Complete guide

Rooftop Bars Tucson

2024 update

With more than 300 days of sunshine, Tucson is made for outdoor fun. To enjoy your food and drinks both alfresco and elevated, the best option is to find a Tuscon rooftop bar.

Country United States

Currency US Dollar

Best time to visit March - November

Courtesy of The Moonstone at Graduate Tucson

Tucson Rooftop Guide

By:Rikard Fredricson

Updated:April 4, 2024

Tucson rooftop map

This complete guide will lead you to the very best Tucson rooftop bars, packed with all info you need about each venue: opening hours, dress codes, pictures, locations and much more.

Located in southern Arizona, quite close to the Mexican border, you can expect to find both tasty tacos and refreshing margaritas at the Tucson rooftop bars. Just scroll down and find the rooftop bar in Tucson best suited for you.

The list

5 best rooftop bars in Tucson

Rooftop bar Tucson The Moonstone at Graduate Tucson in Tucson — 1

The Moonstone at Graduate Tucson

14th floor | West University

Highlights

Breathtaking views

Rooftop pool

$$$$

Perched on top of Graduate Tucson, nestled in the heart of the University of Arizona’s campus, The Moonstone is a year-round rooftop retreat, made for elevated brews and views. This is **the highest bar in Tucson**, and the panoramic views over the city and Mount Lemmon are simply breathtaking. Mixing a comfy indoor lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, here you can enjoy classic Southwestern fare with a playful, Sonoran twist, along with crafted signature cocktails and festive shots, perfect for both intimate gatherings and celebratory occasions.

Read more

Rooftop bar Tucson Gentle Ben's Brewing Company in Tucson — 2

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company

2nd floor | West University

Highlights

Fun & vibrant

Weekend brunch

$$$

Originally opened in 1971, and founders of Tucson’s first craft brewery in 1991, Gentle Ben's can be considered a Tucson institution. Located in the heart of Main Gate Square, right by the University of Arizona, Gentle Ben's Brewing Company is a spacious venue, combining interior seating with outdoor patios, both on street level and up on the rooftop. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Gentle Ben's is also famous for offering **a fun and vibrant atmosphere**. Watch your favourite sport team, or kick it off to live DJs.

Read more

Rooftop bar Tucson AC Hotel Tucson Downtown in Tucson — 3

AC Hotel Tucson Downtown

6th floor | Downtown

Highlights

Exclusive

Rooftop pool

$$$$

Found in the heart of the action in Tucson's Downtown Entertainment District, the modern AC Hotel Tucson Downtown comes with an **exclusive rooftop oasis**. Equipped with a rooftop pool, comfy cabanas, sun loungers and a rooftop bar, the terrace is usually only available to hotel guest, who can sip signature AC cocktails to the beautiful views over Tucson. But, from time to time, the AC rooftop is open to the public, throwing cool pool parties with live DJs, and other happeing events.

Read more

Rooftop bar Tucson Illegal Pete's in Tucson — 4

Illegal Pete's

2nd floor | West University

Highlights

Mexican

Daily happy hour

$$

Originally from Colorado, Illegal Pete's can be found at 12 locations across Denver and Arizona, where the one in Tuscon is set at Main Gate right by the University of Arizona. Mixing indoor and outdoor seating, the venue comes with a spacious street level patio, but also a more elevated rooftop terrace. Mostly famous for their **mission-style burritos**, Illegal Pete's also offers other Mexican-inspired dishes, along with a full bar and a selection of local beer. Usually filled with a lively and fun atmosphere, perfect for burritos, buddies and beer.

Read more

Rooftop bar Tucson Playground Bar & Lounge in Tucson — 5

Playground Bar & Lounge

2nd floor | Downtown

Highlights

Contemporary

Rooftop dining

$$$

Playground Bar & Lounge is a contemporary venue made for **high-energy dining and drinking**, right in the heart of historic Downtown Tucson. Set over two floors, with a spacious rooftop as the true gem, this is a modern place to enjoy everything from dinner before a concert, a vibrant after work, to watch the game or to dance into the morning. Visit for the daily happy hour, or make VIP Bottle Service reservations for an extra fun and special night.

Read more

Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.