Our Story
Celebrating Over 40 Years
A Tucson Tradition Since 1947
The Wooden Nickel Tavern first opened its doors in 1947 and has operated under this name ever since. The building itself is even older — it was previously the Polish American Club before being converted into a tavern, and before that, served as an old bunkhouse for railroad workers who lived and worked in the area.
In 1984, Joey Varela purchased the business at just 25 years old. He was working as a driver for Golden Eagle Distributors at the time, and the bar was located in a neighborhood where he had many friends. Joey and his family have proudly operated the Wooden Nickel for over 40 years, making it one of Tucson's most beloved neighborhood establishments.
Over the decades, the Wooden Nickel has been the backdrop for countless memories — birthday parties and wedding receptions, baby showers and funeral wakes. As Joey likes to say, "This is where most of the neighborhood comes. It's the living room of the neighborhood."
The Varela family celebrating over 40 years
Through the Years
The building served as a bunkhouse for railroad workers, then became the Polish American Club before its transformation into a tavern.
The Wooden Nickel Tavern officially opens its doors to the Tucson community.
Joey Varela, at 25 years old, purchases the Wooden Nickel and begins the family legacy that continues today.
After a car crashed into the front of the building causing over $150,000 in damage, the bar and walk-in cooler were fully remodeled. The loyal regulars kept coming even during reconstruction with just a temporary bar serving bottled beer.
The Wooden Nickel celebrates 30 years under Joey's ownership, evolving from a typical old neighborhood tavern into a modern sports bar with flat-screen TVs while keeping its welcoming atmosphere.
Celebrating over 40 years of family ownership! The anniversary party tradition continues each year the week before St. Patrick's Day.
More Than a Bar
In 30+ years, Joey has seen the sons and daughters of regular patrons become faithful patrons themselves. When disaster struck in 2007 and a vehicle crashed into the building, it was the community — the regulars who kept showing up — that helped keep the Wooden Nickel alive during the long reconstruction.
"I had a temporary bar with no draft beer or food," Joey recalled. "Just bottled beer and mixed drinks in plastic glasses." But the community showed up anyway.
Today, the Wooden Nickel continues that tradition of community. Call us a sports bar, a country bar, or simply Tucson's favorite neighborhood tavern — what matters is that you're always welcome. Whether you're here for the award-winning wings, the karaoke nights, a game of pool, or just to catch the game with friends, this is your neighborhood tavern.
Come Celebrate With Us!
Our anniversary party typically takes place the week before St. Patrick's Day each year in March. Come say hi to our friendly staff and congratulate Joey on providing the neighborhood a wonderful atmosphere, food, drinks, and fun for over 40 years!
What We Offer
Best Wings in Town
Award-winning wings in 10 delicious flavors. The reason people keep coming back.
12 Flat-Screen TVs
Watch every game. Air-conditioned indoor seating or covered outdoor patio.
Pool Tables
Home to local pool leagues. Open tables most nights to shoot a few games or practice your trick shots.
Karaoke Nights
Thursday 9 PM - Midnight and Saturday 8 PM - 1 AM. Grab the mic!
Happy Hour
Daily drink specials. Happy Hour from 3 - 6 PM every day.
Game Day Catering
Need wings for your party? Call ahead and we'll have them ready for kickoff.