Shelter Cocktail Lounge
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Music: Juke Box
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
12 Reviews for Shelter Cocktail Lounge
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.
I really love this bar! Nothing special about the drinks or service, just great atmosphere! I always feel comfortable at the Shelter.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
This lounge is incredible. Now mind you, I was pretty drunk by the time our designated driver hit this joint so I sucked down on ice water given graciously by a friendly bartender. My impressions were RED and PINK-I don't know if the lights were actually red or if the vinyl booths and seating and neon signs gave off such red heat it created the impression I was in a comfy teenage girls room...that happened to be on the Las Vegas strip, circa 1975.
I remember the bathroom being rather nice...and the music absoultely alternative but really good. The clientiele was definitely a little older, some bike courier, scotch drinkin, flame shirt wearin with some gelled hair and their tanned friends bunching around the booths. It seemed like a decent pick up place...meaning if I went there by myself and struck up a conversation with someone, I would say the probability of me enjoying their company would damn sky high. A little sleazy, but mega comfortable, I rate this as my other favourite bar in Tucson. Only draw backs were limited seating, confusing exit when completely wasted and it was smokier than any other club I had been to thus far. I mean, I smoke and I couldn't even light a cigarette b/c the 2nd hand smoke was so thick I had to throw my clothes in a drier!
GIMMIE SHELTER! (sorry....had to do it)
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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...
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.
OK bar, nice hole in the wall, good pool table but overpriced drinks for tucson. Of the dives it is a nice one!
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