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!
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!
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’!
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.
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?
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!
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.
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​.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!​
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!
“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 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!”
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!
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.