The Best Restaurants and Bars with Live Music In Tucson

Guide

The Best Restaurants and Bars with Live Music In Tucson

by Max WingertJul 13, 2023Updated Mar 6, 20247 min read
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!

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26 spots

Che's Lounge

350 N 4th AveDowntown

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!

Music every weekend at Club Congress (Photo credit: Matt Holman)

Club Congress

311 East Congress StreetDowntown

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​.

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Culinary Dropout (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Culinary Dropout

2543 E Grant RdUniversity & 4th Ave

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.

Frog & Firkin

874 E University BlvdDowntown

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 Guest Ranch Resort

5501 N Hacienda Del Sol RdFoothills

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.

Birria tacos (Photo courtesy of La Chingada)

La Chingada Cocina Mexicana

110 E Pennington StDowntown

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

8501 N Silverbell RdMarana

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

100 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown

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!

Monterey Court Cafe

505 W Miracle MileMidtown

"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!"

MotoSonora Brewing Company (Photo credit: Through the Hoop Photography)

MotoSonora Brewing Company

1015 S Park AveDowntown

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!

Playground Bar & Lounge (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground Bar & Lounge

278 E Congress StDowntown

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!

Saint Charles Tavern (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Saint Charles Tavern

1632 S 4th AveSouth Tucson

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.

(Photo courtesy of Sky Bar on Facebook)

Sky Bar

536 N 4th AveDowntown

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

4280 N Campbell AveFoothills

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!

Live music, burlesque shows, and more (Photo courtesy of The Surly Wench)

Surly Wench Pub

424 N 4th AveDowntown

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.

Tap & Bottle's 9th Anniversary in 2022 (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Tap & Bottle

403 North 6th AvenueDowntown

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!

The Century Room

311 E Congress St #1811Downtown

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?

The Hut

305 N 4th AveDowntown

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 Jackrabbit Lounge (Photo credit: Mark Whittaker)

The Jackrabbit Lounge

2000 N Oracle RdMidtown

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.

The Maverick

6622 E Tanque Verde RdEastside

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!

Johnny Steak & Frites plus shrimp at the Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

6453 N Oracle RdNorthwest

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

136 N Park AveDowntown

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!

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@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders.

Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt.

Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes.

Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. 

Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders. Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt. Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes. Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? 

Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day.

🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months.

📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 
📍 6450 E Grant Rd@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day. 🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months. 📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 📍 6450 E Grant Rd
C I Chu’s Mongolian BBQ has permanently closed its doors at 4540 E. Broadway Blvd., ending a run of more than 25 years at the same midtown Tucson address. A handwritten sign posted on the restaurant’s exterior confirmed the closure and noted that owner Calvin Chu can be reached at 520-370-7144 by anyone interested in reopening the business.

“We are sad to say C.I. Chu’s Mongolian BBQ is closed for good,” the sign reads.

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.comC I Chu’s Mongolian BBQ has permanently closed its doors at 4540 E. Broadway Blvd., ending a run of more than 25 years at the same midtown Tucson address. A handwritten sign posted on the restaurant’s exterior confirmed the closure and noted that owner Calvin Chu can be reached at 520-370-7144 by anyone interested in reopening the business. “We are sad to say C.I. Chu’s Mongolian BBQ is closed for good,” the sign reads. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 

Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. 

Photos by @astra1wanderer@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. Photos by @astra1wanderer