, of course). Their espressos range from Hawaiian style to Mexican mocha to white chocolate and breve. They have smoothies with a wide range of fruits, and even Italian soda. And we haven’t even gotten to their “Java X-Treme” ice blended drinks, but you’ll have to go in and experience those for yourself!

Best Delicatessen Dickman’s Meat & Deli 6472 N. Oracle Road 7955 E. Broadway

Runners Up 2. Lee Lee International Supermarket 3. Roma Imports

When you need to make alligator sausage or rattlesnake stew, you know Dickman’s Meat & Deli is the place to go. But even if you’re not into exotic meats like kangaroo or dragon, you’ll find plenty of beef, chicken, pork and the like for your next barbecue. Plus, while you’re picking up your fixings for dinners, you can also have one of Tucson’s best sandwiches for lunch. You know how they say, “If wishes were horses, we’d all be eating steak”? We wish we could click our heels three times and find ourselves at Dickman’s.

Thank You

for voting us one of the Best of Tucson! 58 W Congress St Park Place Mall Foodcourt

Coming Soon! 10785 N Oracle Suite #135 Tucson Mall Food Court

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

for nearly 30 years and regularly wins in this category, is delicious. Pick up some wonton soup, Peking duck, pad thai, chow mein or whatever floats your boat. As their website says: It’s all that, and dim sum.

Best Breakfast Bisbee Breakfast Club Multiple locations

Runners Up

It’s almost like a tornado picked up a super-cool cafe in Bisbee and dropped it right here in Tucson. With an ever-growing number of branches around town, the Bisbee Breakfast Club has been a runaway success by serving basic breakfast food—omelets, pancakes, bacon and eggs—combined with a few specialty dishes that have won over the hearts of Tucsonans.

Athens on 4th Avenue

Runners Up

500 N. Fourth Ave.

2. Guilin Chinese Restaurant 3. Bamboo Terrace

Best Greek

2. Baja Cafe 3. Prep & Pastry

Best Brunch Prep & Pastry 3073 N. Campbell Ave. 6450 E. Grant Road Prep & Pastry likes to describe brunch as “where breakfast and lunch meet to have drinks.” And, boy, does this restaurant provide the drinks to sip alongside your eggs benedict or green chile French toast. From bloody Marys to micheladas to specialty mimosas, this place knows how to punch up a brunch. Congrats on their new Campbell Avenue location, as well as their Scottsdale expansion.

Runners Up 2. Baja Cafe 3. Cup Cafe

Best Chinese Golden Dragon 6433 N. Oracle Road There’s not much that needs to be said about delicious Chinese food. When it’s delicious, it’s delicious. And Golden Dragon, which has been open

Best Seafood Kingfisher 2564 E. Grant Road Just because it’s 100 degrees outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some treats from the ocean. For fancy fish and a jazzy atmosphere, Kingfisher has long been a favorite for seafood here in the Old Pueblo.

You can’t go wrong with an order of fresh oysters on the half shell and a glass of wine, or a shrimp cocktail and a cold craft beer from Borderlands Brewing. If you are looking for a more intimate dining experience, you can reserve the Green Room for groups of 10 or more.

Opa! Bring on the dolmas, falafel and gyros. You don’t have to go all the way to Greece to score some delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Athens on 4th Avenue brings fresh ingredients and all the great Greek staples (such as feta cheese and the best olive oil) to a table near you in the heart of Tucson. This family-operated restaurant has been a local favorite for over 18 years. Save some room for the large plates and a big glass of wine.

Runners Up 2. Opa! Greek Cuisine at American Eat Co. 3. Fronimo’s Greek Cafe

Runners Up

Best French

2. Mariscos Chihuahua 3. Charro del Rey

Wild Garlic Grill 2870 E. Skyline Drive Wild Garlic Grill has been a wild success, moving from the low-budget neighborhood of First and Grant all the way north to the fancy digs at Campbell and Skyline. Trained in Paris, Chef Steven Schultz brings his French accents to the foods and flavors of California: garlic grilled shrimp with warm brie, grilled vegetables and roasted corn salsa in a beurre blanc sauce, or grilled sea bass with avocado hearts of palm tapenade, risotto and basil beurre blanc. And if you think that sounds good, wait until you

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Japanese Yoshimatsu 2741 N. Campbell Ave. Yoshimatsu strikes a really pleasant balance in a couple of ways: It’s full service, but pretty casual with a playful design. And it’s the type of place where you can eat 10 rolls of sushi if you want, but they’ll be made with natural ingredients and MSGfree veggies. And, vegetarians rejoice! They have lots of vegetarian sushi options as well.

Runners Up 2. Obon Sushi 3. Sachiko

hear about the nightly specials. It’s time for you to make a reservation, ne c’est pas?

Runners Up 2. Ghini’s French Caffe 3. Le Rendezvous

Best Indian Saffron 7607 N. Oracle Road

Given that it’s the spices that deliver the trademark Indian flavors that transport us to a foreign land, Saffron seems an apt moniker indeed. The moment you walk in, just breathing in that rich mix of curries tells you you’re in the right place. The kitchen delivers elevated versions of Indian staples—tandoori, tikki masala, vindaloo and the rest—along with a variety of breads and biryani, chutneys and mint lassis. And the lunch buffet lets you sample a little bit of everything—and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Runners Up 2. Sher-E-Punjab 3. Gandhi Cuisine of India

Best Middle Eastern Zayna Mediterranean 1138 N. Belvedere Ave. Zayna Mediterranean is nothing if not authentic—it was started about a decade ago by a family who lived in Syria for generations. Multiple generations of the family have come together to offer this healthy Mediterranean menu that includes everything from classic hummus and grape leaves to dishes you may not have tried, like a Shish Tawook Plate and a Mujadara Plate.

Runners Up 2. Za’atar 3. Ali Baba’s Restaurant

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Contemporary/Fusion Restaurant DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails 135 S. Sixth Ave. There’s a reason Janos Wilder has been bringing home Best of awards for more than three decades—the man was the master of farm-to-table way before farm-to-table was a thing. At DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails inside Sixth Avenue’s gorgeous Odd Hall that’s also home to Etherton Gallery (whose collection graces the restaurant’s walls), Janos continues to innovate with new flavors alongside classic dishes. Want to learn to cook like him? He offers classes in Carriage House behind the restaurant. Sign up and you’ll learn a few new techniques—as long as you can keep from drinking too much sangria.

Runners Up 2. Pinnacle Peak 3. Charro Steak

Best Sushi Sushi Garden 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. #312 3048 E. Broadway Blvd. At first glance, the idea of all-you-caneat sushi might be a little-off putting, but that’s only until you’ve gorged yourself, and then you find out it’s actually quite uncomfortable. Despite the full bellies and straining belts, Tucsonans just can’t get enough of Sushi Garden’s delicious rolls and other Japanese offerings. With locations on the east and north sides, there’s plenty of opportunity to eat all the sushi you can, literally.

Runners Up

2. Sushi on Oracle 3. Obon Sushi

2. The Parish 3. Wild Garlic Grill

Best Thai

Best Steakhouse Silver Saddle 310 E. Benson Highway

Thank you

Bangkok Cafe 2511 E. Speedway Blvd. When you eat at Bangkok Café, you feel a little bit like royalty. We’re not totally sure why. It’s partly the nice interior design, sure. But we suspect it’s mostly because you get to eat like a king. Soups, noodles, curry, fried rice, you name it. Kick back, order yourself a Thai iced tea and chow down.

