Right next to University Blvd., Congress and Fourth are the streets that I frequent the most because that is where all of the bars are. I mentioned how I didn't really go to any of the bars on University in my Ranking of Main Gate Square Restaurants blog and this is why, I go to the spots downtown. Just like the Main Gate Square post, I have gone to these bars many times because of their proximity to the University of Arizona and that most college students come here on their Friday and/or Saturday night(s). These are some of the best spots to stop at during your night out.
4th Avenue
IBT's
This gay bar is a great start or end to the evening at the furthest end of 4th away from Congress, depending on which way you're heading. IBT's is usually crowded on Friday and Saturday evenings because is a popular dance club. If you're the type of person that likes going dancing on your night out then this is a spot to go to. Outside is a large dance floor with a dj while on the inside there are GoGo boys (sorry parents if you're reading this, this is just how it is). As for the drinks, I have only gotten my usual vodka cranberry which generally is good. IBT's has some signature cocktails to try such as the IBT's Ice Water which is gin, vodka, lime juice, 7 up, and a lime. There is also a kitchen that is open from 4pm to 11pm.
IBT's: 616 N 4th Ave
Sky Bar Tucson
Sky Bar lives up to its name as an astronomy bar which makes it a great second spot on a downtown bar crawl. Telescopes and astronomers are out during the evening for guests to take a gaze at the stars and take photos. They also have quite the cocktail menu here with some signature drinks such as the Sayyaida's Touch 8. This drink is spiced rum, ginger and green tea-jasmine syrup, lime juice, and absinthe rinse served in a coupe garnished with candied ginger and lime. Sky Bar is more of a relaxed atmosphere for sitting down with friends and enjoying some astronomy or their events. On Mondays they have trivia at 7pm and karaoke at 10pm plus open mic night on Wednesday at 7pm.
Sky Bar Tucson: 536 N 4th Ave
Mr. Heads
Mr. Heads is actually an art gallery as well as a bar. Their art gallery is a spot for local artists to display their work to sell. Mediums for the gallery range from glass sculptures, marbles, jewelry, to paintings, and are all made from Tucson artists. With a courtyard on the side of the bar with outdoor seating, there is also typically a dj playing outside during the weekends. In regards to drinks, there are 32 beers on tap and over 80 different beers to choose from.
Mr. Heads: 513 N 4th Ave
Surly Wench Pub
This goth bar is perfect if you're looking for a spot that is lowkey and perfect for hanging out at. There are a couple of pool tables and sitting spots to hang out at. There are also plenty of events to attend like karaoke on Wednesdays, $2 tacos and $2 tequila specials on Tuesday, and plenty of guest djs during the weekends. There is pretty much something going on to check out every day during September. Happy hour is from 2pm to 9pm on Tuesday - Sunday, as well as 6 pm to midnight on Saturday. If you're in the mood for the munchies the kitchen is also open from 5pm to 1:30am.
Surly Wench Pub: 424 N 4th Ave
The Hut
With a tiki style theme and a large stone head out front, this spot is pretty hard to miss. The themed drinks as well as the jenga, pool, cornhole, and other fun activities make The Hut my favorite bar and a must-go-to destination on my night out. The two most common cocktails signature to the bar are their fish bowls and hurricanes. If you're interested in the fish bowl options, I recommend the High Tide. This cocktail is a combination of Smirnoff raspberry, Smirnoff blueberry, Smirnoff Orange, Smirnoff citrus vodka, blue curacao, sweet and sour as well as lemon-lime soda. Fish bowl drinks are absolutely huge and can be easily shared with 2 to 3 other people. As for the hurricane cocktails, one option off the menu is the the Hut Punch. This cocktail comes with coconut rum plus a mixture of banana and other various juices.
The Hut: 305 N 4th Ave
O'Malleys Bar & Grill
This Irish sports bar is guaranteed to always have the game on and also always have a wide variety of beers on tap. With the bar in the center and large tvs all around the bar, this is one of the best spots in the area to watch whatever sports game is being played at the moment. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm with each day offering different drink deals. As for the drinks, there are plenty of options to come by. There are classic drinks, Tucson essential drinks, fruity or tropical drinks, shots/bombers, and O'Malleys specialties. If you're looking for something different, then try out their specialty beverage the 'Get Lucky Trash Can'. This drink is a combination of Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Jose Cuervo, melon liqueur, Blue Island pucker, and tropical Red Bull. Online there aren't hours for the kitchen but there are plenty of options to choose from off of the food menu if you're feeling a bit peckish.
O'Malleys Bar & Grill: 247 N 4th Ave
The Boxyard
Boxyard is pretty hard to miss on fourth considering it is comprised of 10 vibrantly colored shipping containers. This bar might be the newest bar on the block but its unique appearance, local food entrepreneurs, and two bars makes this spot a must-do on a fourth ave/congress night out. As for the drinks, there is a generous amount of beers on tap as well as cocktails on the menu. On of their trademark drinks is the boxyard bombero. This drink is comprised of cucumber vodka, peach Schnapps, house-made sour mix, and Tabasco. As for the food options at this location, there are several options to choose from. Options include Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, and BBQ. Boxyard's bar hours are from 11am to 2am but each food spot has their own individual hours.
