Vol. 28, No. 31
Welcome to Best of Tucson® 25: Super Tucson
By Jimmy Boegle
Danehy
Tom reflects on 25 years of the Best of Tucson® — and predicts what Best of Tucson® 50 will be like
By Tom Danehy
History Underfoot
Artifacts from the Hohokam people are abundant throughout the Tucson basin—if you know where to look
By Craig S. Baker
Talking Trash
Democrats want to keep your once-a-week garbage service, while Republicans ponder changing it
By Jim Nintzel
Selective Enforcement
Animal advocates say Tucson Greyhound Park is still dodging the law
By Tim Vanderpool
Diversity Discussed
Day 3 of the ethnic-studies appeal hearings includes testimony from pro-ethnic studies witnesses
By Mari Herreras
The Market Adjusts
In the absence of dispensaries, patients who need marijuana can turn to ... Craigslist?
By J.M. Smith
Guest Commentary
An audit proves that the city doomed Rio Nuevo by going too far beyond the 'primary component'—aka the Convention Center
By Jonathan Hoffman
Ask a Mexican!
By Gustavo Arellano
Editor's Note
The Path to Today
The Skinny
Media Watch
By John Schuster
Police Dispatch
By Anna Mirocha
K. Rat
Mailbag
Messina
After nearly 50 years in business, Uncle Bob's Popcorn is a Tucson institution
By Irene Messina
Random Shots
Red Meat
TQ&A
Ian Abbott
Weekly Wide Web
By Dan Gibson
City Week
By Debbie Hadley
Improv in Motion
By Kellie Mejdrich
Full Throttle
'Drive' is a tense film that deserves serious Oscar consideration
By Bob Grimm
Keep the Faith
Vera Farmiga's directing debut shows some promise, even if her story does not
By Colin Boyd
Now Showing at Home
Top Ten in Movies
Casa Video's top rentals for the week ending Sept. 18, 2011
Mixed Vocabulary
The Stone Foxes look to the blues as they craft their Southern-style rock
By Gene Armstrong
Soundbites
By Stephen Seigel
Nine Questions
John Cafiero
By Kristine Peashock
Live
Monstrosa: An Evening of Latin Music, Plush, Sept. 18
Namoli Brennet: We Were Born to Rise (Flaming Dame)
Junior Boys: It's All True (Domino)
By Sean Bottai
Wild Flag: Wild Flag (Merge)
Top Ten in Music
Zia Records' top sales for the week ending Sept. 18, 2011
Patchwork Performance
Arizona Repertory Theatre puts on an impressive production of an unimpressive play
By Sherilyn Forrester
On the Road
A mother and daughter find themselves as they travel across the country in Borderlands' charming '26 Miles'
By Laura C.J. Owen
The Creative Slate
The founder of The Drawing Studio celebrates his 80th birthday with a lavishly illustrated new book
By Margaret Regan
Trouble in Tucson
Clichés and dropped threads aside, Tucson's Clark Lohr turns in a promising debut mystery
By Nick Depascal
Top Ten in Books
Antigone Books' best-sellers for the week ending Sept. 16, 2011
More Help, Please
Service problems trump kitchen potential at the Four Points by Sheraton near the Tucson airport
Noshing Around
By Adam Borowitz
Masters of Illusion
Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed
By Linda Ray
Dr, Smith, Warlord of Mars
Peter Smith of the UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Diva of Disguise
Shana Nunez
Mr. Mythic
Eric Esquivel
The Preservationist
Demion Clinco
Señorita Salsa
Maria Mazon
Bam Bina
Brooke Lo Turco
By Allie Leach
The Prankster
Dick Tuck
Best Fine Art Gallery
Etherton Gallery
Best Art Museum
Tucson Museum of Art
Best Mural
Joe Pagac's Rialto Theatre Murals
Best Indoor Venue
Rialto Theatre
Best Outdoor Venue
Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheater
Best Art Classes
The Drawing Studio
Best Movie Theater
Loft Cinema
Best Local Performing Artist
Calexico
Best Musical Instrument Store
Chicago Music Store
Best Use of Child Labor
The Member of the Wedding by Arizona Onstage Productions
Best Portrayal of a Cow
Zachary Jamison in Into the Woods by Arizona Repertory Theatre
Best Indication That Something Fishy Is Going On
"Sand Trout" by Paul T. Edwards and Chris Tanz
Best Guerilla Bluegrass
The Tortolita Gutpluckers
Best Dance Production
Swan Lake by Ballet Tucson
Best Wild Art Show
Borderlandia: Cultural Topographies by Einar and Jamex de la Torre
Best Art Superhero
Tom Philabaum
Best Place to See Original Plays
Tucson
Best Alternative Health Center
Tucson Community Acupuncture
Best Annual Festival
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Best Spectacle for Charity
Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Puttin' on the Dog
Best Farmers Market
St. Philip's Plaza Farmers' Market(s)
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group
Wingspan
Best Gym
Gold's Gym
Best Public Servant
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
Best Yoga Studio
Yoga Oasis
Best Bowling Alley
