Tucson’s Historic Buffet Bar Marks 90 Years of Cheers and Memories

Tucson’s historic Buffet Bar & Crock Pot is marking an impressive milestone—its 90th birthday—this Saturday. Established in 1934 at 538 E. 9th St., the bar opened as Prohibition came to a close and briefly operated under the name Rudy’s Cafe in the 1930s. It rebranded as the Lantern Buffet in 1936, and later, Ted Bair acquired the establishment in 1982. After his passing in 2016, his granddaughter Crystal took on management responsibilities.

The Buffet Bar is a community fixture, known for its welcoming atmosphere. Operating daily from 6 a.m., it attracts a diverse crowd, including neighborhood regulars, construction workers, retirees, college students, and professionals seeking an affordable drink and a friendly ear. Under its dim pink lights, all patrons become part of a unified family.

Regulars like Sarah Mack, who has frequented the bar for seven years, feel right at home amid its graffiti-covered walls. “The Buffet Bar is like the ‘Cheers’ bar from the ’80s sitcom,” she said, wearing a hat adorned with the bar’s buffalo mascot. “We all love each other, we all know each other, we all accept each other.” Likewise, Leo Verde, a bartender who has been visiting for 11 years, appreciates the bar’s open arms. “The Buffet truly represents the eclectic side of Tucson,” he noted, adding that the staff is incredibly kind.

The menu offers an array of drinks, including the infamous Trashcan cocktail—a mix of various spirits and energy drink—or a Coors, which the Buffet claims to sell in higher quantities than any other bar in the country. During “happy minute,” guests can purchase tokens for extended drink specials, enhancing the social experience.

The Buffet has a rich history, with notable figures like Charles Bukowski frequenting the space when he served as an artist in residence at the University of Arizona. The bar’s walls tell their own stories, adorned with a different kind of literature, while the shuffleboard table remains a pristine centerpiece for players eager for a game.

The anniversary celebration on Saturday runs from 12 to 5 p.m. and will feature live music, drink specials, raffles, and giveaways. A portion of the proceeds is set to benefit the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, emphasizing the bar’s commitment to the local community.