What could be better than visiting a well-worn steakhouse that’s a stone’s throw from Interstate 10, that features pictures of two Presidents on its wall? Well, Silver Saddle can deliver just that, with a selection of amazing Runners Up steaks, with a collection of who’s-who celebrities gracing their walls. The fact 2. Senae Thai Bistro that Silver Saddle, which is located in 3. Char’s Thai Restaurant a less-than-desirable part of the city, routinely knocks off your more haughty steakhouses year after year tells you all you need to know about its merits. Anyone who enjoys a steak the size of a coffee table should swing by the restaurant, as they’ll leave with their Multiple locations stomachs satisfied and their wallets full. Light fare, frosty boba drinks and fresh ingredients make Miss Saigon

Best Vietnamese

Miss Saigon

for the votes and making us on of the Best of Tucson!

Voted Best Chinese 5 Years Straight! GoldenDragonTucson.com 4704 E. Sunrise • 299-8088 6433 N. Oracle Rd. • 297-1862 6166 E. Speedway Blvd. • 512-1922

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

ZEMAMS Ethiopian Restaurants

Celebrating 26 Years Of Business

Not just food but a dining experience, bring your appetite! Come visit us at both restaurants!

Best Central Restaurant

Zemam’s 2731 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

520-323-9928

Blue Willow

Zemam’s Too 119 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705

2616 N. Campbell Ave.

520-882-4955

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11-2:30, 4:30-9:30 Closed Monday

Thank You!

Even if Blue Willow didn’t have their charming gift shop or wonderful patio, our readers would still probably pick them for Best Central Restaurant because the food really is that good. With rotating menus,

2. Kingfisher 3. Tito & Pep

have plenty of options each day with a constantly rotating menu of Mexicaninspired vegetarian and vegan dishes. Eating a dish at Tumerico feels like your veggie loving best friend just put tons of love into that squash enchilada. With the rich flavors, we’re pretty sure carnivores can leave happy and full too.

Runners Up

2. Ha Long Bay 3. Pho #1

2. Lovin’ Spoonfuls 3. Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet

Best Vegetarian/Vegan 11 E Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 323-6555Tumerico 2526 E. Sixth St. (520) 323-6555 Tumerico is a vegetarian’s dream.

“The Spice of Life” 2511 E Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716

Runners Up

a favorite lunch and dinner spot in town. They offer a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes like satisfying and filling Pho or vermicelli with plenty of options for fixings. The restaurant consistently brings together a delicious balance of sweet and spicy to their dishes that make people continue to come back for more.

It is our pleasure to serve you “The Spice of Life.” It is our pleasure to serve you

seasonal specials and drinks aplenty, it’s easy to get lost in all the great choices at Blue Willow. But fear not, because it really is hard to go wrong.

Fans of greens and flavorful dishes

Best Upscale Restaurant Vivace 6440 N. Campbell Ave. Want to impress on a hot date? Show

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

a business executive the fancy side of town? Look no further than Vivace, the swankiest spot in Tucson. We’ve heard from an exclusive source close to The Witch of the North that she prefers the following meal: Start off with fresh burrata, move over to a pear and walnut salad, tear through some osso buco and finish off with chocolate fon58 W. Congress St. due. And be sure to get a seat where you can gaze out across the magical Lunch brings a crowd to Street Taco, twinkling lights of Tucson. but these guys know how to handle a rush. You step up the counter, pick Runners Up your taco fillings and watch as they 2. Cafe Poca Cosa assemble it right there. You’ve got your choice of meats, tortillas, sides 3. Kingfisher and salsas. It’s quick, it’s affordable, it’s delicious. You might also consider it the Best Lunch in the Park Place food court (as Street Taco has a spot there) and before long, it may be considered the Best Oro Valley Lunch, Multiple locations since they’re also headed for the suburbs. Did you know that it’s only a quick drive to North Africa? Well, if you live Runners Up in Tucson, it is. Just head down to Zemam’s on Broadway and prepare to 2. HUB Restaurant & be amazed at the ridiculously delicious Creamery fare you can find within. Bring plenty 3. Cup Cafe of friends, and make sure they’re hungry—and don’t worry, there’s plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Tin man approved!

Best Place to Eat Lunch Downtown

Street Taco & Beer

Best African

Zemam’s

Best Downtown Restaurant

Runners Up 2. Cafe Desta 3. Queen Sheba

Best Chef Mateo Otero

Mateo Ortero is a Tucson local who started working in the culinary scene at El Minuto at 18, going on to run his own catering business and cook for UA Greek Life. He’s taken all of his knowledge and applied it well at his new restaurant Rollies, serving dishes like his shrimp flats (enchiladas), veggie tortas, rolled tacos and even a special ice cream sandwich.

Runners Up 2. Janos Wilder 3. Travis Peters

HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery 266 Congress St. The full name of this restaurant is the HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery, and any eatery that has the phrase “ice creamery” in the name is a winner in our book. But, aside from the fabulous ice cream, they’ve also got mouthwatering menu items ranging from fish and chips to enchiladas to pork belly to alfredo. They even have the new Impossible Burger!

Runners Up 2. Cafe Poca Cosa 3. Maynards Market & Kitchen

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Northwest Restaurant The Parish 6453 N. Oracle Road What’s better than heaping helpings of jambalaya and dozens of hand-crafted cocktails? Well, amigo, the answer is nothing, which is why The Parish routinely wins this category each year. Their cocktails include house-flavored vodkas and other spirits that are the perfect accompaniment to their Crescent City fare. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Runners Up 2. Wildflower 3. Saffron

Best Eastside Restaurant Serial Grillers

Runners Up 2. Zona 78 3. Renee’s Organic Oven

Best Southside Restaurant Mi Nidito 1813 S. Fourth Ave. How many restaurants in Tucson can boast they’ve served food to a United States president, a captain of the starship USS Enterprise and an eight-time NBA champion? Only one, by our count, and they just so happen to serve some of the best Mexican food on the planet. Mi Nidito has served Tucson’s hungry bellies since 1952, and “my little nest” remains a Tucson staple.

Runners Up 2. Rollies Mexican Patio 3. Taqueria Pico de Gallo

Multiple locations If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a Halloween date, this is the place. The pizzas have names like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Ghostface; their sandwiches include the Psycho and Hannibal; and even their salads carry the monikers of the Devil’s Reject and Christine. But even if it’s not Oct. 31, you’re gonna get a killer meal here.

Best Foothills Restaurant Blanco Tacos + Tequila 2905 E. Skyline Drive It’s right there in the name—Blanco—so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this is probably the whitest Mexican restaurant you’ll ever visit. But Sam Fox has created another in his line of stylish

Best Italian Caruso’s Italian Restaurant

5553 E Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 276-3476 | (520) 336-3736 QueenShebaTucson.com

434 N. Fourth Ave. What’s better than family-style Italian cuisine with portions big enough to leave you full for days and wine that pours like a river? Well, Caruso’s has all of these options at their disposal, serving hearty portions of delectable Italian food. This Fourth Avenue stalwart has made its name on having a menu the size of a phonebook, with all of their plates leaving you satisfied.

