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Party On! The Buffet Bar is Celebrating its 90th Year in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of The Buffet)

Party On! The Buffet Bar is Celebrating its 90th Year in Tucson

Sep 16, 20242 min read

The Buffet Bar and Crockpot — referred to by most folks as just The Buffet — is turning 90 years old this year in Tucson’s Iron Horse Neighborhood.

That specific neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, making The Buffet the oldest bar in Tucson (it has remained in its original location since opening in 1934)(originally named Lantern Buffet).

90th Anniversary Party

To celebrate the huge milestone, The Buffet at 538 E. Ninth St. is teaming up with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to host a 90th Anniversary Party from noon – 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.

This event will feature drink specials, live music, raffles, and giveaways.

“Most importantly, The Buffet is generously partnering with United Way of Tucson to give part of the proceeds back to our local community,” United Way shared. “Your presence will not only add to the celebration but also support the vital work we do together to improve lives in Southern Arizona.”

To put The Buffet’s tenure in perspective, the iconic bar is the same age as longtime actress Maggie Smith, also known as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” films.

In a way, Professor McGonagall and The Buffet are a lot alike. She’s an Animagus, meaning she can turn herself into an animal, and the bar has been doing the same thing since the ’30s: transforming people into party animals.

Stop by the bar on Saturday, September 21, make new friends, reconnect with old acquaintances, and support the local business that’s not too far behind El Charro CafĂ© (the Flores family is celebrating its 103rd birthday this week).

The Buffet Bar and Crockpot is located at 538 E. Ninth St. Keep up with the latest by following The Buffet on Instagram.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍾

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 ‱ 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

đŸŽŸïž LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍾 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 ‱ 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! đŸŽŸïž LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
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The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

The menu highlights flavors and techniques from across Mexico, with tableside salsa service, shareable starters like the Hacienda Board and Scallop Mini Tostadas, plus entrées including Lobster Tetelas and Hojaldrado, a beef picadillo-stuffed poblano inspired by chile en nogada.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. The menu highlights flavors and techniques from across Mexico, with tableside salsa service, shareable starters like the Hacienda Board and Scallop Mini Tostadas, plus entrĂ©es including Lobster Tetelas and Hojaldrado, a beef picadillo-stuffed poblano inspired by chile en nogada. Casa Vera will be open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‌❀Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‌❀Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona