NORTH TUCSON. Part of a small west coast-based chain, BJ's is known for its clean, welcoming atmosphere, extensive food menu, and selection of self-brewed beers. Favorites among the latter include the rich Tatonka Stout, the hoppy Piranha Pale Ale, and an American-style brown ale called Nutty Brewnette. If you go to BJ's bring your appetite, and if you're the indecisive type you may want to sneak a peek at a menu in advance. That's because in addition to numerous tasty appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, you can enjoy fabulous deep dish pizzas, pastas, steaks, fish and chips, and giant stuffed potatoes ­ monster spuds (2+ pounds each!) topped with goodies like roasted veggies, cheeses, sauces and chili. If you can manage it, a Pizookie is a worthy splurge ­ a big, warm cookie with ice cream.

DOWNTOWN. For 35 years, Gentle Ben's has been brewing up great beers like Tucson Blonde, Red Cat Amber and Ben's India Pale Ale. If you come to eat, there are two must-haves: buffalo wings in either a wicked hot habanero sauce or a piquant tequila-cilantro sauce, and the Diane Burger topped with butter and red wine sautéed onions, mushrooms, garlic and Swiss cheese. A friendly, laid-back neighborhood pub by day, the place morphs into a thumping dance club when the moon comes up, especially on Tuesday and Thursday nights after about 10pm. That's when legions of trendy 20-somethings gather to mingle and move while quaffing quality beer.

EAST TUCSON. Nimbus makes absolutely fabulous ales. In fact, it's the most productive brewery in the state, and has earned a multitude of loyal fans who crowd the taproom virtually every night of the week. As for food, it's mostly traditional pub grub, albeit very good pub grub ­ fried bits and pieces with dipping sauces, burgers, and the like. And if you've ever wondered what to drink with a fried bologna sandwich, look no further than Nimbus's menu ­ food and ale complements are clearly labeled so you won't have to worry whether to order the Dirty Güera, Old Monkeyshine or Nimbus Pale Ale. Nimbus books live music several nights a week, and packs a couple of pool tables, games TVs into its two-level converted warehouse space.

NORTH TUCSON. Thunder Canyon boasts several award-winning brews such as Bing Bang Ale with a hint of cherries, Catalina Pale Ale, Sandstone Cream Ale, Obsidian Porter, Thunderhead IPA, and Blackout Stout. And their food is impressive too. Wood fired oven pizzas top the list, but there's a great selection of traditional pub fare like fish and chips, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, cottage pie and pasta. Plenty of vegetarian options, as well.