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 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.Β
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 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 weΒ β editor Gloria Knott, features reporter Elvia Verdugo and food reporter Jamie DonnellyΒ β picked.
Enjoy your nachos with a view of the University of Arizona campus, way up high from the 14th floor of Graduate Tucson.
Moonstone NachosΒ ($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 βΒ 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 Elotes Cheesy Bread is exactly what it sounds like β street corn and cheeses atop bread.
Elotes Cheesy BreadΒ ($8 during happy hour)Β β This was a last-minute decision and we're so glad we made it. TheΒ telera bread is topped with street corn, cheese and chiles.Β
MoonstoneΒ ($11 during happy hour)Β β When they brought out this vibrant purple drink, we knew it would be a win. The eponymous drink is made with BombayΒ Sapphire gin, Orgeat syrup, coconut cream, lime and butterfly pea flower. We loved the creaminess from the coconut cream!
The Moonstone roasts jalapeΓ±os in-house for its Anti Venom drink.Β
Anti VenomΒ ($11 during happy hour)Β 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 PunchΒ ($11 during happy hour)Β βΒ 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.Β 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 β Here's a little something for those who might not be into cocktails. π»
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 TamarindoΒ 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 DesignsΒ β Arlene Garms is a self-taught jewelry maker specializing in polymer clay, who started the craft about a year ago.
June 21Β βοΈ
- Luna ZenΒ β Luna Zen creates luxury CBD skin, body and pet products, including bath bombs, lotions, facial cleansers and pet treats.
- A Forever VibeΒ β This permanent jewelry and charm bar offers luxury jewelry that's custom fit and welded onto you to last a lifetime.
July 5Β βοΈ
- Warm ShapeΒ 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 SkinΒ 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 MikaylaΒ β Mikayla creates stationery, stickers and gifts themed with plants. Her goal is both sustainability and positivity.
- Emilia CosmeticsΒ β Emilia Cosmetics is known for cruelty-free, vegan and non-sticky cosmetics, from hydrating lip gloss to chrome eyeshadows.
