Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tucson City Center, AZ

DOWNTOWN. You're probably wondering where the name comes from. Well, if you run the phrase "buy sandwiches"...

DOWNTOWN. You're probably wondering where the name comes from. Well, if you run the phrase "buy sandwiches" together, it might sound a bit like "Bison Witches." OK, maybe that's not so creative, but the food at this neighborhood college hangout is. They serve sandwiches, soups, salads and beer ­ but what a selection. Soups and salads are served in big bread bowls, making them a complete meal in and of themselves. But the sandwiches truly are noteworthy, due to their variety, massive size and general tastiness. Try the Hawaiian chicken, brie and roast beef, or the Wildcat (roast beef, smoked turkey, smoked gouda, lettuce and spicy honey-mustard). If you're feeling homesick, there's grilled cheese or PB&J ­ now that's comfort food! The beverage list is impressive too ­ 8 domestics and imports on tap, plus more than 30 microbrews and over 20 imports in bottles. Great drink specials (this is a college bar, after all!).

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. The Irish-themed O'Malleys occupies a former warehouse, and has taken full advantage of the building's soaring...

DOWNTOWN. The Irish-themed O'Malleys occupies a former warehouse, and has taken full advantage of the building's soaring ceilings and wood beams, creating separate spaces for various activities. Live music is on tap in one space, including a traditional Irish session every second and fourth Thursday. Big screen TVs dominate another area, drawing in a crowd of sports fans on game days. The bar area dominates, though, with a large bar, several tables and four pool tables. Food and beverage-wise, O'Malley's offers a full bar with sixteen draft beers and more in bottles, and serves a full menu of satisfying pub grub until midnight.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. For 30 years, the Shanty has maintained its reputation as an excellent place to meet for a drink or to mix and...

DOWNTOWN. For 30 years, the Shanty has maintained its reputation as an excellent place to meet for a drink or to mix and mingle. The spacious patio and relaxed vibe are inviting on warm nights. Though the bar is near the University of Arizona, a diverse crowd comes here for the laid-back ambiance and the excellent selection of beers, drinks and tasty food.

Hours: Daily Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Since 199, Gentle Ben's has been brewing up great beers like Tucson Blonde, Red Cat Amber and Ben's India Pale...

DOWNTOWN. Since 199, Gentle Ben's has been brewing up great beers like Tucson Blonde, Red Cat Amber and Ben's India Pale Ale. If you come to eat, there are two must-haves: buffalo wings in either a wicked hot habanero sauce or a piquant tequila-cilantro sauce, and the Diane burger topped with butter and red wine sautéed onions, mushrooms, garlic and Swiss cheese. A friendly, laid-back neighborhood pub by day, the place morphs into a thumping dance club when the moon comes up, especially on Tuesday and Thursday nights after about 10pm. That's when legions of trendy 20-somethings gather to mingle and move while quaffing quality beer.

Hours: Mon 11am-10pm; Tue-Sat 11am-2am; Sun Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

NORTH TUCSON. Occasionally you find a restroom with walls that are just begging to be written on, usually in a high...

NORTH TUCSON. Occasionally you find a restroom with walls that are just begging to be written on, usually in a high school or a bar. The World Famous Golden Nugget is one of the latter. In this case, the scrawls of former and current patrons run the gamut from platitudes and words of wisdom to social and political commentary, and warnings about which people not to date. At its heart, this is an amazingly friendly neighborhood hangout, with a bevy of loyal regulars. The crowd is comprised of an eclectic mix of ages and backgrounds, but you'll find that everyone is welcoming. Conversation, pool and shuffleboard are the main distractions, and classic rock is the music of choice.

Hours: Daily 9am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

NORTH TUCSON. You can't miss this place from the street ­ there's a giant Chianti bottle out front, left over from...

NORTH TUCSON. You can't miss this place from the street ­ there's a giant Chianti bottle out front, left over from the building's former life as an Italian restaurant. And when you mosey up to the bar at Boondocks, your attention will no doubt be drawn to the buckets, seemingly hundreds of them, each with a character all its own, as individual as its owner. At their previous bar, the owners hit upon the idea of providing a safe storage place (the buckets) for regular customers to keep their spare change, extra lipstick, darts, and assorted other stuff. The idea was so popular that they brought it along when they purchased Boondocks. This is a lively place with plenty of diversions throughout the week like live blues, poker tournaments, golf, foosball, dart and pool leagues, and what is probably the most eclectic jukebox in town.

Hours: Daily 9am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST TUCSON. Along with walls full of Windy City memorabilia, Chicago has live music and lots of it. Seven days a week,...

EAST TUCSON. Along with walls full of Windy City memorabilia, Chicago has live music and lots of it. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, in fact. The schedule includes mostly blues, reggae and rock performers, with the occasional alt-rock band or cabaret singer. Local reggae band Neon Prophet takes the stage regularly, always drawing a crowd of happy revelers who sing along. And that's what it's all about here ­ laughing, dancing and cheering for the Bears whenever there's a game on TV.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club