Inside: The Hut

Bartender Michael Padilla (Credit: Tracy Nour/Metromix)

Bar reviews

Where's good, where's bad, where's so-bad-it's-good

If you ask The Hut's co-owner Douglas “Fini” Finical, he’ll tell you that after spending $60,000 on the newest addition to the bar, a 55,000-pound tiki head that stands high above the front gate, the club has seen a significant increase in business.

The spirit and energy of this place has truly come a long way since the tiki first arrived at the end of December. It has made The Hut stand out among the many bars on Fourth Avenue, helping costumers and employees become more enthusiastic about a place that, situated next to the busy college clubs O’Malley’s and Maloney’s, used to go a little under the radar.

It seems impossible to walk down the street and not be drawn in by the huge statue because it is unlike any other welcome you’re going to find at a Tucson bar. Perhaps the tiki head was the cherry on top of the sundae that gave The Hut that extra flavor—or, in their situation, the umbrella in a tropical drink!

The Hut attracts many different kinds of Tucsonans by booking party-minded local bands that are ready to rock and explore music meant to bring you to your feet. It should not be mistaken for a low-key, relaxed joint, as the bands that play here are eager get the crowd involved.

Setup: To describe the theme of the bar, let's go with “neo-tiki.” Although the tiki head outside is seen in miniature form throughout the inside, giving off a tropical vibe, the rock ‘n’ roll bands that play here add a pirate’s edge.

A square bar with a hay roof takes up a good portion of the interior. With barstools all around and large, half-circle booths lining the walls, there is always a seat open. Want to stand? You can do that, too, at the tall, round tables that are comfortable for foursomes and, of course, have umbrellas covering them. If you’re with a group that wants to be up close to the music, there's a 20-foot table near the dance (jumping) area and the risen stage. 

The outdoor seating area on the extensive, beach-themed patio allows large groups to talk while enjoying music in the background at the same time. Most of the time. The Hut does like to throw parties that include stages inside and out.

Libations: The full bar includes 12 beers on tap and 15 bottled varieties. Although the favorite beer of college students, Blue Moon, is not on tap, you can feel the luck of the Irish with a cold Guinness.

Drink specials are nightly, though Thursdays offer the best deals with $2 Red Stripes and $2 Mexican beers. Finical encourages everyone to order the tropical drinks that the bar has to offer, and there are several, including the category five hurricane, bikini martini, bamboozer and the "oh-so strong" local's only margarita. The most popular cocktail is called the fat man, but its ingredients remain a secret...all that's known is that it's rum-based.

And don't come here expecting to fill your belly with anything but a cold libation—The Hut doesn't serve any food.

Entertainment: If you live for live music, you can come here to enjoy local bands, generally playing in the rock and/or reggae realm, five to six nights a week—just expect to pay a $5 cover charge and to wait in a bit of a line. The members of some of the bands that play here are known to dress up in theme for the holidays, and the music contributes to the bar's busiest time: 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. If rocking out to the music isn’t your scene, play a game of pool on one of the two tables in the back.

Bottom line: If you haven’t come here since the tiki was brought over from its former home at the dearly departed Magic Carpet, give this place another chance. Try out one of the tropical drinks and listen to the bands that so many Tucsonans seem to really enjoy.

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