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Foodie 15: Best Spots for Games, Food, and Drinks in Tucson

Foodie 15: Best Spots for Games, Food, and Drinks in Tucson

by Matt SternerJan 29, 2025Updated Jul 14, 20265 min read
Tucson’s food scene is more than just great food and drinks — there are quite a few local places where you can challenge your friends to a game of pinball, cornhole, bocce ball, Pac-Man, or even a round of giant Connect Four. Heck, a couple of these spots even have batting cages. Here are 15 of the best locally owned spots where food, drinks, and fun go hand in hand.
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12 spots

Casa Video & Film Bar (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Casa Video and Film Bar

2905 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity

Casa Video also serves wine on tap and NA beverages, has board games, and hosts "Speed Trivia" on Tuesdays. Plus, there's usually a food truck parked outside.
"Working at a video rental store back in 2004 was one of my favorite jobs, and so there’s something special and nostalgic about walking into Casa Video. It's neat to be greeted by one of the familiar faces behind the bar before wandering around the store and grabbing a bag of popcorn and a beer."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Catalina Brewing Company

6918 North Camino MartinMarana

Aside from beer, the Marana-based, bicycle-themed brewery serves ciders, seltzers, bottled wines, mixed drinks, shots, and food from the occasional food truck.
"There are around 10 pinball machines, foosball, and a stage for live music in Catalina Brewing's game room. It's a great place to relax, sip on a local beer, and work on my reflexes. Pinball is harder than it looks."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Cobra Arcade Bar Tucson

63 East Congress StreetDowntown

Cobra Arcade Bar in downtown Tucson is a two-story playground for arcade lovers. Packed with vintage and modern arcade games, this lively spot lets you sip on craft cocktails or local beers while battling it out on classics like Mortal Kombat and Pac-Man. In the later hours, it's a full-on dance party. Cut the rug, gamer!

CORBETT'S

340 North 6th AvenueDowntown

It’s a restaurant, pickleball destination, music venue, and beer garden. There are a total of five pickleball courts, three of which are located outside near the beer garden and two located inside the renovated and climate-controlled Corbett Building. Food and drink can be ordered from both the restaurant and beer garden while on the court.

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Culinary Dropout

2543 East Grant RoadUniversity

Found on the historic Grant Road Lumber location, the 20,000 square foot space has cornhole, table tennis, shuffleboard, a huge enclosed patio, occasional live music, and a loaded food and drink menu. Plus, there's a huge parking lot — there's no need to play real-life Tetris while fitting your car in a spot.

Home Plate Marana

8579 North Silverbell RoadMarana

This family-friendly restaurant also has shuffleboard, pool tables, and arcade games. Don’t forget to try something on the menu: burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches, etc.
"Home Plate is my go-to spot when visiting my mom in Marana. Even when I’m nearly dislocating my shoulder in the batting cages, a cold beer in hand makes it all worth it."
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant

60 North Alvernon WayMidtown

The team at Locale blends old-fashioned Italian classics with local products — from a Seven-layer Lasagna to the Pizza a’Taglio, the Italian roots run deep.
"I don't understand why the bocce ball courts at Locale are usually empty, but it's free and it's fun in the sun. Pairs well with an Aperol Spritzer."
Shane Reiser’s favorite

Red Garter Saloon Bar & Grill

3143 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity

With its giant mural of a stallion, Red Garter is easy to spot on Speedway Boulevard. They also have plenty of TVs spread throughout the dining room for sports fans.
"Red Garter has all of the ingredients for a fun night out: beer, burgers, darts, pool, a jukebox, and Big Buck Hunter. With very few windows, it's a great spot to keep cool in the summer and forget what time of day it is." 
Matt Sterner’s favorite

Short Rest Tavern

4500 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

This hidden getaway for geeks, gamers, and anyone strolling around the Tucson Mall offers over 600 board games. When you're not rolling a 20-sided die or studying a map of The Shire, check out the tavern — they have a rotating selection of local and imported beers, along with a variety of meads. Game on!

Surly Wench Pub

424 North 4th AvenueDowntown

Nearby by a vintage Elvira pinball machine, old-school arcade games like Galaga and Centipede are awaiting your high school. There's also a pool table, plenty of beers, craft (and spicy) cocktails, and pub food coming out of the kitchen that's open past midnight.

The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery

11011 East Tanque Verde RoadTanque Verde

The Barnyard was once a barn that was transformed into a restaurant. There's prime rib, nachos, ceviche, and a patio that's big enough to host a large gathering of your closest friends. Out there among the creatures of the wild, challenge someone to a game of jumbo-sized Connect Four or toss around the beanbags for a friendly cornhole competition. Maybe whoever loses has to pick up the tab. Just a thought.

Frequently asked questions

Several Tucson spots, like Bada Bing Bada Boom and Surly Wench Pub, combine food, drinks, and classic arcade games for a nostalgic night out.

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“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

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See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

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#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!