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Live Music (Photo courtesy of Culinary Dropout)

The Best Restaurants and Bars with Live Music In Tucson

Updated March 6, 2024

You’re looking for dinner AND a show? In THIS economy??

Fortunately, so were we. And so were quite a few Tucsonans, turns out. That’s why we made this Guide — an interactive, up-to-date record of where you can grab a big burger and a bottle of beer and headbang to a local punk band (or savor a seared steak while soaking up a soothing serenade).

This is the Foodie Guide to restaurants and bars with live music in Tucson. Let’s rock and (lobster) roll!

Learn how we create our guides here.

a picture of guitarists at a brewery
Live music Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo credit: Tucson Foodie)

Borderlands Brewing Company

Packed with talent, this joint rocks live music every Friday and Saturday in their beer garden​​. Grab a cold one like the Santa Rita amber ale or the Noche Dulce vanilla porter, and you’re all set for a great night!

a man playing saxophone
Jazz music (Photo courtesy of Brother John's BBQ)

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

Chill out with some beer and BBQ while grooving to a mix of tunes. They’ve got everything from Latin dance music to a regular Sunday jazz jam. And let’s not forget their fun themed days like ‘Fish Fry-Days’ and ‘Whiskey Wednesdays’!

a group of people standing on a stage
Getting funky with the Little House of Funk (Photo courtesy of Catalina Craft Pizza)

Catalina Craft Pizza

At Catalina Craft Pizza, you’re in for a treat with live music, comedy nights, and interactive games. Whether the band is jamming inside or rocking out in the parking lot, you’re guaranteed a night of fun and laughs.

a picture taken on stage at a jazz club
On stage at The Century Room (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)

The Century Room

This classy jazz club and mezcal lounge at the Hotel Congress is the spot to hit for smooth jazz and cool drinks. They’ve got local and national acts taking the stage, serving up the best in jazz. And while you’re there, why not try their unique mezcals and regional drinks?

a photo of a band playing music at a bar
(Photo courtesy of Che's Lounge)

Che’s Lounge

This neighborhood bar on 4th Ave features live music on the weekends, sometimes even offering sunset patio performances on Sundays. The music schedule at Che’s Lounge is varied, sometimes even featuring a DJ during the week, so it’s best to check their Facebook page for updates!

a photo of musicians
(photo courtesy of Chicago Bar)

Chicago Bar

If you’re into live tunes and sports, the Chicago Bar in Tucson is your go-to joint. They’ve got everything from blues to rock, reggae, and pop on their playlist. They host local bands, and their music vibes are pretty eclectic, so there’s always something new to listen to.

a photo of a band on stage
Music every weekend at Club Congress (Photo credit: Matt Holman)

Club Congress

Smack in the middle of downtown Tucson, Club Congress is your all-in-one spot for live music, food, and fun times. They have a wide array of events, from cozy small gigs to grand concerts. Plus, there are three different spaces – The Club, the Plaza, and the Century Room, each with their own unique vibe, so you’re bound to find a spot that suits your mood​.

an overhead photo of plates of food
Culinary Dropout (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Culinary Dropout

Culinary Dropout is not just your regular bar, it’s a foodie’s dream with great grub for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, cool drinks, and free live music to boot. The vibe is easy-going, perfect for playing some games or jamming out.

a picture inside a sports bar
(Photo courtesy of Frog & Firkin)

Frog & Firkin

Imagine kicking back in an English pub, right in the middle of the desert! Frog & Firkin is exactly that – an oasis of good times with live tunes, a rocking jukebox, and games like pool and darts – perfect for a fun evening!

(Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Sol)

Hacienda del Sol

This Tucson resort is known for its enchanting evening ambiance, brought to life with live music performances. From timeless jazz tunes to romantic piano performances and the soothing sounds of a classical guitar, the resort hosts a diverse variety of talented musicians. A divine date spot, indeed.

The Jackrabbit Lounge (Photo credit: Mark Whittaker)

The Jackrabbit Lounge

Jackrabbit Lounge is a cool retro lounge in Tucson where you can enjoy some fancy cocktails, late night eats, and great music. They’ve got live performances, monthly discos, and variety acts that really liven up the place. If you’re into a lively scene with a bit of nostalgia, you’ll love this place.

a plastic container filled with meat and vegetables on a plate
Birria tacos (Photo courtesy of La Chingada)

La Chingada Cocina

La Chingada Cocina is a vibrant Mexican restaurant known for its authentic flavors that will take your taste buds on a trip south of the border. They host live music several times a week with different local musicians. Their Sunday night live mariachi music is a particular highlight, providing the perfect ambiance to sip on their delicious margaritas.

Porterhouse Steak (Photo courtesy of Lil Abners Steakhouse)

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse

Li’l Abner’s has been a Tucson staple since ’47, serving up straightforward, mouth-watering steaks, chicken, ribs, and fish. They’re open all week, but the real magic happens on Fridays and Saturdays when they turn up the volume with live country music. Yeehaw!​

(Photo Courtesy of Mercado San Agustin)

Mercado San Agustin

Mercado San Agustin is a vibrant marketplace and community hub that hosts live music events. Between here and the nearby MSA Annex, there are a multitude of places to eat, drink, and be merry, as well as an ever-changing lineup of talent. Go explore!

a photo of a musician on stage
Local Tucson Musicians (Photo courtesy of Montery Court Cafe)

Monterey Court Cafe

“Picture this – an old motel flipped into a funky combo of a cafe, bar, live music spot, and artisan market. They’ve got bands rocking the stage Tuesday through Sunday, and they’ve set up the stage so it works for both up-close and personal gigs and larger outdoor concerts. The vibe is all about the music here – it pulls people in, and once they’re here, they get to dig into the food and the whole lively atmosphere.

