The Shelter Cocktail Lounge
4155 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85712
The Shelter Cocktail Lounge Menu
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Address :
4155 E Grant Rd
Tucson, AZ, 85712 - Phone (520) 326-1345
- Website https://thesheltercocktaillounge.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :3:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Ricky V.
The Vintage PinBall Machine at the entrance really caught my attention when i walked in and then about 3 bucks before I left. The bar Had a nice ambiance as the curvilinear alcohol trench, filled the room and made fore a somewhat smooth space. An Indoor/Outdoor smoking area nestled inside was cool, until you sat on the high stools, not marketed for their particularly great lounging characteristics. The place was a bit too dark, and no signature drink or particularly amazing specials to be had that Thursday, maybe just the wrong day to go. Im going to agree with another review about the appreciation of the cocktail style and campiness, but will not say that this "adds" to the place. And certainly isn't retro enough to gain adoration or merit. IMO. Parking limited.
(3)Jennifer D.
This place is not typical. It is a blast from the past. Walking in it seems like you are from the 60s-70s era. JFK is all over the walls and it has that feeling of being in what I would assume the time would be like. It is kind of dirty feeling, but it doesn't stop me from going. It is an awesome experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Saba B.
One of the more intrepid mixologists here recently invented the "SB1070," a spicy concoctction involving clamato, hornitos, and hot sauce, among other ingredients, which he claims will bring out the Mexican in you. In fact, he claims, it will chase that Mexican away, eliciting not shouts of "Ayyyy, carrumba!" but "Marge, where did I leave my nine iron?" One drinker claims his guayabera shirt sprouted an alligator. Dios mio.
(4)Paul D.
Absolutely adore this place, especially now that when I go back and visit Tucson is smoke-free. Cool, dark, dive-y, groovy, funky.
(5)Ann B.
First of all, I have to say that I kinda grew up in the Shelter. My parents best friends owned it when I was growing up and my mom worked there on Friday afternoons. Back then, it was a 'family bar' - you could bring your kids, everyone knew each other, there were events to raise money for needy families such as the prom, the 4th of July parade and pie eating contests, the Ten-Ducky Derby, to name just a few. At Christmas, the money raised throughout the year was used to help a needy families buy presents for their children, stock their kitchens with food, pay utility bills and always included a visit from 'Santa'. It was 'home away from home' for a lot of lonely souls and a social gathering spot for neighborhood friends. Although a part of me misses it as it was, the Shelter is still a great place to go and have some cocktails, visit with friends, celebrate a 'milestone' birthday. The 60s, lounge-y vibe is pretty cool, the smoking room is a lot nicer than just hanging around outside a bar to smoke and the bartenders are always friendly and fun! (Shout out to you, Paris!) I have so many memories of the Shelter as it was and as it is now! It's an institution in Tucson, a must for locals and visitors alike.
(4)BRUCE S.
Ok, it is the 1980's and you own a bar built in the 1960's, what should you do? You start shopping and buy 60's decor, like swag lamps, black velvet paintings, Kennedy items, lava lamps and MUCH MUCH MORE! Nowadays, you still could do that, but you would have to be a billionaire!! Back in the 80's this stuff was cheap! Now it is 2011, and you have a great 60's decorated bar to go to with cheap drinks, happy bartenders, vintage pinball machines and more! Fun, Fun! Lucky folks in Tucson!!
(5)G V.
The Shelter is the place to wrap up a night out with the girls or to ramp up for the next part of the night. You can't go wrong with the chocolate martinis. The only problem is they go down too easy!
(4)Justin R.
Favorite dive bar in Tucson. Much different then the typical 4th avenue vibe. The cheesy 70's decor with the JFK and Star Wars memorabilia, the lounge lighting, and the time period furniture all adds to the ambiance and glory that is The Shelter.
(5)Jackie B.
This place is super fun. The drinks were great, and the bartender was awesome. Tried a couple tasty martinis. Just moved to Tucson, and this place actually reminds me a little of a bar back home. In a good way! Will definitely be back... regularly. :)
(5)Barnabas L.
I walked into this place and felt super awkward. I felt like i walked into a Neo Nazi meeting as i was stared down...prolly because i look like im 19. But yah thats the normal greeting i get when i go to a bar. :\ It was as many decades thrown together into a blender and it created the shelter. Im not a bar person but it was fun to be here with friends and talk. There are booths and a pool table in the main room. I didn't go into the side room because thats where all the smoking goes down. So not sure what else to say about this place. The bartenders rock though. They definitly make the best LongIsland here. They have cool wall decorations for sure though! The pictures kind of decieved me because i thought this place was bigger. Definitly not a place where College Students go. Maybe grad students, but i felt like i was there with my parent's friends. I don't think im gonna travel out there for a bar when there is 4th Ave which is closer.
(3)Bianca A.
This is my absolute favorite place in Tucson! Drinks are cheap and service is great plus it's right around the corner from my house. I love love love the decor and on a sweltering summer night there's nothing better than getting an ice cold drink at the Shelter
(5)Ryan J.
hands down the best white russian in town, they use their own chocolate and vanilla bean infused sky vodka. its absolutely amazing.
(5)Ellis H.
Best bar in Tucson! Sometimes it can be hard to find a place to sit, but I've never had a bad drink there.
(5)Ess P.
So kitschy - right outta the 60s. Friendly bartender, good happy hour specials. Fresh bowl of dark pretzels and a $4 Stoli Spanish coffee martini in front of me = happy girl! So glad I forced my other half to go in. Even he loved it and he's Mister Negative. He liked the old foreign movie on the teevee the best. Way dark until the eyes adjust.
(5)Jason L.
Not feeling the normal dive bar scene? The Shelter is your spot. Good bartenders that know how to make a great cocktail. "I want that zucchini gin thing you made me six months ago." "No problem, coming right up." Seriously, if you can't find something to tickle your fancy, just ask and they'll make it up. The price is right, the decor is fascinating, the crowd is diverse, and drinks are good. Definitely one of my favorite places in Tucson.
(5)Eugene W.
Better than it used to be when it had that leering owner off his leash and creeping out every girl in the place. Good drinks and enough kitsch to qualify. Always wished it would have become something special since the building itself is truly something special!
(2)Molly H.
The Shelter is "old reliable". You will always get a good, strong drink. It is never too crowded. And the patrons are always an eclectic mix of bikers, hipsters, actors, and drunks. They have truly great specials each night of the week, and a good happy hour too. The decor was described by a friend as "Swedish", and I really don't know what that means. To me that sounds like an Ikea with a bar, but he is from Sweden so I guess he knows what he is talking about. I love the Shuffleboard, even if you have to venture into the hazy, smoke-filled lair to play. I don't mind too much, it reminds me of my childhood!
(4)Gary S.
This is one of the best drinking bars in Tucson. I love the JFK crochet on the walls. The blond bartender "Kim" is the best. Dark and cold, what every mans mans bar should be.
(5)Matty O.
