Here is the one and only truly Irish bar in Tucson (though there are others who claim to be). This is where you want to be on St. Patrick's Day. On all other days, it's a good place to start the bar-hopping that takes place at the many drinking establishments on Fourth Avenue. There is live music here Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. It is suggested you call ahead for details. The fare is simple but hearty, including sandwiches, pizza and hamburgers. And yes, the supply of Guinness is abundant.

More redneck than red wine, this working-class watering hole has been here since 1934. It's the only bar in Tucson that opens at 6a and, believe it or not, that's because they really get customers at that hour. Home of the "Happy Minute," in the evenings, everybody at The Buffet gets another of whatever they're drinking, on the house. Hot dogs are about as haute cuisine as it gets here.

The patio's the place to be at this noted neighborhood bar and cafe at the southern tip of the Fourth Avenue area. Lush, leafy greenery, a trickling fountain, and low-light lanterns create an inviting ambiance of intimacy. Inside, the bar is lively and the billiards competitive. One of the area's largest selections of imported beers is offered. This is a place where regulars congregate frequently and, sooner or later, anyone who's anyone in Tucson drops by.

Level is this ultra chic lounge that will probably pose a slap to many commercial clones that line the city. With an individual style and sophisticated charm, Level manages to besot all its guests. The interiors are rather dark with strips of yellow lightnings that work well and welcomes to an engaging evening. The large and well stocked bar also acts up well with a strings of libations meant to entice. A great place to be, it presents various DJ nights and live acts and dedicates every evening to a certain genre.

Plush is one of the happening places in Tucson to enjoy bands playing live, while you sip on some refreshing drinks. With vibrant interiors and an experienced staff, the ambiance and service here is absolutely fantastic. They serve a variety of great cocktails, wines and fruit juices. The place is popular amongst the young and hip of Tucson, who come to watch bands perform live. Bands such as The Lemon Drop Gang, The Dirtbombs, Clinic and Sea Wolf have performed at Plush.

If you enjoy watching plays and dramas, Pima Community College Proscenium Theater is just the place for you to visit during a trip to Tucson. This dazzling theater is equipped with the finest equipment available, which makes the plays even better to watch, with their awesome sound effects and amazing lighting. The theater is large enough to accommodate 425 people and is extremely popular in Tucson. Definitely a great place to visit during a trip to Tucson.

With live bands playing dance music at this high-energy night spot every Friday and Saturday nights, this place attracts a mostly young crowd (between 28 and 33 years old) on weekend nights. Other than at the large bar featuring 16 TV sets, seating is also available on the outside patio. Smoking is permitted outside and in the spacious wine room, which seats 240 people. Happy Hour is 3p-7p, and 10p to close. The menu offers a variety of entrees including steak, pork chops and sandwiches. There are sixteen premium beers on draft. A featured kids menu will, hopefully, keep everyone in the family happy.

On the way to or from Sabino Canyon, be sure to stop in at this Wild West-themed restaurant and saloon for lunch, dinner or dancing. Call for information on The Crystal Palace Review, the restaurant's musical dinner theater. One of the restaurant's most interesting features is its hallway of animated wood carvings that depict Old West scenes. The Hayloft Dining Room serves up sandwiches, steaks, ribs and seafood in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere.

North Tucson's Tohono Chul Park provides one of the most stunning desert botanical spectacles in all of the Southwest and, within the park, this quaint tearoom offers a memorable dining-in-the-desert experience. Set amidst the lushness of centuries-old cactus and succulents, the brick building houses a slightly feminine looking (it is a tea room, after all) but not frou-frou cafe. You can also dine out in the splendid natural surroundings on a courtyard patio. The menu can't begin to compete with the setting, but it includes a good selection of breakfast items, quiches, salads, soups, sandwiches and a few hot entree specials.

Whether you want to grab a quick bite before venturing out to explore the city or want to experience some of the best grilled meats and a lively atmosphere, stop by Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar. Located at the iconic JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa amidst a sprawling golf course and undulated hills, this restaurant presents an upscale and elegant venue that suits special dining occasions. Executive Chef Danny Perez has created a menu that highlights the finest smoked meats cooked in Midwestern style. From the Pulled Pork Shoulder to the "Extra Meaty" Baby Back Ribs, each meat is equally succulent and delicious, glazed and seasoned to perfection. Other favorites include the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Rib Eye Steak and the award-winning Carne Asada Tacos. Catalina Barbeque Co. also seconds as a lively sports bar featuring an impressive drinks line-up, high definition TVs that broadcast the season's games, along with pool games and occasional live music. Private dining is also offered; reservations are welcomed.