The Shelter Bar

Oh man you have to have a drink here. I lived everything about this bar. The bartender was awesome and the atmosphere was the best. It's a treat to come relax here. You're stepping into another time period which helps really to unwind after a long hard day. I always feel refreshed and ready to start my work week after having a few drinks at The Shelter Bar. To the owner and staff at the Shelter thanks for all the great times. You all nailed it at this bar!!!

Had to try it once, its very loud, but the service is great. It has its own vibe, i enjoyed my experience.

Busy or slow, it’s always a great time. Construction may seem like a pain but it’s worth it!! Make sure you stop in not just at night to see Jamie and Amber. Two of the most fun and attentive bartenders I’ve every had, and that says a lot. We love the shelter!

Pretty chill place. 1$ fee to close out tab. The decorations are pretty cool. Love the sofa seats. The bartender made my vodka cran pretty good, so this is an alright place. Definitely for an older-than-college-kid crowd (30+).

If you enjoy a bit of quirkiness, do not miss this place! A bit off the beaten path, but easy stop on your way back to Tucson from Saguaro East.

This is my second time, maybe my third, at this shelter... looks like a mortuary from the outside. And inside? It's like a red neon light bulb having a nervous breakdown. John F. Kennedy error decore, whatever the hell that means, and a pool table sitting in a room upper floor, and a other room full of cancer stickers, just sucking away. But the real gem? The horseshoe bar. It’s got that charm—old vinyl seats so sticky they’ve been there since ‘52. Hell, they’ve probably got a history of their own—at least one that might kill you faster than the booze. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill dive bar. Oh no. This isn’t where the neighborhood normies come to cry into their beer. This is more like a quest—a place you stumble into when you’re sick of all the polished, cleaned-up bullshit of the world. Like you’re supposed to experience something here. It’s not pretty, it’s not classy—but goddamn it, the drinks are strong. And the people? They’ve got good energy. They’re a mixed bag: old, young, wrinkled, unwrinkled—every goddamn shade of life’s leftovers. Now, this building? They say it was designed by Arizona’s first female architect. When I look around, I can’t decide if that’s a compliment or a curse. But who gives a shit about the architect? It’s all about the history. History’s the real thing here. You can feel it when you sit at the bar. You feel like you’re hanging out with Grandpa’s ghost, somewhere back in time when things were real—before divorce became as common as breakfast, when diapers had character, and the world wasn’t just an endless string of sanitized bullshit. And that’s the thing, isn’t it? It’s the history of a place like this, the souls that lived in it, drank in it, fought in it. It’s dirty, it’s dingy, it’s everything that’s been forgotten by the clean-living, rule-following masses. But goddamn, if it doesn’t make you feel alive. Even if it’s just for a moment. That's what we all need, right? A little dirt. A little history. Something that doesn't try to cover up the ugly.

Great place for cocktails in a 60's atmosphere. A must go when in Tucson.

While on the start of our road trip from CA to FL, Tucson was our first stop to see friends. We were brought here to The Shelter as we were told that the drinks were on par and a spot that the locals go. We are always up for a good cocktail and try to find the best places to go. The outside is pretty cool and an older building, but even better when you walk inside. It was like stepping back in time and the vibe was awesome! They had a long list of Martini's and Halloween Specials as we came at the end of October. I started with a Bloody-tini which was amazing and I couldn't get enough! If you like a good Bloody Mary, this should be one to try! My second drink was off their Halloween Specials Menu and I got the Bobbing for Poison Apples. Let me just say the drinks were fantastic and you couldn't beat the price. I am glad our friends brought us here and would love to come back again in the future. So if you are in the area and looking for a good cocktail, try this place!

Not usually one for reviews but this I felt was needed Came in for a quick one before we headed home and ended up there for long. The bartender was not the normal one we see weekday nights but no complaints..they have a situation and the internet went down around 11 and was still down when we left but she stayed cool as a cucumber and never stopped being attentive and friendly. Shehandled herself and the bar better than I've seen in a long time, and trust me I go to a lot of bars. Like I said I'm not one to leave reviews but Jamie was awesome and hope to see her more often!!!

what a great find in TUCSON. nice set up, friendly crowd really nice! ample parking 85 characters yet...???

I felt like I was at the "Cheers" - everybody knew everyone else's name (except for us). We ordered 3 pre-dinner (Tito & Pep) drinks, they have a nice selection of specialty cocktails. The blackberry margarita, g&t, and my manhattan were all served up promptly, were reasonably priced, and tasted great! The bartender was so nice, she wrote out the recipe for the blackberry margarita for us. Very dark in there, but a nice contrast on a warm sunny Tucson day. They put a lot of effort into decorating for Halloween. We'll be back next time we are in that part of town looking for a cocktail!