Shelter is the bar that I compare all other bars too. By far this is my favorite bar of all time. It happens to be one of the first bars I've ever been to as well. It's also a bar that I coined the phrase "shelter it." Like the time my friend Romo and I ditched our own party to go shelter it. Since turning 21, I spent many a-nights here. The bartenders are top notch. They are awesome for suggesting new cocktails or shot concoctions. One bartender I used to be madly in love with. Another bartender used to have Soul Coughing and the Pixies in CD rotations every Sunday and Monday night (yea yea). The doorman, T, is a super great guy who coincidently was from near my old stomping grounds in Indiana. Everytime I'm in the old pueblo, you can be sure to find me sheltering it come night time. Between the great cocktails, the retro decor, classic 60's kung fu movies, what more could you ask for in a bar. If you ever venture out west to Tucson, or if you are a Tu-lo (Tucson Local), you need to check this place out. It was seriously the toughest thing to leave behind when I moved away. I haven't found a bar that I love quite as much ever since. PS. Since I do seem to make it back about 2x a year. I have noticed that it has caught on. Man, how times have changed !
(5)Richa S.
I think with the new age lounges, you can't call this a lounge. It's a dive bar, that's not so much a dive bar because everyone knows about it and loves it. Their eclectic decor rocks. Their martinis rock. I felt stupid for getting one in such a down ass place... but theres nothing pretentious about ordering a martini there. Everyone knows that you're getting them cuz theyre amazing... and not because you're pretending youre some characted from Sex & the City. This place gets crowded fast. There isn't much place to sit.. but it's okay.; I have no problem bumping into people and finding myself in great conversations with great people. The crowd is what its all about. And the bizzare movies that play in the back above the bar... classic. I wouldn't change one thing about this place. Oh yes, that it was closer to my house.
(5)Bonnie G.
Every visit to the Shelter is a pure, adult-flavoured pleasure. In fact, I sometimes wish hot blond bouffant girls wearing feathered sequined bird outfits go-go danced in dangling cages while I sipped my flammeable gin and tiny bit of tonic w/lime. I love the bartenders here, genial, professional, fast. It is incredibly easy to strike up a conversation (and watch guys strike out on ladys having a one-to-one lady friend talk). The donut shaped velvet seating always looks inviting, but I just love being at the bar and being insanely jealous of all their fixtures-from lamps to ceiling lamps to velvet paintings, I imagine Las Vegas had this space age luxe glamour in the '60s as well. Despite lack of food and wanting jukebox and not enough seating, the ambiance and strong cheap drinks overrule even the possiblity of detracting a star.
(5)Ivette O.
Cheap stiff drinks.
(5)D D.
My previous visits to Shelter were over 11 years ago and not only was I happy to see that it still exists, but that it hasn't lost its kitschy comfort. Good tunes, reasonable pricing & attentive bartenders in a great atmosphere makes Shelter my destination when in Tucson.
(5)gaby g.
Rad little gem with a 60's vibe decor-wise (lots of JFK and RFK crochet, weird tchotchkes, etc). But, don't go on the weekend unless you're a UA undergrad.
(4)J J.
I cannot understand why everyone likes this place... it isn't a dive, it is a dump.
(1)Mike A.
Shuffleboard and the best white Russian I've ever. Had. That's really all you need to know. Oh, and some killer martinis.
(5)Madeline G.
Shelter is a cool place. Very crowded on a Saturday night, but tons of parking. Cool decor and 60's vibe inside. Used to be a real-life bomb shelter...hence the name. It is more quiet with better drink specials on the weekdays. Everyone should check it out because it is so unique. Fun place to grab a drink or take a date. There is a pool table too.
(4)Moeymann J.
Me and my lovely other half sometimes need a little getaway, this place is like going back in time..cocktails are great, I prefer the Sierra Nevada pint in a ice cold frosty glass, and she is down for the Appletinis...this is the place, love it!!
(4)Jasmine M.
THE quintessential cocktail dive bar. Nobody does it better, seriously. Perhaps that's why I'm so attracted to the NiteLite in Seattle. This places is about the ONLY thing I miss about not living in Tucson anymore.
(5)Emily R.
One of my favorite bars in Tucson! My favorite part about this bar is the retro decor...very 60s. There are lava lamps, leopard print, pinball machines, glitter, fur, you name it they got it! I love the fact that they have designated indoor smoking room. I don't smoke, but all of my friends do so it's nice to go hang out in there and catch up while playing a game of shuffleboard too! They have a menu of signature drinks, I must say, the Alien Secretion martini is pretty rad!
(5)Tyler S.
Best bar in this part of town.
(5)Leah B.
$2.50 wells. Awesome smoking room with a mad Kennedy theme. Like the atmosphere. Drinks are cheap and strong!
(4)Tim O.
Until Jaz reminded me of this place with her review, I had forgotten about the Shelter - most likely the best bar in all of Arizonaland. Their Pyramid Apricot Ale on tap tasted amazing, their JFK memorabilia was hilarious and I always won on their pool table. I miss the Shelter dearly.
(5)Dani K.
By far, The Shelter is my favorite bar in the world. It is the Tucson equivalent of the Winchester. I am something of a heliophobe, so the comfortably dark, cool bar has always been a huge draw for me. The red and black leopard print bar (and corresponding bar furniture) add a seedy, bordello feel, and the kitschy black velvet paintings and JFK-era memorabilia inject a hint of the dive side of the Force. The Shelter is often classified as the "nicest dive you'll ever meet," and I cannot say that I disagree. There is one pool table, with (predictably) red felt, but I do warn you, the rails are completely dead, so you can kiss your bank shots goodbye. Drink specials are updated on a regular basis, and you can find movies ranging from The Temple of Doom to Double Indemnity playing on the TV screens. If you're an afternoon drunk like I am, the doors open up at 3PM. I can be found circling the parking lot at 2:55 like a kid waiting for the candy shop to open. Finally, the kind owner of the establishment recently added an enclosed smoking section with air conditioning(wow!), a pleasingly tacky waterfall, and a shuffleboard table. So, you can drink AND smoke in peace yet again, my friends. I don't make it out to that side of town(Grant and Alvernon) as much as I used to, but whenever I can, I always know that Jeremy, Paris, and the rest of the crew are waiting to serve me some whiskey.
(5)Eliot E.
What a swanky place! Everything about this place oozes retro cool. The bartenders are very attentive and friendly, and the drink specials are pretty good depending on the night. It has a smoking room too, but unfortunately it smells like a giant ashtray.
(4)Maurice G.
This is the only bar in Tucson that has ever impressed me enough to want to go back. Its not a dive bar, but its certainly Tarantino-kitsch. If i were ever to film a movie, this is where i would shoot the first act. Their pours are strong, and the 3 times i've been here I nearly fell off my stool, but since everything is so plush, I'm sure i would have been dandy. If I were to compare this bar to anything, it would be Shady's in Phoenix, Club DeVille in Austin, or the Red Room in San Francisco. The only negative is that its a bit of a drive off the main bar district, but not so bad that it loses a star over it.
(5)Luka L.
I love everything about this place. The drinks, atmosphere and staff are all great.
