The Red Light Lounge (RLL) is part of the Downtown Clifton Motel. We stopped here to have one drink on date night. I really like this place as it is unique and has a chill vibe and I enjoyed the music the DJ was playing primarily 90s with the Notorious B.I.G. I had the Rodeo Sweetheart (Mexican rum, Tamarind, lemon, bitters, velvet falernum) and it was excellent. The outdoor patio is lively with a great atmosphere. I highly recommend the RLL for date night or just to try something different. We will be back for dinner next time. read more

Red Light Lounge - Rodeo Sweetheart - New American Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

OVERALL The Red Light Lounge is a little restaurant with unique offerings and a full bar inside The Downtown Clifton Hotel in Tucson, AZ. ENVIRONMENT Low-light. Hand-curated art all around. Limited dinner menu. As mentioned previously - full bar. Indoor and outdoor seating. Plop where you like. Dogs allowed. Plenty of newcomers coming through the door... I liked their array of hats & unique pieces. What's not to like about that? SERVICE There were times when the service was super slow, but for the most part they were amicable and efficient. The bartender was super nice. MY FAVORITE PART... The juicy, fat-flavor with the mildness of the poblano pepper from my burger. NOT SO FAVORITE PART... The slow service. Ordering at the bar. THE GRUB So... I gotta admit. I was feeling pretty low because we had just said goodbye to my family in New Mexico a few hours before we arrived here. I filed for a divorce in October from my husband of 15 years. The drive in post-Thanksgiving traffic. Stupid people on the roads. The world today... I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without help. So I ordered a few drinks (11/27/21). Lol. + Margarita ($8) - was supposed to be spicy, but wasn't. + Cartnitas tacos ($11) - my 8-year-old really enjoyed them with the green salsa + Red Light burger (18) - comes with a poblano pepper and fries... ordered a medium rare one for me which I absolutely devoured. A well-done one for my 7-year-old. She surprisingly ate all of her burger. It was big. Lol. + Sunset Cooler ($8) - it was better than the margarita. It entailed "gin, grapefruit, lemon, hibiscus, and campari." + Flan ($5) - it was alright. My girls enjoyed it. + Night Cap ($10) - they allowed me to take this concoction of "mezcal, cacao bourbon, meletti amaro, and amargo vallet bitters" back to our room. + 2 Sprites for the girls with good carbonation ($2 each) LITTLE YELPER'S CLUB There is no kid's menu, but I made do with my 7 and 8-year-olds because I have always raised them to try new foods. PARKING There is minimal lot parking not exactly reserved for paying customers of the hotel rooms - as I was not asked what vehicle I drove. Some street spots too. TIPS Order at the bar. Face masks are not required if you're fully-vaccinated for COVID-19. | Food: 4 | Service: 4 | Environment: 4 | Price: 3 | read more

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I hate to do this, but this place was not what i thought it was. motel restaurant, food was motel restaurant like and really it IS a lounge. Which is not to say it's their fault, it does say it's a lounge in a hotel... not sure why i expected anything different or why i didn't just leave. It's just kind of like watching the movie barfly, i just kept hoping it would surprise me. Sorry guys read more

I heard about this place from a friend. I had driven quite a bit and didn't know this place was right under my nose. They're currently running a Friday take out special. The first special I heard about was the Hot Chicken sandwich. I was disappointed to have missed out on that one, but I couldn't eat meat that day. This week's special was meatloaf with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and a chocolate mousse. I arrived a few minutes prior to my pick up time. The way the pick up was set up wasn't too clear so I had several people asking me about pick up. My order was put together on time and handed to me. I asked if everything was in there including plasticware and I was told yes. I should have checked, but it wasn't in there. The mousse was well prepared, but poorly packaged as more of the whipped cream ended up on the lid than the mousse. They could have put the same quantity in a larger container as they did with the other dishes. The meatloaf was good, but not the best I've ever had. Restaurant or takeout meatloaf is a challenge because you don't really want pooling grease, but you also want to avoid dry meat loaf. This wasn't dry, but it wasn't moist. It missed the window slightly. The portion size is generous for the price. This was a good meal at a good price. I'm thankful they're doing a cool take out in the Social Distantancing time. read more

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Raymond was great! He made us some great drinks and the food was delicious. Atmosphere was relaxing and great place to catch up with friends. read more

Red Light Lounge - Patio - New American Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

They've kept this daring place alive through the pandemic & quality is excellent! The menu is small, well thought out with fresh ingredients. Eating here is a lesson in local and regional foods! Loved the fresh fresh fresh corn tortillas. The burger was very tasty, without being too fatty. The Chipotle aioli was great and I usually don't like any heat in my salsas. Outstanding and uniquely cut fries, with the right blend of crispy exterior and soft insides. Salad so crispy, like farm fresh. We chose a chipotle ranch. A real hub, this place. I hope it endures. Fine, friendly staff, all working hard, but generous with their time, if you ask, but you gotta ask. read more

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At 6pm on a Saturday they were closed. Tried to call ahead but no answer, so went down there to a locked building.

