Tucson, Arizonia’s Legendary Regular Human Bartender

Tucson is no stranger to quirky art, but few murals have captured the city’s collective heart like the one of Jackie Daytona at 191 E. Toole Avenue. This Danny Martin original pays tribute to the life of Jackie Daytona, regular human bartender and true Tucson, Arizonia legend.

Jackie Daytona arrived in Tucson under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s. Known for his impeccable manners, unique Tucsonan accent, and ever-present toothpick, Jackie quickly became a pillar of the community. He opened a bar that served as a haven for travelers, outcasts, and the occasional volleyball enthusiast. His knack for solving disputes and his passion for sponsoring local sports teams made him a beloved figure in town.

 

 

While daytime appearances were rare for Daytona, his bar, Daytona’s Place, became a hub for community events and small-town camaraderie once the sun set over the Tucson Mountains. Jackie’s legacy endured long after he disappeared under equally mysterious circumstances, with stories of his generosity and peculiar habits passed down through generations.

The Jackie Daytona Mural

Ok, so Jackie Daytona isn’t a real historical figure. He’s a character from the comedy TV show What We Do in the Shadows. Played by Matt Berry, Jackie Daytona is the alter ego of Laszlo Cravensworth, a centuries-old vampire who poses as a bartender to evade an enemy. 

In the show, Laszlo mentions Tucson in passing, mispronouncing “Arizona” as “Arizonia” in his distinctive British accent. The moment resonated with Tucsonans, and fans of the show embraced the absurdity. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Visit Tucson (@visittucson)

The mural, while technically a tribute to a fictional character, has become a symbol of Tucson’s quirky spirit. It’s proof that even a toothpick and a mispronounced state name can create a legacy—especially in a place as delightfully offbeat as Tucson.

So, while Jackie Daytona may not have actually walked the streets of Tucson, his mural ensures he’ll always have a place in the city’s creative sphere—and in the hearts of fans everywhere.