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Surly Wench Pub Celebrates 20 Years on Fourth Avenue

Surly Wench Pub (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Surly Wench Pub Celebrates 20 Years on Fourth Avenue

May 30, 20241 min read

No longer in its teens, the Surly Wench Pub on Fourth Avenue is turning 20 years old!

You can head in and celebrate the impressive milestone anytime they’re open, but on Friday, June 7, they’ll be hosting a special Anniversary Burlesque. When it comes to burlesque, the Surly Wench has won numerous awards for its “bewitching tease-o-rama” fairly consistently since it began in 2006.

Friday night burlesque shows typically begin at 10 p.m. but follow the Surly Wench on Instagram to keep up with the latest.

Check out Mark Whittaker’s 2022 article “Great Food, Spicy Cocktails & Friendly Ghosts.”

For me, this anniversary is pretty neat because I was 20 years old when they opened in 2004. I remember walking by the bar one day — too young to go inside — and telling myself that this would be one of the first spots I’d stop by when I was “allowed.”

Mostly, the dimly lit bar at 424 N. Fourth Ave. still looks the way it did back in the early 2000s (from what I can remember). Although, they used to have airplane seats attached to a wall near the back, and were then removed years later after they suffered too many spills/messes. At least that’s what I was once told.

Just a couple of years ago, it was the very last bar I was able to take my dog before he passed away just a few days later. The bar is special to me, to say the least!

Surly Wench Pub is located at 424 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, visit surlywenchpub.com and follow the Surly Wench on Facebook and Instagram

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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@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

The menu highlights flavors and techniques from across Mexico, with tableside salsa service, shareable starters like the Hacienda Board and Scallop Mini Tostadas, plus entrées including Lobster Tetelas and Hojaldrado, a beef picadillo-stuffed poblano inspired by chile en nogada.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. The menu highlights flavors and techniques from across Mexico, with tableside salsa service, shareable starters like the Hacienda Board and Scallop Mini Tostadas, plus entrées including Lobster Tetelas and Hojaldrado, a beef picadillo-stuffed poblano inspired by chile en nogada. Casa Vera will be open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
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3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
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From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona
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🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
Win: Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge, (2) $100 Visa gift cards, $20 gift card to Ghini’s, 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, (1) gift card to Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar, (1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts, (1) $50 gift card to BATA, (1) $50 gift card to Sonoran Moonshine

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS.

Stay tuned for @Sonoranrestaurantweek! Let’s support local ❤️

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