With Aaron DeFeo

Casino Del Sol: Good Entertainment - See 1,255 traveler reviews, 336 candid photos, and great deals for Casino Del Sol at Tripadvisor. Tucson, Arizona. We visit Arizona for 4 events this season. The first is December 14-17 at the fabulous Casino Del Sol Resort & Sewailo GC in Tucson. We return to Casino Del Sol for a first time event January 11-14, 2021. We conclude our Arizona tour with 'Back to Back' Pro-Ams February 22-25 & March 1-4. This will be our 6th consecutive year hosting Fall. Asino del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, has announced it will close its properties Monday, Dec. 7, for the rest of the year. “Given the rising COVID-19 numbers in the state of Arizona, Pima County and the country, Casino del Sol has made the decision together with the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council to temporarily close Casino del Sol, Casino of the Sun, the Resort, and Estrella at Casino del Sol. Game & Entertainment Centers in Tucson. Casino Del Sol, Tucson: Address, Phone Number, Casino Del Sol Reviews: 4/5. 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ.

If you’re into alcohol, the sky’s the limit at Casino del Sol, says Aaron DeFeo, the casino’s Property Mixologist. A former freelance journalist, DeFeo turned to mixology over a decade ago, honing his craft as Beverage Manager for both Hotel Congress and Maynard’s Market. In 2011, he joined Casino del Sol, where he now oversees the drink program for the five full-service dining restaurants and multiple bars and lounges.

The Berry Bae, featuring Don Q Anejo Rum, Plantation OFTD dark rum, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, fresh citrus, and bolivar bitters.

Casino Del Sol Tucson Arizona Entertainment Guide

Named the 2013 Mixologist of the Year by the Arizona Restaurant Association, DeFeo has helped Casino del Sol curate the largest liquor selection of any bar, casino, resort, or restaurant in the state. The casino’s Tequila Factory restaurant has a collection of close to 200 agave spirits, and PY Steakhouse maintains a collection of nearly 400 whiskeys. And at all times, the casino features eight different hand-selected single barrels of whiskey, tequila, and other spirits (including Whiskey del Bac from local Hamilton Distillers), completely unique to Casino del Sol.

“We serve a wide variety of people and a wide variety of tastes, and we’ve tried to appeal to everyone,” he says. “If you want a really nice whiskey on a big crystal clear ice cube, we can do that. If you want a fast gin and tonic, or even a Bud Light, we certainly have that. We have a selection of Mexican beer, and we can do micheladas. We do fun playful things, too—for example, a Lime in the Coconut, served inside a young coconut.”

Indeed, the drink program provides an impressive range, while also meeting each customer where they are. Patrons can get as simple or as complex as they’d like—poolside margaritas, a lounge drink called The Blueberry Smash made with vodka and fresh blueberries, or a mango-passionfruit mojito at Ume. But even with the simplest of drinks, you’ll be treated to the highest quality ingredients—fresh juices, housemade simple syrups, premium spirits, even the tonic water is excellent—and authentic, “state of the industry” recipes and techniques.

El Cucuy, a cocktail by PY bartender Stephen Kozlowski, featuring Kimo Sabe mezcal, house made fassionola syrup, fresh lime juice & firewater bitters.

If you’re craving a more adventurous drink experience, DeFeo and his team are happy to defy your wildest mixology expectations. The cocktail menu at PY Steakhouse features 32 cocktails (16 originals and 16 classics) made with diverse ingredients, unusual spices, and fresh ingredients. “These cocktails are second to none in the city, in my opinion,” says DeFeo, adding that they’re on par with drinks found in any metropolitan city or entertainment destinations such as Las Vegas.

The drinks program at Casino del Sol leaves no stone unturned, no spirit or technique unexplored, and is truly as vast and diverse as its clientele. And while DeFeo says the selection can be a little overwhelming, he also credits the talented bartenders who can help guide patrons into outstanding choices. Ultimately, he says, “I want to offer unique experiences that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Visit PY Steakhouse at the Casino del Sol for Happy Hour for half-price craft cocktails and half-price on most whiskeys (daily from 4-6pm.) Casino del Sol also offers Top Shelf Thursdays with $5 Grey Goose vodka, Patron Tequila, Johnnie Walker Black, Hendrick's, Crown Royal, and Hennessy all day.

