I love historic bars and location. This place is beautiful. The decor fits my aesthetic perfectly. It's beautiful and warm. The bartenders are very friendly. The one who served us was very nice and even made a drink recipe I came up with. Unfortunately, their bar is not well stocked so had to make a LOT of adjustments to my recipe. But appreciated his suggestions and effort. Now for the bad stuff. They have a jazz club attached. I figured the whole place would have that ambience but was disappointed that wasn't the case. Generic pop on the patio and inside is very noisy. The preferred dress of patrons appears to be gym shorts and t-shirts. Drinks were a little weak so I switched over to bourbon on the rocks. But the prices are reasonable. Maybe a nice pre show stop if you're going to the Century room. read more

Club Congress - Bar area - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Went to see the final show of Desert Child tonight. The indoor venue was nice but it got stuffy and hot. The stage had nice lighting and sound. Drinks were available at the venue bar or the Tap Room adjoining. There was also a big water dispenser available. The staff were nice and seemed happy. I asked for a recommendation for a mocktail at the Tap room, and the bartender said water. My friend ordered a mocktail and she said he was right, she should have ordered water, the drink was not worth $10. It's always fun to go downtown for a concert, there's so much to see and do. read more

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This was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had at a business. My group walked in and, almost immediately, we were told they couldn't serve us and were asked to leave. There was no clear explanation and no opportunity to order. The tap room wasn't full, and it was obvious there were people there who appeared to be regulars. Meanwhile, we were turned away without being given the same chance. We left feeling embarrassed, unwelcome, and singled out. As a group of Mexican customers, the experience left us questioning whether we were treated differently because of our ethnicity. Whether that was the intention or not, that is how the interaction made us feel. I hope management takes this seriously and ensures every customer is treated with respect and fairness. read more

I love the eclectic and hipster vibe of Club Congress! I have been here many times for different live music events. The outdoor patio is a great spot for entertainment and the multiple bars inside offer a spot to grab a drink and enjoy the show! Highly recommend if you're wanting a lowkey way to spend a Saturday night! read more

Club Congress - Tucson's Battle of the Bands - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Club Congress @clubcongress is a small, dark, intimate club space for musicians to perform for a standing crowd. It has thick, red velvet curtains draped against black pillow walls with blue lighting and cut out art, setting a great frame for the artists performing on stage. It is part of Hotel Congress @hotelcongress Behind the crowd, one can enter the bar area which leads to the exit onto Church Street on the left, or it leads to the Hotel Congress lobby, restrooms, and another bar area to the right. There is also a small café that stays open till 9 PM near the lobby area, so we grabbed a few lattes between the opener and the main show. We were excited to see Bar Italia @baritaliaa perform tonight. My daughter recommended them as it is one of her favorites. The room was packed with men and women of all ages from senior citizens to many U of A college students. They seem to have some sound issues in the sound booth, and the band kept performing throughout while trying to correct this. It was a good show and worth the wait. I'm glad I brought my @loopearplugs . I saw other folks my age with earplugs on as well lol. It is what it is. I felt sorry for those who didn't and were plugging their ears because the feedback and sound issues were a bit much. Merch is sold to the left of the stage behind the counter and caged area. We picked up a few T-shirts and albums because the prices were very affordable compared to other shows I've been to. I can't wait to play my new album, The Twits. Happy 50th birthday to me read more

Club Congress - Bar Italia poster - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

this review is on the Retro Game Show Night which is an event at the Congress that happens once a month. I've been attending this show, with my husband & best friend, for a few years now & totally love it!!! it is so FUNNY & all the people who put it on are very nice. the atmosphere is wonderful & people in the audience can participate as a contestant if you put your name in Chatty Cathy's red box & picks it. the show is a remake of all the old game shows. my husband & i were chosen as contestants once & we had a BLAST!!!! i will tell you now, that if you are a person with "hang ups or phobias" stay home. this show is for open minded people who love to laugh & have tons of fun! if that's you, don't miss it. check it out, you'll be so glad you did. thank you & KUDOS to whole cast of the Retro Game Show Night. love you all. :) Retro Game Show Night is Tucson's longest-running monthly show at the historic Hotel Congress! The hilariously hyperkinetic Chatty Kathee hosts warped versions of television game shows (like The Wheel of Misfortune, The $9.95 Pyramid and The Family Fuss) with real contestants from the audience, over-the-top celebrity guests and life-altering prizes! read more

