A one-night stand is only a few hours away.
Fueled by education, Tucson has grown to a population of 850,000, creating an intriguing nightlife, including veteran DJs, theme nights and bumping dance floors.
A hotel room is a good idea, but be sure to make reservations in advance. With only a four-day notice, my party was able to get one of the last rooms in town at the University Marriott for a whopping $211.
Inconveniently, hotel parking was down the street a few blocks, but the concierge and bellhops were extremely helpful. After discussing nightclubs, the attendant called us a cab so we didn't have to worry about directions or parking.
The cab driver, known only as Rudy, was full of real-life, hush-hush taxi stories as he drove us to Heart-Five around 10 p.m. The advertised happy hour featured discounted food and drinks. But there was not a happy hour or food on Saturdays and we would need to find a bar that serves more than liquids.
A hospitable bartender served up cocktails while DJ Clay Steel drew people onto the intimate dance floor. Spinning mostly drum and bass beats, Steel mixes things up with house music. It was too early for a serious scene, but the atmosphere was chilled, dark and said to draw late-night customers. Heart-Five patron Steve Long said, "It has a cool style about it."
Around 11:30, we walked our buzz to Club Congress, located in the landmark Hotel Congress. The path was colored with transients and partiers. Still on the hunt for food, it was a disappointment when the hotel restaurant was closed, so onto the club.
The wait at the main bar was hopeless. Patrons stood around with empty glasses and bottles, finally heading to the back bar where the tender was slinging solo and staying busy.
Sugar Beat is the theme for Saturdays at Club Congress from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. About nine months ago DJ Butta Fly collaborated with Fancy Pants to promote Saturdays, featuring good music, dancing and free candy. The atmosphere draws an eclectic crowd.
According to 17-year veteran Butta Fly, the theme is meant to revitalize old-school sweets, like candy apples and popcorn balls. He describes the music as 1960's soul, 70's funk and booty music. 'It's got to be funky," Butta Fly said.
Fancy Pants also hosts the Thursday night "Optimists Club", including guest DJs, big screen video games and spinning turntables. Mondays boast their original 80's night.
The crowd was slim, so we continued on our search for food and a party. Rudy took us to Maloney's Tavern on 4thAvenue. There was a short line to get in, and no food was available. I lost my friends maneuvering through pool table and bars en route to the dance floor. Once we reunited at an outdoor table, a drunken youngster tainted our drinks as he puked into a trash can, splashing those nearby. We were not impressed with the clientale.
Back in the club I asked patrons what they thought of the DJ. The general response was "not too impressed" with the music, but a cool place to mingle. However, the dance floor was packed and everyone was drinking.
We had finally found a crowd but now felt crammed, so it was time to jet. All hopes of morsels were lost, but we continued on. After the bouncers blocked us from exiting gates on the patio, Rudy picked up another fare, thinking he had missed us. After dealing with the inhospitable bouncers and maneuvering through the crowd to leave through the only allowable exit, Rudy sent us another driver.
The last destination, City Limits was the largest bar on that night's journey and a true nightclub in the sense that it fulfilled all the criteria we had been searching for that night.
Stripped Down Saturdays at City Limits caters to the thirsty with $1 domestic drafts, $2 well drinks, shot specials all night, $3 Long Islands and $3 Southern Comforts you-call-its. The bar is designed to serve, an oblong shape accessible from all angles. Though the bartenders were busy mixing, there was virtually no wait for drinks, and I was even given a menu.
Stunned, I skimmed the menu of calamari, Parmesan artichoke dip, tempura battered portabellas, seafood, pasta, salads and sandwiches all available at 1a.m. For fear of being timed out, I quickly ordered nachos and chicken tenders that turned out to be a better class of bar food then expected.
The bartender, Brad Lawrence, took our order and hand-delivered the food. Lawrence is also the special events coordinator for City Limits and a firm believer in prompt, efficient service.
City Limits celebrated their two-year anniversary on April 14th. "The management staff have all worked their way up through the company," Lawrence said. "This way we never ask someone to do something we have not done a hundred times before." This attitude was apparent in the whole vibe of the club.
The dance floor was extensive, though dirty, with tables and booths surrounding it. The stage lighting seemed electric, highlighting the showcased dancers. The DJ, also the club owner, spins unpretentious dance mixes of classic party songs. Club-goer Sonia Nunez said, "The success of the night depends on the music."
Lawrence mentioned that City Limits could even arrange transportation from local hotels or University of Arizona. For the majority who drive, the bartenders, servers and door people are all required to be certified and trained to watch for signs of intoxication.
A door person will call for a cab for those too drunk to drive. "Drunk drivers are a liability to themselves, our company and the public," said Lawrence.
City Limits will soon be elevating its contribution to the Tucson club scene when it relocates to a larger venue with indoor and outdoor auditoriums and a sports bar. "We are trying to have the venue located just off I-10 so residents of Phoenix will have easy access to the venue," Lawrence said.
Closer than L.A. and further than Scottsdale, the club scene in Tucson can be a fun, non-committal, one-night stand.
Reach the reporter at miriam.cronkhite@asu.edu.