Featured You Might Also Like

5 Only-in-Tucson Spa Treatment…

Tucson’s resort spas make the most of the Sonoran Desert’s bounty by Rita Connelly There’s something special about the Sonoran Desert—the way the sun sets... Read More

Casino del Sol: Deep in the So…

Deep in the Soul of Tucson This is where great entertainment lives, the sun never sets, and magic lives By Lela Scott MacNeil I set... Read More

Taste Tucson in a Glass

A furniture maker's leftover mesquite inspires award-winning whiskey with a Tucson twist. by Debbie Weingarten One evening in 2006, Stephen and Elaine Paul had a... Read More

Deep in the Soul of Tucson

This is where great entertainment lives, the sun never sets, and magic lives

By Lela Scott MacNeil

I set off from Central Tucson, traveling westward in search of adventure. I had heard of a place where the only thing that limits how epic your night will be is how late you can stay up. Already anxious in my car, I couldn’t wait to try my luck and let it ride at the tables, jam out to live music, eat incredible food, and do pretty much anything else I felt like doing.

From the moment the copper tower of Casino Del Sol came into view, rising from the desert sands like a glittering beacon, I could feel the energy resonating from Arizona’s only Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond resort and casino. Managed by the Pascua Yaqui tribe, Casino Del Sol has 215 guestrooms and infinite entertainment options. It was my goal to check off as many as I could in a one-night stay.

As I was checking in, I noticed a dusty film crew lugging equipment through the lobby. When I asked about it at the front desk, they told me that Casino Del Sol is Tucson’s top film spot for indie films and music videos. With views of the Sonoran Desert’s striking deep blues and sage greens, and the sweeping arched ceilings of the resort’s Mediterranean-style architecture, I could see why. A recent cameo was made in the country music-infused comedy You’re Gonna Miss Me (spring 2017), starring Eric Roberts and Morgan Fairchild. I’ll have to see if I can recognize the locations and hopefully say, “I was right there!”

Once in my room, I was delighted to discover that my windows opened up to a dazzling mountain view, a striking mosaic of purple and black with jaunty green saguaros gathered on every peak. You have arrived, the mountains seemed to be telling me, welcoming me to have a Tucson good time. Let’s do this.

Around the world in 20 minutes

First: a late lunch.

As I traveled from one end of the resort to the other, I encountered the Forbes Four-star PY Steakhouse (more on that later), the inventive Asian fusion and sushi bar Ume, 120 types of tequila at the Tequila Factory, live-action cooking stations at the Festa Buffet, Moby’s beach-themed diner, and Streetscape, a New York City-style deli. It was clear: Casino Del Sol is a place that lets you travel the world without ever leaving.

Ume’s décor beckoned me through its bamboo archway with handcrafted paper lanterns, rows of smiling golden Buddhas, and the sweet, savory aromas of cardamom, chili, and lemongrass. I sat down at the sushi bar and ordered a cold beer, because, hey, I’m on vacation and everything about this place makes it clear that the only item on my to do list is: simply enjoy. The server pointed me in the direction of the Playboy Roll and the Derby Roll, which delighted my taste buds with flavors of charred scallop, sweet mango, and crunchy tempura.

What next?

Pool time

Entertainment

With the sun still burning bright in the desert sky, I couldn’t resist spending some quality time by the pool before my afternoon spa appointment. The pool area unfolds into layers of turquoise water and is surrounded by purple mountains. I grabbed a margarita with a salted rim at the Oasis poolside bar and stretched out on a lounger to plot my evening fun. Should I start off in the poker room then head to the high-roller slots? Maybe I’ll take in an exciting concert by someone like Van Halen or James Taylor in the beautiful open-air AVA Amphitheater? Or, shall I revel in nostalgia with the cover band 80’s and Gentlemen in the swank, blue-and-silver-lit Paradiso lounge? Decisions, decisions.

Desert wisdom

Before I knew it, it was time for my spa appointment, so I headed across the lobby to the Hiapsi Spa and Fitness Center to pamper myself for the night ahead. Hiapsi is the Pascua Yaqui word for “heart and soul,” and I was about to learn exactly what that means. I’d signed up for the Desert Flower Ritual, but I was unprepared for the transformative experience that awaited me.

