As the weeks go by, the weather will cool and we'll finally find ourselves dining on our favorite patios — a near-foreign concept in Tucson's summer heat.
There are few better ways to enjoy the fall weather than sitting on the 14th floor of Tucson's highest rooftop bar, enjoying views of the lush University of Arizona campus and sipping on an espresso martini.
#ThisIsTucson, the Star's sister site, curated a happy hour menu for The Moonstone, inside Graduate Tucson at 930 E. Second St., over the summer and now they're back at it for fall.
The three birria sopes are made with birria, house-pickled onions, cheese and avocado crema.
What's on the happy hour menu and when can I get it?
Happy hour at The Moonstone will take place 5-7 p.m. Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 24, Nov. 8 and Nov. 22. All are Fridays except Oct. 24, which is a Thursday. Expect discounts on three food items from Chef Victor Pulido, along with specials on three cocktails. You'll also have the chance to shop from two local vendors at each date.
"The idea was to have fun with the creativity while still keeping true to a sense of place that makes Tucson special," food and beverage director Garret Fujieda said about The Moonstone's menu in June.
Espresso martinis are having a moment right now. We knew we needed to include one on our happy hour menu.
Here's what editor Gloria Knott and food reporter Jamie Donnelly picked for the fall happy hour menu:
- Birria Sopes ($10 during happy hour) — When we curated the happy hour menu for The Moonstone over the summer, we added the birria nachos. This time around, we knew we needed to add a touch of birria somewhere else — so we chose the sopes! Expect flavorful birria atop a fried masa base with house-pickled onions, cheese and avocado crema.
- Torta ($10 during happy hour) — Just when we thought birria was the superior meat at The Moonstone, we asked for pork carnitas on our torta. The pork packs a big punch, with a hint of sweetness. It’s stuffed into bread made by Alejandro’s Tortilla Factory, along with cheese, avocado and lettuce slaw. The chips on the side are the cherry on top. (This is probably the biggest bang for your buck.)
- Elotes Cheesy Bread ($8 during happy hour) — This was on our happy hour menu last time, but it’s a crowd favorite and we had to choose it again. The telera bread is topped with street corn, cheese and chiles.
The raspberry-forward Red Clover should be on your must-try list if you like sweeter drinks.
- Red Clover ($11 during happy hour) — If something is pink, we are instantly drawn to it ... we just can’t help it! When we saw this drink complete with pink accents on the foam, our interest was piqued. When we tasted it, we fell in love! The Red Clover tastes like sweet raspberry candy. If you like sweeter drinks, this one's for you. It's made with New Amsterdam gin, raspberry foam and Peychaud's bitters.
- Night Owl ($11 during happy hour) — This year has truly been the year of the espresso martini. Everywhere you go, it seems like everyone is ordering the dark-brown drink garnished with espresso beans. The espresso adds a nice richness to the drink that’ll make you feel like you’re drinking a fancy latte. Plus, what’s a better way to embrace fall than with a drink that radiates cozy vibes? The Night Owl is made with Bacardi and Zacapa rum, combier liqueur, orgeat, bitters and espresso.
- Cactus Water ($11 during happy hour) — The bartender told us this is a fan-favorite drink and we can see why! The Cactus Water reminded us of a refreshing strawberry lemonade. It’s the perfect sweet treat to celebrate a week’s worth of hard work. It's made with Ketel One vodka, strawberry, basil, cranberry, lemon and agave syrup.
- Barrio Blonde on draft ($6 during happy hour) — This one’s for all our beer drinkers!
The Elotes Cheesy Bread is exactly what it sounds like — street corn and cheeses atop bread.
Who are the vendors?
While you munch on your cheesy bread, take a moment to check out the talented local vendors who will be setting up shop in the restaurant.
Sept. 13 🍂
- Safety Babes Keychains — This creative offers a fun and fashionable way of protecting yourself, selling keychains with SOS alarms, window breakers and pepper spray.
- Qmulative — Quinlan Michael is known for making pocket tees ... but the pocket is shaped as Arizona!
Sept. 27 🍂
- Sui Gen Femme — Expect handcrafted jewelry with vintage and mixed metals, and maybe even a charm bar!
- BySpookySelena — It's spooky season all year long with By Spooky Selena, who sells custom cups, embroidered tees and more.
Oct. 11 🍂
- Lala Links — Sit down with Lala Links for your chance to get permanent jewelry, including necklaces, anklets and bracelets.
- Las Changuis Tianguis — This shop is a love letter to the Latine community, featuring sweaters, tees and accessories. **UPDATE: Unfortunately, Las Changuis Tianguis can no longer make it!
Oct. 24 🍂
- So Gay Crochet — Find all kinds of hand-crocheted plushies, including adorable cats, platypuses and dinosaurs.
- Darby Hunter Art — From absurd humor to Tucson-inspired designs, find lots of stickers here.
Nov. 8 🍂
- Beads Over Diamonds — Josie Rios creates beaded jewelry and accessories. Rios is also the one behind Tucson's seasonal Indigenous Market!
- Handcrafted by Care — Caroline Martin will have her art cart in tow, which means you'll have the chance to create a craft while sipping on your cocktail. Crafts are $5-$15.
Nov. 22 🍂
- Sydney-P-Prints — Sydney Hansen creates K-pop and other cutesy items, including stickers and jewelry boxes decorated like heart-shaped cakes.
- Greyrose Art — Amanda Hinton is a small-batch earring maker, crafting earrings in all kinds of shapes and designs.
The Cactus Water at The Moonstone is a top-selling drink.
A mojito’s combination of sweet, citrus, and mint flavors makes in one of the most popular cocktails.