Very good food and atmosphere! Red Light Burger!Roasted Poblano. We really enjoyed. read more

I have visited The Red Lounge several times. I love the vibe there. The food and drinks are fantastic. My last visit occurred during Sonoran Restaurant week. Me and my girlfriends had an amazing evening there. Starting with the menu... we tried the masa pretzels, Chile relleno con carne, and for dessert we had the monsoon pavlova. There was live music which was lovely and there were several businesses set up and selling their products; I gladly supported them and purchased a few pieces of jewelry. An absolute gem of an evening. read more

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I've visited quite a few times over the last year as well as done take-out. They've revised the menu several times since opening. With the current menu focused on Sonoran food it feels like they've finally hit their stride and found what speaks of their brand as well. The Clifton Burger is absolutely one of the best burgers I've had in town. Seriously. Order it. You won't regret it. Recently we tried the Roasted Poblano, Guajillo Pasta, Carne Asada Tacos, Queso Fries and Salad. Everything was delicious. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The Roasted Poblano dish was just beautiful. I wanted to sit and stare at it as much as I wanted to eat it. Full bar with a couple of beers on draft and some local So Az wine options. Craft cocktails are def a specialty. They are locally owned and support local as well. When it comes to restaurants located inside a hotel these guys set the bar HIGH. Wait, scratch that, they simply set the bar high regardless of where they are located. The food and drinks are outstanding and could easily be in any high end restaurant in town. read more

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I just ordered the BLT online and walked over to pick it up, it's about two blocks from my apt, I only waited about 3-5 minutes if that and it was still primarily warm when I got home. The fries with soggy, there were well seasoned and delicious! The BLT was A1, with fresh lettuce, a plethora of delicious bacon and juicy tomatoes. I might just get another one tomorrow! read more

Red Light Lounge - BLT - New American Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We went in last night for Sonoran Restaurant Week - this is a meal that I'll remember for a long time! We were completely impressed! The space is super cozy and intimate. Our service from Matt was absolutely the BEST! He checked on us every few minutes, and even sat at our table with and just chatted for a few minutes. We started with a pecan salad and a Aguachili Amarillo - a ceviche with corvina - it was spicy in the most perfect way! There thinly sliced jalapenos and cilantro, it was bursting with flavor! Next we had the sirloin with masa - a beautiful plate on top of masa coated in flavor - salsa and bean, cabbage - just WOW!!! Cooked to perfection and flavors galore! The mesquite bean ice cream was exquisite - soo smooth with subtle flavors, I could have eaten 3 bowls. These were perfect dishes for Sonoran week because of all of the local ingredients that were carefully used, it was something really unique, and out the 5 restaurants that we tried for restaurant week - this was far and above the best!! read more

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This place is incredible. While I was there, I noticed lots of people who were NOT staying at the motel, which is great bc this is a great restaurant on its own. The chef takes pride in her creations and comes out and mingles with the patrons often. Our table ordered one of everything and we loved each item so much! The drinks are hand crafted by a great bartender. And bc of that, if there is a crowd, you might have to wait a tad but the drinks are WORTH it! read more

Spent the night at The Clifton,the hotel in which this restaurant is located,so took advantage of this convenience and ate dinner. Mexican Coke & a nice Hibiscus Margarita from the bar got it started. Food order included chips,salsa & guacamole. Chips were out of an average bag but salsa & guacamole were great. Next the elote (Mexican Corn) ribs,interesting take but not successful. Chicken Quesadilla was great,dark meat chicken cooked & seasoned nicely. Street taco Carnitas next,pork was flavorful but total taco experience was again average. Service was friendly and attentive. We paid highly for the convenience of eating where we stayed...$64 !!! Not including tip. Would not visit unless staying at the hotel. read more

There was a time when the idea of fish tacos was "eh" at best then having had Chef Nico's fish tacos at the Red Light Lounge everything changed. The tacos were perfectly crisp, seasoned to perfection and dreamy. Have had numerous fish tacos since that encounter with Chef Nico's fish tacos and not one has come even close to what he has created. His entire menu is fresh, innovative takes on classics such as buffalo wings with cotija and a cilantro lime aioli. A decadent and delicious Indian Fry Bread and even salads packed with Southwest flavor. The only regret is having not made it back in yet to try the newly launched breakfast menu. Grab a spicy margarita and some fish tacos next time you're around and thank us later. read more