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First real time out. The Furys were playing as part of Surfapalooza. Bartender was awesome and the first two bands were awesome! Had to leave early- work night. read more

Club Congress - Stage-setting up! - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Caught Trish Toledo on the second of her two-night show. It was out on the back patio which is a nice venue for about 100 people. Toledo mentioned she was grateful for being outside because weather forced the show the previous night indoors and it was almost unbearably hot inside. Venue bartenders handled the demand with ease. This was in contrast to the Cup bartender who was largely on his own (burly tattooed mustached guy) and, though he juggled the crowd well he, unfortunately, often showed his frustration. The only negative about this Saturday 7pm show was that Toledo didn't take the stage until 9pm! There was nearly 45 minutes of dead air between the mediocre opening act who finished around 8:15p and when the headliner finally took the stage... and then she was done by 10p. Parking is a challenge downtown but there are some open lots and two garages that can manage the load (all do still charge a fee nights and weekends). Drink prices are about average with draft beers running $7 (16 oz) and $9 (20 oz). NOTE: there's an unannounced automatic $1 flat surcharge for any credit card charge that's under $10. The Old Pueblo Hefeweizen is delicious (smooth, with hints of mango and banana). She had the Passionfruit margarita ($13) and, despite being small/pricey, it was delicious. Perhaps the best part about The Congress experience is being able to pop into the Century Room after 10p (no cover and excellent craft cocktails)! read more

Club Congress - Passion fruit Margarita $13 (7/2024) - pricey and small but tasty! - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Jordan - the manager was so rude from the moment we sat down. He seemed he was distress. I'm not sure if it was because of the color of our skin or if he was on some medication. He did not want our presence there by the look of his face and his tone. We got kicked out because we did not order food while we were only having a couple drinks. read more

Club Congress - This is Jordan - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Food was amazing, so we're dinks and waitress everything was really nice l only wish we could have had dessert

Beautiful outdoor patio with a great place to sit. Friendly staff with a very fun and unique menu fitting for adult adults and kids alike.

Staff was very kind. I've been everywhere in Tucson and I have nothing but good things to say about this place. Love the live music too

Sometimes somebody gets it just right! Super spot! When you walk in and each staff member greets you with a smile, you know you are in the right place. Then you get a waiter like Kim, you are positive. Water at our table before we got fully seated. Kim arrives with menus, great suggestions and quick drink order. Service was prompt, efficient and provided with a smile. Super Barrio appetizer is fantastic! Ordered the tamales, split a order and was served nicely divided. Always an indication to me of a classy place. And my friend in the know approved the tamales! Forsook delicious deserts to head over to the Century Room for some fantastic music and quality drinks. A overall great evening. And free parking behind the hotel. read more

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If it wasn't for the 90 min we killed chatting it up in the Tap Room while getting the run around from the staff and manager on duty this would have been a complete failure. Fortunately, our party of 13 had a good time gabbing it up, but when we finally got seated the evening just fell even flatter. They were out of chicken, ribs, several drinks and various other things. Had we know that at any point along the way, we probably would have moved on. Too many other prime food options around for this kind of experience. read more

What a neat, hipstery restaurant that is part of Hotel Congress, an old haunted (maybe) hotel in the artsy downtown area. I came here for brunch with a friend to celebrate her birthday. She warned me that the service is not the quickest but it was okay since we didn't have anywhere else to be. We got here around 11 and put our name on the waiting list. They told us it would be about 15-20 minutes but it ended up being about a ten minute wait in total. We were seated outside in the quaint patio area and enjoyed the morning sun. We both ordered the baked eggs - I think maybe this is what took so long to prepare (cast iron skillets!) We waited about 40 minutes for our food to come and then to celebrate the occasion we ordered the chocolate pie. It was all very delicious and worth the wait. My only complaint was that I ran out of water pretty early on and they might do well to leave people on the patio with large pitchers of water so they can hydrate while they wait. read more

