Great storm-watching spots
When it storms, drink in the views from Tucson bars
By Coley Ward
CWARD@AZSTARNET.COM
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.24.2008
Water, water everywhere — I think I'll have a drink!
But where is the best Tucson bar or restaurant to sit and enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the sights and sounds of summer monsoon storms?
Tucson McGraw's Cantina, 4110 S. Houghton Road, has a covered open-air patio fit for man and beast. During the day, squirrels will lie prostrate on the patio's slate floor to cool their stomachs (they're also fond of stealing sugar packets off the tables).
At night, the patio is an ideal perch for storm-watching. Located on top of a hill, Tucson McGraw's overlooks horse ranches and boasts an unobstructed view of the Santa Rita mountains.
"When the storms come up from Mexico, lightning strikes ahead of the rain and that can be pretty spectacular," says owner Lex McGraw.
"The old-timers come up and want to watch it. We get a lot of people sitting out there even if it's cold and blowy. They call ahead and ask, 'What does it look like out there? Are the roads OK? Are the storms coming up from Mexico?' "
Tucson McGraw's is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (or later).
Here are some other bars and restaurants that offer prime-time views of Mother Nature's light show:
● Anthony's in the Catalinas, 6440 N. Campbell Ave., is open 5:30-9 p.m. daily. There's indoor seating with large windows facing the mountains to the north and the city to the south. There is also patio seating, but it's uncovered. 299-1771.
● The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Ironwood Terrace restaurant, 2021 N. Kinney Road, is a self-serve grill. Open 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily (until 9 p.m. Saturdays). The museum's Ocotillo Restaurant offers fine dining and is open 5-9 Saturday nights through August. Museum admission required. 883-2702.
● Blanco Tacos + Tequila, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 232-1007.
● J-Bar, 3770 E. Sunrise Drive, is open 5-9:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Covered outdoor seating offers views of the city to the south and the Tucson Mountains to the west. 615-6100.
● North, 2995 E. Skyline Drive, is open for lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily and for dinner 5-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Patio tables have umbrellas, but you probably don't want to sit outside during a storm. Inside, you can watch through large windows that face the city. 299-1600.
● Ra Sushi, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, is open 11 a.m.-midnight daily. Covered outdoor seating — both at the bar and dining area — offers views of the city to the south. Check out Ra's happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, which includes 14 food specials and 13 drink specials. 615-3970.
● Teresa's Mosaic Cafe, 2456 N. Silverbell Road, is open 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. The restaurant, which has a covered patio, has a view of the city and the Catalina Mountains. 624-4512.
● Westward Look Resort, 245 E. Ina Road, on the Northwest Side, has patio seating available at the Gold Room and Lookout Bar and Grill. The Gold Room is open 7-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. It is open for dinner 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and does not serve dinner Sundays-Tuesdays. The Lookout Bar and Grill is open 2-11 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 2 p.m.-midnight Thursdays through Saturdays. 297-1151.
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