EAST TUCSON. A slightly more mature crowd gathers at Berky's, a local favorite with a great reputation. Live music is usually on the agenda, with well-known local groups as well as regional acts. The cover charge varies according to the band performing; call ahead for specifics.

NORTH TUCSON. You can't miss this place from the street ­ there's a giant Chianti bottle out front, left over from the building's former life as an Italian restaurant. And when you mosey up to the bar at Boondocks, your attention will no doubt be drawn to the buckets, seemingly hundreds of them, each with a character all its own, as individual as its owner. At their previous bar, the owners hit upon the idea of providing a safe storage place (the buckets) for regular customers to keep their spare change, extra lipstick, darts, and assorted other stuff. The idea was so popular that they brought it along when they purchased Boondocks. This is a lively place with plenty of diversions throughout the week like live blues, poker tournaments, golf, foosball, dart and pool leagues, and what is probably the most eclectic jukebox in town.

EAST TUCSON. Along with walls full of Windy City memorabilia, Chicago has live music and lots of it. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, in fact. The schedule includes mostly blues, reggae and rock performers, with the occasional alt-rock band or cabaret singer. Local reggae band Neon Prophet takes the stage regularly, always drawing a crowd of happy revelers who sing along. And that's what it's all about here ­ laughing, dancing and cheering for the Bears whenever there's a game on TV.

EAST TUCSON. City Limits' roster of past performers reads like a "Who's Who in Modern Music" ­ Chevelle, Arrested Development, Dar Williams, Richard Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton, Ziggy Marley, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Asleep at the Wheel, Dressy Bessy, John Hiatt, Toots-Maytals, G Love with Special Sauce, Yo La Tengo. Bands regularly play to a sold-out house, but the intimate space gives everyone a good view and the acoustics are great. Food is surprisingly good, too, with appetizers such as fried green tomatoes and nachos, plus burgers, brats and a handful of hot dishes.

DOWNTOWN. This upbeat dance club offers a wide range of popular theme nights, with some of the best DJs in the area spinning nostalgic tracks or the best alternative music of today. Live music is offered, too, with top national acts headlining. '80s fans shouldn't miss Blue Monday.