(5)Mindy S.
Great bartenders, awesome drinks, kitschy decor and a smoking room - 5 stars!!!
(5)William P.
I love this place. When I don't feel like making the drive and hoofing it to the bars downtown I stop here. Great retro vibe & decor, drink specials every night. Never a bad drink here and I wouldn't call myself a regular, just an "every so often" kind of customer. Bartenders are fast and attentive, and I will sit at the bar in a heartbeat if there is an open spot for my friend(s) and I.
(5)Lauren C.
Very fun bar! Super cheap, but I am also used to LA drink prices. Ambiance is very cool, lots to look at and talk about. We even played the video games they have for a dollar and shuffle board. Only downside is shuffle board is in the "smokin room" and is short. Bartenders are very friendly and there is also pool.
(5)Brian H.
I started going to the Shelter when it reopened as a bar sometime around 1995 or 96. The 60's decor and atmosphere is swanky and dive at the same time. I had many a great nights there. I especially remember the owner hanging out in a smoking jacket and pimp cup (old owner). LOL
(4)Heather M.
Crowd is iffy - sometimes it's a Friday and you have some pleasant leg room, and sometimes it's a Friday and I'm walking out the emergency exit. I hate hate hate martinis but I had their signature Alien Slime Booze. Or Alien Blood Banger. Alien Sex Fiend? Alien Bird Flu? I have a bad memory because that thing got me wasted in two sips. Highly recommended.
(4)Melissa H.
The Shelter is one of the many places I wish I could pick up and move to Phoenix. This was the bar of my power hour and one sip of that "Alien Secretion" and I was hooked. Great music and an atmosphere that does not take itself too seriously, and neither do the patrons. The Shelter has the potential to be over run by hipsters but surprisingly its not. The Shelter is a prime example of all the reasons I love Tucson.
(5)Shelly F.
This is a good stylish bar to go to when you wanna avoid the 4th Ave. or Downtown crowds. Ample parking. I like the indoor (ventilated) smoking patio with the shuffleboard. Seems like whenever I drive by, they advertise some unusual martini on their sign. The last night I went, I had their chocolate martini (which didn't taste like a martini at all but was still enjoyable). The beers on tap aren't bad either. They have plenty of seating and booths, and it's dark enough to have an intimate conversation with friends.
(4)Gneiss H.
I love love the Shelter! Great atmosphere and awesome friendly bar tenders!
(5)Vande R.
Tacky, divey, spangly, and fun, like the cliche of the old hooker in velour leopard print with a gin-and-gravel voice and a heart of gold, the Shelter is a kick. Efficient bartenders pour strong drinks and mix up some great specialties--try some of the in-house infused tequila for a tasty change--and the crowd is easy to watch or easy to ignore, depending on what you're in the mood for. Has a much more festive atmosphere than a lot of your seedier places, just as it should. Well worth a visit if you've never been.
(5)lisa w.
I think I'm here at least twice a week. Great happy hour specials, great staff, great mix of people, great pours :) I love it.
(5)Loren A.
Damn fun place. Good times. Good drinks. Amazing eye-candy stuff to look at. This place hasn't changed a bit in YEARS. I totally MISS The Shelter! I've ALWAYS felt comfortable there sitting on the plastic vinyl seats, while seeing all the dazzling lights, the incredibly strong drinks being served, and all that crazy-ass music/movies playing in the back of the bar. No such place just like The Shelter out there.
(5)sean m.
If you like kitschy then this should be on your list. If this place was in Chicago it would be one of my favorite night spots.
(4)Arissa C.
Fasten your seatbelt for 50's ride back to JFK's era-- complete with Elvis's music and dont forget the martini- make that two ;-) Local bands sometimes grace the evenings or wait for Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace to dance it up on the floor...
(5)Tiffany T.
great drinks. awesome staff, great smoking section. LOVE the atmosphere
(5)Jay K.
One of my two favorite watering holes in town (Plush being the other). First off, the bartenders are uniformly amazing. They mix pitch-perfect drinks, have an expansive knowledge of obscure mixology, and are pleasant to talk to. As a side note, they also have outstanding, eclectic taste in music. It's not uncommon to hear the Pixies, followed by Willie Nelson. Prices are reasonable, and nightly specials make the place even more attractive. The clientele is a relatively chill mix of late-20-something hipster dufuses (like myself), subdued rocker types, the occasional biker, and 40ish middle-of-the-roaders. This is not a place where fights break out. People will neither hassle you nor get up in your business. The decor is early 60s mod-chic and feels cavelike and inviting. This place is one of the reasons to love Tucson.
(5)Jessica R.
A friend of mine lives within walking distance of the Shelter, and she'd avoided the place because it looked so divey. But after reading great reviews and realizing the potential to save on cab fare, we decided to check it out. We came a little too early on a Monday night, as it was really quiet, but I saw great potential and the packed parking lot most nights I was in town I think speaks to its popularity. The decor is retro cool, and I wished we'd gone back to check out the weekend crowd.
(4)Susan R.
I really love this bar! Nothing special about the drinks or service, just great atmosphere! I always feel comfortable at the Shelter.
(5)Simon P.
loved this place little hard to find but once your in the place was awsome
(5)Matt P.
We used to hang out here all the time after work. The place is great. Great dive. They always have a funny movie playing on the tv(even though you cant hear it I think its cool). JFK is plastered all over the wall among other random things which I think adds to the atmosphere. most of the people you meet there are cool. Definitely recommend it
(4)Adam D.
best bar in tucson.
(5)Michael F.
Go check it out if you've never been. We used to go all the time and always had a good time. So much campy, mid-century eye-candy here! They play some funny B movies on the TV too which can be fun to check out while sipping your martini. It's small, so be prepared for crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.
(4)gal p.
walking in here filled me with incurable sadness - well, sadness that was only cured by walking promptly out and into the doorway of a bar down the street! iqwhefoiwehflq
(1)Brian M.
OK bar, nice hole in the wall, good pool table but overpriced drinks for tucson. Of the dives it is a nice one!
(3)Stephanie S.
This is a good bar to just chill out, drink and talk with friends. It is a nice change from the Greek (frat/sorority) infested bars near the University. The drinks are really good. Mid-20s to 30s crowd.
(4)Summer M.
Love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is just awesome and the bartenders are super nice, attentive, and they even remember names. I love the movies they play on the tv; most are classics that date me, but they've also played Forrest Gump and Labyrinth. And of course, the drinks are amazing! I'm usually a beer drinker and love that they offer Kiltlifter, but my favorite mixed drinks so far are the honeybee sour and their version of the white Russian, which is delicious. I love that I can sit here with friends and family of all ages and not have to shout over loud music (except perhaps on the weekends) and just enjoy a drink and a chat. Definitely a hidden gem of Tucson!
(5)Teresa L.
