This place is the funkiest travel back in time you will ever find. We visit every time we're in…read moreTucson. You pull up in the parking lot and the building does look like some sort of shelter. It ain't pretty.... When you walk through the front door, you're greeted by the scents of stale cigarette smoke and Fabuloso. The decor is something out of the mid 60's. It's a very fun, unpretentious place. Good service, fun drinks and a great escape from our crazy world. Check it out!

There aren't many places in Midtown with this level of dedication to looking retro. The Shelter is…read moreheavy on mid-20th century design, with an interior completely dedicated to JFK memorabilia. It's kitsch and offbeat, maybe even offputting if you think too hard about the legacy of that family, but it's anything but boring. What I love: They're big on doing their own infusions. You absolutely must try Pam's Spicy Lemonade--Hornitos with thai chili and mint. I've also had coffee-infused liquors here before that you'll rarely find anywhere else. I'm not a smoker, but I get stoked for their enclosed smoking patio with a couple old arcade cabinets (I like Centipede!) What I like: There are like, really cheap simple cocktails with the creativity to make some unappealing, bottom shelf liquors taste palatable. Those aren't my usuals, but I'm always intrigued. I will shamelessly have a couple $3 High Lifes. There's only one big bar in the center of the lobby, but service is generally fast. It's dimly lit and can be tightly packed, but you'll still have fun. Good for date night or groups of four or less. No food, but once in a blue moon you'll find a truck parked out front. Overall, a solid Tucson staple.

Favorite family friendly "dive bar" in town. It's not a dive bar, but it is dark inside with wood…read morepaneling so gives me those vibes at first. Great burgers and onion rings, great bar food in general. Surprisingly it's a nice place to take our toddler because it's loud in a way her random pterodactyl schreeches aren't too disruptive. The kids menu has some great options, the kids burger is almost as big as the regular burger. Make sure to get the pickles, my child ate three, they have very good pickle spears. They also have high chairs and a lot of things for her to look at and keep her fairly entertained. The staff is always so friendly!! And if you're into sports, they always have all the important sporting events on ~ a million tvs which can be seen from any table.

It's looks like a shady dive bar from the outside, but once you enter you'll find bustling crowds…read moreof loyal customers, an expansive patio, and a busy dining room. It's got a respectable beer selection and a nice nook filled with pool tables. There's also an extensive menu of sandwiches, burgers, and bar food. I know locals love it, but I just really don't like how they operate here because they can't seem to decide if they want to be a real bar or a sit-down restaurant. You'll hardly have space to roam and you can't really accommodate a group larger than 4 people. Service is good, but the seating is cramped. There is nothing uniquely good about the food (I can mostly say it is somehow even greasier than you expect it to be), so you may as well enjoy some snacks and conversation somewhere a little more comfortable.

From the moment you walk in, the tiki décor really stands out. From the glass floats and thatched…read moreaccents to the giant tiki statue and even a cool little bridge you cross when entering from outside, the theming is fun and immersive. Inside it's dark, cozy, and colorful with a laid-back, relaxed vibe that feels very on-brand for a tiki spot. We were told to seat ourselves and quickly picked a table, but shortly after, a large party came in and seemed to be taken care of first, which was a bit confusing. Not a huge issue, but noticeable. We came specifically for Taco Tuesday and were happy with the food. The tacos were piled high and really tasty. We ordered the mahi and spam tacos, which were only $3 each. There are also more "fancy" taco options if you're willing to spend a little extra. One thing to note: the tiki drinks aren't part of the happy hour specials--it's mostly discounted food and beers. I also noticed the Scorpion fruit lunch being served and it looked fantastic--definitely something I'll have to try on my next visit. Overall, a fun spot with great atmosphere and solid food, just a few small service hiccups keeping it from a full five stars.

Kon Tiki is one of those places that clearly presents itself for what it is. It's fun, it has a big…read moremenu, and it's all about the ambiance. You go for the surroundings. It's a tiki bar! And it delivers what a tiki bar should, in my opinion. The music, the decor, and the menu that includes drinks in the style that's appropriate. Fruity, sweet, and tropical, the drink menu also offers a good amount of non-alcoholic options so that there's truly something for everyone. Even the food, which includes things like coconut shrimp, poke, nachos, and ribs, is fun. And there are a ton of food options so again, if you're there with a group there is likely going to be something for each person in your party. Go with the theme and immerse yourself in the feel of this fun atmosphere!