Runners Up 2. Vivace 3. Mama Louisa’s

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

restaurants here, with delicious takes on traditional favorites such as taco, burritos, enchiladas and more. Check out these taco toppings: BBQ pork, chipotle shrimp, braised short rib, mahi, and even grilled avocado. Pair that with their many margaritas and you’ve got a Southwestern special. Who knew you could fit so much flavor into such little tacos?

Runners Up 2. Wild Garlic Grill 3. Vivace

Best Westside Restaurant Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe Multiple locations What’s better than getting a plate full of Mexican delicacies in a setting that gives you a panoramic view of the cityscape below? Well, lucky for you, dear readers, Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe offers all of those options and more, with a location perched on top of the hill off Grant Road west of the Interstate, which allows for breathtaking views of the city, especially during the monsoon. Make sure to try the shop’s assortment of burritos and enchiladas, as all of them are delicious AF.

Runners Up 2. Seis Kitchen and Catering 3. Tania’s 33

Best Place to Eat Gluten Free Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro 5845 N. Oracle Road If “gluten free” is in the name, you know it’s got to be legit, and the ladies behind Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro are beyond legit—

they’ve been gluten free well before it was cool. Whether you actually have a dietary restraint, or you’re just trying to look cool, check out the inviting atmosphere and delicious treats. Plus, they’ve got a full menu including breakfast, so you’ve got no excuse to put the extra strain on your organs.

Runners Up 2. Tumerico 3. Dedicated Gluten Free

To our loyAl fooDiES AnD friEnDS. ThAnk you for chooSinG uS & SupporTinG our locAlly oWnED fAmily rESTAurAnT. —XoXo.

520-206-0017 • 2870 E. SkylinE Dr. TucSon Az. 85718 • WilDGArlicGrill.com

Best Korean Takamatsu 5532 E. Speedway Blvd. It takes a lot of chutzpah to say you serve “Tucson’s finest Asian food,” but the fine people at Takamatsu have lived up to that bold claim for several years. Serving authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine, this spot is home to Korean barbeque (yum) and bento box specials for lunch.

Runners Up 2. Korea House 3. Kimchi Time

Best Dining with a View Hacienda del Sol 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road Even after all these years as a hotel, Hacienda del Sol has retained the rustic charms of its girl-school origins way back before all those Catalina Foothills homes popped up around it. The restaurant’s menu is first class, but the chance to gaze out across the Tucson valley elevates a great experience into one you won’t soon forget.

Runners Up 2. Blanco Tacos + Tequila 3. Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe

Thank You for Voting Us the Best! It’s all about food, serving the community by healing though food. The food feels like home, home, it’s like family.

Two locations 4th Ave Location 402 E 4thst. Corner of 4th Avenue & 4th Street 520 2702055

6th St location 2526 E. 6 St. 520-240-6947 tumerico.com

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Restaurant to Dazzle Out of Town Visitors Cafe Poca Cosa

Best Fourth Ave. Restaurant The Drunken Chicken

110 E. Pennington St.

429 N. Fourth Ave.

Downtown itself is pretty dazzling these days, but here’s a toast to Suzana Davila, who has been sticking it out downtown for decades. Her sleek Cafe Poca Cosa’s ambience would be right at home in Los Angeles, but wait until your waiter arrives with your menu options on a chalkboard because the choices change by the day. If your guests haven’t been dazzled by all that, the mix of flavors when the food arrives will surely put them over the top.

Staff Pick: Having recently unveiled a new menu, The Drunken Chicken is on a solid run down on Fourth Avenue. Launched by some of the creative minds running the popular Mr. Heads, this chicken joint is filling up bellies with it freshly made, high quality treats. Stop by late at night on the weekend and you’re likely to bump into a Weekly writer (or two) enjoying a plate of the classic chicken and waffles

Runners Up

Best New Restaurant

2. El Charro 3. Hacienda del Sol

Tito & Pep

Best Signature Dish Carne Seca at El Charro Multiple locations What’s the not-so-secret ingredient in El Charro’s carne seca? Nothing less than Tucson sunshine. The local institution—now nearing ready to celebrate its 100th birthday— cooks its beef in a cage on the roof of their downtown location. Once it’s sufficiently dried, it heads to the

kitchen to simmer with green chilies, tomato and onion. The result is one of the standout dishes of Southern Arizona, especially once you add a splash of the house salsa. There’s nothing else like it.

Runners Up 2. Baked Eggs at Cup Cafe 3. Drunken Angel at The Parish

4122 E. Speedway Blvd. Given that we’re a City of Gastronomy, we have a vibrant culinary scene with

The Matias family would like to thank you for nominating Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe year after year.

We appreciate your patronage and GRACIAS for letting us serve you great Mexican food here in Tucson for the last 36 years.

new restaurants opening all the time. But rising to the top this year is Tito & Pep, which calls itself “Tucson’s midtown bistro.” Chef John Martinez has developed a welcoming restaurant with lots of open space, brick accents and natural light. But it’s the food that keeps us coming back: fresh seafood, steak, chicken and pork mixed with fresh seasonal vegetables like sweet corn, summer squash and crispy chickpeas. We wish you much success, Tito & Pep!

Runners Up 2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr. / 624-4512 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. M-Sat • 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sun

Call Now for Catering for the Holidays!

2. Rollies Mexican Patio 3. Charro del Rey

Best Place to Eat with Your Hands Queen Sheba 5553 E. Grant Road STAFF PICK: Eating with your hands might sound a bit messy, and at Queen Sheba, it can certainly get a bit messy. But one taste of their authentic Eritrean food, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Their foods are often spread out over a plate of spongy bread, allowing you to get up close and personal with their delicious servings. The veggie platter is a particular standout, with onions, lentils, split peas and more all cooked to perfection. And as a bonus, the spongy bread works as a napkin as well!

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Panaderia El Triunfo Bakery 6348 S. Nogales Highway Tucked off Old Nogales Highway, El Triunfo Bakery is a favorite stop for empanadas and fresh Bolitos. While the small bakery is off the beaten yellow-brick path, those who take the trek out are rewarded in a big way with the inexpensive and large selection of baked goods. Longtime fans swear their pumpkin empanadas and homemade tortilla chips are the best in town.

Runners Up 2. La Estrella 3. Alejandro’s

Best Carnicería El Herradero Supermarket 1310 W. Prince Road El Herradero might have everything you need for a good time: Great tamales, tortillas, all the pan dulce you could eat, and of course, carne. The quality of the ground beef and arrachera (skirt steak) is unbeatable for the price. Best of all, on a weekend, they will cook your meat to order on the mesquite grill outside. Come for the intoxicating smell of carne asada in the parking lot, stay for a meal at the restaurant.

Runners Up

tion, of course, that the tableside salsa

2. Los Amigos Meat Market at Guadalajara Grill is full of fresh, colorful ingredients, which can be made 3. Carnicería La Noria mild, medium or spicy, depending on

Best Salsa Guadalajara Grill Multiple locations There’s something about watching your food be made in front of you that just makes it taste better. Not to men-

your preference. Consumer warning, though: They make a nice, big bowl, and you’re probably going to end up eating the whole thing. We encourage you to embrace that.

Runners Up 2. BOCA Tacos y Tequila 3. El Charro Café

Best Tortillas Alejandro’s Tortilla Factory 5330 S. 12th Ave. Tucsonans know the true importance of a good tortilla. Ask around and people will confirm it: a bad tortilla can ruin the whole burrito. South Tucson’s Alejandro’s has been a favorite since it opened up in the ’80s. They have

grown to be one of the larger tortilla producers in the area and you can find their products in lots of grocery stores in town and even Phoenix. We still think stopping by the bakery itself is the real experience. They also have a meat shop, grocery and restaurant so you have something to stuff those tortillas with.

