About The Outlaw Bar & Grill
The Outlaw Bar & Grill is a lively country-western bar and restaurant on Tucson’s northwest side. Described as a “bustling, old-school saloon featuring live country music, cocktails, pub grub & karaoke” (www.roostcafeandbistro.com), it offers an authentic Western saloon vibe. With rustic wood décor and a wide dance floor, the venue feels like a classic Arizona roadhouse (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). In fact, locals often tout it as one of Tucson’s signature country spots – the “oldest and most famous country western bar” in town (wanderlog.com) – thanks to its long-running tradition of live music and friendly atmosphere. The Outlaw’s kitchen stays open late serving down-home comfort food (think burgers, wings, tacos and pizza) well into the night (www.mapquest.com). Whether you’re in a cowboy hat or just looking for a fun night out, The Outlaw Bar & Grill is a notable fixture in Tucson’s music and nightlife scene.
Events and Programming
The Outlaw Bar & Grill is built around entertainment. Every week you can find live country bands on Friday and Saturday evenings, often playing classic country, rockabilly and Western tunes. For example, Tucson Weekly’s calendar recently listed the Aaron Ball Band performing live country music in April 2023 (www.tucsonweekly.com). On weekend nights the place is packed with two-steppers – free country line-dancing lessons run 7–8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so even beginners get out on the floor (www.theoracletucson.com) (www.tripadvisor.com). Karaoke nights and open-mic events happen regularly too – local singers take the mic for an eclectic mix of songs. The bar also cooks up theme nights and specials (one recent TicketFairy listing advertised an “A Girls’ Night Out” concert in July 2025 (www.ticketfairy.com)), and has recurring deals like $1 tacos on Taco Tuesdays. Most Outlaw events are casual; small cover charges (often under $10) may apply for big shows, but many nights have free entry, so the focus remains on community fun rather than big ticket sales. In short, The Outlaw’s programming emphasizes live performance and dancing – weekends are especially lively, while weekdays often feature DJs or karaoke to round out the week.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Outlaw Bar & Grill events are usually sold directly at the door rather than through third-party outlets. In practice most shows operate on a walk-in basis, so newcomers generally just pay a modest cover charge (if any) when they arrive. For popular country concerts or special events it’s wise to plan ahead: calling the venue to reserve a table is possible (the Outlaw “accepts reservations” even though it is primarily a bar setting (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com)), and sometimes event details appear through local listings. Otherwise, there’s no formal box office; when a big band is scheduled, fans typically line up early, either at the door or the bar’s entrance. In general, the smartest strategy is to check the Outlaw’s event announcements (or local listings) and arrive 30–45 minutes before showtime on busy nights. That way you can secure a good spot for the show – and perhaps claim a table – before the crowd peaks.
Seating and Layout
The Outlaw Bar & Grill has an open, dance-hall style layout. The main room features a large wooden dance floor directly in front of the stage, with a long wraparound bar along one side (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). There are some high-top tables and stools scattered around the edges, but most guests either stand near the floor to watch the band or park themselves at the bar. The stage is set up at the far end, so the best views of performers are from the dance floor or the bar area. Acoustically, visitors note that the sound system is well-tuned for live music – one recent customer raved “there were no bad sound issues with the mics or speakers” (www.roostcafeandbistro.com), even during a busy live band night. Because the stage is low, you may want to stand near the center of the floor or at the bar to see clearly. In general it’s first-come, first-served: there are no VIP boxes or reserved seats. In fact, almost everything is general admission – so for the best experience, arrive early to choose a good spot by the stage or on the dance floor. One advantage of the layout is that the bar is close at hand, so you can dance or mingle in front and easily grab refreshments between songs. Overall, the venue’s floor plan – a cozy “L-shaped” bar with an open, mid-sized hall – is designed to encourage dancing and socializing among patrons.
Getting There and Parking
The Outlaw Bar & Grill is located at 1302 W. Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85705 (wanderlog.com). It sits on Roger Road (also called West Roger) near its intersection with North Oracle Road, on the west side of Tucson (northwest of downtown and the Tucson Mall). By car it’s easily accessible via I-10: take the Oracle exit (exit 256), head north to Roger Road, then west. GPS navigation or any maps app will guide you directly to 1302 W. Roger Rd. The venue straddles a strip mall area, so parking is straightforward. There is a dedicated parking lot behind the building, and plenty of free street parking along Roger and nearby side streets (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). Both parking lot and street spaces are usually ample, even on busy nights – Wheree confirms there’s “free of charge street parking” and a “free parking lot” with “plenty of parking” (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). If you prefer public transit, Sun Tran bus service runs along Oracle and River Roads nearby. (Ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft can drop you at the front door on Roger Road and taxi stands are also in the area.)
Inside the Venue
When you step inside The Outlaw Bar & Grill, expect a friendly southwestern saloon atmosphere. Entry is typically through the front door on Roger Road, and on busy nights you may meet a doorman or staff checking IDs. The staff here are noted for being welcoming – one first-time visitor described how the owner personally greeted guests at their table and called the place “super friendly” (www.tripadvisor.com). The main bar area is on your right, with an array of taps and bottles – The Outlaw carries beer, wine and a full liquor selection (from draft beer to whiskey and cocktails) (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). During shows the bartenders serve drinks quickly; a local review even praises the bar for low wait times and attentive service. Next to the bar you’ll find some high-top tables for dining – The Outlaw Bar & Grill is as much a restaurant as a music venue. Their kitchen cooks up pub fare all night long, and patrons especially love the burgers and loaded fries. In fact, wanderlog highlights the “Outlaw Burger and messy fries” as a crowd-favorite (wanderlog.com), and typical menu items include everything from all-beef burgers to tacos and chicken baskets (www.roostcafeandbistro.com). If you’re hungry, ordering at the bar or server will get you hearty food fairly late into the evening. Other amenities: there is free Wi-Fi available for customers (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com), and credit/debit cards are accepted (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). Restrooms are located in the back; at least one is wheelchair-accessible (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). You’ll also find a coat rack near the entrance if needed (no special coat-check service is offered, so you just hang it by the door). For merchandise, occasionally bands may sell CDs or shirts on a small table near the stage. Overall, the inside vibe is casual and energetic – expect loud live music, people dancing in boots, and an Old West décor. Dress is informal (no formal dress code) and you can wear what you like, though many take the opportunity to put on cowboy-style attire for fun. Remember to bring your ID – it’s a licensed bar, so patrons typically must be 21+ to drink. Otherwise, come ready to eat, drink and dance in a fun, no-frills country saloon setting.