Barbeque is quintessential American cuisine. The "low and slow" cooking with meat and smoke is…read moreunique and uniquely delicious in the culinary world. Regional styles like Memphis, Kansas City, Texas and others all have their own wonderful nuances. And while there isn't a distinct Arizona style, we're pretty good at throwin' something dead on the smoker here. And that's just what they do at The Bashful Bandit in Tucson. Their ribs and sausages are good. The brisket is lean, but very flavorful. I didn't get to try the chicken, but the highlight was the pulled pork. If there were an Arizona style BBQ it would be something like this. They cheat the competition rules, but I'm okay with that. They put some green chile in the pulled pork and it's an absolute killer. Not so killer was their coleslaw. It was as sour as the face on my ex-wife and as bland as the seggs we had before she broke up with me. And while I never had a side dish, the side dishes here (apart from the coleslaw) were all yummy. Really good mac and cheese, top shelf cowboy beans, and a potato salad that was dressed in dill and tasting mighty fine. Speaking of dressed, I like my BBQ naked, but if you need sauce (sissy) then go for the house sauce. Great flavor, just a little heat, and just a little sweet - very balanced. The spicy sauce was just okay and the mustard sauce might as well have just been French's Mustard from a two-dollar squirt bottle. Most importantly, while you're wiping the house sauce off your greasy lips, go back to the counter and do yourself a favor, order their appropriately and hilariously named "Smoked Crack Pie." It's an other worldly happy ending to your meal (didn't see that coming, didja?). This thing is a simple but genius dessert. They take a chocolate chip cookie covered in a vanilla custard topping and put it in the smoker. It's got a gooey consistency like a pecanless pecan pie and tastes like if your favorite brownie and crème brûlée had a baby (I'm honestly not sure how that would work...it's weird just to imagine the mechanics really...). Anyhow, don't be bashful, get to The Bashful Bandit in Midtown Tucson and git yerself a case of the meat sweats. You won't regret it.

We've had Bashful Bandit a couple times now, both as catering at a party and a takeout dinner for a…read moresmall group. The highlights for me amongst their 'que are the chopped brisket, the Sonoran hot links (which definitely bring the heat!), and the smoked jackfruit. While I'm an omnivore, I really love that they have meatless options for when I'm not feeling like eating meat. I enjoyed their sides as well. The Sunflower Crunch Salad is a nice no-mayo coleslaw with seeds and fruit that give it some nice textural and flavor contrasts. The Dill Potato Salad is on the lighter side for a potato salad (this is a compliment), with some bright herbaciousness. The Mac & Cheese, by contrast, is super heavy and rich. They round out the plate nicely! The staff are friendly and quick to help adjust orders if there's something you wanted that they're out of.

Stopped by today since I was across the street at Roadies. Info said they were open, and when I…read morewent up to the walk through, it was padlocked and the venue was closed. I liked the premise, that is why I stopped by to support them. I looked it up online and I guess they are closed for good.

A really new place, working out the bugs. Beer was good. Never got the sound system going before…read morewe left, so didn't get to hear the live music. Don't order food here. The pulled pork and brisket both were cold and very strangely prepared. Like the idea and theme, hopefully they get it organized.

Absolute amazing food! Everything on the menu is 10/10! Cornbread is a must have, as well as the…read morechocolate cake! Steak turned out amazing!

From when I arrived to when I left it was a wonderful experience. I don't remember our waiter's…read morename, but he was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the menu, fun and made our experience even better. My friend had been there before, and loved the salmon so much, she ordered it again and wasn't disappointed. I tried the mustard-caper beurre-blanc sauce and it was delicious. I had the Chicken Under a Brick. The chicken was moist and so flavorful. The mashed potatoes were delicious and the kale was bright, perfectly cooked and so good. We finished off birthday our double birthday celebration with amazingly delicious key lime pie. I'll be back!

This place was so great! The service was amazing and all the workers were so nice! You really feel…read moreat home here. The food is also super delicious. Can't wait to go back!

