Tucson, Arizona is known for Spring Training baseball, the University of Arizona, the Davis-Mountain Air Force Base, and the Tucson Folk Festival. The city has a long and illustrious history, and dive bars have always played an integral role in its past. One of these bars is Che’s Lounge, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a virtual concert.
Many bars have had to sell booze to-go during the pandemic, so Che’s Lounge is selling its favorite creations via takeout. They offer signature cocktails and mix kits that are ideal for do-it-yourselfers (maybe those who plan to complete honey-do lists while imbibing).
This place is known for being a shots bar. They offer them in all kinds of flavors and combinations, including blueberry, mango, Mexican Candy, and prickly pear. They are also known for their Micheladas and watermelon mojitos, as well as a cornucopia of beers on tap and in bottles. They feature a bar menu consisting of unusual concoctions, so when you go be sure to ask about the latest because the bartenders pride themselves on thinking outside of the glass.
Che’s Lounge does not have a kitchen, but Thursday-Sunday they often feature popular food trucks and mega-cool pop-ups. One of these is Geronimo’s Revenge, which is known for its extra hot Pops Hot Chicken & Beef and Mac & Cheese. Other great food trucks that will occasionally park in front of Che’s are Thai Me Up (lots of noodles and stir fry); Taco Tsunami (cool Latin); and Planet of the Crepes.
When summer hits, patrons at Che’s Lounge gravitate toward the patio to stay cool. The crowd is described as a “a bunch of totally laidback folks who provide good conversation and enjoy a good time.” What more could you ask for?
The interior of the lounge is like an art gallery that meets a garage sale, with tons of neon, outsider art, funny notes, and funkiness all over the walls. Che’s Lounge is well-known for supporting local artists—painters, sculptors and multimedia types. Think about it—iconic artists like Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Warhol, and even Picasso must have spent time in dive bars.
The live music scene in Tucson is evolving rapidly, although the pandemic has stalled it for now. But, if you want to see some local acts that have a shot at the big-time, Che’s will oblige once again (hopefully post-pandemic). Many dive bars are trying to keep the music train chugging along, but there is nothing that can compare with a live, in-person performance. When the place gets rocking again, the tunes will be back and their music calendar will be full once more.
Every dive bar has its own personality and Che’s Lounge is no exception. The theme here is creativity, art, and funky fun. Unique food and a chill crowd create a groovy vibe. It may sound like something out of the sixties (without the tie dye and patchouli oil), but, no—it’s right here in present-day Tucson, AZ.
When everything re-opens, put Che’s Lounge on your dive bar bucket list.
Located in: Tucson, AZ
Be sure to try: a Michelada—or the bartenders’ latest creation.
