Best Bars for Tucson Young Professionals

One thing that's true about Tucson is that the age gap is striking. Tucson is full of two age groups - college kids and seniors. That makes the bar scene a little rough. But I've pulled together 10 places with cool bars that are great for young professionals.

**More added periodically!

1. Sky Bar (536 North 4th Avenue, 622-4300) skybartucson.com

Sky Bar is unique! It's actually a planetarium bar, so you can gaze at the stars or dance the night away to a DJ or live music, depending on the week. This is the only bar in Tucson of its kind.

2. Club Congress (311 E Congress Street, 622-8848)

Club Congress definitely puts the "young" in young professionals, and of this list it's the most like a traditional nightclub with a bar. You'll probably find a lot of college students in the crowd when school is in session. But if you're up for a good night out of dancing, your stop pretty much has to include Club Congress. This is located in the historic Hotel Congress.

3. Enoteca Pizzeria Wine Bar (58 W Congress, 623-0744)

Enoteca, on the other hand, puts the "professional" in young professionals, so if you're looking to go to a place where you can actually talk, this is a good one. Enoteca is a wine bar, and it closes at 10 PM, so you'll be able to pick up the night where it left off at one of the more traditional bars downtown.

4. Che's Lounge (346 N 4th Ave, 623-2088)

This is best for people who like locals, crowds, and beer. Incredibly well attended, packed at night, loud, and long-term bartenders are traits that make this such a hot spot. You can find live music also (but you might want to bring ear plugs).

5. Sapphire Ultra Lounge (61 E Congress Street, 624-9100)

A truer "lounge" with a roof top patio boasting a nice view of downtown. Dress nicely. :) Not as well attended as the other bars because it's new, and well, because it's a lounge in a bar town. But if that is your thing, this is it!

6. Teresa's Mosaic Cafe (2455 N Silverbell, 624-4512)

I've included this one here because although Mosaic is actually a restaurant and not a bar, they have a bar, and the service is awesome. Mosaic is this fantastic little Mexican restaurant with incredible food (there are two locations in in Tucson). The crowd is a little bit older than what you'd find downtown. This would make a nice scene for a small happy hour. On cooler nights, head to Mosaic for it's great views (you can sit/stand on the patio). Located on the west side.

7. Zinburger (1865 E River, 299-7799)

Zinburger is a wine bar and upscale burger joint located in the north east side of Tucson. It's called Zinburger due to their classic entrée, a hamburger made with Zinfandel. It's a classy place that's great for young professionals. The bar is wide, although not huge, but you can easily have a great date or happy hour outside. Downsides: way out of the way if you were hoping to hang out downtown. Upsides: awesome food, moderate prices and really nice staff.

8. Cafe Poca Cosa (110 E Pennington Street, 622-6400) cafepocacosatucson.com

Beautiful, classy, and a great place for a date. Again, this is another restaurant with a full bar which is why this makes the list, but the other reason is for it's stellar location downtown. No worries about parking since it's right next to the Hotel Congress parking lot on Scott Avenue. If you're looking for a place that reminds you of LA or New York, this is the place to be.

9. 47 Scott (47 N Scott Avenue, 624-4747) 47scott.com

Another beautiful, but little, place downtown that's a little more upscale than what you typically find in Tucson. Walking down Scott Avenue and seeing this place, you'll probably think for a minute that you're in Pasadena or San Diego. Despite being a bit out of place, check it out for great atmosphere, good food, wine, and location. They have an outdoor patio you can use as well.

**Newly Added:

10. Blanco Tacos + Tequila (2905 E Skyline Drive #246, 232-0100) foxrc.com/blanco.html
If you like young, cute servers wearing Chucks, you're in for a treat. Blanco is a super hip restaurant and bar featuring white décor, music, and chic interiors. Way out at La Encantada, it's worth the drive, and is especially nice for those of you living in the northwest side anyway. Take a group there, enjoy the tacos and sip something unique. You will not be disappointed.