I was spoke to by this older man, i didn't want to talk. I struggle with English and he got mad I spoke Spanish. Went to buy a new drink later and we see each other once more and worker told me to leave. He comes there lots and they said leave him to be alone. I feel like I no matter much. I feel very embarrassed and anxiety. Don't think it feels okay for people like me. read more

I don't usually write reviews, but my group had a terrible experience with a manager named Jordan at Club Congress last night. It was early in the evening, and we were celebrating my friend's birthday when we were told we were sitting in the wrong area. Instead of politely addressing us, Jordan started yelling, waving his arms, and throwing a tantrum. He even threatened to call the cops when we questioned his professionalism. Honestly, I wanted him to call the cops so he could be drug tested--I wouldn't be surprised if he was under the influence of something. I strongly suggest the owners have him tested, and I suspect his aggressive behavior may have been racially motivated. Updated: my friend got a video of his erratic behavior if the managers care to view it. He DOES NOT SEEM STABLE. read more

Went twice to hear live music for first time in over a year! The outside venue makes me want to move to AZ. Perfect comfortable weather, at home in NH it's always too hot or too cold so we never do outside. Taco Tuesday had great music and tacos, the expert bartenders were like the ones you see on TV and Saturday night's dinner was delicious and reasonably priced. The reason for 4 stars is probably silly: shortly after sitting down Tuesday night I got our drinks at the bar for my wife and me. After a few sips we went to the Taco truck and an over enthusiastic staff member goes over and starts to bus our table. Luckily I caught him before he dumped our drinks. They need a system that considers that they have you get up to order. The other reason, and there may be a very good reason for this, is they offer 4 Taco flavors and are sold 4 for $12 but you can only get one flavor, no mixing per order. I would have liked the pork tacos and wife wanted chicken so I was forced to eat 2 chicken or buy 2 orders and waste 4 tacos at $12 since 2 each is all we could eat. They are full size tacos and so delicious I almost enjoyed the chicken my wife loved. I feel bad giving less than 5 and will go again and again whenever in Tucson. You should too! Performance read more

Club Congress - Great performance on Taco Tuesday! - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Went to see a performance. Always found this space odd and uncomfortable. There have been improvements and over the years the sound has improved. Yes a bar available. However the cooler for the other bars are in this venue. So you get to see bar tenders going in and out. Disruptive? Lights and noise. Sound was good. read more

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Have eaten wonderful meals here for years when visiting family in Tucson. Today, however, after eating egg dishes (of three or four varieties on the menu) we all became ill. Eggs were the only common denominator in our meals. Certainly ruined our day and we lost a day of vacation. So sad, as the Congress had previously always been a favorite. read more

Amazing service, food and decor! Truly top notch! Me and my husband are visiting and this place way exceeded expectations! We got the Braveheart for breakfast and it was hands down the best breakfast we have ever had at an establishment! I'd give it 10 stars if I could! Huge portions, great prices and such an explosion of flavors! Signature Mimosas were delicious as well! We will definitely be returning on our next trip down from Washington! read more

How about a little truth in advertising! Jenny and the Mexicats were advertised as starting at 7:30 pm. The opening band started well after 8. It's 9:37 and we're still waiting. Signed, a disgruntled geezer! read more

Came for drinks and attempted dinner/apps for 2 of our bdays but Jordan was extremely aggressive and his eyes were dilated. Will not be coming back and don't recommend unless you like being embarrassed and humiliated by management. read more

The Welshly Arms show was amazing at Club Congress. The venue and the stage is very small and intimate. You really feel like a part of the show. The sound system was very clear and was exactly the right volume. During that show, they didn't have the bar open in the same room as the show, so we had to go across the hall to the other bar. That was fine, but it would have been easier to grab a drink in the same room. The bartenders were quick and the one taking care of us remembered our names and drink orders each time. There is a sign in the bar that says they no longer give out plastic straws, but there was a large box of them on the bar. I found that a little confusing. read more

