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Guide to 12 Local Spots for Fun, Games & Food

Guide to 12 Local Spots for Fun, Games & Food

May 17, 20194 min read

While a candlelit dinner might be perfect for time with your significant other, you’ll need something more active when the whole crew is involved.

Perhaps some billiards or an overly competitive game of cornhole? Just don’t drop your beer.

Here’s our guide to spots for fun, games, and food in Tucson.

Clicks Billiards

3325 N. First Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH1U3VtD32v/

Dallas-based chain Clicks features pool tables, poker, darts, foosball tables, and poker with a menu of snacks, pizzas, salads, sandwiches.

The full bar features cocktails and mildly offensively named shots.

For more information, visit clicks.com.

Culinary Dropout

2543 E. Grant Rd.
(Photo courtesy of Culinary Dropout)
Fun things to do (Photo courtesy of Culinary Dropout)

When it comes to gathering a large group of friends, Culinary Dropout makes it easy with large booths and several group dining spaces.

The covered outdoor area offers cornhole, foosball, ping ping, and shuffleboard. The menu features modern takes on classic dishes from around the world, but you’ll probably find yourself most addicted to their Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue.

For more information, visit culinarydropout.com.

Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge

2910 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhAyzVajuiZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Danny’s features shuffleboard, foosball, pool tables, darts, air hockey, and pinball in a lively neighborhood bar setting with live music and rotating food trucks.

Keep up with Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge on Facebook

Dave & Buster’s

1390 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvV67GqFUqJ/

This Dallas-based chain features a massive array of arcade games. The menu is also ridiculously expansive with options ranging from finger food to zoodles and steaks.

On Thursdays, spend $19.99 per person for unlimited wings and unlimited video game play.

For more information, visit daveandbusters.com.

The Gaslight Theatre

7010 E. Broadway Blvd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8HAcBABs-B/

With over 41 years entertaining Tucson, The Gaslight Theatre has been summed up as “Original. Fun. Creative. Refreshing.”

The Western-themed dinner theater features comedy shows throughout the week and gives the audience the opportunity to order food and drinks (supplied by Anthony’s Diner) throughout the show.

Currently showing: Showdown in Tucson

For more information, visit thegaslighttheatre.com.

Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails

345 E. Congress St., Ste. 101

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl39XP5D1Ae/

While Hi-Fi is most popular as a nightclub on weekends, it’s also a fun destination during the daytime with pool tables, shuffleboard, and a photo booth.

For more information, visit hifibars.com.

Home Plate Sports Pub • Home Plate Marana

4880 E. 22nd St. • 8579 N. Silverbell Rd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOJUiFrxrn/

Home Plate naturally features batting cages along with arcade games, shuffleboard, pool tables, and foosball.

They also offer a wide beer selection and a standard menu of pub fare.

For more information, visit homeplatemarana.com.

Pockets Pool & Pub

1062 S. Wilmot Rd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwIUPzvDsGB/

Pockets features pool, chess, and backgammon with a menu full of finger foods, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and salads.

From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily, enjoy an hour of free pool with the purchase of any entree and drink.

For more information, visit pocketstucson.com.

RoadHouse Cinemas

4811 E. Grant Rd., Ste. 150

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rRJKRlpWE/

RoadHouse isn’t your average movie theater. Their food will pleasantly surprise you along with their wide selection of Arizona beers.

The burgers and bottomless bowls of gourmet popcorn are the stars, but keep an eye out for their ice creams from HUB Ice Cream Factory.

For more information, visit roadhousecinemas.com.

Round 1

5950 E. Broadway Blvd.
Facade at Round 1 at Park Place Mall
Fun things to do: Facade at Round 1 at Park Place Mall (Credit: Jackie Tran)

This Japan-based chain opened a location in Tucson in 2019. Enjoy bowling, karaoke, video game arcade cabinets, billiards, darts, and ping pong and more alongside food and drink.

For more information, visit round1usa.com

Tay’s BBQ

16461 S. Houghton Rd., Vail, AZ 85641
(Photo courtesy of Tay's BBQ on Facebook)
Fun things to do (Photo courtesy of Tay’s BBQ on Facebook)

For our neighbors south at Corona de Tucson, Tay’s BBQ features outdoor cornhole and bowling. The outdoor bar is also a fun touch.

Keep up with Tay’s BBQ on Facebook.

Topgolf

4050 W. Costco Pl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo6xCYmnha8/

Another Dallas-based company, Topgolf features a “chef-driven menu” that updates seasonally. Just make sure to use napkins so you don’t let a golf club slip out of your hands into the armored cart that scoops up the golf balls.

If you’re not out swinging on a bay, check out the lounge with billiards and other games. Additionally, the rooftop bar actually features one of the best scenic views in Tucson.

For more information, call (520) 284-5047 or visit topgolf.com.

[The article was originally written on May 17, 2019, and was most recently updated on February 22, 2020.]

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Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.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!