New in Tucson (Flagstaff, Sedona, Oracle: loft, hotel, theater)

[Irishchick]

I moved to Tucson in February from Dublin, Ireland. I am looking for advice on fun places to hang out & or clubs to join to get to know people. All recommendations welcome!!!

[Idaho]

Have you checked out Club Congress in the Hotel Congress downtown?

[june]

Originally Posted by Irishchick

I moved to Tucson in February from Dublin, Ireland. I am looking for advice on fun places to hang out & or clubs to join to get to know people. All recommendations welcome!!!

volunteer for some services in what you enjoy, this is a good way to meet good people.

[pancho777]

Well,

Since Carlos Murphy's Pub is gone, there's really no crossover for Irish to get acquainted. Try the Tucson Wekly for local events, travel spots include Tombstone, San carlos Mexico (with someone who speaks Spanish) and Flagstaff, Sedona, San Diego, etc. Fourth Avenue has the best pubs- Che's Lounge or Plush. Cheers

[neoaznm]

Considering that you didn't post a description of your interests, I'm going to assume that you're roughly in my age group (I'm 30), have the same taste in music, and are of equivalent taste overall.

Nightlife:

Club Congress/Hotel Congress: Lots of great musical acts, mostly indie, local and eccentric. On Congress.

Rialto Theater: This historic venue is where I was able to meet Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel and The Church. Great shows...small, intimate feel. On Congress.

The Loft Cinema: A retro cinema that premiers many foreign and indie films. The also host countless film festivals. Regular showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" Saturday night at midnight. On Speedway.

The Surley Wench Pub: Mix of gay and straight, punk and non. Owned and staffed by local roller derby girls. Regular burlesque troupe appearances. On 4th Ave.

The Grill: This downtown eatery is greasy and full of character. The wait staff are freaks, punks, goths...you name it. The adjacent Red Room venue is very intimate, and hosts some rather interesting musical talent. This is one of the few places where you can see old men sitting alone, hardcore punks, frat boys, hippies and the like all in one place, enjoying mutual peace and harmony. All in the name of greasy food. On Congress.

The Asylum: I'm particularly fond of Darkwave and Post-Punk, so that should give you enough of an idea. Across the street from the Grill.

Plush: Bar/music venue. I recommend checking out Black Tie Dynasty, which is slated to perform in mid-June. On 4th Ave.

Nature:

For a random drive, take Speedway west through Gates Pass. I've loved this drive ever since I was a kid. The AZ-Sonora Desert Museum is wonderful, as is the Saguaro National Monument. If you feel like seeing trees, head north to Mt. Lemmon. Plenty of hiking spots, and there's a secret place I cherish which is absolutely perfect for contemplating one's existence. Saguaro National Monument East has lots of great hiking trails, but isn't quite as breath-taking as its western counterpart.

Miscellany:

The 4th Avenue Street Fair (twice yearly) is oodles of fun.

In case you would appreciate such a thing (I know I'm excited): Morrissey is coming to town at the end of the month!

Bookman's: Used books and CD's, among many other oddities. Speedway, Grant and Ina.

Zia Record Exchange: New and used CD's and albums. One on Speedway, another on Oracle.

Miss Saigon: Delicious Vietnamese...on Speedway and Campbell.

17th St. Market: Hidden in an industrial part of town, this is a fairly decent place to stock up on more hard-to-find food items, including imports from all over Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa.

AJ's Fine Foods, on N. Campbell in the La Encantada shopping center. Great selection of imported beers. Can never seem to find my favorite, Victoria Bitter, though.

Well, I suppose I've rambled on enough. I hope this was remotely helpful.

Perhaps I'll see you at one of my regular haunts!

Ray

[azhiker]

Originally Posted by neoaznm

...AJ's Fine Foods, on N. Campbell in the La Encantada shopping center. Great selection of imported beers. Can never seem to find my favorite, Victoria Bitter, though....
Ray

You've piqued my interest here. I'm moving to Tucson in May and I suspect (hope) that I'll be able to find Belgian Trappist Ales. I really like Koningshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale, and Chimay Bleu (but I'm still trying others!).

Can anyone tell me if there's a liquor store that has a good selection of beer (hopefully including the trappist ales)?

Good to know about the Miss Saigon too. There's one of those where I'm presently living in So. Fla too.

[haaamean]

Originally Posted by azhiker

You've piqued my interest here. I'm moving to Tucson in May and I suspect (hope) that I'll be able to find Belgian Trappist Ales. I really like Koningshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale, and Chimay Bleu (but I'm still trying others!).

Can anyone tell me if there's a liquor store that has a good selection of beer (hopefully including the trappist ales)?

Good to know about the Miss Saigon too. There's one of those where I'm presently living in So. Fla too.

Yes AJ's has all of those you mentioned. Another place that has an extensive beer collection is Cost Plus, and Trader Joe's. Old Chicago on Campbell serves Chimay at their bar, and many other beers too.

[azhiker]

Originally Posted by haaamean

Yes AJ's has all of those you mentioned. Another place that has an extensive beer collection is Cost Plus, and Trader Joe's. Old Chicago on Campbell serves Chimay at their bar, and many other beers too.

Thanks, haaamean. Great to know.

[michael krotchie]

Originally Posted by azhiker

Thanks, haaamean. Great to know.

Also on a similar note, BevMo just opened a Tucson location on Broadway/Wilmot and from what I've seen while in California is a very handy store to have around. Doesn't have the same import selection as AJ's but certainly has it's place.

[godel99]

Plaza liquors on Campbell has a great beer selection.