Defunct Tucson Bars

[TheCatInTheHat]

I'll be curious about other people's memories of these places, as well as any others.

The Point After
Near Speedway and Country Club, across the street from The Blue Note, which was itself an odd outdated strip club straight out of that scene in the movie Diner. The Point After had a sign with goalposts and a ball going through it, and it was a great place after a game. I have fond memories of lining up a quarter under the bumper to shoot pool in the back room, and slow dancing to Little Surfer with a very cute short tanned blonde on the postage-stamp sized dance floor. For some reason Harvey Wallbangers were popular at the time. (Yes, I'm old.)

Dooley's
Kind of forgotten, but it was part of a chain of college bars. They put it in an old church near Speedway and Euclid, and they had these purple spots hanging down as pendants from the rafters, and it was pretty cool. They had mini-concerts with decent acts on tour through their various locations. I saw Todd Rundgren play there once.

Someplace Else
The infamous Jim Anderson place. To me, it was a place to take a date after a movie or something to sit outside next to the fire pit. I think it was on 6th Ave north of Speedway.

The Pawnbroker
Tanque Verde and Kolb, across from the original swap meet (where the McDonalds with the T Rex now stands.) I liked to go there for quiet Sunday nights. They had an old polished-up Dusenberg in the middle of the floor under a spotlight, and they showed movies.

Stumble Inn
On Park just north of Broadway. A rustic setting for pitchers of beer and to country swing to Bob Meighan and other bluegrass bands.

Gentle Ben's (the original)
Tyndall and 2nd St, just north of where the Marriott is today. Just a two-story house, with a patio out in front. Good pitchers of sangria. Some professors used to take their students there on the last day of class. There was a tiny dance floor on the second floor. If you walked into the room, you were basically on the dance floor and participating.

[UAEebs86]

Gentle Ben's was my favorite near campus bar, Bum Steer (White Wednesday/Burger Madness) and Wildcat House (New Wave Wednesday) were my favs off campus.

Went to Stumble Inn once, they used to have a $10 all you can drink night I think.

Dooley's became Stray Cat my freshman year when I was still 18, and it burned down before I turned 19 so never went.

And of course I went to Someplace Else once and got a tour of the Duty Hut. Think I went to Blue Note once, never went to the other two you mentioned (Pawnbroker or Point After)

[TheCatInTheHat]

Yeah, I remember White Wednesday. Any drink made out of clear booze was something like $1. Drove past it today, and it's an apartment complex, which seems kind of sad to me. The rumor about the Stray Cat fire is that the right people didn't get paid their protection money, but who knows about rumors.

[UAEebs86]

Yeah, I remember White Wednesday. Any drink made out of clear booze was something like $1. Drove past it today, and it's an apartment complex, which seems kind of sad to me.

Actually they just tore it down:

http://www.beardownwildcats.com/viewtop ... er#p453534" target="_blank

[Merkin]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Met my future and current wife at the Wildcat House during a happy hour Friday.

Used to rotate between the Wildcat House, the Bum Steer, and the Outlaw (CW) on Friday and Saturday nights, all within walking distance of each other on Stone. Back when the college bars were for the most part away from campus. The Bum Steer was torn down a couple weeks ago. The Outlaw probably gone 30 years. The Outlaw reminded me of the CW bar in the Eddie Murphy/Nick Nolte movie 48 hours, without the go go dancers anyway.

Cowboys (not a country bar) was on 22nd(?) and Wilmot. Used to go there Wednesdays for their 25 cent drafts. Had the waitress bring 10 at a time. Best free happy hour in town on Fridays. Besides the cheese and veggie trays, had a chef slice ham and roast beef for sandwiches.

Gentle Ben's was by far the best bar near campus. Used to spend a lot of Fridays out on the patio once I figured that no one goes to class Friday afternoons. Whenever Street Pajama played at Gentle Ben's I was sure to go. Great band. Think the singer and guitarist the still perform as a duo in Tucson.

Not really a fan of the Green Dolphin, but it was OK for UA area bars. Very few UA area bars back then.

The Love Boat was the best strip club, but also went to the Blue Note and Honey Tree which was across the street a lot. Used to steal mugs and pitchers from the Blue Note all the time. Love Boat still around as Pirate's Cove or something like that.