Runners Up 2. La Estrella Bakery 3. Anita Street Market

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Burrito Nico’s Mexican Food Multiple locations Ah, Nico’s. Such a Tucson classic. If it isn’t their burritos’ sheer size that wins you over, it’s either the reasonable price or the various styles that will do it. Our readers pick Nico’s for Best Burrito because a Nico’s burrito is essentially another way of saying a Tucson burrito. Thank you, Nico’s. You know us better than we know ourselves.

Runners Up 2. Tania’s 33 3. Seis Kitchen and Catering

Best Place to Buy a Piñata

Taste the sweet side of Mexico Mexican cuisine is about more than just tacos and burritos – discover the sweet side of south of the border! At La Estrella Bakery Inc., we specialize in pastries, breads, cookies, tortillas and more. Nominated for.. Best Donuts, Best Menudo, Best Panaderia, Best Tortillas, Best Empanadas and Best Baked Bread As a Thank you for your votes... Please bring this ad in for

10% off any purchase. Expires 12/31/19

Two locations to satisfy your cravings 5266 S. 12th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85706 520-741-0656

100 S. Avenida Del Convento Tucson, AZ 85745 520-393-3320

Family Owned & Operated Since 1986

www.laestrellabakeryincaz.com

Piñata Factory 640 N. Stone Ave. Spice up any fiesta with a local piñata from this Tucson favorite. Not only do they make recognizable characters, but custom orders as well. It’s a onestop-shop for low-cost, quality products. You need a piñata? What better place than somewhere literally named the Piñata Factory?

slow-cooked to perfection. And these prices! You can take home a quart of it to feed the whole family for a mere $16. If you’re not looking for that much food, you can have birria wrapped in one of those legendary tortillas alongside rice and beans for $6.50. How do you beat that?

Runners Up 2. Mi Niditio 3. Rollies

Best Michelada BK Tacos 2680 N. First Ave. Once upon a time, a glass of tomato juice sang: “If I only had a beer!” So some wizard poured a beer into the glass of tomato juice and—abracadabra!—the michelada was born. You’ll find a fine representative of the michelada at BK Tacos. The wizards there splash in some clam juice, fresh celery and a secret blend of spices that will ensure you have plenty of courage (though you may have less than a full brain).

Runners Up 2. Mi Nidito 3. Che’s Lounge

Runners Up

Best Guacamole

2. Funland 3. Party Carousel

Mi Nidito

Best Birria St. Mary’s Mexican Food 1030 W. St. Mary’s Road The Salazar family has been serving up some of the city’s best tortillas for more than four decades at St. Mary’s Mexican Food, but our readers have special love for their birria this year. No surprise, given that it’s

1813 S. Fourth Ave. When it comes to the vibrant mash of avocado that we put on everything here, no one does guacamole quite like Mi Nidito. The Southside restaurant is a well-known staple in the Old Pueblo, visited by locals, visiting celebrities and even a president of the United States, once upon a time. If this quacamole is good enough for a leader of the free world, it’s good enough for us!

Runners Up

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

2.Guadalajara Grill 3. El Charro Cafe

Best Tamales Tucson Tamale Company Multiple locations You’ll find the traditional green corn and beef tamales at Tucson Tamale Company, but that’s just the tip of the corn husk. Owners Todd and Sheri Martin decided to become the 31 flavors of tamales, packing their little wonders with all manner of magic, whether it’s curry and peas in the New Delhi or chicken and chilies in the Santa Fe. Going vegan? They have tamales for you. And as Thanksgiving approaches, don’t miss your chance to sample turkey and cranberry tamales. It’s a holiday dinner inside a tamale! And if you think someone far off could use a little taste of Tucson, they ship around the country.

Runners Up 2. Lerua’s Fine Mexican Foods (RIP) 3. Little Mexico

Best Menudo Tania’s 33 614 N. Grande Ave. Menudo. The motherlode of Mexican soups. This filling chilli pepper broth loaded with cow’s stomach, hominy and lime is a popular breakfast around these parts, and Tucson’s favorite place to get a big bowl is Tania’s 33. Whether you’re team red or team white, Tania’s menudo is super flavorful and you can take a whole gallon to go with you.

Runners Up 2. El Minuto 3. La Estrella Bakery

Best Torta Street Taco Multiple Locations Sometime, you want more dough than a mere tortilla can provide. That’s when you turn to a torta! The wonderful thing about Street Taco is the number of choices that you have. You start out with your main filling: carne asada, pollo asada, al pastor, carnitas, shredded beef or the veggie option. Then you can load on beans, lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado and mayo. This sandwich is better than Glinda the Good Witch!

Runners Up 2. BK Tacos 3. Rollies Mexican Patio

Best Margarita

Blanco Tacos + Tequila 2905 E. Skyline Drive What makes a Blanco Tacos + Tequila margarita so special? In two words: quality and quantity. Not only are there more than a dozen to choose from, but Blanco is part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, so you know it will have that local flair like only the City of Gastronomy can deliver. Their margaritas range from sweet to spicy, simple to wild. Try them out for yourself.

Runners Up 2. Guadalajara Grill 3. El Charro

Best Elote Sonoran Delights 921 W. Congress St. What better place to get authentic elote than from the streets of Tucson

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

itself? And Sonoran Delights delivers, with their slow-cooked corn, covered in butter, lime, chile, and a little thing called Sonoran cheese. Quality elote is the taste of the borderlands itself.

Runners Up 2. Cafe Poca Cosa 3. Penca

Best Empanadas Le Cave’s 3950 E. 22nd St. Le Cave’s had a few tough final years on South Sixth Avenue, but new owners in a new location are using all the old recipes to create oldschool flavors. And Le Cave’s is old school, given that they’ve been baking treats since 1935Their empanadas are standouts among the standouts. These sweet pockets of goodness can make even the most die-hard breakfast fanatic consider replacing donuts forever.

Runners Up 2. La Estrella 3. Alejandro’s

Best Tacos BOCA Tacos y Tequila

Best Dulceria

adding a second location in the hip Mercado San Agustín.

La Estrella

Runners Up

Multiple locations

2. Alejandro’s 3. Funland

Though Tucsonans may debate on which Mexican pastry reigns supreme, the city agrees that La Estrella is the star of the show. The dulceria makes it hard to choose between all the colorful and sugary pan dulce, cute little marranitos and empanadas (pumpkin!!!). While the desserts are the first thing that comes to mind about La Estrella, they also have a great variety of breads, tortillas, tamales and menudo. The dulceria has grown from its first location on South 12th Avenue,

BOCA Tacos not only serves delicious tacos, they’ve put Tucson on the map recently. From USA Today to the Food Network, BOCA owner and chef Maria Mazon has left a delicious mark in the culinary world. While Chef Maria is busy smashing conception about Mexican food and taking on Chopped, her food is making Tucsonans very, very happy.

Runners Up 2. BK Tacos 3. Seis Kitchen

Thank you for making us one of the Best of Tucson!

4573 S. 12th Avenue • 520-300-6289

cream and add some chamoy or tamarind for something a little different. When that big white cup of goodness gets handed over, it’s almost too pretty and unusual to eat. Almost.