I try to find the coolest bar in every city I go to. This place is definitely in my top five. So glad I ventured in

Walking into The Shelter is like walking back in time. A beautiful 70s lounge vibe from the gold sparkle vinyl booths to the gorgeous retro lights. This is the place for anything from cheap drinks to fancy martinis. It feels like a group of Mad Men types would walk in any minute. Bartenders here are happy to make you whatever if you tell them your preferences as well which I appreciate. One downside is that there's no bar food. HOWEVER you can order delivery or hit the vending machine. The vending machine takes cash and card and has everything from chips & pretzels to M&Ms and even smokes and lighters. TLDR: the drinks are strong and the prices are low. Vending machine in the back. IYKYK: Happy Hour is until 7pm and it is a blanket 50cents off drinks.

Love this hole in the wall that makes the best martinis and makes you feel like you're in your hometown no matter who you are. And, ya art is amazing..

Great neighborhood bar. Open 3pm until late. No food but a nice vending machine. Bartenders are all good and so are the drinks. Mixed group of people here of all ages. Some regulars and some looky loos who come out of curiosity. Safe atmosphere. Plenty of paved parking. It just takes your eyes a minute to adjust to the lighting when you come from outside. TV is now upgraded from B&W to color and even some sports sometimes. But not a sports bar.

Reminds me of bars that I would be go to back home in Portland, Oregon. Dim, mood lighting, good music, inexpensive drinks, friendly people and staff. More places like this should be around Tucson.

Fun, great 80s bar, friendly, great rock music ( music, photos/art, vibe). A "must hang" in Tucson for cocktails ! Bring your own food or machine snacks - (If it was OK for Sir McCartney, it will be seashells & ballon's for you).

Wonderful dive bar and I wish I had discovered it earlier. The bartenders are so super friendly and the patrons equally nice and interesting. There was even a magician walking around ready to do card tricks and not looking for money. Unique cool place to relax.

Overrated Yes. It has a nice ambiance. But it's simply too small and understaffed. Only one bartender on a Friday night and fully packed. To make matters worse, a lot of valuable space is wasted on an inconveniently placed pool table that causes more disputes than actually serves to improve the place

Wow, it is a great dive back in tune, walking in we were impressed like we had stepped into a 60's/70's tucked away bar, we're so excited to have a martini We asked the waitress if she made a "good martini", the bartender replied; "we are a martini bar" curtly, expectations were up then they arrived, worst martini I've had plus they have a smoking room next to the bar every time the door was opened a big smell of smoke came barreling in. Yuck last time I'll be there

While on the start of our road trip from CA to FL, Tucson was our first stop to see friends. We were brought here to The Shelter as we were told that the drinks were on par and a spot that the locals go. We are always up for a good cocktail and try to find the best places to go. The outside is pretty cool and an older building, but even better when you walk inside. It was like stepping back in time and the vibe was awesome! They had a long list of Martini's and Halloween Specials as we came at the end of October. I started with a Bloody-tini which was amazing and I couldn't get enough! If you like a good Bloody Mary, this should be one to try! My second drink was off their Halloween Specials Menu and I got the Bobbing for Poison Apples. Let me just say the drinks were fantastic and you couldn't beat the price. I am glad our friends brought us here and would love to come back again in the future. So if you are in the area and looking for a good cocktail, try this place!

Love this place! Bar tenders are always super friendly, great music, low lights and quality drinks

The moment I hit the door for the first time at this establishment, The Shelter was heavy with the smell of cigar smoke. First, the science proved years ago that secondhand smoke is a killer, so why customers and employees are subjected to that by the owners, I don't know. I hope the mixologist has good health insurance. She's going to need it. Although the one Perfect Margarita served in a martini glass was delicious, I couldn't enjoy my time because the smoke smell was uncomfortable. My jeans are in the washer this morning and my head aches - and it's not from drinking.

Drinks are fairly priced. A lot of dangerous drinks lol. Some to sweet to taste the alcohol but they were good as they tasted like the candy it was named after. Good atmosphere and nice place to sit and chat.

I have not been here before...and I do not know why! This place is amazing! The Shelter held a fundraiser for The Hermitage Cat Shelter and Sanctuary...where I have worked for 4 years. My boss let us go from work early so we could participate in the event. As soon as I walked in...I felt like I was back in 1973....with my mom in a cocktail lounge. Lava lamps...dimly lit areas...furniture from the late 60's...early 70's. Specialty drinks that are amazing. Good food and a great atmosphere. I LOVE this place!!! I will be back!

Okay folks.....I have never yelped this place because I have always been afraid to get the word out about how absolutely awesome it is. The pristine 60's decor is just amazing .....it is like you enter a time warp and I personally LOVE IT! The drinks menu is changed up every couple of weeks they make infusion alcohol to delight your more adventurous soul! It is a local treasure that if you visit Tucson you have to try!! Hey The Shelter owners....keep it real and don't change anything!!

This place was a lot of fun. We were able to snag a booth by the bar and people watch. Definitely recommend.

The Shelter smells like lost dreams from the 70s. Smells like old cigarette smoke and shag carpeting. There is no food available. Bartender wasn't interested in tending bar. The Shelter could be amazing, but it was disappointing. Drinks were affordable and good. It was dark and depressing. It has a room where smokers smoke, hence the smell

Crystal is the best bartender in Tucson!! Had such an amazing time and experience with her at this bar!!! She was killing it!! She was helping kick 2023 to the curb and ringing in 2024!!

