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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.

Article written by:

Sam Jump
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

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@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! 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 #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! 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
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!”
3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!