The decor, overall vibe, and drink menu are really fun, but the bartender we had kind of killed the experience. We'd heard good things about this place and have been trying to support local downtown bars this summer, so we stopped in around 11 on a Friday night before heading home. As we sat down, we watched the bartender be pretty dismissive toward another group at the bar, so we were already a little unsure. We started talking about the decor because we liked the eclectic vibe. We jokingly pointed out that one of the pictures had a joint instead of a cigarette because someone in our group hadn't noticed. One of the bartender's first comments back, completely seriously, was, "I'm from San Diego. Have you never seen art before?" Honestly... what? It was such a weird, unnecessarily condescending response. I brushed it off at first as awkward banter, but it was a really strange first impression. The drinks were decent. The Loverlist was really good, and the Unicorn Fluff and Old Fashioned were fine. The bartender was quick to talk up their whiskey selection, but when we asked for a recommendation, she mostly gave reasons why she couldn't recommend anything and just kept saying they had "over 90 different options." Without a whiskey menu to look through, that wasn't especially helpful. We also asked for a shooter and were offered half of a cocktail instead. That would've been totally fine on its own, but combined with everything else, the service just never felt welcoming. We ended up leaving pretty quickly. I'd give the place another shot because the atmosphere is fun and has a lot of potential, but hopefully with a different bartender behind the bar. read more

I'm happy to have finally gotten a chance to visit Unicorn Zebra since it's been on my list from the time they opened. It's a fun and also elegant atmosphere with the zebra theme clearly exemplified across the space. I would have to say this is one of the coziest bars I've been to, the furniture and seating is really supportive of a long-term visit. There are other levels, lower and an upper level besides the main space, but be aware that if there are parties, they can typically take up different areas. Our bartender, Sarah was fantastic! The way that she handled all of the guests and the busy field was incredible, so calm and collected, and furthermore making some really incredible drinks. Heads up that the online drink menu is not the current drink menu, I couldn't remember all the names of our drinks and put those in the photo captions, so when I checked on the website, the menu was showing something different other than what I saw at the bar. Out of several places I've been to, I'd say the mixture of flavors and details in the drinks are quite unique. I'll be back for more one day read more

See all

Great vibe. Eye catching decor. Good music. I Did not love the drink. we came here last night, Saturday around 8 PM. We ordered the penicillin to drink and I requested mine to be more on the sweeter side. It was very smoky and overpowering. I definitely will come back to this place for the vibe, but I would order something different/see if there was a different bartender read more

See all

It remains a favorite, alas no more a secret. We were hankering for a spontaneous post-ATC-theater drink and this venue popped back into my head. Same charms, different bartender, and new summer (May) craft cocktails that have become quite substantial (see pic of double-sided menu). Though we arrived at 4:10 (right after their usual 4p opening) on a Saturday, no happy hour, but we were first patrons and grabbed the big bay window. We are both on a mezcal discovery kick and ordered the Black Cathedral ($16) and the Girl Dinner ($16). Each was as described (pic) and delicious. We had dinner plans and needed to leave at 5:15 - just as things were picking up. We'll definitely be back sooner. read more

See all

Very cozy lounge with a few crafted cocktails on the menu. Located downtown in a boutique hotel. Service is friendly, keep in mind not a large place with very limited seating. read more

Unicorn Zebra - Craft cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

A fantastic spot for excellent cocktails and attentive service. Perfect for a date or hanging out with friends. read more

See all

I was staying at the Hilton across the street and came in for a nightcap. Enjoyed my visit there a lot. Service was great as well as the drinks. Nice selection of spirits. Laid back place, fun to unwind here. read more

Unicorn Zebra - WR double oaked - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

What a unique experience! I've been to a lot of creative and funky bars but, Unicorn Zebra is perhaps my favorite! Not only is it quirky, hip and original with a retro-mid century animal-safari theme, the service and drinks we had were outstanding! Plus, it's locally owned. The prices are comparable to what you'd pay for big city cocktails but, they are totally worth it. I tried the Zebra's G&T and it was in a huge glass, tasting floral, herbaceous and delicious! I was jealous of our friend's drink, the "XX me under the Zebra skull" because the glass was so much fun, a Zebra head! The atmosphere transports you to an exotic location, making it feel like you're on vacation in a far away place. The main bar has windows in the floor viewing the rental space below, which is immediately eye catching and jaw dropping! Unicorn Zebra is also a boutique hotel with beautifully designed rooms, priced at similar higher end spots in town. My husband, friends, and I have already decided on coming back for a group happy hour! I highly recommend this creative local spot. read more