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First time here.. Wanted a light dinner and drinks before an ATC show. This is just a short walk from the theatre and small menu with a full bar so it looked promising for light fare. This is in the lobby of the hotel, we arrived about 6pm on a Thursday night and the place was pretty busy.. 2 Bartenders.. YOu place your order for food and drinks at the bar and they wait for your drinks, the food will be brought to your table by the kitchen staff. Small venue, maybe only 10 tables inside and a few outside. But what do you know, saw a friend when we arrived.. Kind felt like a local neighborhood bar. the drinks were good.. I accidently ordered the Sunset cooler and it was good.. We had the cauliflower tacos and loaded fries and both were good and exceeded expectations. I would say the service is not quick, but it might have been the time of day we went. Certainly will visit this small neighborhood bar again when I am going to a show downtown. read more

Good Food. Friendly Staff. But Service is too slow and Employees we're just standing around waiting for the Bartender to tell them what to do! read more

This may have been one of the best Sonoran-inspired brunches I've ever had! We ate here after staying overnight in The Downtown Clifton, its funky hotel home, but would gladly visit again just for the food. Stone-ground masa biscuits with homemade prickly pear hibiscus jam and orange marmalade were huge and fluffy, with incredible depth of flavor from the masa. For our main dishes we had chilaquiles - an amazing dish of chips softened and layered in red chile sauce and topped with pork, crema, avocado, pico de gallo and cotija cheese - and the sumptuous verde eggs benedict, with more green chile pork, corn salsa, and pickled peppers. Perfect balance of flavors, textures, and freshness all around! read more

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I live in the area and love coming here. Food is delicious and so are the cocktails (tamarind margs are sooo good). Outdoor seating is perfect on a cool night. Never too crowded or loud. Perfect spot to go for a drink and a bite. read more

Terrific find in Tucson - lounge in a boutique hotel with great indoor/outdoor space. Cool space and lighting. Amazing cocktails- Greek Collins! Had the Clifton Burger - was awesome, loved the roasted poblano. Excellent service. read more

Great mixologist behind the bar and good eats! Watermelon margarita made with real watermelon, not syrup. Elote was hot and delicious as was the cauliflower app. Setting is a funky old motel... step back in time and enjoy! read more

Red Light Lounge - Watermelon and jalapeño margaritas - New American Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The burger, martini and beer was fabulous. The bartender Dee was super friendly and we had a wonderful experience.

Really a cute little place. Started with two ample cocktails. We had two really good meals and the cauliflower appetizer was simply the best. We were then surprised with live music on the outside patio. I'm hoping to go back to try the burger. read more

Absolutely loved this spot. Nice cross breeze, friendly staff. 10/10 would revisit. Also nice variety of food and cocktails!

I thought I was going to love this place, I really did. The ambiance is cool, and there's live music that isn't too loud because it's in a separate area. Bonus points all around. Shit started going sideways beyond the initial impressions. Although the hours listed on google, Yelp, and well everywhere else state that this place is open until 11pm (and we went on a Saturday night no less) we were informed when we went to place our order that at 930PM the kitchen was closed. Ok, shitty, but we decided to have a drink and figure out what to do. While we sat with our slowly made, mediocre at best drinks, we noticed food still coming out of the kitchen. I explained this away with the thought that they must have been some last placed orders trickling out. Fine. We were allowed to place an order for delivery from another restaurant and decided to stay there and eat it. AN HOUR LATER we saw food come out of the kitchen and be delivered to some people sitting at the bar. I'm sorry but what?? Were we lied to? And what was the point of that? Why be inconsistent with your hours and then on top of it allow some people to order and not others? Unfortunately this all stacks up to unforgivable and we will never be back. Sad really. read more

Just went for the first time with a small group of friends to celebrate a birthday. Really cool vibe with indoor and outdoor options. The food (especially the sauces) and cocktails were great! You order at the bar and then they bring you your food or drink. We had fish tacos for an entrée and the olives, potato, and fries for appetizers. This is absolutely a hidden gem and the people working hard to make this place fun and delicious deserve a shout out! We'll be back! read more

Here from Phoenix and I was craving a burger, last thing on my mind was a hotel meal, but I was tired and decided, why not. And OMG this burger is unbelievable. I don't say that lightly. Most burgers are delicious but to have to write a review about it. Wow! And the fries that came with it were also really good. Loved this place and the vibe. read more

What a great place! Indoor and outdoor seating, nice little bar, great drinks. I had a special which was red pozole and it was some of the best I've ever had ~ I've been thinking about it ever since! highly recommend. read more

Cannot recommend. It took literally one hour to get a burger and fries. Burger was large but just OK.

This place is a gem! We've had the elote fry bread, the beignets, and the duros and everything has been to die for. We come to Tucson every now and then and love staying at the Clifton hotel. We are so happy they opened up the Red Light Lounge because the drinks and food are perfect. There's no need to leave the hotel now! Even if you are not staying at the Clifton, I definitely recommended visiting the Red Light Lounge. It WILL NOT disappoint. read more