Something about this place is quite addictive. It may not look like much, or even a bar, on the outside but it's a nice quaint dive bar on the inside. It's pretty small- a bar, couple booths and several tables. But it's nice a cozy full of good music, disco ball, retro decorations. For somewhere I never really heard of, there's a surpringly good number of people who are always at this bar on the weekends. The bartenders are nice, the table and floors ARENT sticky and the people are just having a good time. You won't find any twerking or too belligerent drunks here. Drinks are a fair price. Lots of different drink specials for everyday of the week. My favorite so far has to be the Alien Secretion Martini :)
(4)Katrina C.
It's been a long time since I've gone, but I love this bar. The décor is off the hook and I love the ever changing drink specials. The infused vodkas are soo good and I think her name is Jill (IDK for sure) but the bartener with the dreads and crazy unique style is my favorite. Her and Paris.
(5)Nathan A.
"You gotta have tits or sleeves," was what the doorman told us. Unfortunately my brother had neither, and we were denied entry. I've previously been to the Shelter dozens of times, and am quite shocked this dive bar would be so offended by a sleeveless shirt on a Tucson summer night. I understand establishments may want to set a dress code, but this one is sexist, discriminatory, and most likely illegal. What is most offensive is the apparently standard phrasing in which they inform potential patrons. They might as well say "I want to look at boobs, not your man-arms." The doorman then went on to explain that "5-star restaurants have dress codes too..." Really, the Shelter is comparing itself to a 5-star restaurant? Hint-you're a dive bar, and 5-star restaurants don't have sexist and discriminatory dress codes. Ladies, if you want to be ogled by creepy middle-aged men, this is the place for you!
(1)Monica F.
Travel back to the heady days of the Cuban missile crisis in a bar that also doubles as a time capsule from 5 decades ago. The drinks are on point, the staff and patrons are friendly, and images of JFK smile down upon you from every perspective. It's dark and the music is good; typically, I don't like bars, but if I have to be in one, I prefer for it to be dark with good music. There's a suit of armor in one corner, playing cards stuck to the ceiling, a wall covered in mirror tile. The whole situation is just funky as hell. I would give it 5 stars but there was a weird cleaning product smell I didn't like when I came in.
(4)Bobby M.
First night in town meeting friends and it just so happen to be Martini Day at The Shelter. Well, that was the original plan... Spirits were still on the menu, but there was a true array on this evening. I read Isabella J's highlight on White Russians and as I haven't had one in some time (and I'm a fan of The Dude and his Caucasians) I made it happen. I imbibed this glorious beverage whilst Willy Wonka played in the background. I was not disappointed in the least... It was oh-so-delicious. I then moved on to a coffee inspired Martini, and it was also awesome. You know what else was awesome... The server and her suggestions. She was on it, and by that I mean on her game. I've come to expect no less from the Shelter and it's staff. But wait, the adventure continues. My buddy arrived and ordered the "Spicy Lemonade." I inquired, he looked at me silly, and then I saw them... Three different infused alcohols...! And so I ordered one as well. I was impressed. Very impressed. All in all. For my first night it was a great start to my small vacay in Tucson. Great friends, great drinks, and it was in a great bar. I have to thank the staff at the Shelter for a great time. Keep it up, and don't change.
(5)Jennifer L.
A must-go classic Tucson drinking establishment. Great vibe, lava lamps, Kennedy/Beatles memorabilia and genuine talent behind the dimly lit bar. They can turn their infused vodkas into a work of art (I hear). I'm a good vodka/soda type of girl but even something as simple as that, seems to just taste oh-so-much better here (dangerously so). And when I'm feeling risky, they make a dirty Chopin martini that makes me swoon (yes, swoon is an appropriate adjective for this place). Come have some fun!
(5)Kimberly W.
I kinda love this place. It is magnificently hipsterrific in the best way. Best martini bar in Tucson.
(4)Rich Y.
5 stars for serving amazing martinis and cheap Fireball that make me forget how to count to 5. 5 stars for magazines on a table by the restrooms so you have reading material, should you need it. 4 stars for the uncomfortable seating. The bar seats are ok; the booths are worn and saggy and become painful about two drinks in. Rich's recommendation: gin martinis, vodka martinis, specialty martinis, I'm sure they can even make a Fireball martini.
(4)Mimi M.
This place feels like it fell out of the Beatles era, however it is a fun place to grab a booth and a good drink. The martinis here are fabulous, the prices are excellent, and the dark, quiet, intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a chill night with friends and good conversation.
(5)Allison M.
The atmosphere is amazing, small, so get here early and slide up to the bar and watch a cheesy movie and make sure you order a bloody mary with their garlic and jalapeno vodka...or have a key lime pie cocktail...oh yesss....bathrooms are clean, upstairs is cosy so you can grab your significant other and have a quiet drink. I'll go to this establishment again and again!
(5)Tony Y.
This is our favorite dive bar in Tucson. Yes, the drinks can be a bit pricey, but if you only go a couple times a month, it's not too bad. And yes, it is dark, what do you expect, it is a classy dive bar. You want lights, go to a disco or rave club, plenty of light there. If you want a relaxing, friendly bar, this is it. Paris makes the second best Bloody Mary in Southern Arizona, next to mine. They are also known for their great martini drinks of all flavors, got to try at least one. Christmas is coming and you don't want to miss the traveling bus load of Santa Claus' and their sexy elves rushing in for a dive bar crawl drink then rush out. Better than the flying Elvis'. And to the guy whining about not letting his red-neck brother in because he wasn't wearing a real shirt, the Maverick is right up the road, and take your one star with you, we don't need your kind around here.
(5)Ayla R.
This place is a great little martini dive! It is away from the University, 4th Ave and Downtown districts, which is needed sometimes. The cocktails are strong and the bartenders are likable. The place is held up by regulars ranging from young lawyers to old veterans. A good place to have a calm and impactful conversation with a stranger or enjoy a craft martini by an expert!
(4)Jinny H.
The lemon drop was amazing! The drinks are delicious, and as far as I can tell, service is one of the best. Friendly people - I would definitely go again.
(5)Bailey H.
Do not let the over whelming smell of urinal cake lead you from the quality this bar produces. Delicious infused vodkas and a throw back atmosphere of the 60's makes this bar the best in Tucson. The people that frequent are from all different social groups making conversation interesting. Best dive bar in Tucson!
(4)Missy M.
Lets start with the positives. LOVE the whole atmosphere! The wallpaper, JFK and the Beatles, lava lamps it had it all. The bartender was super nice. Then I had the drink...cucumber martini should be lite and refreshing. This tasted sweet and thick. It came in a half size martini glass. The coffee was just ok.
(3)David B.
Three stars only for the wacky interior and great bartender. Two stars off for watered down booze. The vodka special was remarkably cheap. $3 Absolut. I expect a little ice melted from the shaker but not so much that you can't taste the bite of the vodka. Tasted like tap water.
(3)Zack S.
One of my favorite bars in all the world...diamond pattern and animal print walls + old movies x good drink specials = awesome!
(5)William B.
Groovy bar with a delicious drink "Adios Motherf(fill in the blanks)" which is a glass of blue wonderfulness. Good prices, nice atmosphere. Totally a time warp out of the 60's. And they love JFK here. There's a smoking room with table shuffleboard and Centipede; and also there's a pool table. The bar is the place to sit and chill with the cool bartenders. Nice vibe, fun place to drink and get your retro groove on!
