Best Neighborhood Pub: The Shanty is the best place in town to become a regular. Its large patio lined with greenery and choice of a 100 different beers invites a mixed crowd of locals.

Best Dive Bar: The Buffet, the oldest bar in town still in its original location, is the epitome of the great American shot-and-beer dive. It has been welcoming hard-core drinkers since the 1930s.

Best Student Hangout: Dirtbags is a longtime favorite student bar, just a few steps from campus, that is famous for its candy-like shot concoctions.

Best Bar Decor: The Kennedy pop- portraits, memorabilia of Cold War culture, and looping cult films make The Shelter a fun hideaway.

Best Historic Watering Hole: The Tap Room, a cramped little watering hole off the Hotel Congress lobby, has been serving drinks to thirsty desert travelers since 1919.

Best Margarita: Fresh-squeezed lime juice, top-shelf tequila, and some ineffable skill make the refreshing margaritas at Bar Toma the best in town.

Best Cocktail Menu: Beat the heat with a tropical cocktail inside Kon Tiki’s cool, dark interior. Sip away at something pink, blue, or frozen, or try the Polynesian-style cocktail served in a bowl bigger than your head.

Best Dance Club: Salsa night at El Parador starts every Friday at 10:45 p.m., featuring dance lessons for $5; then you can try out what you’ve learned in front of the powerful, brassy, fun-loving band Descarga.

Best Place to See Local and National Bands: The intimate space at Club Congress in the historic Hotel Congress packs in local music lovers with a constant stream of homegrown and national touring acts.

Best Local Microbrew: Whether purchased on tap at this local brewery’s on-site bar or in six-pack form at the supermarket, the varied flavors of Tucson’s finest craft beer will have you coming back to Nimbus Brewing Company for more.