The neighborhood bar that’s been welcoming in regulars on Fourth Avenue, and also newcomers from all around the world, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
I still remember my first visit to Che’s Lounge about 15 years ago.
I either pushed or pulled on the door handle when I was supposed to do the opposite, but once I finally made it inside I was greeted with a treasure of art-filled walls, a collection of stickers, constant chatter, and warm smiles from behind the bar.
I would experience this every time I’d visited the bar, too. There’d always be something new to see from local artists, a seasonal cocktail to try, or an unfamiliar tune from a band playing inside or out on the back patio.
An anniversary worth celebrating
Every year, Che’s Lounge throws a big party for their anniversary, but due to certain circumstances, this year’s celebration has been different. Although that hasn’t stopped it’s fans from showing their love and support.
Hence this collaborative video created to honor the bar.
On Facebook, Che’s Lounge wrote:
“To continue to hold one another up during devastatingly difficult times, through immeasurable loss, through very necessary changes, and to continue to celebrate the successes, achievements and joys that we’ve been blessed to be a part of for the past 20 years.”
Signature Cocktails To-Go
Since March, the bar has been temporarily closed to the public, but they’ve been offering a variety of to-go drinks, cocktails, and some “just add booze” ingredients to make your favorites at home.
While there are many to choose from, the real gem — and perhaps my favorite — is their signature house Tucson Water, which is a mixture of Sprite, pineapple, Tajín, saladitos, citrus, and “extra love.”
Temporary hours of operation
If you’d like to stop by for a to-go cocktail or merely just to say hello, the current hours of operation are 3 – 8 p.m. on Thursday – Sunday. They’re also taking phone orders at (520) 623-2088 and orders online.
Che’s Lounge is located at 350 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, call (520) 623-2088 or visit cheslounge.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
