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New happy hour menu, $5 “Cocktail of the Week” at Playground Bar & Lounge

New happy hour menu, $5 “Cocktail of the Week” at Playground Bar & Lounge

Oct 18, 20182 min read


Downtown’s Playground Bar & Lounge has seen some major changes over the past couple of years, including a temporary move, renovations, and a move back into the original spot, but one thing that hasn’t changed is their fearlessness of change.

With that being said, a new Happy Hour menu has been introduced to the menu, giving you another reason —  as if you needed one — to head back to the bar and lounge every week.

Besides, happy hour never really lasts just an hour. From Monday to Friday from 4 – 7 p.m., Playground will offer a different “Cocktail of the Week” for just $5, along with a new food menu, as well.

From the El Guapo, to the vodka, tequila, citrus, black tea, and hibiscus concoction Playground likes to refer to as the Tucson Tea, the cocktail of the week can be one of the many unique cocktails on the menu. Plus, they’re offering $1 off draft beer and wine or well drinks coming in at $4 each.

As usual, cocktails often go hand in hand with exceptional food, and the Happy Hour menu has something new for your taste buds.

Happy hour specials at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Happy hour specials at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground Happy Hour Menu

  • Hummus – grilled zucchini, squash, pita, carrot, and cucumber ($6)
  • Tacos – two tacos made from hand-pressed corn tortillas ($6)
  • Wings – half dozen with your choice of Traditional Hot or Strawberry BBQ ($8)
  • Turkey Sammie – mesquite smoked turkey, bacon, tomato, avocado,
    roasted green chili, and Serrano cream cheese. Served with ketel chips ($9)
  • Philly Cheesesteak – prime rib, caramelized onions, cherry peppers, provolone, and white American cheese on a French roll served with ketel chips ($9)
  • Carne Asada Fries – grilled steak, verde cheese sauce, caramelized onion, pico, sour cream, and cilantro ($10)

If you haven’t been back to Playground since last year’s renovations, allow the season’s cooler temperature to lure you in. The added spaces include a garden courtyard, and a much larger, climate-controlled rooftop that allows one to easily view the Tucson skyline.

Back patio at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Back patio at Playground Bar & Lounge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Playground Bar & Lounge is located at 278 E. Congress. For more information about the Happy Hour, menu, and more, visit playgroundtucson.com.

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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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@Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀

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#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaTen days. One hundred twenty-five tables. @Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is here! Join us today through September 13 for 10 days of dining across Tucson.🌵🥂

In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

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Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is here! Join us today through September 13 for 10 days of dining across Tucson.🌵🥂 In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
TOMORROW NIGHT at @Larosatucson!! 

SEOUL ELECTRIC💫 A K-pop + EDM dance party
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#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsTOMORROW NIGHT at @Larosatucson!! SEOUL ELECTRIC💫 A K-pop + EDM dance party featuring DJs, performances, vendors, karaoke, photo booth, and food + drink specials! Presented with @tucsonasiannightmarket + @tucsonfoodie Friday, Sept 4th • La Rosa • Doors at 8 pm Don’t miss @Sisterstucson’s bulgogi pizza special: Beef, kimchi purée, sesame oil, sesame seed, provolone, mozzarella, and ginger soy gochujang🔥 *vegan option available! #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
Ten days. One hundred twenty-fivetables. 
@Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TOMORROW!🌵 

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

Link in bio❤️ 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaTen days. One hundred twenty-fivetables. @Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TOMORROW!🌵 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. Link in bio❤️ #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona