Playground Bar & Lounge

Had the meatball appetizer and a jack and coke.  It was dead on Monday night, however, the monsoon was in full swing. . .

Good people watching.  Wouldn't want to be in there when its crowded.  Dark interior, don't know why, but most of the few patrons were watching the Home Run Derby.  I guess it could have a romantic atmosphere. . .I dunno.

I definitely like the swings on the ceiling.  All different lengths.  Sort of reminds me of Freddy Krueger movies or maybe hell raiser. . .

I only went here because someone said it was a cool place.  Parking sucked because its by U of A. . .so street parking if your lucky to find a spot close.

I have a love/hate relationship with Playground.

On the love side, I really love what this place has done for downtown Tucson.  Two years ago your best bar options downtown (Congress excluded) were Sharks and Zen Rock.  Playground really took the lead in making downtown a much classier place to enjoy a night out.  They have been largely influential in changing the whole downtown culture.  I love that they have three unique and well designed areas to hangout.  The rooftop is probably the coolest space in all of Tucson to enjoy some great music and a good cocktail.

Unfortunately for whatever reason, fair or unfair, it is just a really lame scene.  I really want to like Playground, but every time I go there I end up leaving and going somewhere else.  Somehow they've attracted the wrong crowd, despite doing everything right from a design standpoint.   If you are looking for stuffy and pretentious, this is your spot and you will probably have a glowing five star review.  Personally I just don't enjoy that scene.  For a place called Playground, it's not really that fun.

Stop in for a cocktail, check out the scenery, and then head on down the road.

The staff seems miserable to be there, and the music is terrible. I want to like this place- the rooftop has a nice vibe, but that's pretty much it.