Club Congress - Love this!! - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We have NEVER had a negative or even slightly off experience at The Cup. The food is prepared fresh. BEST BREAKFAST in town- be sure to try the Golden Oatmilk Latte. Aiden is our favorite server, watched him develop and become more confident. Great spot for just drinks (be sure to hit the indoor bar) and food, music nights can't be beat. read more

I literally only come here for the Lady Haha open mics and it's always great. I would give 5 stars if they had more Lady Haha nights instead of just twice a month read more

My two daughters are visiting from out of town so I thought this would be a fun place for dinner. Delicious drinks, all of our dinners were really good ( salmon, steak and salad) the only disappointment was my daughter's tomato soup....tasteless. Super good drinks and the best server ever, Geoff- respectful and efficient- what else could you want in a server. There was a guitar player in the lobby playing blues and that was a nice way to end the night. Will return again!! read more

Sometimes I have mixed feelings about the club. Through the years of living here I have seen it change so much, most of it good, some of it is just me being schmaltzy over the past. What I do like is the patio, the expansion has made it great for outdoor music. The Tap Room changes are both good and bad, taking the tables out makes it easier to move around, but I miss the hanging in the booths. I miss a lot of the old bartenders, there are a couple that a little rude and I try to avoid them. The stage inside is an improvement over the the other incarnations has held up well, the main bar is much better than in the early days. I keep going back, things change, and we all move forward. Congress was one of the 1st places I came when I was just visiting Tucson to see if I wanted to live here, it is still a great place to meet and hang with friends both old and new. read more

Club Congress - Lee Fields - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Went to Club Congress's seance last night I assumed it would be a seance for the attendees and to attempt to communicate with one of their loved ones. Instead it was a large seating at the table and the person who conducted the event told us he was going to attempt to get a response from a woman who died in this very room. It was a magic show in my opinion. The room was pitch black at one time when the woman's spirit supposedly made knocking sounds and rang a bell. Could easily have been done by the leader. Too hocus pocus !! The last "magic show" was when a small table was raised off the floor...magnets in my opinion. I have been to people who (in my opinion) truly communicate with spirits. Not so much magic and a lot more spiritual. read more

This is a really fun place. Live music is great, and just a really fun and diverse crowd. Club Congress is the epicenter of downtown Tucson nightlife. read more

I Pray and hope this was not the band you booked for $88 bucks a head for new years, I already bought my Ticket AM I SCREWED INTO HEAR THIS!... Come on you guys I expect so much more from the booking staff at Club Congress. PLEASE TELL ME.. It is not this band accompanied with One glass of the cheapest champagne you can find... I BEG you, this cant be real. John Paul Borden Owner of Arizona Sound Sculpture. LOCAL Artist/ Sound and Musician Representative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHcuORRdnTM https://arizonasoundsculpture.wordpress.com/ read more

NEVER in my life been so humiliated. A group of friends and i went here for a few drinks this past Saturday night. After standing at the bar for 5 mins waiting to get served - two guys walked up to one of the gals in our group and started giving her a hard time. I quickly told them "look we're just trying to get some drinks and have a good time". Out of no where i was put in a choke hold and dragged out like a rag-doll. Are you kidding me! Come to find out - the guy who dragged me out was the manager! To be honest - i really didn't know what i did wrong. If anything, i think the whole situation could've been handled in a more professional manner. It wasn't like i was starting a fight nor talking crap of any sort. Talk about poor management. Besides from poor management - this place is awesome - great drink specials - great atmosphere - and great people to mingle with. I on the other hand would most likely never step foot in this place again. KCYE... My reply to mikes comment - Mike- i honestly never laid a hand on you. I didnt know who you were nore did you ever tell me you were. Thought you were some creep messing with one of the gals in my party. I wasn't drunk one bit and i know what happen, i know what I said and did. I will stand by what I wrote. What you and your employee did to me was very unprofessional and rude. I've NEVER EVER been so humiliated in my life. If I was as drunk as you made it seemed then this post would've never made it on here. But thank you for the humiliation and the bruises. Please keep up the good work, and do what you do best. KCYE Don V read more