Lucky Strike Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Fascinations
Best Auto Repair
Buck's Automotive
Best Car Wash
Metro Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Mesquite Valley Growers
Best Pet Supplies Store
PetSmart
Best Reason to Gather With 2,500 New BFFs
Rillito River Project's Annual Bat Night
Best, Coolest (and Sometimes Scariest) Team Mascot
The Tucson Padres' Kino Bambino
Best Outdoor Art Event
A Tucson Sunset
Best Place for Chicks to Become Bike Know-It-Alls
BICAS Sundays
Best Benefit for Wealthy Binge-Eaters to Attend
Eat More Pie! Baking Contest and Pie Party
Best Arboretum Hidden in Plain Sight
University of Arizona Campus
Best New Tucson-Related Space Mission
OSIRIS-Rex
Best Way to Learn About Science
The UA College of Science Lecture Series
Best Beard Trim
Hermosa Beauty and Barber Shop
Best New Festival
Festival en el Barrio Viejo
Best Clothing Fashions (Locally Owned)
Zoë Boutique
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Buffalo Exchange
Best Home Furnishings
Copenhagen
Best Antiques/Kitsch/Collectables
Copper Country Antiques
Best Jewelry
Rainbow Jewelers/Tiffany and Co. (TIE)
Best Goth/Leather Shop
Hydra Leather and More
Best Hair Salon
Gadabout SalonSpas
Best Day Spa
Best Florist
Mayfield Florist
Best Tattoo Parlor
Black Rose Tattooers
Best Up-Cycled Style Essentials
Preen
Best Gifts for the Upscale Bohemian
M.A.S.T.
Best Local Fashion Incubator
Fashion shows at Dinnerware Artspace
Best Source for Superhero Costumes
Goodwill Outlet
Best Nifty. Thrifty Duds
Savers
Best Random Geegaws
Desert Dust
Best Place to Buy Fashionable (and Practical) Eyewear
Alvernon Optical
Best Place to Get a Makeover
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
Best Urban Landscaping
Tohono Chul Park
Best Public Garden
Best Bike-Riding
Rillito River Park Trail
Best Recreation Area in Southern Arizona
Sabino Canyon
Best Hike
Sabino Canyon (general)
Best Backpacking Trail
Best Campground
Catalina State Park
Best Park
Gene C. Reid Park
Best Bike Shop
Ordinary Bike Shop
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Best Summer All-You-Can-Play Special
Silverbell Golf Course
Best Beach Volleyball Leagues
Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club
Best Outdoor Aesthetic Spectacle That is Not Art
309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, aka the Boneyard
Best Workday Picnic Location
Armory Park
Best Desert Drive
Tucson Mountain Park to Saguaro National Park West
Best Time of the Year
Summer
Best Playground
Best Toy Store
Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's Toys
Best Clothing Store
Lil' Traders
Best Birthday Party Place
Peter Piper Pizza
Best Catered-to-Kids Restaurant
Best Fun for the Whole Family
Golf 'n' Stuff
Best Place to Play in the Mud
Tucson Clay Co-op
Best Place to Show Your Kids Where Food Comes From
Apple Annie's Orchard
Best Way to Get Your Kids to Listen
The Giant Lumberjack
Best Bike Ride With Kids
Cyclovia Tucson
Best Camp for Your Creature-Obsessed Little Creatures
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Best Place to Take Your Kids on A Lazy Sunday
Live Theatre Workshop's All Together Theatre
Best Local TV Newscast
KOLD Channel 13
Best Radio Station for News
KUAZ FM 89.1/AM 1550
Best Country Music Station
KIIM FM 99.5
Best Pop Music Station
KWMT FM 92.9, aka The Mountain
Best Rock Music Station
KLPX FM 96.1
Best Radio Personality
Jon Justice, KQTH FM 104.1, aka "The Truth"
Best Radio Talk Show (Host)
Best Bookstore for New Books
Barnes and Noble
Best Bookstore for Used Books
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Best Independent Bookstore
Antigone Books
Best Video Store
Casa Video
Best Retail Music Store
Zia Record Exchange
Best Comics/Games Shop
Heroes and Villains
Best Video Games Store
GameStop
Best Book Festival (Duh)
Tucson Festival of Books
Best Radio Show for Local Music
Locals Only
Best Place to Hear About What's Good in Our Schools
Arizona Public Media's Teachers Voices Series
Best Local ESPN Wannabe Show
Happy Hour With Jody Oehler
Best Radio Station to Help One Feel Like a Teenager
KFMA FM 92.1/101.3
Best Local TV Station That Needs Your Support
Access Tucson
Best Newly Opened Record Store
Ancient Radio
Best Film About a Defunct Radio Station
A.M. Mayhem: The Untold Story of Tucson's Power 1490
Best Neutral Ground
Miller Surplus
Best Casual Dining
The B Line
Best Caterer
Feast
Best Diner
Grill
Best Organic Food Store
Sunflower Farmers Market
Best Speciality Foods
AJ's Fine Foods
Best Delicatessen
Shlomo and Vito's New York Delicatessen
Best Custom Cakes
Nadine's Pastry Shoppe
Best Desserts
Best Ice Cream
Frost, a Gelato Shoppe
Best Fresh-Baked Bread
Beyond Bread
Best Barbecue
Brushfire BBQ Co.