The Boxyard: 238 N 4th Ave
The Shanty
Not only is this spot a well known Irish pub, it is also Arizona's oldest continuously licensed bar. The Shanty has had its doors open since March of 1937 and seems to have no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Shanty has all of the typical bar drinks since it is a fully-stocked bar but the star of the show is the incredibly large variety of beer. On the menu each set of beers is categorized by what country they is from. Countries on the menu include the typical spots such as Germany, Mexico, and Canada. There are some unique beers from countries on the menu such as Jamaica, New Zealand, and Greece. Other features to the bar include its wine menu and pool tables, which make this spot one of the more relaxed destinations on fourth.
The Shanty: 401 E 9th St
Congress Street
Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails
Start off the Congress portion of the evening on a 'hi'-note with Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails. This restaurant and bar combination is a complete experience with tvs to watch the game on and outdoor games similarly to The Hut. Choose from several of the outdoor games including Jenga, pool, and Connect 4. As for the drink menu there is a wide selection of different beverages. Options include draft beers, margaritas, mules, cocktails, fish bowls, wines, and adult milkshakes. If the adult milkshakes are right up your alley then you're in luck, there are some delicious options to decide from. One great milkshake option could be the Oreo cookie which is Three Olives vanilla, 360 double chocolate vodka, oreo crumbles, topped decidedly with whipped cream, vanilla soft serve and a cherry to garnish. As for the kitchen part of the name, brunch is served from 11am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday with bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary options while there is a happy hour menu served from 3pm to 7pm, Monday through Friday.
Hi-Fi Kitchen & Cocktails: 345 E Congress St
The Funky Monk
Coming out of Hi-Fi, The Funky Monk is a great spot to dance off all of the calories ingested from the adult milkshake. On Friday or Saturday night, depending on the amount of people going out to drink, there typically is a line outside of this spot. Since the bar is a little bit smaller than some of the other destinations on this list, waiting in a relatively quick line is quite possible. As the spot is also a nightclub, there is a dj that is playing the current hits and a dance floor to enjoy your night out on. In regards to the drink menu, there are options and specialties to choose from. Draught, local and bottled beers, signature cocktails, slushees, mules, and wines are all right on the menu to decide between. A slushee option from the menu is the Otterpop. This drink is a frozen mixture of raspberry and cherry vodka, and blue raspberry Island Blue Pucker. There is also a happy hour menu with a discounted selection of alcoholic beverages as well as foods to choose from, Monday through Friday 4pm to 7pm and all day on Wednesday. The Funky Monk also has a Sunday brunch menu that is served from 10am to 3pm.
The Funky Monk: 350 E. Congress St
Club Congress
This club doubles as a hotel, making this spot an distinctive destination on a night out. First you walk into the lobby of the hotel on the right side there are stairs and a sign that dictates that the second floor is for hotel guests only but in the back of the hotel are several bars to order drinks from. After you order your drink, head outside where there usually is live music and a dance floor to enjoy your night and your drink on. Like most of the bars on the list, there is a variety of beers to choose from as well as signature cocktails. An option is the the Congress Crusta which is Flying Leap orange brandy, Luxardo maraschino, elderflower, and fresh lemon. Happy hour is from 4pm to 7pm in the lobby and tap room bars. There is also food options from the kitchen from 4pm to kitchen close as well as a taco truck outside in the patio/live-music area.
Club Congress: 311 E Congress St
Elvira's
Tequila, cocina (kitchen), and vino (wine) is what this spot is most popular for. Restaurant during the day and bar during the night. Elvira's has a fully-stocked bar but tequila is the queen of the menu with many different options to choose from. There is tequila cocktails, margaritas, Spanish-style tonics, gin, and much more to decide from on the drinks menu. Try the Mezcal Margarita, which is 100 percent agave tequila, triple sec, lime, and tajin. If you're like me and not necessarily a tequila lover, one non-tequila option is the Monterrey mule. This classic is a combination of Three wells vodka, spiced ginger syrup, and lime. Come back during the day and try one of their award winning Mexican dishes as well.
Elvira's: 256 E Congress St
Cobra Arcade Bar
Last destination on this night out and it has to end on a high note at a special bar which Cobra is perfect for that. This multi-level bar is perfect for entertainment with a live dj playing as well a collection of rotating arcade games to play. Pick up some tokens and indulge your youthful side by playing some classic video games while sipping on a cocktail signature to the bar. There is a collection of drinks to choose from such as cocktails, canned or draft beers, wine, cider, and 'go juice'. Sadly they do not specify what 'go juice' is but there are several options to choose from. One of their signature cocktails is the game over which is suerte blanco, passion fruit, lemon, and plum bitters. There are also plenty of events to go to including Cobra Sunday which offers $3 margaritas, mimosas, and micheladas as well as $1 off draft beers.
Cobra Arcade Bar: 63 E Congress St
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