With the kind of weather that can allow for outdoor concerts nearly all year long—yes, you can still watch a show while wearing a jacket or sweater, wimps—you'd think Tucson would have more open-air venues. AVA more than makes up for this dearth with a welcoming amphitheater that over the years has played host to the vast majority of well-known acts that have come to Southern Arizona. And there's no discriminating from the lineup offerings: this past summer had "all-star" shows made up of rap and hip hop artists, '90s pop groups and even some long-forgotten hair bands, not to mention Latin lovers like Marc Anthony and Luis Miguel. There's something for everyone.
Runners up:
2. La Cocina
622-0351
311 E. Congress St.
622-8848
— Sadly not receiving enough votes: One vote for "Swap Meet"
— Wait, what?: One vote for "Baggins Gourmet"