(4)Amanda B.
Well, it is a dive bar. The lighting is really dark, and that is very much for the best because you do not want to see what it really looks like in there. The pool table is in the lofted red room. I kind of felt like I should be wearing gloves in there. But, overall, the bartender was great, drinks were very strong and it was a good stop on our tour of dive bars.
(3)Isabella J.
A Tucson Classic All The Way. Many say they make the best martini in town, but it's all about the White Russians here. The dim lighting and 60-70s memorabilia instantly transport you back in time. Sparkly booth seating and a lava lamp behind the bar are only really minor details that contribute to the awesomeness that is The Shelter. The staff is always ready to show you a good time with their friendliness and badass cocktail making skills. How about their happy hour that lasts until 8pm? Plus, you can catch a food truck round here at least once a month.
(5)John C.
Awesome retro 1960s dive with pool table. Friendly staff who know how to make proper drinks. Good beer on tap. Nice and dark with cool decor. Definitely a solid spot for some drinks.
(5)Christy F.
I love everything about this place! You step inside and it is dimly lit (which is the way a bar should be) and once your eyes adjust you think to yourself, I have been time warped, or Dr. Who has brought me along to explore the time space continuum, or you look around for Marty McFly, who must have kidnapped you in his time traveling Delorean, perhaps my fiance's vehicle has a flux capacitor that I am not aware of? "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on" spoke John F. Kennedy....and so true, the idea, feeling and vibe of the 60's is alive inside of the Shelter! The walls are decked out in Kennedy memorabilia, including a particular gem, the illuminated Kennedy. Velvet paintings adorn the girl's and boy's wash rooms. A sign is hung that karaoke is not allowed. Funky lamps abound and the quintessential lava lamp is behind the bar. Outside of the sheer coolness of the retro-dive bar of my dreams, the second coolest thing is there are three infusions! I had the Thai chili, hornitos lemonade (bartender's fav)...it had a nice spicy heat to it...quite lovely! And the Amsterdam chocolate vanilla infused skyy made a stellar white Russian. And yes, like others, I wanted to bottle it, bathe in it, swim in it, perfume myself in it..... I am imagining the multi-peppered infused skyy, that I did not try, would be perfect in a bloody. Fear not hipsters, they have your beloved PBR, in a can. Yet, yeah for me, they also have Ace Pear cider on draft...really, they have something for everyone, including old movies being played on the TV. If you are like Drew Berrymore, who has smoked since she was 9, you are in luck...they have a well ventilated smoking room, with tables and seats, drinks are welcome. I cannot wait for a repeat visit. They had 5 dollar stoli martinis on special that day...plus a food truck round up...and they did not seem to mind if you noshed inside. Happy hour until 8!
(5)Zoya N.
Totally wacky decor with great cocktails - definitely worth checking out.
(4)Francy L.
I love the shelter!!!! They have the best bloody Marie's I've ever had. I also love their margaritas! Yum! My boyfriend loves the White Russians and their infused drinks, which are definitely tasty and delicious. I love the atmosphere too, and the theme! 60's beetles, JFK, and old movies. They have a pool table, video games and other games that just make the night a lot more fun. The bartenders have always been vey nice too! This is one of my frequent hang outs! :)
(5)Ty F.
For dive bars, I rate it a 5. Nice vibe here from the Sputnik lamp to the fiber optic fountain sculpture thingy. The bartender was very friendly and happy hour has good prices. The old pinball machine by the door moves slowly, but then again so did life back then in the Pinball Wizard days when the machine was made. Good cocktails, interesting throw-back to the 70s decor! Check it out!
(5)Brittany M.
This place is an absolute gem. I'm sad I did not know about this place sooner and even more sad that I moved away and can't come as often. Jeremy and Paris are like "the perfect wife" : greet you, stick a martini in your hand and indulge you in good conversation. I remember coming in once and telling them I want to expand out of my typical drinks and try something new and that I was interested in learning to like Gin. They poured me 4-5 small samples of different types and lead me through basically a tasting of all of them to help me learn and find my favorite. (It's No. 209 Gin) You wouldn't find many bartenders willing to do that. I spent quite a few nights here hanging out with my friends and boyfriend turned fiance, so it only seemed fitting to come in and write my wedding vows when we were back in town to get married. There is no drama and people running around screaming. Just a relaxing atmosphere and good memories!
(5)Mark A.
Lets face it this the only place like it in the city. Every time I go in it feels like an occasion, from the lighting to the decor. The service is decent and it is clean as well. I don't drink and they did not make me feel like a second class citizen. This sixties vibe should be experienced by all love swank and kitch.
(5)Anikka C.
Very laid back, n8ce/good service. A place to chill for a drink or to get rowdy with friends. More of a low key place. Small dive bar :)
(5)Christopher K.
It had been years since the last time I 'd been to The Shelter. I make sure it is not so long before I go again. I had a great time.
(4)Emily C.
I love everything about The Shelter! The bartenders are friendly and attentive (even when busy), and the drinks go down smoothly- maybe even a little too smoothly. I've tried their famous Caucasian (delicious!), Bloody Mary and even their Bloody Mary Martini (my personal favorite). They have several infused vodkas and also a good beer selection. Note that no food is served, but they usually have a food truck outside. They have a huge room of old VHS tapes in the back and show old movies. The Shelter reminds me of a bar that The Dude would drink at- and that's a good thing. Cheers!
(5)Morgana L.
What a classic. The Shelter never changes, and that's a good thing. High points of this place include: The indoor smoking patio (heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer) -- I don't smoke, but several of my friends do and it's nice to be able to hang out with them without going outside. The amazing cocktails -- especially the Caucasian and the Bloody Mary. The bartenders are also knowledgeable and will make you pretty much anything to your taste. The decor -- I don't think it's changed since the 70s and it's such a throwback, full of vintage conversation pieces. Your eyes will never be bored, whether sitting at the bar or in one of the cozy booths. Also, I spent the best New Year's Eve of my entire life here, with no cover charge, crowded and happy but not over-crowded, and the usual drink specials and excellent rock music. In short, The Shelter is the ultimate dive bar with appeal for all.
(5)Kelly L.
best bartenders in town! always come up with something fun if you let them and are very friendly. great atmosphere and you'll always have something to talk about with their fun decor. I enjoy going for happy hour - not too crowded so you can grab a funky retro booth to hang in
(5)Jodi H.
Clap you hands if you feel like a room without a roof! My love for the Shelter is always, forever, and unending. Get your drink on in this awesomely relaxed atmosphere. Great drinks, great prices, great bartenders... You just have to check it out! Step back in time when life was more simple, more relaxed and more meaningfull. Put away your cell phones, have a drink with the one you love and talk to them face to face.
(5)Mike S.
I found this place to be very friendly with a very eclectic mix of people, I saw a gentleman in a suit standing next to a girl with a shaved head and tiny bangs who was talking to gay couple of guys and two college hippy kids. They play a great mix of 80's and 90's and the prices were cheap from the signs I saw . They gave me club soda for free even. The restroom was clean as well.
