photo: Kassandra Lau
The night is hardly meant for sleeping anymore, even though in Tucson it may seem otherwise. Roaming the city anytime past midnight reveals mostly darkened store fronts and fairly desolate streets. Although it may seem the 520 has nothing to offer, all is not lost for those with a preference for starry nights; a closer look is only needed to find the hidden gems that cater to a person's nocturnal needs.
Appetites are easily awakened while venturing the night and the means are plentiful when it comes to satisfying hunger in style. For a 24 hour retro diner experience, check out either Grill on 100 E. Congress St. or Broadway Cafe on 4330 E. Broadway Blvd. Both have their own unique atmospheres while serving up a variety of eats at affordable prices. For fine cuisine, there may not be a 24 hour option but some restaurants keep their doors open for those seeking a late meal. The award winning Pastiche Modern Eatery on 3025 N. Campbell Ave. serves American-based cuisine with an extensive wine list and is open until midnight Tuesday through Sunday. Voted best seafood by Tucson Weekly for eight consecutive years, King Fisher on 2564 E. Grant Rd. provides guests with a late night menu packed full of diverse sea food dishes everyday of the week until midnight.
For students with looming deadlines wanting to escape the chilly confines of the UA Library or the temptations of a warm bed at home, get away at a few of Tucson's 24 hour coffee shops. Coffee X-change on 2443 N. Campbell Ave. is a popular choice for its open space, versatile menu and free wi-fi. It's quite the hot spot,so if you're someone facing a dreadful all-nighter, you might want to avoid the early night rush and set up camp after midnight. Another option is Shot in the Dark Cafe on 121 E. Broadway Blvd. Situated in downtown, the caf has its own variety-packed menu, free wi-fi, and an enclosed patio for patrons in need of a smoke to go with their espresso. Safehouse Coffee on 4024 E. Speedway Blvd. is open until 1am. Smoking is permitted indoors, making it as much of a nicotine haven as it is for caffeine. Of course each of these places can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone looking for their nightly java fix.
Consider killing two birds with one stone by shedding pounds and burning late night energy at Gold's Gym. Their 24 hour location on 5851 E. Speedway Blvd. offers up a variety of machines complete with a steam room. What won't be open are the pool, daycare and workout classes; on the plus side, the cardio machines come equipped with personal televisions. Membership fees average at $26 a month.
Some businesses offer late night hours on the weekends which provide an appealing alternative to the usual bar and club scene. Something Sweet Dessert Lounge on 5319 E. Speedway Blvd. has a laid-back environment, a menu packed with delicious desserts and beverages, and free wi-fi. Regularly open until midnight, on Friday and Saturday Something Sweet stays open until 2 a.m. and is a great for those wanting a relaxing night.
If you're seeking more excitement then opt for Luxor Cafe on 3699 N. Campbell Ave. On Friday and Saturday nights their hookah bar, which offers cozy floor seating, remains open until 4 a.m. and earlier in the night they have a DJ and belly dancers as additional entertainment.
There's no rule that late night activity must be spent eating or consuming coffee. When our busy schedules quickly double our errands and a huge pile of laundry accumulates in our messy abodes, a little personal overtime might be in store. It's about time you get around to sending that care package to your friend across the country or making copies of your resume for that important job fair. FedEx Office's locations on 2607 E. Speedway and 5480 E. Broadway are open 24/7 for all your busy-work needs. As for your laundry, clean your threads at the newly opened Laundromat at 615 E. Grant Rd. in the Fry's Shopping Center. Open 24 hours, they have dozens of machines and free wi-fi. Be sure to bring a laptop so all of your time won't be spent closely observing the spin cycle.
Even if the majority of Tucson clocks out early, it doesn't mean you should too! Live long and prosper well into the night because, as Benjamin Franklin puts it, "There will be sleeping enough in the grave."
LATE NIGHT RESTAURANTS
The following restaurants dish up eats after 11 p.m. certain days of the week. This list only includes nights with late hours. Time given is when kitchen closes. Time in parentheses is when location actually closes.
A Steak in the Neighborhood Steakhouse
135 E. Congress St., Fri 11am-3am, Sat 6pm-3am
Bison Witches Bar and Deli Bar and Grill
326 N. 4th Ave., Mon-Sun 11am-12am (2am)
Brooklyn Pizza Company Pizzeria
534 N. 4th Ave., Fri-Sat 11am-2:30am
Cereal Boxx Breakfast, Bakery, Dessert
943 E. University Blvd. Thurs-Fri 11pm-3am
The Cup Winery and Restaurant
311 E. Congress St., Fri & Sat 7am-12am
Jonathan’s Cork Bar and Dinner Restaurant
6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd.,Wed-Sat 5pm-12am
Kingfisher Bar and Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd., Mon-Fri 11am-12am,
Sat-Sun 5pm-12am
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen Winery & Restaurant
400 N. Toole Ave., Thurs-Sat 11am-12am
On A Roll Sushi Sushi and Bar
63 E. Congress St.,Thurs-Sat 11am-12:45am (2am)
Pastiche Modern Eatery Winery and Restaurant
3025 N. Campbell Ave. Tues-Fri 11:30am-12am
Sat-Sun 4:30pm-12am
Pita Pit Wraps and Pita Sandwiches
845 E. University Blvd., Mon-Sun 11am-3am
Risky Business Bar and Restaurant
250 S. Craycroft Rd., Mon-Sun 11am-12am (2am)