For other CW bars, used to go to The Stumble Inn to see Chuck Wagon and the Wheels. Or maybe it was The Maverick they were at.

Speaking of Someplace Else and Jim Anderson, someone told me The Meet Rack has closed or is closing for good due to the pandemic. Just some place to go to take someone who has never been there.

Sundance, AKA the Scumdance was my favorite blue collar bar. Very little chance of running into other college kids there. Lots of fights and such, but never had a problem. One of my brothers met his future and current wife there. City eventually closed it.

Least favorite bar was Dirtbags. It was the preppy bar for greeks.

I didn't have a polo shirt or sweater, so never fitted in.

[TheCatInTheHat]

They were great! "Screwed Again." Also liked The River Roses "Phoenix 99" and The Sidewinders "Witch Doctor" at Club Congress.

[TheCatInTheHat]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Bob Cooke was a talented guy; that was a tragedy. Here is the story on him:

[Merkin]

^ Nice find. He was a really funny guy.

Looks like the killer was found not guilty by reason of insanity: http://az.findacase.com/research/wfrmDo ... .AZ.htm/qx" target="_blank

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2808567 ... aily-star/" target="_blank




Merle with her newer band.

[TheCatInTheHat]

Tucson's only had a few decent radio personalities (or TV, for that matter.) The jobs here just don't pay, so the best talent moves on, unless they've got some side business or just decide to hang on because they like Tucson and a low-pressure job. While Frank Kalil was before my time, he was apparently considered funny enough on KTKT to do some standup and press a few comedy albums sold locally. But, he also was a pitch man and had some station ownership interest, and maybe some involvement in Kalil Bottling. Gary Craig on KIKX in the early 70's was about as funny as I can recall here. He'd change his voice and talk to himself pretending to be a caller named The Crazy Man. You never knew when he'd call in to talk to the less-talented jocks, so people would tune in for that. He had a couple of used clothing stores and hosted the Saturday night monster movie on Channel 11 in a mask (as The Crazy Man.) There was supposedly some question about working in free ads during his show and an on-air stunt that caused him to leave. Jonathon Brandmeier was pretty good on KZZP in Phoenix (with his band Johnny and the Leisure Suits), but I gather he moved on to Chicago and does some streaming and work for Westwood One. But now, radio seems pretty much like syndicated shows and automated juke boxes. Too much competition from Spotify and Pandora, I guess.

[pc in NM]

I go back to the origins for the "real" Street Pajama - Mike and Merle were a great pair... (Also, Tucson Racquet Club regulars...)

[TheCatInTheHat]

Since you mentioned the Racquet Club, and it's the right time of year, I'll relate this. Don't know what they do now, and I'm sure nothing this year with COVID, but they've had a charity costume party fund-raiser for Halloween that we used to go to. I think if you won the costume contest, you got like $100, but pride was at stake, and it got pretty competitive. Some people were almost the caliber of professional costume designers. I remember one year, there was somebody (a guy) dressed as Maleficent who was perfect...complete with a staff that shot flames ten feet into the air. So the person I'm about to bring up wasn't at that level, but he was pretty determined. He made a complete articulated RoboCop outfit out of cardboard and spray-painted silver. It was really impressive and detailed, people raved over it, and I think he felt pretty confident he'd have a good shot. So he's dancing with some girl, and they apparently didn't believe in OSHA in those days, because the spa was just there and people danced right next to it. That was a problem for people who had limited visibility in their costumes...like RoboCop. Boom! In he goes, and his costume melted like the wicked witch of the west. Bye-bye, contest. Tragic for him, but part of the entertainment of a big night for everybody else.

[CatsbyAZ]

Gentle Ben's was my favorite near campus bar, Bum Steer (White Wednesday/Burger Madness) and Wildcat House (New Wave Wednesday) were my favs off campus.

When did Wildcat House bow out? Good burgers and catchy radio commercials.

[84Cat]

Gentle Ben's was my favorite near campus bar, Bum Steer (White Wednesday/Burger Madness) and Wildcat House (New Wave Wednesday) were my favs off campus.

When did Wildcat House bow out? Good burgers and catchy radio commercials.