Runners Up 2. Raspados Marymar 3. Sonoran Delights

Best Mariachi Band Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School

Best Raspados Oasis Fruit Cones 4126 S. 12th Ave. Don’t let Oasis Fruit Cones’ small space fool you. For years, they have been serving up some big flavor, perfect for a hot summer day. No one has quite perfected the sweet, syrup and fruit-covered shaved ice treat that is the raspado quite like Oasis. Have it “con leche” with a big scoop of ice

Tucson is home to wonderful mariachi and perhaps some of the most sought after performers of the traditional Hispanic music are the city’s youth. Pueblo High School’s Mariachi Aztlán has made a name for itself over the years, bringing in even more high school members and a slew of instruments. The band is under the direction of John Contreras and they can be hired to play events. Their sound remains a prideful expression of culture and the Old Pueblo.

Runners Up 2. Davis Elementary School 3. Mariachis at Guadalajara Grill

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Nightclub Club Congress 311 E. Congress St. Is it really any surprise Club Congress, located in downtown historic Hotel Congress, is the most beloved nightclub in town? Under the leadership of entertainment director David Slutes and his merry band of flying monkeys, Congress hosts local bands, touring

Best Musical Act Calexico Even after more than two decades of recording music under the banner of Calexico, Joey Burns and John Convertino continue to surprise us. Just as they were was wrapping up their 2018 tour in support of The Thread That Keeps Us, they announced they’d recorded a new album with none other than Sam Beam of Iron & Wine. Years

To Burn, released earlier this year, was a collection of songs about family, love, running wild and finding someone to catch you if you should fall. The subsequent tour showed a collection of musicians at the top of their game. Rock on, Calexico!

Runners Up 2. Miss Olivia and the Interlopers 3. Funky Bonz

acts, up-and-comers, old veterans, comedians and plenty more. The annual Labor Day HOCO Fest brings dozens of acts to Congress alone and this year's Raza Fest broke new ground. .

Runners Up: 2. Playground Bar & Lounge 3. IBT’s Bar + Food

Best Neighborhood Bar

Best Beer Selection

Che’s Lounge

Tap & Bottle

350 N. Fourth Ave.

Multiple locations

Never. A. Cover. But that’s only the beginning of what makes Che’s such a great time. Their back patio is one of the prime hangouts off of Fourth Avenue, there’s always a food truck afoot, and they support the local music scene far more than most. It really is just a constant good time at Che’s. (Seriously! They’re open every day of the year.) Other bars take note.

We’re journalists, not scientists or mathematicians, so bear with us when we say that we estimate Tap & Bottle carries approximately a gazillion different beers. An exaggeration? Maybe. But it amounts to the same thing: Lots and lots of beers on tap, and in bottles, for you to taste to your heart’s content (as long, of course, as you have a designated driver). Bottoms up!

Runners Up:

2. The Shelter Cocktail Lounge 3. Saint Charles Tavern

2. Arizona Beer House 3. Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

so whether you’re a newbie or a bonafide aficionado, you’re in luck. REVEL is a little pocket of Paris right here in Tucson.

Best Cocktail Menu Kon Tiki 4625 E. Broadway Blvd.

Runners Up 2. Arizona Wine Collective 3. Ermanos

When the Sonoran desert heat starts to get you, visit the South Seas oasis that is Kon Tiki. Over its decades of slinging fruity concoctions, Kon Tiki has perfected the art of the tiki drink. You might feel yourself transported to a dimly lit Polynesian paradise as you sip on a mai-tai or a scorpion bowl. But make sure you have Lyft handy if you plan on drinking more than one Kon Tiki beverage, however, as they pack a hell of a punch. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Best Sports Bar Trident Grill Multiple locations

Runners Up 2. 47 Scott 3. Sidecar

Best Happy Hour Casino del Sol 5655 W. Valencia Road Casino del Sol wins Best Happy Hour because they’re home to multiple happy hours in one. Their happy hour is available at various locations throughout the casino and includes discounts on craft beer, signature cocktails, wines and more. With specials like that, everyone’s a winner.

Best Bartender Barb Trujillo Club Congress

Barb Trujillo has been slinging drinks at Club Congress and the Tap Room for more than two decades, so there’s a good chance she’s served you at some point. If so, you know what makes her Tucson’s best bartender: If she likes you,

she loves you and delivers motherly attention to your needs. And if you’re a jerk, well, you get what you deserve.

Runners Up 2. Tiger (Congress) 3. Jasmine Pierce (Surly Wench)

Best Country Western Bar The Maverick 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road If you’ve been to The Maverick, you’ll agree it’s hard to see why Tucsonans would pick any other country-western bar as their favorite. There’s just always something going on. Whether

Retired SEAL Nelson Miller just keeps invading new territory here in Tucson. He’s now opened four of his Trident Grills (with the most recent up on the northside of town in Marana). It’s easy to see why he’s sailing so smoothly: He offers great pub fare that, of course, includes seafood as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. If you want to watch the game, there are plenty of big screens. If you want a cold beer, there are plenty of taps. And if you want fun, you’re in the right place.

Runners Up 2. Home Plate 3. Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Sports Grille

Best Liquor Store

Runners Up 2. Downtown Kitchen and Cocktail 3. Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine

it’s dance nights, live music or themed parties, The Maverick knows their audience. And if you’re unsure about getting involved, they even offer multiple types of dance lessons. And don’t let any of this distract from their extensive menu and drink selections.

Runners Up 2. Cowpony 3. Shooter’s Steakhouse & Saloon

Best Place to Get a Glass of Wine Revel 416 E. Ninth St. Even if the atmosphere wasn’t so charming, REVEL’s sheer selection easily lands it at the top of the running of wine locations. Whether you want wine from France, Italy or right here in Arizona, you’ve got more than a few choices at REVEL. And bottles range from 20 bucks to hundreds of dollars,

Plaza Liquor and Fine Wines 2642 N. Campbell Ave. The first time you walk through a candy store as a child and the first time you walk through a liquor store as an adult are pretty much the same exact experience, if you think about it—but as an adult you can buy whatever you want, and then go get drunk. If you love shopping at Total Wine but want to support a local business, go shop at Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines instead. What’s better than drinking a curated selection of craft beers, wine and liquor? Nothing, obviously, that

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Comedian Nancy Stanley

Tucson, Arizona’s "Cheers" since 1991 located at Prince and Country Club

VOTED TUCSON’S

BEST KARAOKE 4 YEARS RUNNING!

TRY US — YOU’LL LIKE US!!

BEST COUNTRY WESTERN BAR Mon Wed 8pm-1am | Fri Sat Sun 9 - Close

Fabulous Food

Affordable Drinks

Live Bands Sundays 2:00 to 5:00 pm Live Music most Friday’s on the Patio Pool

Shuffleboard

Darts

Horseshoe Pit

Bocce Ball

Awesome Drink Specials Every Night!

Dancing

INDUSTRY NIGHT’S ARE TUES & THURS - HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT!!

Congratulations to the woman who is as passionate about telling jokes as she is about supporting the local comedy scene. Nancy Stanley hosts The Estrogen Hour, which celebrates local women in comedy. But even when she isn’t inspiring and celebrating other comedians, you can find her on multiple stand-up stages throughout town doing what she does best. Whether you see her talking about idle thoughts or telling personal stories, chances are you won’t be the only one laughing.

