Welcome to Tucson's oldest bar

November 11, 12:23 AMTucson Bars ExaminerBenny Kennedy

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For someone who orders a Jumbo Coors for $1.75 in Tucson, you know they are a fan of The Buffet. Officially the oldest bar in the city you will not find a more nostalgic place with more memories and stories to tell. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, this icon of the Tucson bar industry was opened in 1934 during the depression and right after prohibition.

The Buffet, Tucson's oldest bar

“Cheers” has nothing on this neighborhood bar located at 538 E. 9th St. just outside the mainstream club and bar scene. A rite of passage for patrons, the bar once catered to railroad and train station workers before the station moved. Today it is a staple and a cornerstone of the downtown bars and has been a University of Arizona tradition. Owner Ted Blair, 77, who says, “"During homecoming, we have grandparents and parents that came in The Buffet when they were going to school… It looks just the same now as it did 30, 40 years ago."

The fact that this bar is the oldest bar in Tucson has been under dispute however. Some say that the local bar The Shanty is the oldest bar but Ted will quickly inform you that the Shanty moved once to its current location and may have the oldest liquor license but his bar has been in the same location the longest. Never the less you will not find anyone letting semantics stop them from making their way to the bar for "Happy Minute" at 6pm and 11pm. Yes that is correct, the term is "Happy Minute". This is when patrons will receive a 2nd drink of choice on the house at 6pm and for a $1 at 11pm. For those who are celebrating a birthday will recieve a half yard of beer and a shot on the house.

With seven decades of names carved into the walls and worn out bar counters and floor tiles you aren’t going to be blown away by the décor but for what The Buffet lacks in decorations it gains in overall enjoyment. Thousands of people have enjoyed their time spent here and their feelings have lingered. The Buffet is a place you don’t have to go to with friends because they are already there.

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