(5)Ashley G.
Update: this bar is still the best! It's always fun to try the long martini list of drinks. When taking my friend to the shelter we got 3 martinis apple pie(not on list ask for it!) if was the best one! Not too much foam it tasted just like apple pie not too much taste of the liquor. Creamsicle was ok it was too foamy for my taste from mixing orange juice and liquor and the last but not least the coffee martini tasted like the chocolate martini not the best but it was decent. I look forward to drinking alien secretion next time looks interesting. This bar never gets crazy it's always laid back with fast great service. They fill the drink to the top so it's worth the money it's about 7$ for a martini it's decent prices makes it the gem of tucson.
(5)Gabriela F.
Holy cow, new favorite bar! I had never been into the shelter, and last week was my first time. I always thought it was a gay bar, and although I have nothing against gay bars, I just assumed it wasn't really my style. I think the rainbow colored lights led me astray. Oh boy was I wrong! This place is awesome. Although I am biased because I am in love with all things kitsch, mid-century and glitter! Most of the seats are some sort of patent leather or glitter vinyl, the decorations on the walls and all around are from mid-century, and JFK velvet paintings rule the walls. We played shuffleboard, their table is warped but it just makes it more challenging. Be sure to check out the fountain on the patio as well as the bathrooms. Tips? Wear leopard print and glitter, do try the fancy drinks.
(5)Kim B.
Very funky vibe and great place for a drink. The bartender (Jeremy?) was awesome. Had a spicey infused lemonade, followed by a ginger/gin concoction. Will be back!
(5)Rob C.
I've been going to The Shelter for years. The location and atmosphere is always great! The atmosphere is always the same, a cool anti-culture "lounge" feel that you have to love. I've lived near The Shelter for over 5 years, and have went there for near 10 years. They have great drinks for years, good pours. And the usually have specials that are worth going.
(5)Stephanie G.
My friend and I like to hang out here, especially after a long day of work. The crowd is diverse and laid back. Jeremy is by far the nicest bartender I've come across in Tucson.
(4)Kyle S.
I have come here on and off for years. It is my favorite place to chill and have a cocktail and then get on my way. It isnt a dive bar per se, it is a place that is defiantly and deliberately stuck in the sixties. Hell when the state mandated no smoking except out doors and in enclosed patios. This place built an extension that is every bit as swanky as the rest of it but it has a screen metal wall so it is technically a patio (which is the best place to sit on a stormy night with some friend playing a game of shuffle board). A "Shelter White Russian" made with the infused vodka was about $5 and it was AWESOME, you cant beat that with a stick. To address another review here, I have been going to subway, taco bell, and McDonalds and their prices have been steadily going up over the last 15 years too! Its called inflation vs nostalgia, and yeah some bartenders are better than others just like every other job, but from where I stand it has always been that way. Cheap drinks will always suffer from inconsistency. It is just an inconsistent $3 drink is easier to handle than a $5 one. And when bars in general are charging $5 they usually pay more attention to how much booze makes it in too.
(5)Drew C.
The Shelter is my go to spot when I need a break or want to meet up with old friends. The drinks are great, the price is great, and the bartenders treat you like you're an old friend (even if you're a loud drunk). The music is always wonderful and nostalgic, and the old movies are eclectic and fun. On top of all this it's really cool seeing people from absolutely every walk of life all mingling together in this one small dive bar. I would give it ten stars if I could.
(5)Monique H.
Ohhh the beautiful, almighty, wonderful Shelter. My favorite dive bar in the whole entire world. They have the same bartenders that they did when I was sneaking in with a fake id at 19, really awesome people. Since that time, the Shelter has added an area off the bar where you can smoke and play shuffle board. I can spend all day here, and I have.
(5)Jennifer F.
I love this place! Positive: their house vanilla vodka is amazing and so is their white Russians! It is a divey type atmosphere with a all walks of life hanging out there Negative: it is kind of expensive for some of their signature drinks
(4)Eric R.
Have you ever gone out of town and come across that weird, quirky bar that quickly defines your trip by serving up good, cheap drinks and draws you in with interesting locals, good music and funky decor? The Shelter was that bar for me for my trip to Tucson!!! It could not have been further from where I was staying but all of the reviews and recommendations from locals made this a MUST for me. I was not disappointed and as an amateur-professional barfly, it has been a LONG time since I've come across a bar that I've loved this much. The inside is over-the-top retro, 60's kitsch. They keep it dark but lit with red lights so it's really a cool relaxed atmosphere. The walls are adorned with Beatles posters, portraits of the Kennedy's and a whole other plethora of 60s memorabilia. The smoking patio is fully enclosed and they have a cool, huge vase/fountain thing going on at the back. And they have an old 80s video game....I THINK it was Centipide. The two bar tenders were so sweet and attentive and they made a vodka soda that almost knocked me on my ass. I sadly could only say for a few drinks because the way the pour 'em here, I would have wound up dead, in jail or stuck with a $60 cab fare. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I would take another trip to Tucson to come to this bar, but when I feel like getting out of Phoenix again and I know that there will be drinking involved, Tucson and The Shelter will be at the top of my list. This bar should be on any seasoned drinkers "Must" list. It is one-of-a-kind, reasonably priced with good service, and good times.
(5)Christina D.
My first time at the Shelter was last Friday. I loved the hipster dive bar feel. I had the Poma Lama, which is a pomegranate martini that is to die for. I wish I was not driving that night because the martini list looked amazing and they make them incredibly strong, but fantastically delicious.This place is really chill and I had no idea that it would actually get loud and crowded later in the night. Service was great. The bartender was nice and fun to chat with. They had Rocky Horror Picture Show playing on the TVs. It was just a lot of fun!
(4)Luc G.
If you like sexist discrimination and rude bouncers this place is for you. After having drinks at a wonderful new high-end cocktail lounge (Sidecar) a group of friends and I decided to head to The Shelter, only to be rudely refused entry because I was wearing a sleeveless shirt. Why was this a problem? Because as their policy stands women may enter sleeveless but not men. Gross. Speaking to the owner I was told they have loaner shirts (yuck) but I was never offered this, just brusquely told I couldn't come in. The owner also attempted to defend the sexist policy saying "You couldn't go into a 5 star restaurant without sleeves." If The Shelter was a 5 star restaurant and not a dive bar, that might have resonated, but since I was actually dressed stylishly and had been enjoying cocktails at a much nicer bar earlier in the evening without issue, that reasoning seemed ludicrous. The dress code is absurd, provincial, and sexist. Period.
(1)Egon V.
Funky and cool. Paris the bartender takes care of his people. You will never go thirsty here. Step back in time and enjoy.
(3)T A.
Great little neighborhood bar. This place is cozy, the drinks are good, and the bartenders are attentive.
(4)Vanna C.