Unicorn Zebra - Drink menu! The names are hilarious! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

One fateful night in Tucson, we stumbled upon the Unicorn Zebra. We had never heard of this place but were curious so we went in. We were greeted by a giant statue of a unicorn zebra and of course took a selfie. We then went to the bar area and absolutely loved the dark speakeasy vibes. Burk, the handsome man with a shiny head, was at the bar. He handed us a drink menu that contained fun drink names like Death of a Unicorn. The drinks tasted good and had a lovely presentation. Mine even came in a zebra mug. We also learned that this bar has both an upstairs and downstairs area. We enjoyed a couple of drinks and headed home. This place left such an impression that we have been back two times since. On another occasion we had Nate the bartender. He had a lovely personality and accommodated all of the guests that came in near closing. We enjoyed Santa's Banana Hammock and Unicorn Ski Accident. I would definitely recommend this hidden gem. I look forward to seeing where this place goes. It has a ton of potential for special events with the basement area. P.s. It's also a boutique hotel. You could always book a room and enjoy dreams downstairs without having to drive read more

See all

Wonderful ambiance and lot of wines and cocktails to choose from!! we came on a very busy night and had to wait a bit for drinks. I'd love to come back another night and take advantage of the ambience upstairs. read more

Unicorn Zebra - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The atmosphere here is very cool! There's a see-through floor, an upper level balcony inside, and some very cute décor -- plush pillows and fun seating. A group of friends and I went on a Thursday evening and there weren't too many people there, although I'd imagine if it got any more crowded it might be hard to choose a seat. I shared a drink from their menu that came in a mug shaped and painted like a zebra head. It was very strong, but then I have a low tolerance for that kind of thing. The person I shared it with loved it! The music was fun, the lighting was great, and it's in a central location downtown. Next time I'd definitely love to sit in the upstairs area. read more

We attended their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party last Saturday and had a fantastic time. I absolutely love the concept of themed events like this at a bar--it creates such a fun atmosphere and makes it easier to meet new people. As for the cocktails, the Unicorn Fluff had a slight bitterness but was still okay. The Flaming Horn started sour and ended bitter, while the Emerald Elixir and Gleeful Grinch were both sour but just average overall. While I'm not completely sold on their cocktails, the vibe and the holiday party definitely made it a memorable night! read more

See all

Such a unique spot. Every bartender I've had has been super nice, and the drinks are creative and genuinely tasty. The space has a few different areas on different levels to sit, which makes it easy to settle in and hang out. I wouldn't come if you're in a rush, there's usually only one bartender working when I've been, but it's definitely worth checking out. read more

Stop at this South African wine bar while we were waiting to go out to dinner enjoy the great glass of wine read more

See all

Such a cool spot. Came here before an event at Congress, and I wish we had more time! The ambiance is so cool, laid back, and would be a perfect date spot. They have an upstairs and basement too!!! The drinks were great, our group got the espresso martini, old fashion, unicorn fluff and one with tequila (forgot the name). All of them were fantastic. Quick friendly service, will be back! read more

Hidden "speak easy" style bar in downtown Tucson! Very small and intimate. When we went everyone was sitting at the bar but there are tables available for larger groups. Bartenders/barbacks were friendly, we were told they were remodeling the upstairs (previous) hotel into air b and bs. What a fun concept to stay in an air b and b and have the convenience of mixologists down below. read more

Unicorn Zebra - Victorian - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Amazing cocktails and a chill vibe, the space is cozy but lovely and the service was great. read more

Unicorn Zebra - Yummy cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Easily in my top 3 for cocktail bars in Tucson. We went to a few bars before having dinner at Charro Steak and this place has been on my list since they opened. We came on a Saturday around when they opened, and there was only one other couple at the bar. Super cute decor and ambience. Love all the plants here. The bartender was fantastic. They have a really cute upstairs lounge area too. We decided to sit at the bar, but will definitely be back and spend some time up there. My husband opted for the Viper and I for the Dirty Zebra. Loved both of them. read more

See all

Where do I start? How about the reception desk? There is none. You are on your own. They send you a text with door codes and room numbers. Unfortunately, they didn't send me the text. While at the curb (since there is nobody to unlock the door) I called the customer service number. After waiting 30 minutes on the phone, a message said 'sorry, we're busy, we'll set up a service number-click.' Fortunately, one of the owners just showed up and sent me the text. The room was big with high ceilings but IKEA decor at best. Most of the walls were blank. The bar is nothing special, no beer taps, minimal beer and wine selections. The room price was a little over $300 but with the obscene taxes, etc. it was over $1,000 for 2 nights. That's a 5-star price for a 2-star experience. read more

