The oft-moved stage has finally settled and matured into a thing of beauty. What other venue offers such variety? With bars, a DJ booth, a lighting booth, and the ability to accommodate either a standing-room-only concert crowd or a night of butts-in-chairs spoken word, Club Congress is like a shark, always moving forward. We shudder to think of the route it could have taken as a Dillinger-themed club, with snowbirds lining up outside to see the wait staff dressed in gangster clothes.

Runners up:

2. Pearl

445 W. Wetmore Road

888-8084, pearltucson.com

3. Level Bar/Lounge

4280 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 37

615-3835, leveltucson.com