Runners Up 2. Rich Garry Aguire 3. Mo Urban

3115 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716 • (520) 322-0779

COLDEST BEER

16 On Tap Voted Tucson’s Best Pool Hall & Best Burger Full Service Kitchen OPEN LATE

HUGE Smoking Patio with HD Flat Screens, 8 Pool Tables, Darts and More!

Runners Up 2. The Rumrunner 3. Liquor Dan

WE CARRY THE PAC-12 NETWORK!

Best Gay Bar

Bloody Mary Sunday’s

IBT’s

Daily Drink Specials Free Pool: Tuesdays & Sunday 7pm-Close Free Wi-fi $2.50 Pints of PBR Every Day & Night

was a trick question. Happy drinking!

$3.00

ALL DAY LONG

100" HD Projector • 14 HD Flat Screen TVs • Catch Every Game in HD! Sunday Ticket & MLB Extra Inning Packages

3143 E. Speedway Blvd.

(Speedway & Country Club)

(520) 325-0483 • www.redgartertucson.com

616 N. Fourth Ave. IBT’s has won the honor of Best Gay Bar pretty much every year we’ve had Best of Tucson. With a location on Fourth Avenue, multiple dance floors to enjoy and a slew of regular programming that includes drag shows, karaoke and go-go dancing boys, it’s a favorite hangout for a fun night. It’s likely you’ll make friends dancing in close quarters on a packed night, and some wild memories too. Of all bars in Tucson, this will send you somewhere over the rainbow.

Runners Up 2. Surly Wench Pub 3. Brodie’s Tavern

Best Comedy Night Laffs Comedy Caffé 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. They say it’s not your wit or wisdom, but simple practice and experience that are most important in stand up comedy. So it makes sense that Arizona’s oldest comedy club is our readers’ favorite.They’ve hosted the biggest names in comedy, and also served as the stomping ground for many local favorites. So whether it’s a random open mic night or a curated comedy showcase, you know Laffs earned their spot as Best of Tucson.

Runners Up

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

2. The Gaslight Music Hall 3. Unscrewed Theater

Best Jukebox

Best Bar Menu

Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge

Surly Wench 424 N. Fourth Ave. She may be more surly than the Wicked Witch of the West, but this Wench will serve you a plate of food that’s perfect for soaking up all the beer in your belly. This is classic bar food: burgers, tacos and snacks from the deep fryer: fries, chicken nuggs, fried mushrooms and zucchini and, if the booze has triggered your sweet tooth, even a deep fried oreo with maple syrup.

Runners Up

2910 E. Fort Lowell Road In a day when we can pretty much listen to any song we want on our own bluebite earpods or whatever they’re called, a jukebox is a throwback indeed. But there’s something wonderful about slipping a few bucks into the music machine and playing DJ while you shoot some pool or play some pinball. At Danny’s, you’ll hear classic rock hits and oddball tunes that might quiet the place down for a minute or two. Ain’t nothing wrong with any of that.

2. Trident 3. Ermanos

Runners Up 2. Che’s Lounge

Night Club Dail

Restaurant

Happy Hour Tuesday- Friday 4-7pm $1 Off Apps,Well, Wine & Domestic Beer

We Cater

Live Country Music Large Dance floor VIP Seating Section

Private Events

Open 11am Closed Mondays Pet Friendly Patio

Dance Lessons

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

3. Buffet Bar

Best Place to Sing Karaoke Shooter’s Steakhouse & Saloon 3115 E. Prince Road To all you so called “karaoke experts” out there who spend their weekend trolling up and down Fourth Avenue, hollering at the moon—you’re missing out on Tucson’s best place to sing other people’s hit songs. It’s no surprise Shooter’s landed the top spot once again, they’ve got karaoke nearly every night of the week. Grab a pitcher (or three) with your ten closest buddies, pick that ’80s jam you all love, and sing like there’s no tomorrow.

Runners Up 2. IBT’s 3. The Depot

Best DJ Mother Tierra Mother Tierra blends dance, electronica, chillwave, hip hop, trap, dancehouse reggae and a whole lot more into an experience that will have you dancing your ass off. And you know the old saying: Free your ass and your mind will follow. You set up the event and this lady will bring the party.

Runners Up 2. DJ Herm 3. DJ-Lexx Smith

Best Burlesque Surly Wench First Fridays Burlesque 424 N. Fourth Ave. Prepare yourself for some gyrating

body tassels, good tunes and just the right amount of strangeness when you walk into Surly Wench on the first Friday of the month. The popular Fourth Avenue bar is a unique scene for the sultry dance stylings of burlesque. Their dancers know how to shake their stuff and delight the crowd, and when Surly Wench fills up it’s.

Runners Up 2. Black Cherry Burlesque 3. Don’t Blink Burlesque

Best Dive Bar Buffet Bar & Crock Pot 538 E. Ninth St. If you are looking for an honest-to-God dive bar with a three-beer tap and possibly a fistfight at any moment, then The Buffet is a must. The Ninth Street neighborhood favorite, which celebrat-

ed its 85th birthday in September, is a great spot to go, whether you’re looking for a dirt-cheap pitcher of beer or a spot to see Tucsonans of all shapes and sizes doing a host of, shall we say, entertaining things. Make sure you make it to the bar for their infamous “Happy Minute,” which happens at 11:11 p.m. every night. Anyone in the bar at that moment gets a voucher for a $1 pitcher of beer, which is a helluva deal. The Buffet is unapologetic about its gruff ways, just as any dive bar should be.R u n n e r s

2. The Shelter Cocktail Lounge 3. Surly Wench

Best Locally Brewed Beer Barrio Blonde Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E. 16th St.

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

Best Drag Queen Tempest DuJour For years, Tempest DuJour has been the queen of our hearts and the hostess with the mostess at many shows and events in Tucson. Tempest always stands out in a crowd, often rocking a hairdo up to heaven in a bright, pastel color. An activist, standout performer and friend to Tucson’s LGBTQA community, she continues to reign supreme and make us proud.

Runners Up 2. Tatiana(Diva)Blanco 3. Lucinda Holliday

WATCH THE WORLD SERIES AND EVERY PRO FOOTBALL GAME HERE! ENJOY DAILY DRINK SPECIALS

On DraAft:

IP Dragoon p Shock To Bud

Dos XX t Bud Ligh

LOOK FOR US ON

2617 N 1ST AVE • 622-9202

KARAOKE EVERY SUN & WED NIGHT Open Daily from 9am-2am Mon-Sat · 10am-2am Sun

We accept Credit Cards • Friendly Bartenders • Lotto Tickets

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

BAR AND RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SPECIALS! CALL

520.797.4384

2642 N Campbell Ave Tucson, Arizona (520) 327-0452

PLAZA

LIQUORS BEER WINES

Sunday: 12-6 Mon-Wed: 10-8 Thur-Sat: 10-9

Thank You Tucson for your Nominations! Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Plaza Liquors

Best Brewery Barrio Brewing Co. 800 E. 16th St. It’s the third-largest independent brewery in the state. It’s where you go to watch the game. It’s where you go for a weekend lunch with a side of a beer (or two). And it’s home to some of Tucson’s favorite

Ah, Barrio Blonde. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? You are, in fact, the perfect beer for a summer’s day in Tucson: light and refreshing, but still with enough malt to make you feel like you’re really enjoying a beer. The color of sunshine and the taste of quenched thirst, Barrio Blonde is a must-try for any beer-drinking Tucsonan.