Very cool place. When I showed up it was nearly empty. Got a chance to check out the amazing memorabilia! This place has the 50s-60s ambience but its not slick or commercial, its authentic. Drinks are well priced. i had the white russian (good) and the key lime pie (great). Can't wait to try some of the others! So -- I also expected the bartender to be snobby or remote, but he was a very cool, relaxed, friendly guy and made the visit even better. It's gonna be fun -- Hope the place is rocking on my next visit!! Recently discovered that the Shelter was designed by a noted Arizona architect. Spent NYE here and had a blast!!! As Christy said, I love everything about this place. Best of Tucson (as it used it be, as I wish it still was...)
(5)Dave P.
So I get a lot of messages from people telling me that they like my reviews and they would like me to review more things. My stock reply is usually something like: "I will be happy to review your handjob skills behind a Dairy Queen dumpster of your choosing during the next winter solstice" and then I never hear back and return to whatever it is I do. The other day I got a message from someone who didn't fawn over my reviews but just flat out asked to go on a date with me because she liked my reviews so much. She made allusions to classical mythology and her epistles really had an air of mystery about them. I was pretty sure she was either a witch, Natalie Portman, or an FBI cyber agent trawling for social network perverts. She initially wanted to meet at the Buffet but after I deferred selected the Shelter. At this point I was approaching rigors of curiosity. I had to see her. I sat at the U-shaped bar, in the electric darkness, watching 'Trading Places' and drinking a Dewar's on the rocks. At the other end of the bar a woman furiously typed an email and tried to establish eye contact with every singleton male in the room, which amounted to myself and a moon-faced man who appeared to be suffering from a cluster A personality disorder. I methodically glanced around the bar and saw that everyone looked wan, broken, incomplete in the electric darkness. 100 years of stale tobacco smoke has been entrapped in the upholstery of the place and slowly leaks out probably staining the inside of your lungs benzene yellow with every breath. I stared into a mirror and saw the same look of bored desperation tattooed on my face. The slatternly bartender came over and told me that I looked familiar and asked my name. I told her that I had never been there before and walked out. Also, the White Russians prepared with homemade vanilla infused vodka should really be tried at least once.
(3)Nicole W.
The Shelter is my favorite bar in town and its not only because they have Hoegaarden on tap, though that helps. The first time I mentioned going there my mother's jaw dropped and she exclaimed, "I used to go there when I was 19!" I am a fan of dive bars and this is as divey as it gets. Argyle walls, the largest JFK memorabilia collection West of the Mississippi (I wish I remembered who fed me that little tidbit), crazy movies, a pool table usually doesn't steal your quarters and of course the toy machines in the bathrooms which were particularly hilarious as a college student when the Shelter was our last stop. If I want to meet up with a group of friends for a great night, this is always on the list.
(5)Dani S.
This place isn't bad, kind of dark and dingy, but I guess that's the beauty of The Shelter. I came here on a blind date, this being the suggestion by the person I was meeting up with. The drinks were great, amazing, and fantastically priced. The bartenders were two strange guys, but totally harmless and friendly. It was decorated for Christmas, which I thought was kind of hokey, but whatever, it's Tucson. My company got a few White Russians, which tasted like an ice cream sundae...such a treat. I got a Long Island, which was almost as good as Congress, but not quite. They are generous with shot portions and the price is right. I think it's great they have an indoor patio for smokers, which is great when it's Tucson hot or Tucson cold out. I would gladly come back again.
(5)Jeff C.
Well I left a negative review a few weeks ago and now it's gone. Hmmmm let's try this again. The place has a great vibe and cool staff but prices are expensive
(2)Mark S.
The Shelter just did not hit all the right notes with me. Although a martini is a simple drink, it can be made too simple. They prepare their gin martinis the modern way - which is to say they don't actually put vermouth in the drink, rather simply swirling it around the glass to get the scent and then discarding the vermouth. I prefer my martinis dry, so a splash of dry vermouth is just what it needs, IMHO. What can I say? I know what I like. My wife had a pomegranate cosmo, which she said was not as good as others she has had. I do have one thing I want to complain about (as if whining about my martini is not complaining - OK I'm picky). When you first order, they ask you if you want to run a tab. To do this, you need to provide them with a card. When you ask for your bill they run your card and give you the total, sans itemization. Please don't run my card until I have seen an itemized bill to approve, especially in a bar setting. Don't get me wrong; I don't think they are trying to be dishonest but I would like to know what and how much each drink was I just paid for. The dimly lit place has happy hour from 3-8 and daily specials. It's rife with memorabilia: JFK pictures, lava lamps, car seats serving as couches... stuff like that. It's a cool place, but maybe just not my scene anymore. Damn, I'm gettin' old.
(3)Chaena P.
Love this place! Just moved here and was looking for a casual, "dive" locals bar and I found it! It's cozy and has a fun psychedelic theme, dimly lit and great martinis! It's a winner!
(5)Amit S.
Definitely has a sketch vibe but its pretty nice place to chill away from the college crowd---liking the tribute to Kennedy theme
(3)Eric G.
See below for a more thorough review. But if you find yourself going to Shelter, do yourself a favor and get a Caucasian (White Russian) with their vanilla-infused vodka. I promise you will not be disappointed. That first sip taken, you'll quickly find yourself with an empty glass, waiting to order another. Best in town!
(4)Angel D.
The Shelter is an amazing bar! It is a mix of a unique and eclectic style with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is a Tucson icon and a "must-see". I bring all of my out of town visitors here and it never fails to impress. Not only is the staff friendly and professional but they are also knowledgeable of their craft. The level of mixology genius is epic! I have too many favorite drinks to pick just one but the specialty martini's are fabulous (my favorite is the Key Lime Pie) and the Michelada's are hands-down the best in town! For those nights that you have no idea what to order any of the amazing bartenders will take the time to find out what you like and make the perfect drink just for you! I have been there for special occasions, crazy busy nights, and random nights in between and have always had a great time with the absolute best service and most delicious cocktails. They have a great positive energy here and the staff really does set it apart from other bars. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone and suggest that everyone check it out at least once. You won't be disappointed. I heart this swanky groovy lounge!
(5)Mike P.
I am a fan of The Shelter. It's not really hot with my age group, however it has a very distinct retro feel and the fact that they show cult movies is awesome. The drinks are cheap, the service is good, and the company is great. I visited recently with my girlfriend's parents and we ended up talking to the bartender for about an hour. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because of: 1. Along with all of it's dive bar charm, it smells musty. 2. It's not a bar for every occasion. You have to be in the right mood to go here, especially as a 20-something like myself. I was easily the youngest one in there.
(4)Hugo M.
I found the place to be a great mix of good service, tacky decor, quirky clientele that are fun to hang out with. the bar is as dark as a cave which is freaking awesome. Good mixology going on and reasonable prices whats not to love?
(5)Lee F.
Great dive bar. Very eclectic crowd and some the of the best cocktails in town. Great bartenders.
(5)James D.