What a great addition to the downtown Tucson scene. Stopped in on the way back from the Tucson Meet Yourself festival. What a cozy space to enjoy a craft cocktail. Although he said he's not a huge fan of the word mixologist, Max, the genius behind the bar is far more than just a bartender. If you tell him your preferences, he'll create a drink you're sure to love using their premium spirits and infusions. The space itself is warm and welcoming with lots of windows that look out to the street and make for great people watching. There's even an upstairs area if you want a more private space for a conversation. There are some light snack type of food options such as cheese, olives and cured meats that are a staple in South Africa, which is where the owner is from and plays prominently in the theme and decor. read more

Unicorn Zebra - the Flaming horn, beautiful and tasty! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Nice bar downtown near the convention center with a great vibe and tasty beverages. The bartender was friendly and helpful even when it was a little busy. Plenty of space to sit on the 1st or second floor and didn't get loud with I was there. On my second visit, the bartender even remembered my drink of choice :-) read more

See all

Cozy atylish bar with great cocktails - the service was friendly - love the name honoring owners' South African roots and their child's input - well worth a visit if visiting Tucson or a local who likes new places read more

I finally got to try this place out with some friends and was excited to see a new business in Tucson. We came to this location around 6:30 and it was slightly full. The vibe is very chill, dimmed, lighting, with tea, light candles on the small tables. There isn't a lot of seating for large crowds, so I would recommend only coming here with a group of, four, no more than six people. Their cocktails are pretty good. A friend and I both got the espresso martini and one of the bartenders/servers let me taste. The Coco missal before it was added to my drink. The martini was good, however, I wish it had more coffee flavoring, as the ML was a little overpowering. The rest of our group got various cocktails and were happy with those, especially the white dove. They are very good about stopping around and refilling water which I appreciated. Overall cool new establishment in Tucson and would be a great place for a small group or intimate date night outing. read more

See all

Fun new South African themed cocktail bar! Beautiful setting and decor, great service, unusual but yummy drinks, and tasty snacks. We had 2 drinks each and shared a cheese and cracker tray. Would highly recommend if you are heading downtown, to the TCC or the Ronstadt Music Hall (walkable to/from all). read more

See all

interesting unique place, i think for the vibe and small setting, its perfectly located in the lobby of the citizen hotel. Unique cocktails where they offer african spirits however there really is not much else to go with the theme. It really is a cool place, definitely worth trying. read more

See all

Went on a Saturday night and there was only one bartender. There was another girl working but she appeared to only assist with dishes. We sat at the bar and waited about 20 minutes to be served then three or four individuals walked in and came up to the side of the bar and got served before us. We ended up leaving because we were never served. I put my hand up a few times to get the bartenders attention. Maybe just short staffed that night but kind of a bummer! I hope to try again and have a different experience! read more

Came here on a Saturday night and is was a fun yet chill atmosphere, I had 2 cocktails as they were a bit strong for me personally but super good! The music was some what of a jazz Lofi type of vibe, 10/10 recommend ! read more

Unicorn Zebra - Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Ambiance good. That's why 2 stars instead of 1. Drinks way, way overpriced. Asked about their rotational beer list and the bartender was just like "I don't know, I've only worked here a couple weeks". No one was there. One couple showed up, got one drink, and left quickly. Place needs to get their drink prices under control and replace their staff with people who aren't complete morons. read more

Owners Sandy and Lourens are transforming the old Citizen Building into a beautiful new downtown butterfly (or zebra) starting with a small unique bar that has a cool South African vibe...As soon as you walk in you're greeted by a huge Zebra statue that is being hand painted by Sandy...The head bartender Max has an extensive knowledge of alcohol and an impressive menu of cocktails with great customer service...Max's Gold Fashioned is one of the best cocktails I've ever had...Not only is he fun to watch he is very witty and fun to talk to while hanging out at the bar...Don't pass up the chance to have the "Biltong" a form of air-dried cured meat similar to beef jerky which originated in South Africa...Unicorn Zebra is definitely an awesome little spot to start your evening or just hangout with friends. read more

We had an awesome evening last Friday enjoying cocktails with friends. We love the South African flare and flavors. Just a little disappointed we didn't meet the owners to say "what a lekker jol okes!" read more

Unicorn Zebra - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great atmosphere, such a nice new scene for Tucson it has definitely became a favorite of mine