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Hotel Congress — the place to be this summer for food, drinks & dancing

Hotel Congress — the place to be this summer for food, drinks & dancing

Jun 3, 20225 min read

This week, Hotel Congress is rolling out some spectacular summer specials sure to fill the hotel and spill onto the twinkle lights laced plaza at 311 E. Congress St.

Picacho Nacho for Instagram at Plaza Eats (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Picacho Nacho for Instagram at Plaza Eats (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With offerings and events for music and food lovers of many sorts, they’re bringing Tucson a season full of ways to escape the heat while filling their bellies and moving their bodies to the beat. In other words, there’s a lot happening this summer at the historic hotel so take notes and plan accordingly (we wouldn’t want you to miss anything).

THE CENTURY ROOM

The Century Room at Hotel Congress
Photo courtesy of The Century Room at Hotel Congress

Did you know that Century Room Jazz Club at Hotel Congress is also a world-class Mezcal and wine tasting bar? That’s right. In addition to the best jazz in Tucson, Century Room will offer exclusive tasting events for both agave spirits and wine.

Mezcal Sundays Schedule

Beginning June 12th, guests can enjoy Mezcal Sundays, a guided tasting of a variety of agave spirits and small bites led by Doug Smith, local agave spirits master and co-owner of Exo Roast Co. and El Crisol Mezcal Bar. Cost to attend is $35 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. and events begin at 7 p.m.

  • Sunday, June 12 – Bacanora
  • Sunday, June 26 – Sotol
  • Sunday, July 10 – MezcalJuly 24 – Espadin
  • Sunday, August 7 – Single Varietals (plant) – Tobala, Tepezxate, Mexicano
  • Sunday, August 21 – Agave Distillates
Wine Thursdays Schedule

Kicking off on June 16th, Wine Thursdays will feature guided tastings of a selection of outstanding regional wines served at the Century Room. Each session will be led by Hotel Congress Sommelier Josh Osteen along with special guests in the industry. Cost to attend is $30 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. and events begin at 7 p.m.

  • Thursday, June 16 – Sonoran Wines
  • Thursday, June 30 – Mexican Wines
  • Thursday, July 14 – Flying Leap Wines
  • Thursday, July 28 – Sand-Reckoner Wines
  • Thursday, August 11 – Northern AZ Wines
  • Thursday, August 25 – Willcox Wines

Century Room is open Thursday – Sunday from 6 p.m. – midnight. Advanced tickets are available online for all 7 p.m. concerts, and tickets for Late Night shows, starting at 9 p.m., are sold at the door.

VIP booking for dinner at the Cup Café prior to these events is offered to attendees for an additional $5 fee. Visit Eventbrite for details and to register for all tasting events.

For all things Century Room, visit hotelcongress.com

PLAZA EATS FOOD TRUCK

Poutine from the food truck Plaza Eats at Hotel Congress (Photo courtesy at Hotel Congress)
Poutine from Plaza Eats at Hotel Congress (Photo courtesy at Hotel Congress)

It’s now even easier to get your Plaza Eats Food Truck fix with their summer hours officially enacted. Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. – late, they’re the perfect complementary option to neighbor-across-the-plaza Cup Café.

With a new menu of tasty spins on traditional bar fare, you don’t need an event on your calendar to justify stopping by, especially with a Happy Hour like theirs. Offered Tuesday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and all night long on Taco Tuesday, Wings Wednesday, and Thirsty Thursday, their Happy Hour deal features $2 off the full Plaza Eats Food Truck menu as well as Congress cocktails, wines, and draft beers.

For their full menu, visit hotelcongress.com

CUP CAFÉ

The Cup Cafe (Photo provided by Hotel Congress)
The Cup Cafe (Photo provided by Hotel Congress)

Cup Café is pleased to announce extended dinner hours Thursday – Sunday as well as the return of their Sunday and Monday specials. If you find yourself there on a Monday, take advantage of a free Barrio Bread appetizer with the purchase of two entrees, and on Sundays, you can take your pick at a bottle of wine for 50% off.

Get in on Cup Café’s breakfast offerings daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. or shimmy into their dinner service Thursday – Monday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

View their full menus here

SPECIAL EVENTS ON THE PLAZA

Friday, June 10th: Depeche Mode Party with Strangelove

Los Angeles-based STRANGELOVE – The Depeche Mode Experience delivers a career spanning, pitch-perfect “best of” concert on the Plaza.

Saturday, July 2nd: Wet Hot American Weekend – Night 1

Kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a water slide, drink specials, and dancing with DJs Bex & Halsero.

Monday, July 4th: Wet Hot American Weekend – Night 2

Celebrate 4th of July with the Club Whutever DJs, another day of sweet water slide action, red, white and blue drink specials, giveaways, and more.

Wednesday, July 27th: Summer of Selena

Austin’s all-star Selena tribute Bidi Bidi Banda brings their Summer of Selena tour to the Plaza stage. The band’s interpretation of Selena’s greatest hits will leave you belting lyrics, doing the washing machine, and reliving greatness of the Queen of Tejano Music.

Wednesday, August 3rd: Surfapalooza

Save the family vacation to San Diego, Congress has you right here! Enjoy four local and national surf bands along with fish tacos and other surfy, beachy vibing festivities.

Saturday, August 20th: Metalachi

The world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band returns to the historic Hotel Congress for a plaza show that will rock your face and socks off. Ps. Complimentary tequila with every ticket.

Hotel Congress is located at 311 E. Congress St. For menus, hours, calendars of events, and more, visit hotelcongress.com.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs 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!Italian Week starts today and runs 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!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!