Best Burger
Zinburger
Best Veggie Burger
Lovin' Spoonfuls
Best Sandwich
Best Pizza
Magpies Gourmet Pizza
Best Wings
Wingstop
Best Bagels
Bruegger's Bagel Bakery
Best Smoothie
Xoom Juice
Best Buffet
Sweet Tomatoes
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Raging Sage
Best House Blend
Best Cafe Hangout
Epic Café
Best Tea Service
Seven Cups
Best Bulk Tea Selection
Best Cafe Reinvention
Crave Coffee Bar
Best Make-Believe BLT
Food Conspiracy Co-op
Best Portobello Burger
Pita Jungle
Best Non-Mexican Meal on Wheels
Planet of the Crepes Food Truck
Best Tucson Classic
Pat's Drive-In
Best Antidote to Living in a Red State
The Red Sandwich at Roma Imports
Best Superhero Breakfast Joint
Mother Hubbard's Café
Best Turkish Coffee
Tork's Café and Grocery
Best Biscuits and Gravy
Pappy's Cafe
Best Ensemble Performance
How I Learned to Drive by Live Theatre Workshop
Best Breakfast
Blue Willow
Best Brunch
Blue Willow/The Grill at Hacienda del Sol (Tie)
Best Chinese
Guilin Healthy Chinese Restaurant
Best Greek
Opa!
Best French
Ghini's French Caffe
Best Indian
Saffron Indian Bistro
Best Italian
Vivace
Best Japanese
Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery
Best Middle Eastern/African
Zemam's Ethiopian Cuisine
Best Modern Cuisine
Best Seafood
Kingfisher Bar and Grill
Best Steakhouse
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Best Sushi
Sushi Garden
Best Thai
Char's Thai
Best Vietnamese
Miss Saigon
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Best Upscale Cuisine
Janos/J Bar
Best Outdoor Seating
Tohono Chul Park Tea Room
Best Late-Night Eats
Best Malaysian
Best Asian Barbecue
Nan Tian BBQ
Best Melding of Meals
Breakfast for Dinner at The Abbey
Best Hidden Lunch Spot
Sausage Shop Meat Market
Best Place to Pick Up a Great Dinner
Rincon Market
Best Departing Chef
Martin Swindells at The Dish
Best Soul Food
The Onyx Room
Best Audience Interaction
Hub Restaurant and Creamery
Best Shawarma
Nur Market and Restaurant
Best Mexican
Café Poca Cosa
Best Mexican Fast-Food/Drive-Thru
Nico's Mexican Food
Best Salsa
Guadalajara Grill
Best Tortillas
Anita Street Market
Best Burrito
Best Sonoran Hot Dogs
El Güero Canelo
Best Fish Tacos
Rubio's
Best Huevos Rancheros
Teresa's Mosaic Café
Best Empanadas
Mamma Llama's Gourmet Empanadas
Best Guacamole
Best Tamale
Tucson Tamale Company
Best Menudo
Best Mexican Seafood
Mariscos Chihuahua
Best Mexican Restaurant for Visitors
Best Tacos Gobernador
La Botana Fresco Grill and Cantina
Best Raspados
Los Pollos Raspados
Best Up-and-Coming Sonoran Treat
Coctél de Elote
Best Tarascan Tacos
La Indita
Best Paletas
Michoacán Taquería/Raspados
Best Chile Relleno
Little Café Poca Cosa
Best Beer Selection on Tap
1702
Best-Tasting Local Brew
Nimbus Brewing Company
Best Billiards
Click's
Best Cocktail Menu
Scott and Co./ 47 Scott
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
IBT's
Best Happy Hour
Zona 78
Best Lowbrow Bar Ambiance
The Buffet
Best Margarita
El Charro Café
Best Martini
The Shelter
Best Nightclub
Club Congress
Best Place to Dance
Best Signature Cocktail
The Scorpion at Kon Tiki Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sports Bar
World Sports Grille
Best Wine Bar
Armitage Wine Lounge and Café
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines
Best Upscale Bar Ambiance
NoRTH
Best Anything-Goes Bar
Surly Wench Pub
Best Sound Engineering
Dana Fehr
Best Signature Nonalcoholic Cocktail
Homemade Ginger Ale at Sky Bar
Best Bar for Cheap People Worried About Their Livers
Che's Lounge
Best Bar for Plotting a Revolution
The Shanty
Best Outdoor Patio to Enjoy All Your Vices
Café Passe
Best Venue for Soccer Fans
Trident Grill
Best Place for Concerts Outside of Downtown/Fourth Avenue
Suite 147 in Plaza Palomino
Best New No-Cover Entertainment Mecca
La Cocina Restaurant, Cantina and Coffee Bar
View Articles List | Browse Cover Archives