April 2012

https://tucson.com/business/local/havin ... a5564.html" target="_blank

[Merkin]

Gentle Ben's was my favorite near campus bar, Bum Steer (White Wednesday/Burger Madness) and Wildcat House (New Wave Wednesday) were my favs off campus.

When did Wildcat House bow out? Good burgers and catchy radio commercials.

Burgers and fries $1.99 on Friday nights?

Just a side note mentioned in the other thread, the Wildcat House had a sister location in San Luis Obispo that just closed due to the pandemic. Same huge picnic tables. https://www.newtimesslo.com/sanluisobis ... d=10025523" target="_blank

[UAEebs86]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Bob Cooke was a talented guy; that was a tragedy.

Cool website I found for any fans of KWFM in the '70s/early '80s.

http://www.las-solanas.com/kwfm//home.php

There's actually some sound clips on there under "Tune In".

[Merkin]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Bob Cooke was a talented guy; that was a tragedy.

Cool website I found for any fans of KWFM in the '70s/early '80s.

http://www.las-solanas.com/kwfm//home.php

There's actually some sound clips on there under "Tune In".

In 1978 KWFM was the 9th best radio station in the US per Rolling Stone. http://las-solanas.com/davidlarussa/bio_04.php" target="_blank

[CatsbyAZ]

You guys remember a duo or trio of sports bars named Risky Business? Used to frequent their north location near Oracle/Lambert in Oro Valley back around 2009/10. After closing, their busier central location remained opened somewhere East of the Campus. Not sure if it's still around.

[UAEebs86]

You guys remember a duo or trio of sports bars named Risky Business? Used to frequent their north location near Oracle/Lambert in Oro Valley back around 2009/10. After closing, their busier central location remained opened somewhere East of the Campus. Not sure if it's still around.

I think the ones on Tanque Verde/Bear Canyon and the one on Kolb and Sabino might still be open.

[84Cat]

You guys remember a duo or trio of sports bars named Risky Business? Used to frequent their north location near Oracle/Lambert in Oro Valley back around 2009/10. After closing, their busier central location remained opened somewhere East of the Campus. Not sure if it's still around.

Still around. Last few times I ate there it was at the Sunrise/Kolb location.

http://riskybusinesstucson.com/" target="_blank

[Carcassdragger]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Met my future and current wife at the Wildcat House during a happy hour Friday.

Used to rotate between the Wildcat House, the Bum Steer, and the Outlaw (CW) on Friday and Saturday nights, all within walking distance of each other on Stone. Back when the college bars were for the most part away from campus. The Bum Steer was torn down a couple weeks ago. The Outlaw probably gone 30 years. The Outlaw reminded me of the CW bar in the Eddie Murphy/Nick Nolte movie 48 hours, without the go go dancers anyway.

Cowboys (not a country bar) was on 22nd(?) and Wilmot. Used to go there Wednesdays for their 25 cent drafts. Had the waitress bring 10 at a time. Best free happy hour in town on Fridays. Besides the cheese and veggie trays, had a chef slice ham and roast beef for sandwiches.

Gentle Ben's was by far the best bar near campus. Used to spend a lot of Fridays out on the patio once I figured that no one goes to class Friday afternoons. Whenever Street Pajama played at Gentle Ben's I was sure to go. Great band. Think the singer and guitarist the still perform as a duo in Tucson.

Not really a fan of the Green Dolphin, but it was OK for UA area bars. Very few UA area bars back then.

The Love Boat was the best strip club, but also went to the Blue Note and Honey Tree which was across the street a lot. Used to steal mugs and pitchers from the Blue Note all the time. Love Boat still around as Pirate's Cove or something like that.

For other CW bars, used to go to The Stumble Inn to see Chuck Wagon and the Wheels. Or maybe it was The Maverick they were at.

Speaking of Someplace Else and Jim Anderson, someone told me The Meet Rack has closed or is closing for good due to the pandemic. Just some place to go to take someone who has never been there.

Sundance, AKA the Scumdance was my favorite blue collar bar. Very little chance of running into other college kids there. Lots of fights and such, but never had a problem. One of my brothers met his future and current wife there. City eventually closed it.

Least favorite bar was Dirtbags. It was the preppy bar for greeks.

I didn't have a polo shirt or sweater, so never fitted in.

