The Buffet Bar and Crockpot — referred to by most folks as just The Buffet — is turning 90 years old this year in Tucson’s Iron Horse Neighborhood.
That specific neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, making The Buffet the oldest bar in Tucson (it has remained in its original location since opening in 1934)(originally named Lantern Buffet).
90th Anniversary Party
To celebrate the huge milestone, The Buffet at 538 E. Ninth St. is teaming up with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to host a 90th Anniversary Party from noon – 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.
This event will feature drink specials, live music, raffles, and giveaways.
“Most importantly, The Buffet is generously partnering with United Way of Tucson to give part of the proceeds back to our local community,” United Way shared. “Your presence will not only add to the celebration but also support the vital work we do together to improve lives in Southern Arizona.”
To put The Buffet’s tenure in perspective, the iconic bar is the same age as longtime actress Maggie Smith, also known as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” films.
In a way, Professor McGonagall and The Buffet are a lot alike. She’s an Animagus, meaning she can turn herself into an animal, and the bar has been doing the same thing since the ’30s: transforming people into party animals.
Stop by the bar on Saturday, September 21, make new friends, reconnect with old acquaintances, and support the local business that’s not too far behind El Charro Café (the Flores family is celebrating its 103rd birthday this week).
The Buffet Bar and Crockpot is located at 538 E. Ninth St. Keep up with the latest by following The Buffet on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