Can’t make it to the gig? No worries, they live-stream their concerts too!”

a dog and a beer
MotoSonora Brewing Company (Photo credit: Through the Hoop Photography)

MotoSonora Brewing Company

MotoSonora Brewing isn’t just a brewery – it’s an experience. They’ve got a taproom and patio that they sometimes switch up into a ticketed event spot, with live music, food, and their own award-winning beer. And speaking of beer, keep an eye out for their Radar Love Juicy IPA — a TF team fave!

(Photo Courtesy of Nancy's Boondocks )

Nancy’s Boondocks

Used to be just “Boondocks,” but Nancy’s Boondocks has got that Roadhouse feel with a restaurant and bar that’s all about rock, country, and more. It’s a sweet spot if you’re into chowing down on good food, sipping on something nice, and jamming out to live tunes.

Noble Hops (Photo credit: Tucson Foodie)

Noble Hops

Swing by Noble Hops in Oro Valley, where live tunes and killer views are the norm from Thursday to Sunday. It’s not just about the brews here – the views of Pusch Ridge alone are worth the trip.

a picture of pub grub and drinks on a bartop
Playground Bar & Lounge (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground Bar & Lounge

Playground, right in Galveston’s Strand Historic District, is where it’s at for great grub, a chill vibe, and live music. The design is artsy-cool, perfect for hanging out and watching the game with some tunes in the background. Oh, and you’ve gotta try their burgers and specialty hot dogs!

a picture of a band playing on stage
(Photo courtesy of Rockabilly Grill)

Rockabilly Grill

Rockabilly Grill is where you head when you’re craving some good old rock and blues, four nights a week. Plus, their wings and grilled steaks are legendary among the regulars. It’s the kind of joint that keeps you coming back for more.

a picture inside a crowded tucson bar
Saint Charles Tavern (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Saint Charles Tavern

This is the kind of joint where everybody feels at home — You’ll find folks playing pool, savoring a well-thought-out drink from their liquor list, and jamming to live tunes in the mural-decorated beer garden. The best part? They’re super supportive of their local community, which makes hanging out there all the more sweet.

a picture outside a bar
(Photo courtesy of Sky Bar on Facebook)

Sky Bar

Sky Bar is basically the place to be any night of the week. They’ve got everything from team trivia to karaoke, open mic nights, and even live indie music or DJs on the weekends​ Plus, they’re all about giving back to the community with monthly benefit events.

Photo Courtesy of St. Phillip's Plaza

St. Philip’s Plaza

Imagine chilling out under the stars, munching on some tasty local cuisine, and grooving to an ever-changing lineup of bands and musicians – that’s what you get at St Philip’s Plaza​. The whole vibe is super unique and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back evening. Just remember to check with the restaurants there for the lowdown on who’s playing when!

a picture of musicians on stage
Live music, burlesque shows, and more (Photo courtesy of The Surly Wench)

Surly Wench Pub

The Surly Wench Pub showcases everything from local talent to touring solo artists and bands, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays. They don’t box themselves into one music genre – punk, rock, ska, alt-country, they’ve got it all. And to top it off, they have burlesque and sideshows.

(Photo courtesy of Tap & Bottle)

Tap & Bottle – North

Spread out across Tucson, Tap & Bottle is the chill place to be for live music, trivia nights, food trucks, and tasting events. They’ve got a crazy selection of drinks – beer, wine, cider, seltzers, hard kombucha, you name it. And the music? Just as varied as their drink menu. Different beats drop on different nights, so there’s always something new to check out!

a group of people standing on a stage
Experience The Grateful Dead on Fridays at The Hut! (Photo courtesy of Tucson Local Bands)

The Hut

This place is all about those beachy vibes with its tropical drinks and live music. It’s smack in the middle of the University and Downtown areas, so super easy to get to. Plus, they’ve got a big patio and a bar outside. Music-wise, they’ve got everything — including a Grateful Dead cover band every Friday. Wear Tie-Dye!

The Maverick

If you’re into country music, you can’t miss The Maverick in Tucson. It’s not just a restaurant and bar – it’s practically a country music institution! Since 1962, they’ve been bringing in local talent and big names in the country scene. So, dust off those cowboy boots and come on down!

Mesquite Smoked Salmon Salad at The Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

This is your go-to for a chill evening with a southern vibe. The Parish pumps out tunes like blues, gospel, Americana, and country a few times a week. And the food? Late-night bites like Guedry’s Gumbo and Pork Rind Nachos that’ll make you say “yum!”

Photo Courtesy of The Rock

The Rock

If you’re all about the rock ‘n roll, you gotta check out The Rock. This place has been rockin’ Tucson since the 70s with hard rock, metal, punk—you name it. It’s just south of the U of A campus, and it’s always got local and international bands killing it on stage. No food here, but they do have a full bar!

(Photo Courtesy of Three Canyon Beer & Wine Garden)

Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden

Want a side of sunset views with your live music? Head over to the Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden on Tucson’s scenic north-east side. They’ve got tunes on the patio every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. Wash down their tasty BBQ with a selection of craft beers and fine wines. Trust us, you’re gonna love it.

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