Dana, my technician, exuded a gentle warmth and kindness. We started off with a magnesium and Epsom salt foot bath to draw out toxins and prepare me for the relaxation ahead. Dana then performed a traditional Yaqui cleansing ritual using Copal smoke, a tree sap that burns similar to sage. By the time she finished rubbing hand-selected essential oils into my back, my muscles were pudding and I felt like I was floating.

Let the night begin

While the sun started setting, my day was still just getting started. I invited a friend to join me for dinner and a night of whims. We decided to kick off the fun with one of master mixologist Aaron DeFeo’s renowned cocktails at PY Steakhouse’s bar. DeFeo, or Doc as he’s often called, has made a name for himself in Tucson’s craft cocktail revolution. The bar has the vibe of a top-shelf Las Vegas cocktail lounge—all ebony, mirrors, and sleek white leather, and the cocktails are delightful. I went for the Macao Mule, which involved yuzu lemongrass cordial and Thai basil, and was excellent, but still didn’t stop me from being jealous of my friend’s Night Moves, which mixed Buffalo Trace bourbon, Jamaican rum, honey, lime, and nutmeg, and arrived in an adorable vintage Tiki cup.

From there we moved into the gorgeous dining room, stylishly decorated with white chandeliers, vintage paisley, and gleaming pale wood panels. Rising star Chef Ryan Clark—three-time Iron Chef Tucson winner—came out and gave us some direction as we looked over the menu, which featured grass-fed beef, artisanal cheese, and produce from local purveyors like Doublecheck Ranch, Sleeping Frog Farms, and Black Mesa Ranch. Chef Clark told us how important it was for him to integrate local ingredients into the menu, so that the inventiveness of the food springs from the soul of the local community. A belief we could taste in every bite of our meals.

We ordered a bottle from the wine list (a Wine Spectator award winner) and indulged in an evening of culinary glory. The local Top Knot Farms duck liver paté toast struck just the right balance between rich and tart with its fresh green apple accents. The PY “wedge” salad reimagined the steakhouse favorite with a blue cheese dressing made from local Dragoon Brewery IPA. The cowboy ribeye, dry-aged for 28 days, arrived perfectly cooked and tasted the way steaks only taste in your dreams. By this point, we were pinching ourselves. We decided to finish up with a tasty desert dessert: churros and spicy Mexican hot chocolate laced with local Whiskey Del Bac.

If this had been a typical resort, I probably would have headed up to the room and called it a night. But this was no typical resort, and this was no ordinary night. When I checked in, a staff member told me to sign up for Club Sol, which earns us up to $500 in free game play and the chance to win everything from a bottle of wine to a car to a year’s worth of pay. Yes, please!

We immediately tried our luck at one of the 1,300 slot machines, perched under a glorious painted Mediterranean sky, and won $300 on our first try! Maybe it was the thrill of winning, or maybe it was the liveliness all around us, but we felt the sun always shines here and adventure waits around every corner. Riding our high, we played it all—poker, blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow—chatting with the friendly dealers and praying to Lady Luck to pay us another visit.

Next, we gravitated toward the Paradiso lounge and danced away to 80’s and Gentlemen classics, like “Heart of Glass” and “Ladies Night.” Sweaty and breathless, we ended the night back in the Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne, staring up at a dazzling sky of stars. Casino Del Sol truly captures the best of everything in one place, as I experienced for myself earlier. Tomorrow, after a delicious breakfast in bed, I’d have to return to the everyday, but for tonight, it feels like the magic of Casino Del Sol will last forever.

Featured You Might Also Like

Casino Del Sol Tucson Arizona Entertainment Schedule

Tucson Must-Sees

Southern Arizona's Quick Essential Experiences Guide There’s a lot to see and do in Tucson, from hiking the Catalina Mountains to taking a journey into... Read More

12 Tucson Craft Breweries

Casino Del Sol Tucson Arizona Entertainment

PLEASE NOTE: As of Tuesday March 17, in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 dine-in services have temporarilty been restricted for all restaurants, food... Read More

Casino Del Sol Tucson Arizona Entertainment Shows

Tucson Attractions Passport

Casino Del Sol Tucson Arizona Entertainment Center

Explore Tucson & Southern Arizona Attractions with the Book of Fun The best thing a passport does for you is act as a doorway to... Read More