Visited a nice place down the road for a drink and decided to bar hop. Headed down the road to the Shelter and was turned away due to my attire. A tank top? Not just any old tank top. At the previous place I was complimented within minutes on it. Not to mention that the previous bar was more classy. This was no undershirt...clearly a tank top. Unfortunately, I no longer agreed with my date for the night who stated it was her favorite place. Come on this is Tucson! So we moved on to the the next dive bar that again had no issue with my tank top!
(1)A R.
One of the things that makes me love Tucson is the abundance of true dives. After a night of bar-hopping, I either end up at the Shelter or the Buffet- two totally different dive vibes and dependent on how the night has gone. The Shelter has this great 60s-70s vibe with colored lights, old movies on the older TV, and just something uniquely FUNK. The crowd ranges from old dudes with odd fetishes to the wanna-be hipsters in Tucson (sorry, not too many real ones here- go to Austin to be overrun with plaid and chunky glasses). The thing I love the most is that the building and therefore the bar are ROUND!! Sweet- you canNOT run into the wall!! Just try it.
(4)Cragganmore C.
The Shelter, as many other posters have noted, is a great bar. I won't call it "retro" or "a dive" or, god forbid, a hipster joint (more on that in a bit) but rather a bar that found its era and just stopped time. It found its vibe, its zeitgeist and has wisely decided that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Happy hours are great. I'm a little upset about the infusion proliferation, but as they still make a fairly decent (and cheap) martini, I will not hold that against them. However, infusions and posters using the word "hipster." It is my fear the place will be ruined by an infestation of hipsters. Shelter management, please do not let another interesting venue get Borg'ed by the hipster crowd. Thanks.
(5)David R.
I love this place. Great drinks Awesome movies! (Challenge of the Lady Ninja!) Awesome bartenders Great prices Bartenders don't take music requests...which is awesome. I don't want to listen to your crappy music. Best bar out there.
(5)Nappy H.
This place is a nuclear blast from Cuba! One of my new favorite bars!!! You gotta stop in!
(4)Scott S.
Sunday dark and stormy special is awesome!
(4)Angela B.
I must preface by saying that I adore dive-y little lounges. That being said, I la-la-la-la-love the Shelter!! No really, it's divine! Shelter is a casual, groovy, throwback of a bar that I may have never set foot in if it hadn't been for the fantastic reviews! We're still pretty new to Tucson and I'm sure I had driven by it quite a few times before we actually read the reviews and decided to check it out. We were initially searching out places with shuffleboard tables. The Shelter does have one but it's a little small for my liking. (If anyone knows of places with standard sized tables in Tucson, please message me!) No matter, The Shelter was an awesome first experience and we've returned a few times since. Their infused vodkas are dangerously amazing. Hubs and I enjoy the Vanilla/Mocha the best. Everytime we are about to leave, I secretly want to beg the bartender to sell me one for the road. I want to put it in my coffee, pour it on my cereal, drizzle it over ice-cream...you get the picture. Great drinks, great atmosphere and great bartenders. I'm in love!
(5)Mat C.
This is my favorite bar in Tucson. With it's late 1960's Las Vegas decor, affordable drinks and friendly bartenders, it doesn't take long to become a regular. The house drinks are good especially the Chili Patron Lemonade.
(5)shopaholic v.
OMG - getting off a plane and coming directly to this kitschy dive bar was a helluva experience! At first, I was struck by the overwhelming smell of smoke, but then I was distracted as my eyes tried to take in all the sights. It was a total smorgasbord of decor ranging from every recent decade! $4 draft beers and martinis! Flashing JFK signs! A video poker bar! A red zebra wall! The rainbow molecular chandeleir! One would be very hard pressed to get bored in this joint and the customers are just as eclectic! We had a great time chilling in this low-key, low-brow bar having cheap drinks and taking a step back into time. It was definitely a fun place to check out but don't go expecting anything remotely fancy or posh. I'd also suggest wearing something machine washable to get out the stench of the smoke. My coat still smelled of the place 3 days later.
(4)Hyunu K.
O the shelter. What a wonderful place for such the croud that gathers there. Ha. Just kidding love everybody and love the Shelter. Such good drinks and just a great atmosphere. The east/central part of tucson lacks more bars like this one. Gotta love it when you can order a PBR for a buck fifty. O and for the smokers out there. Its pretty much the best smoking lounge in tucson. Especially in the winter time, indoor smoking!!! Anyways im not in Tucson anymore but i sure do miss that bar. Check it out!
(4)Dan J.
Make it happen, Cap'n! Coke and spiced rum that is. Black gold, Tucson tea. And it's served up yummily at the Shelter, amidst a happy-go-lucky crowd all talking casually in this very easy going lounge. (I guess that's what Lounge means, silly Dan.) So it was that I found myself driving down Speedway this past Friday night/Saturday morning. I wanted some music, I wanted to sip something yummy, and I wanted to relax. Oh look, The Shelter, I thought. I've heard of that place. The Rage O' Machine started popping in my head as I pulled into the parking lot. But ho - there BE shelter here! And as the lyrics go, what I need they be sellin. And that be happy stuff good times in the form of beverages and a place to drink them. The quick and low down: there are a few smaller TVs (Army of Darkness playing when I walked in - Good Ash, Bad Ash, etc.), a nice bar area with comfy stools, three bartenders that worked quickly with big smiles, lots of perimeter seating, and even a dedicated smoking room. The tables were covered in a red and black leopard swirl of sorts, with red leathery chairs and benches. Definitely a "sit here and be casual and don't be afraid to feel sexy - it's ok" vibe. I ordered a Spiced Morgan and Coke and a cherry coke (yeah yeah, complain to someone who's drinking something less tasty). You can't really make a bad Coke'n'Cap'n and this one was spot on. The bar was busy yet there were a few seats available. I didn't wait long at all to get a drink. In fact, observing folks for a bit after I noticed everyone getting served quickly. No on stuck waiting with money in their hand, no one shoving to get their turn - just quick service so that patrons could their drink on. And on. The atmosphere was very laid back - very loungey. Paintings on the walls, lots of doodads and knick-knacks, and even some doohickeys. The music was audible and loud enough to hear, but not so loud that'd have to yell to the person next to you and confuse "Do you want another drink" with "I think your mother stinks." I've never had that happen but I would totally defend my mom if it did. The patrons were mid 20s to mid/late 30's - typical lounge crowd. Dress was very casual with many wearing shorts and hipstery t-shirts to show off their cool arm tats and sideburns. Some were more dressed up in nice pants and button shirt or a nice dress and heels (depending on your sex or your love of Eddie Izzard). There was no dancing area unless you count people digging the music and grooving side to side in their chairs. I did see the occasional double arms up, white girl sway with a loud "woo hoo!" but that's more about that specific patron and less a common The Shelter thing to do. Although by all means, I'm fully of the opinion that you do what you feel. Be free, woo hoo'ing white girl! You owned that group of friends you were with! And The Shelter protected and possibly encouraged you. Because that's the kind of fun place The Shelter is.
(4)Gail S.
Go here and do some day drinking. BEST place in town to get your JFK fix - looks like I'm drinking in my grandparent's basement - and your old movie fix (no sound, but I did get to watch Time Bandit's the last time I was there).
(5)