Runners Up 2. Dragoon IPA (Dragoon

beers, from the Citrazona IPA to Barrio Blonde to Barrio Rojo. And in the fall, gear up for the NCAAle!

Runners Up 2. Dragoon Brewing Company 3. Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.

Brewing Company) 3. Naughty Naranja (1912 Brewing)

Best Jazz Pete Swan Trio

With Tucson jazz enthusiast Pete Swan on the drums, you know the

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

jazz will be technically impressive but still maintain a groove. The cymbaland string-work are enough to get anyone’s toes tapping, and that goes for both hardened jazz veterans and casual listeners. They maintain a style that’s conscious of its influences yet still exploratory, mellow yet invigorating.

It’s not so much that Neon Prophet excels at reggae in general, but that they excel at every style as well. Ranging from dancehall to roots to reggaeton, David Dean and company have been getting the crowd at the Chicago Bar grooving for longer than Nintzel’s been at the Weekly. You’ve got to have a passion to be jammin’ that long, and Neon Prophet certainly has passion.

Runners Up 2. Mike Moynihan’s Purple Spectre 3. Tony Frank

2. A.M. Waves

Best Folk

Best Cover Band

Leila Lopez

80s and Gentlemen

Runners Up:

If folk music is examined based on its ability to tell a story, then Tucson local Leila Lopez is a clear choice for Best Folk musician. While the songwriter’s engaging music showcases a variety of styles, the real charm and passion is in the lyrics (and her great voice at singing them). Lopez has been making music for decades, and if you’ve seen one of her shows around town, you’ll hope she never stops.

Runners Up 2. Little Cloud 3. Logan Greene

Best Reggae Neon Prophet

Best Venue for Live Music The Rialto Theatre 318 E. Congress St. What’s better than rocking your ass off in the quintessential club setting? The Rialto Theatre has perfected the art of doing just that, with a host of shows that suit pretty much every known genre, while giving fans an intimate venue to watch their favorite stars perform. Acts big and small perform virtually every night

at the downtown institution, giving music aficionados reason to flock to the 1,200-person venue on a daily basis. Visiting The Rialto is a must for any Tucson resident, old or young, as it is the greatest way to connect with the roots of the city while partying at the same time.

Runners Up 2. AVA Amphitheater Casino del Sol 3. Club Congress

While a cover band’s job is to play the hits, 80s and Gentlemen have been rocking around Tucson long enough to gain a real fanbase of their own. For them, it’s more than covering a style, it’s throwing an absolute party with their music and transporting the audience back in time. Isn’t that something we can all celebrate?

Runners Up: 2. Gigi and the Glow 3. Drop D

Best Punk Taco Sauce Congrats on winning Tucson’s best

Thanks For Making Us The Best of Tucson! Taco Tuesday $2.50 Tacos All day

Happy Hour 4-7pm Monday - Friday

150 Best in the United States -Daily Meal

People’s Choice Award -Arizona Daily Star

4625 E. Broadway Blvd

520-323-7193

kontikitucson.com

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

punk band two years in a row! Of course, the music fans of Tucson would pick a band called Taco Sauce as their favorite punk band. But it’s more than the great Southwestern aesthetic. The women behind Taco Sauce churn out passionate, catchy punk influenced by ’60s girl groups, ’70s metal and cutting-edge psych. Modern, self-aware, and confrontational, Taco Sauce is exactly what punk should be.

Runners Up 2. Pigmy Death Ray 3. Rough Draft

Best Rock

Runners Up

Miss Olivia and the Interlopers

2. Rough Draft 3. XIXA

ing to fit live drums, guitars, keyboards and brass into a hip hop set is something entirely different. Street Blues Family bring positive vibes to any willing to listen.

Best Hip-Hop Act

Runners Up

Vocalist Olivia Reardon is a powerhouse of sound, who is well-matched with the band’s soulful influences that span several genres. The love between the group can be felt in one of their intimate shows around town, and they have quickly earned a spot in the hearts of Tucson’s music scene. With a mix of covers and originals, Miss Olivia and the Interlopers bring in a lot of infectious energy. They are currently finishing up their debut album.

Street Blues Family Street Blues Family is the perfect name for this local collective. With raw wisdom, multiple genre influences and a real sense of connection among its members, Reymon Murphy and company have created a real force onstage. The irresistible grooves and lyrical flows are one thing, but manag-

Best Strip Club Curves Cabaret 2130 N. Oracle Road Though a number of strip clubs have come and gone in Tucson, Curves Cabaret is going strong. It remains the place to go for a dance from some beautiful ladies, the most beautiful Tucson has to offer as far as Curves and their

Best Wine Bar Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar 220 N. Fourth Ave. Since 2014, brothers Eric and Mark Erman have provided Fourth Avenue with a cozy, relaxed space to enjoy a pint or a glass. Their impressive wine list hosts whites, reds and rosés from across the

globe, with a rotating craft beer list featuring local favorites and out-oftown contenders that are sure to satisfy you after a long day. But it doesn’t stop there. Ermanos also has a sizable menu full of gourmet appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and entrées like steak, salmon, fried chicken and more. All this won’t even break your bank, if you check them out on Monday through Wednesday for food and drink specials.

2. Cash Lansky 3. Lando Chill

Best Country Act Drew Cooper Cooper says he’s always been a performer, and listening to his earnest balladry, we’re inclined to agree. It’s

customers are concerned. They always have a good number of friendly dancers working and pleasantly affordable drink specials, as well as a clean and comfortable atmosphere. If you bring your S.O., there’s even a couple’s drink special every Saturday.

Runners Up 2. TD’s Showclub 3. Ten’s Showclub

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

impressive Cooper can manage his own from raging Outlaw bangers to sprase, honest tunes, but the star of the show is and always will be his ragged country voice, fit to sing whatever tale he encounters on the road.

Runners Up 2. Loveland 3. Hank Topless

Best R&B Little House of Funk Connie Brannock’s band has taken this city by storm of late, playing bars and breweries right and left in the Old Pueblo. The band, which calls itself a mix of “Sonoran Soul and Deep-Fried Blues,” features upwards of 14 members at a time, enabling the collective to produce some big-time, badass jazz and funk music. Even at age 74, Brannock’s soulful vocals add a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole thing, allowing the band to capture the audience’s attention throughout.

Best Pool Hall Red Garter Bar & Grill 3143 E. Speedway Blvd. The Garter, conveniently located in midtown Tucson, boasts eight pool tables for the casual player or the pool leagues that make it their home. And why not make this your home? Not only do they have a celebrated burger, but a fun atmosphere, friendly staff, smoking lounge and plenty of TVs to watch the big game. Join a league, make some new friends and play with your buddies. Just don’t scratch.

Runners Up 2. Pockets Pool & Pub 3. Surly Wench

Runners Up 2. Miss Olivia and the Interlopers 3. Funky Bonz

Best Shot Mexican Candy Shot (The Hut) 311 E. Congress St. With its Polynesia/Cancun fusion, The Hut is a mashup of Jimmy Buffet and Don Ho. So it’s no surprise that the favorite shot here is the Mexican Candy Shot, which mixes tequila, watermelon pucker and hot sauce into a potent potion that’s both sweet and spicy. The only danger: It’s sweet enough that you might want a second…and a third…

2. Harry Potter Shot (Club Congress) 3. Watermelon Shot (Che’s Lounge)

Best Bloody Mary Saint Charles Tavern 1632 S. Fourth Ave. For the ultimate meal in a glass that’s good at any time of the day, especially when you’re seeking the perfect hairof-the-dog concoction Sunday morning, you can’t beat a Bloody Mary. Saint Charles Tavern serves up the

perfect, classic Bloody Mary. There’s no crazy frills or garnishes, just delicious tomato juice, vodka, a splash of Worcestershire, lime and the traditional olive and pickle garnish.