I'm thinking we must've crossed paths several times at many of these places.

The Outlaw was good to us. My friend was a bouncer there and used to meet us at the door and escort us straight to the barber chair to have a free drink mixed in our mouth just to start things off.

Sundance was a regular spot. White Wednesdays at the BS also. Of course Wildcat house on Fridays for burgers was a regular thing.

Chances. Yep, Stumble In, yep.

No frat boy Gentle Ben's, Green Dolphin, or Dirt Bags for my crowd. Smoked a joint inside Dooleys one time.

I seemed to hit it off with Tucson native gals more than students. It was Reagan/yuppie time and I didn't fit that mold at all.

[UAEebs86]

I go back to the origins for the "real" Street Pajama - Mike and Merle were a great pair... (Also, Tucson Racquet Club regulars...)

[ASUHATER!]

Man I guess I missed out not living in Tucson back then haha. Those commercials are great.

[Longhorned]

Is there anybody here who remembers Happy Jack's? I think it was maybe on Grant but I can't quite remember. The internet doesn't even know about it.

[pc in NM]

I go back to the origins for the "real" Street Pajama - Mike and Merle were a great pair... (Also, Tucson Racquet Club regulars...)

I missed most of those commercials... Here's a favorite!!

[Merkin]

Heard that too about the Stray Cat. Same with Chances too on Tanque Verde. My favorite radio DJ was gunned down at Chances, think he was on KWFM.

Met my future and current wife at the Wildcat House during a happy hour Friday.

Used to rotate between the Wildcat House, the Bum Steer, and the Outlaw (CW) on Friday and Saturday nights, all within walking distance of each other on Stone. Back when the college bars were for the most part away from campus. The Bum Steer was torn down a couple weeks ago. The Outlaw probably gone 30 years. The Outlaw reminded me of the CW bar in the Eddie Murphy/Nick Nolte movie 48 hours, without the go go dancers anyway.

Cowboys (not a country bar) was on 22nd(?) and Wilmot. Used to go there Wednesdays for their 25 cent drafts. Had the waitress bring 10 at a time. Best free happy hour in town on Fridays. Besides the cheese and veggie trays, had a chef slice ham and roast beef for sandwiches.

Gentle Ben's was by far the best bar near campus. Used to spend a lot of Fridays out on the patio once I figured that no one goes to class Friday afternoons. Whenever Street Pajama played at Gentle Ben's I was sure to go. Great band. Think the singer and guitarist the still perform as a duo in Tucson.

Not really a fan of the Green Dolphin, but it was OK for UA area bars. Very few UA area bars back then.

The Love Boat was the best strip club, but also went to the Blue Note and Honey Tree which was across the street a lot. Used to steal mugs and pitchers from the Blue Note all the time. Love Boat still around as Pirate's Cove or something like that.

For other CW bars, used to go to The Stumble Inn to see Chuck Wagon and the Wheels. Or maybe it was The Maverick they were at.

Speaking of Someplace Else and Jim Anderson, someone told me The Meet Rack has closed or is closing for good due to the pandemic. Just some place to go to take someone who has never been there.

Sundance, AKA the Scumdance was my favorite blue collar bar. Very little chance of running into other college kids there. Lots of fights and such, but never had a problem. One of my brothers met his future and current wife there. City eventually closed it.

Least favorite bar was Dirtbags. It was the preppy bar for greeks.

I didn't have a polo shirt or sweater, so never fitted in.

I'm thinking we must've crossed paths several times at many of these places.

The Outlaw was good to us. My friend was a bouncer there and used to meet us at the door and escort us straight to the barber chair to have a free drink mixed in our mouth just to start things off.

Sundance was a regular spot. White Wednesdays at the BS also. Of course Wildcat house on Fridays for burgers was a regular thing.

Chances. Yep, Stumble In, yep.

No frat boy Gentle Ben's, Green Dolphin, or Dirt Bags for my crowd. Smoked a joint inside Dooleys one time.

I seemed to hit it off with Tucson native gals more than students. It was Reagan/yuppie time and I didn't fit that mold at all.

No doubt we did. Maybe even nodded to each other as recognized regulars. Drinking age was 19 back then so a lot more bars.

[Merkin]

Found this yesterday while cleaning.