As you walk through Main Gate Square, winding through the shops and the few students who stayed in Tucson for the summer, you'll find Graduate Tucson.
You'll walk through the lobby of the hotel at 930 E. Second St., to the elevator on your right, all the way up to the 14th floor. A neon sign for The Moonstone will greet you.
![The Moonstone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg?resize=200%2C317 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg?resize=300%2C475 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg?resize=400%2C633 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg?resize=540%2C855 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1187 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/0e/20e83f5c-1e9c-11ef-94b5-ff5051b9ce3d/66589feabaa28.image.jpg 1200w)
The Sandia Fresca Punch is the perfect summer drink.
This isn't just any hotel bar β it's Tucson's highest rooftop bar, with views that truly can't be beat. You can see our purple Catalinas to the north, and the beautiful University of Arizona campus to the east.
When you think of hotel food, you might think of a decent burger and fries delivered via room service, as you watch re-runs of "Impractical Jokers" or anything on the Food Network. The Moonstone is different.
The eatery recently launched a brand-new menu, featuring delights like a birria burger and shrimp ceviche salsa from Chef Victor Pulido and a long list of drinks that were a collaboration between The Moonstone's bartenders.
"The idea was to have fun with the creativity while still keeping true to a sense of place that makes Tucson special," said food and beverage director Garret Fujieda.
But here's the best part: #ThisIsTucson had the chance to curate a happy hour from The Moonstone's new list of eats and drinks.
![The Moonstone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/32/132815c2-1e9c-11ef-bde9-57128e14d5f7/66589fd3a9c7e.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
The chicken tinga caramelo is part of #ThisIsTucson's happy hour menu at The Moonstone.
What's on the happy hour menu?
Happy hour at The Moonstone will take place four times this summer: 5-7 p.m. Fridays, June 7, June 21, July 5 and July 19. You'll get discounts on the following cocktails and food items, plus you'll have the chance to shop from a couple local vendors while you're there.
Here are the menu items we β editor Gloria Knott, features reporter Elvia Verdugo and food reporter Jamie Donnelly β picked.
![The Moonstone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b8/0b8c0d32-1e9c-11ef-b4a1-5f130cbac703/66589fc6e3065.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
Enjoy your nachos with a view of the University of Arizona campus, way up high from the 14th floor of Graduate Tucson.
Moonstone Nachos ($10 during happy hour) β Could these be some of the best nachos we've ever had in Tucson? Yes. We got birria on ours, but you can also choose between chicken tinga, pork or carnitas. The mix of the birria with the poblano queso and guacamole ... we could eat these every day.
Chicken Caramelos ($10 during happy hour) β The chicken tinga caramelo was easily one of our favorite dishes. The rich tinga is nestled between a perfectly crisp tortilla and has a hint of spice. It pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink!
![The Moonstone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/ab/1abd5d9c-1e9c-11ef-8940-1b76c065c210/66589fe0662ee.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C1133 1700w)
The Elotes Cheesy Bread is exactly what it sounds like β street corn and cheeses atop bread.
Elotes Cheesy Bread ($8 during happy hour) β This was a last-minute decision and we're so glad we made it. The telera bread is topped with street corn, cheese and chiles.
Moonstone ($11 during happy hour) β When they brought out this vibrant purple drink, we knew it would be a win. The eponymous drink is made with Bombay Sapphire gin, Orgeat syrup, coconut cream, lime and butterfly pea flower. We loved the creaminess from the coconut cream!
![The Moonstone](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2c/02ce412e-1e9c-11ef-9c8c-cf7b83cc489e/66589fb84010e.image.jpg 1700w)
The Moonstone roasts jalapeΓ±os in-house for its Anti Venom drink.
Anti Venom ($11 during happy hour) β The Moonstone roasts its jalapeΓ±os in-house, which are then infused into Tito's vodka and used in the Anti Venom drink, which also comes with lemon, agave and cilantro. It's one of the most unique cocktails we've ever had; the lemon is refreshing and then you're hit with the jalapeΓ±o flavor for a nice kick without being too spicy.
Sandia Fresca Punch ($11 during happy hour) β Nothing feels more like summer than watermelon and chamoy. We wanted to include a drink that would make customers feel like they were on the beach. A mix of Don Julio Blanco tequila, watermelon, cucumber, agave and serrano syrup, this cocktail is summer in a glass. Don't forget the chamoy-TajΓn rim!
Barrio Blonde on draft ($6 during happy hour) β Here's a little something for those who might not be into cocktails. π»
![The Moonstone bar at Graduate Tucson](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=200%2C115 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=300%2C173 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=400%2C231 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=540%2C311 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=750%2C432 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C692 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/36/c36fe7a2-d259-11ec-b196-0b2ee73865c9/627db07f6dc66.image.jpg?resize=1700%2C980 1700w)
The University of Arizona campus can be seen from The Moonstone Bar atop the Graduate Hotel.
Who are the vendors?
We've said it before and we'll say it again. We β€οΈ local makers. We're so happy they'll be part of this happy hour extravaganza. Here's who you'll find and when:
June 7 βοΈ
- Dirty T Tamarindo β Alana Solis uses her tΓaβs chamoy recipe, which dates back to the β80s, to coat popular sweets like Gushers, gummy bears, dried mango slices and Skittles.
- Garms Charms Designs β Arlene Garms is a self-taught jewelry maker specializing in polymer clay, who started the craft about a year ago.
June 21 βοΈ
- Luna Zen β Luna Zen creates luxury CBD skin, body and pet products, including bath bombs, lotions, facial cleansers and pet treats.
- A Forever Vibe β This permanent jewelry and charm bar offers luxury jewelry that's custom fit and welded onto you to last a lifetime.
July 5 βοΈ
- Warm Shape β Linus Schief makes woven wall art from upcycled materials like VHS tapes, plastic bags and old textiles. Beyond the tapestries, you'll find prints, hats and T-shirts in her shop, most of which are colorful and fun ... and sometimes dark and weird. She also does onsite blind contour portraits, where she draws your face without ever looking down at the canvas.
- Within Skin β Within Skin began as a desire to create natural skin-care products for maker Karissa's daughters. The products highlight the power of plants and herbs.
July 19 βοΈ
- Made It Mikayla β Mikayla creates stationery, stickers and gifts themed with plants. Her goal is both sustainability and positivity.
- Emilia Cosmetics β Emilia Cosmetics is known for cruelty-free, vegan and non-sticky cosmetics, from hydrating lip gloss to chrome eyeshadows.