Club Congress was easily my favorite bar after living in tucson for 3 months over the summer i love the casual vibe and the diff areas in the bar that can fit any type of night you're trying to have. want a more casual night? sit out back in the outdoor patio area. ready to dance the night away aggressively? hide out in the side room where music is blasting & there's enough room to break out your moves ALWAYS A GOOD TIME & they have pickle backs on some days NOTE: $10 minimum on credit card only, which was only enforced sometimes read more

Club Congress is a historic building in downtown Tucson...A hotel, restaurant, and club. The nightlife aspect of the hotel has been hip since before downtown was the place to be. A hipster music venue/dance club/place to grab drinks... CC has recently gained mass popularity among UofA folk and t-locs alike, great for the business however I feel it takes away from the creative artsy vibe this place previously always had going on... However, I still enjoy coming here for a fun evening of fun with friends while visiting Tucson. From the club aspect, to the "lobby" area where you can go for quieter, more casual fun, this place definitely has a lot to offer. read more

Club Congress is a hodge-podge of everything! All sorts of music. All sorts of people. All sorts of events going on. Hotel, cafe, and night-club. Indoor and outdoor. Old an new. And half the time it is kind of going on all at once - so if you aren't feeling one room, then skip over to the next room for the next experience! You can either party up hard in one room or go to the next and hide in a dark corner. Hard to not like this place, and that is why it seems like everyone seems to hit Congress somewhere during their night out in Tucson. read more

Ok they have cheap drinks and a good atmosphere, but there's 2 problems for me. One, depending on the bar you go to, you could be waiting all night. Me and my friends waited 20 minuets for the shots we ordered, before we just went to the other bar. The girl making drinks seemed busy, but she also stopped to talk to her friends atleaste 3 times. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but come on that's her work not her social time. Secondly for a place that boasts a wide variety of classic drinks, they can't even make a Harvey wall banger. This is my favorite drink, and it's an oldie so I figured if any bar could make it Congress could. I was wrong. They don't have Galliano, and even if they did I doubt they could pull it off. Very disappointing. Overall this is a nice place for cheap drinks and a good story, but its not the best in town. read more

A little bit rowdy. Maybe Friday night rush, but not an entirely pleasant experience.

Ahhh lots of fond memories of this place. The tap room inside has great selections of liquor. The club itself has different styles of music nightly; whether it's 80s night on Monday or Bang Bang on Saturday. This place has a lot of options. Plus, the patio is a great place to just hang out with large groups. read more

I loved the Club Congress!!! Such a great time. My coworker and I went there to watch the World Series with the Cubs vs. Indians. What an amazing experience. The crowd was awesome. We were all laughing and cheering together and bonded over drinks. The ambiance is hipster-ish. The bartenders are attentive and on it. The bar is in a historic hotel and is a Tucson must if you are in town. read more

Club Congress - Cubs win! - Music Venues Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Disclaimer that the club itself and Cup Cafe are 4-5 star ratings in my book, which I'll rate later. This is a specific incident getting a 1-star rating due to Bartender of the Year Barb. I'm at a Tuesday night show so the Tap Room is empty. I order a Dragoon and half way through it, I notice a piece of wrapper in my beer. I bring it to Barb to ask for a new beer (Rolling Rock as I said I wanted to switch it up to something lighter). She seems offended at this point and without confirming what I wanted said she'll get me another Dragoon. I said if she has the glass out could I get a Dale's Pale Ale (emphasizing I really just wanted a Rolling Rock at that point.) I realized she might've thought I was trying to get a free beer out of her but I pulled out my wallet and put cash on the table. She said she "got it" so I walked away, came back in a minute realizing what had occurred and attempted to apologize saying I wasn't accusing her of anything. Long story short, she wasn't having it, accused me of putting words in her mouth, and said she was going to get the manager. This is Bartender of the Year behavior when it's a slow night? 10+ years coming to Congress and I NEVER thought a well-known bartender like Barb would snap like that. I'll never see a show here again or order when Barb is working if I can help it. Sorry to all the other level-headed employees there who don't let their ego get in the way of service in the restaurant industry. I do my best to be a courteous customer and never had I been in a situation that escalated to where an employee felt threatened enough to call over a manager. Here's to 100 more years, I guess? read more