If you love home cooked, genuine Mexican, this place is it. Nothing fancy; in fact almost defines a…read morehole-in-the-wall, but good eating with a real family feel. We sat on the patio, which overlooks the street and isn't all that comfortable, but it was a great night and the service was excellent, super friendly, and helpful, so what more could I ask? I had the pork chops, my wife and one friend had burros and our other friend had a Mexican pizza, basically a quesadilla. All four were excellent as was the guacamole and chips and the flan we shared for starter and dessert. We belong to a meetup group that does interesting restaurants; I'm going to add this place to the list. We may have to squeeze in, but Francisco's Michoacán style food and welcoming atmosphere will be worth it.

Fresh, made to order, local, sweet service, generous portions, responsive to request for crispy…read morehash browns and buttery toast!

This place was so great! The service was amazing and all the workers were so nice! You really feel…read moreat home here. The food is also super delicious. Can't wait to go back!

Food was delicious for a reasonable price, but I'm from California…read more Server was friendly and helpful. Place was a little noisy for my friends but we were able to hear herself when they placed us into a booth on the bar corner. It was a Friday night and I thought it was delicious.

Trident was a pleasant cross-genre dining excursion. My son and I found the restaurant, by…read moresearching for a local sports bar, to watch Sunday night NFL. The facility delivered the game, with multiple televisions (extra large, large and medium sized) placed around its ample and roomy three dining venues,(outdoor patio bar, indoor bar, and dining room. The atmosphere felt very trendy, upbeat, and fun. What set this facility apart from other "sports bars" to me, was that it appeared to be staffed and managed more like a nicer, "dressy" restaurant. The serving staff were very attentive, polished, polite, and efficient. The tables were bussed and cleaned with pit crew efficiency. But honestly, what really set Trident apart, was the very high quality, attention to detail culinary skills of the kitchen staff. The chicken tender appetizer had juicy, piping hot chicken breast, inside crispy perfectly spiced batter crust. With no heavy grease saturation that is common for bar food. Similarly Mexican Sea Bass, was perfectly prepared with a slight pop of surface resistance before the fish flaked into juicy perfectly seasoned morsels. The dish was balanced flavor and texture wise. Truly, I want to go back to have it again. My son ate fish and chips, and said that it was very delicious. I'll have to take his word for it, because it was devoured before I could even sneak a peek, let alone a taste. Desert was a house-made 4" or 5" wide, 3/4" deep chocolate chip cookie, served piping hot fresh out of the oven, with a creamy vanilla bean ice cream and generous chocolate syrup garnishment. The pride and attention to detail I observed is the true core of high quality experience. I commend Trident for that as much or more than anything, and hope they cherish and maintain that ethos. I clearly give a profound and hearty recommendation to anyone looking for a high quality meal, in a casual and fun environment.

What a fantastic place, it's not really big check with the bartender if they have room that night…read more Look at the cell phone number goes directly to his cell number. Try the dealers choice, he'll ask you a few questions about what you want and a magical drink will come out.

So I've been to this part of Vero Amore's one time for high tea. I think it's even better as a…read morespeakeasy. Love the wall of chianti bottles that lead to the bar and love that the staff dress up in casual Prohibition garb. Came here for girl's night and it was everyone's first time even at the restaurant but mine. I'd had dinner a couple times in the restaurant for my birthday and had the cheese wheel fettuccine alfredo. I asked if anyone was interested in trying it and so 3 of us split it which ended up being pretty perfect. It is hands down THE BEST fettuccine alfredo. We had many drinks come to our table, the first round being the homemade limoncello. Made with local Meyer lemons, it is deliciously potent. A must try. The bartender, Ryan or Brian, he made cocktails from the heart. A couple of gals ordered "dealer's choice" drinks and they were inspired by the drinker's stories. It was really a unique experience for them and I could almost see his mind working out the chemistry of the libations. Another must try, although I didn't because I had to drive myself home. I did have a coffee with Bailey's, Amaretto, and freshly-made whipped cream. Last must try if not on a coffee drink maybe on a dessert. One person in our party thought that the drinks were on the spendy side. Many of the ingredients were house made and all top shelf. I'm from Los Angeles so an $18 drink was a normal night at the klerb. Worth mentioning if that would be a deal breaker. Worth a go. I thought it was better than the speakeasy at the Sonoran House which was too bright and not intimate. You really like feel more like you're not where you're supposed to be at The Still. There is a curio cabinet with cigars that I think are for sale. The speakeasy opens up to the patio for all the smoke suckers. Great for a small groups or date night, maybe not the first date.