Runners Up 2. Hotel Congress 3. Che’s Lounge

Best Old Fashioned Owls Club 236 S. Scott Ave. Owls Club has a host of craft cocktails at its disposal that are sure to leave you wanting more. Best among those

is their simple, yet savory take on the Old Fashioned, with craft whiskey and an orange peel mixed together over a big-ass block of ice in perfect fashion. The craft bartenders at Owls Club always seem to nail this one, giving you a drink to be proud of in one of the classiest settings in Tucson.

Runners Up 2. 47 Scott 3. Independent Distillery

Oct. 24, 2019

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

45,000 DISTRIBUTION SO. PHOENIX - BISBEE & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

COMING JANUARY 2O20

destination TUCSON THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR LOCALS & VISITORS TO DISCOVER SOUTHERN ARIZONA

ATTRACTIONS DINING NATURE

Destination

Tucson

2019

DAY TRIPS CITIES REAL ESTATE SHOPPING

SERVICES

BOOK YOUR AD BY OCTOBER 31ST! Call Now for Specials

520-797-4384

Oct. 24, 2019

Best Art Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . Besta Visual Artist . . . . . . . . . . . Best Movie Theater . . . . . . . . . . . Best Art Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Musical Instrument Store . . Best Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Dance Studio . . . . . . . . . . . Best Dance Company . . . . . . . . Best Outdoor Art Installation . . . Best Theater Company . . . . . . . Best Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEST OF TUCSON ® 2019

5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9

Best Marijuana Dispensary . . . . .11 Best Annual Festival . . . . . . . . . 11 Best Charity Event . . . . . . . . . . 11 Best Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . .11 Best Place to Donate Your Time and/or Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Best Gym. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Best Yoga Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Bowling Alley . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Sex Toy Shop . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Animal Supply Store . . . . . .12 Best Computer Repair . . . . . . . . .12 Best Place to Get Your Pet00 Groomed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . .14 Best Farmers Market Vendor . . .14 Best Plant Nursery . . . . . . . . . . .15 Best Alternative Health Center . .15 Best Photographer . . . . . . . . . . .15 Best Place to Take a Phoenician 15 Best Smoke Shop . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Best Music School . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Best Summer Staycation . . . . . . .15 Best Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Best Gym to Visit During Witching Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Best Thrift Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Best Place to Get a Massage . . .18 Best Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Best TV Newscast . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Best Local Twitter Feed . . . . . . . .21 Best Local Weatherperson . . . . .21 Best Radio Host . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Best Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Best Radio Station for News . . . .22 Best Video Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Best Comic Store . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Best Used Video Games Store . .23 Best Games Store . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Best Blog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Best Local TV News Anchor . . . .23 Best Local Sportscaster . . . . . . .23 Best Instagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Best Radio Station for Music . . . .23

Best Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Best Resale Clothing . . . . . . . . . .24 Best Home Furnishings . . . . . . . .24 Best Vintage Shopping . . . . . . . .24 Best Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Best Day Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Best Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer . .25 Best Local Clothing Designer . . .26 Best Tattoo Parlor . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Best Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Best Tattoo Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Best Place to Get Pierced . . . . . .28 Best Barber Shop . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Best Dog Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Best Public Garden . . . . . . . . . . .29 Best Bike Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Best Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Best Backpacking Trail . . . . . . . .30 Best Campground . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Best Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Best Outdoor Recreation/ Sporting Goods Store . . . . . . . . .31 Best Bike Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Best Day Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Best Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

During the Summer . . . . . . . . . . .33 Best Restaurant With a Kids Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Best Toy Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Best Way to Entertain Kids Best Fun for the Whole Family . .34 Best Kids’ Clothing Store. . . . . . .34 Best Children’s Entertainer . . . . .35 Best Place for a Children’s Party 35 Best Public Pool/Splashpad . . . .35 Best Story Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Best Summer Camp . . . . . . . . . .36 Best Daycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Best Playground . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best

Place to Grab a Slice . . . . .38 38 Desserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Fresh-Baked Bread . . . . . . .39 Specialty Food Store. . . . . .39 French Fries . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Caterer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Barbecue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Veggie Burger . . . . . . . . . . .40 Place to Get a Sandwich . .40 Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Smoothies/Juice Bar . . . . . .41 Food Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Drive Thru . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Best Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Best Donuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Best Cafe Hangout . . . . . . . . . . .42 Best Tea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Best Sandwich (the actual sandwich) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Best Place to Get a Salad . . . . . .43 Best Hot Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Best Eggs Benedict . . . . . . . . . . .43 Best Delicatessen . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Best Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Best Casual Dining . . . . . . . . . . ..44

Best Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best Chinese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Best Indian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Best Japanese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Best Middle Eastern . . . . . . . . . .46 Best Contemporary/Fusion Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Best Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Best Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Best Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Best Vietnamese . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Best Vegetarian/Vegan . . . . . . . .48 Best Upscale Restaurant. . . . . . .48 Best Central Restaurant . . . . . . .48 Best African . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Best Chef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Best Place to Eat Lunch Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Best Downtown Restaurant . . . . .49 Best Northwest Restaurant . . . . .50 Best Italian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Best Eastside Restaurant . . . . . .50 Best Southside Restaurant . . . . .50 Best Foothills Restaurant . . . . . .50 Best Westside Restaurant . . . . . .51 Best Place to Eat Gluten Free . .51 Best Korean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Best Dining with a View. . . . . . . .51 Best New Restaurant . . . . . . . . .52 Best Signature Dish. . . . . . . . . . .52 Best Restaurant to Dazzle Out of Town Visitors . . . . . . . . . .52

Best Panaderia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Best Carnicería . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Best Salsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Best Tortillas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Best Burrito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Best Place to Buy a Piñata . . . . .54 Best Birria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Best Michelada . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Best Guacamole . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Best Tamales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Best Menudo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Best Torta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Best Margarita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Best Elote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Best Empanadas . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Best Tacos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Best Raspados . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Best Mariachi Band . . . . . . . . . . .56 Best Dulceria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Best Neighborhood Bar . . . . . . . .58 Best Beer Selection . . . . . . . . . . .58 Best Nightclub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Best Musical Act . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Best Cocktail Menu . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Country Western Bar . . . . .61 Best Place to Get a Glass of Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Sports Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Liquor Store. . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Comedy Night . . . . . . . . . . .61 Best Comedian . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Best Gay Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Best Bartender . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Best Bar Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Best Jukebox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Best Place to Sing Karaoke . . . .64 Best DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Best Dive Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Best Burlesque . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Best Locally Brewed Beer (the specific beer) . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Best Drag Queen. . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Best Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Best Jazz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66v Best Venue for Live Music. . . . . .67 Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best

Folk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Reggae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Cover Band . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Strip Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Punk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Hip-Hop Act . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Country Act . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 R&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Bloody Mary . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Old Fashioned . . . . . . . . . . .69 Pool Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

BEST OF TUCSON Â® 2019

Oct. 24, 2019