Nearby Amenities
The surrounding area offers plenty of options before or after a show. Within a short drive or walk you’ll find a variety of restaurants for pre- or post-show dining. On Oracle Road just a block away are familiar chains and local eateries (think Mexican grills, burger joints and pizza places) that serve everything from tacos to steaks. If you prefer something fancier, a cluster of casual sit-down restaurants and sports bars lies east along Speedway Boulevard. For drinks before the music, there are a few lively bars nearby on Oracle and along Grant Road. Stopping by for dinner? Consider arriving 1–2 hours before the performance time. The bar itself serves hearty pub food if you want a quick bite on premises, but the nearby plaza has sit-down spots like Wingstop or a tavern-style restaurant for larger parties. As for lodging, if you need a hotel there are chain motels and inns not far away: for example, there’s a Holiday Inn Express and a Best Western about 3 miles south on Oracle Road, and several other budget motels near the Tucson Mall area (River/Oracle). This makes late-night stays convenient if you’re visiting from out of town. When your night out ends, taxis and rideshare services can easily get you to these hotels or downtown. Overall, you won’t be stranded – The Outlaw is close to major roads and conveniences. Just remember that late-night bus service is limited, so driving or a ride-share is usually the easiest way to head home after last call.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Outlaw Bar & Grill stands out as one of Tucson’s few dedicated country & western dance halls. Its combination of traditional saloon charm and lively nightlife is unique in the city. Visitors often note the “beautifully remodeled interior” blending rustic wooden beams and furniture with a welcoming, updated sound system (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). It’s also special because of the dance culture it fosters: free country-line dancing lessons on weekend nights encourage even first-timers to join in (www.tripadvisor.com) (www.theoracletucson.com). One regular blogger told newcomers to “getcher two-steppin’ boots on” – reflecting how spontaneous and inclusive the vibe is (www.tripadvisor.com). Musicians appreciate the Outlaw for its enthusiastic home crowd; local bands and national country acts alike play here to a crowd that’s already standing and dancing. In fact, where most bars have spectators, The Outlaw’s audience often bounces around to the stage in cowboy hats. It has become a cultural anchor for Tucson’s Western-loving community. For diners, the food has earned a bit of a cult following: The double cheeseburger and loaded fries get special mentions (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com) (wanderlog.com). Even the staff contribute to the character – a popular bartender (nicknamed Nikki) is cited by name for friendly service (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). In essence, The Outlaw Bar & Grill is more than “just another bar”; it’s a slice of Southwestern heritage in Tucson. It carries a bit of the frontier spirit – a place where country legend meets community. That distinctive combination of Western flair, consistent live country programming and down-to-earth hospitality is what keeps both locals and visitors coming back night after night (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com) (wanderlog.com).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Outlaw is equipped with wheelchair-friendly facilities. It has ramped or step-free access, and at least one ADA-compliant restroom (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). The parking lot also has a marked handicapped parking space. In general everyone is welcome; the atmosphere is inclusive and even labeled “LGBTQ+ friendly” (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). For guests with hearing difficulties, note that live music can be loud in front of the stage.
What to bring: Be sure to bring photo ID if you plan to drink (Arizona law requires it). There’s no formal dress code – you’ll fit right in with casual wear or Western-style attire if you have it (cowboy boots never go out of style here!). The bar accepts credit/debit cards (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com), but some patrons still like to have cash on hand for cover charges or tipping. (And don’t forget your dancing shoes if you want to hit the floor.)
Arrival: Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the main act starts. Doors usually open in the early evening (around 10am for lunch/afternoon, but nightly entertainment generally kicks off after 7pm). By 8pm or 9pm on Friday/Saturday, the dance floor is already bouncing. The Outlaw often closes at 2am on weekends (www.roostcafeandbistro.com), so late-night dining here is an option, but public transit back may be scarce. If you need to leave late, rideshare apps or nearby taxi services are your best bet.
Age and policies: Children are allowed earlier in the evening, but The Outlaw’s focus is adult nightlife. Anyone who looks under 30 should carry ID, as 21+ is required to purchase alcohol. Note that smoking is not permitted inside (Arizona’s smoke-free laws apply), but there is a small outdoor smoking area. Bags and cameras are generally fine – many guests shoot phone videos or photos of performances – just be respectful of performers (no flash photography on stage).
Insider tips: The bar often runs drink specials and a daily happy hour on sandwiches and appetizers (the-outlaw-bar-grill.wheree.com). Tuesday is famed for $1 tacos. If you want a quieter visit, try early in the week; if you want the full Outlaw experience, stick to the lively weekend evenings. Locals also say that if you’re new, feel free to ask a regular to join a dance – the crowd is famously friendly and will often show you the steps. Last but not least: keep an eye on the posted calendar or social media (not quoted here) for surprise one-off events or themed nights. Being prepared (knowing the schedule and packing your cowboy hat!) will help you make the most of your night at The Outlaw Bar & Grill.