I use to go to The Shelter all the time years ago, and had stopped do to life changes. I went back yesterday and it is still a great place to chill. The crowd has changed to a little younger crowd, but the ambiance is still the same, and the indoor smoking area is great for when it's to cold. It's a smaller bar so can get packed, but still a great time. Highly recommend.

When I walked in I thought the place was cute, clean and Susan the bartender was nice too. The drinks are at a very reasonable price.

Always a fun time. Nothing like a little 60/70s vibe. Very eclectic. Not a lot of seating room though but a one-of-a-kind!

Tuscon staple and must visit if you're passing through or you live there and have never been. One of a Kind decor and surprisingly great cocktail menu. And service was awesome the one time I went!

Cool retro cocktail bar in midtown Tucson. The bartender was friendly, the drinks were cheap.

We are from the Midwest and I was looking for some fun dive bars to check out while we were in the area, I'm happy we stopped here. Our bartender (I forget her name) but she was so friendly and helpful and welcoming, rare to find when you are from out of town sometimes. I loved that they had a drink list and had a couple of really good martinis. Super dark inside, very strange decor but that's what makes me love places is seeing out of the ordinary things.

Amazing vibe and decor. Super fun atmosphere. Bartenders are fun and friendly. The cocktails are what you would expect for a dive bar style lounge.

I've been to the Shelter twice now. It's a great neighborhood bar. Every time I go I always meet the friendliest people and have a great time. They have a pool table, which is usually the reason I come. Holly, the bartender, is super friendly and an A+ bartender! They have great specials all the time, and sometimes even more for special events/ days of the year! I need to frequent this place more often and become a local! FYI, I've had friends leave cars in parking lot: the lot is safe and your car will not get towed!

I have been living in Tucson for over 20 years, passed by this place more times than I can recall, but I've never been inside. Such an awesome throwback in time. Super cool atmosphere, very friendly bartenders, and it appears that all the customers know each other. Definitely look forward to a return visit.

My girlfriend & I went and it looks like a place just to talk. No music or dancing. Like neighborhood gathering . I had always wondered what it was inside . I wasn't very impressed . Sat down for a little bit and I sure did not see a lot of older crowd mostly Maybe in the 40's or 50's... We got up & left... Looking for a place for just people over 60's. To enjoy and meet other seniors.

The bartender was discourteous and rude. When I politely questioned the amount of my bill (another patron had bought me a drink but it was on my bill as well), he started an argument in front of other customers and wouldn't let up. Even when I offered to pay the full amount of the incorrect bill.

They have been closed since lat year and reopened today!!! So happy to be sitting at this bar and having a great martini!!! Come visit

Voted the best place for first date in Tucson, the shelter give a fun atmosphere for all ages 21 and up.

Pictures of JFK on the wall always mean the same thing, no matter where you are: $8 martinis. This is the best kind of bar in the world, and it's a dying breed--a bar with a low-key, friendly atmosphere, where you can drink a few Old Fashioneds made the right way with good ingredients for a good price. Unpretentious, just right. Shelter is a gem.

3 stars because this is by far the coolest bar in Tucson, and has excellent prices. The problem is that the smell of cigarette smoke is overpowering. There is a "smoking room" and the door to the room is right off the bar. It's not a smoking patio--there isn't any outside air circulating. So the smoke comes right into the bar. I was coughing so bad I had to leave after only one drink and I was so bummed! If you don't mind cigarette smoke, it's fine. If you have asthma like me you'd better stay away. I'm not sure how they get around the no smoking law with this set up, but clearly it's not a problem for them. I'm beyond sad I won't get to go here again! I really like this bar

Cool 60's ambiance, cool place to stop have a beer or two. Service wasn't bad, stop on in!

This is the best bar ever. Very inclusive. The staff is amazing. Eric, Amber, Holly and Cher are the absolute best. I hate seeing bad reviews of this place becuase their usually made by people that have had way too much to drink. If you're looking for a kick back with amazing atmosphere and good conversation and a cool indoor smoke sesh room THE SHELTER is your place. Owner is amazing and attentive.

I've been coming to The Shelter since I was of age to drink. I don't want to say my age...but it's been a solid chunk of time. Let's just say it's been more than a decade! There have been some subtle changes...like the blue "couch"/car seat is no longer there but the goodness of the Shelter is still strong! If there's a lot of exclamation marks in this review, it's because I love this place! It's a groovy (like the grooviest) dive bar. I don't get there nearly as much as I did in my younger days but I'm one hella happy camper when I do get the chance to grab a drink or two or maybe even three there!!! My husband and I had a date night last night and the decorations are spot on for the holidays right now (adds to the ambiance in an awesome way)! Here are my drink recommendations... White Russian, mole', and whisky sours are solid too. They have a fantastic menu of fun martinis...I recollect drinking the "Total Recall" in my 20's. Someone introduced me to the vodka gimlet along the way and that became my new signature drink for quite some time. I guess the bottom line is you will get a nice bevvie for not an insane amount of money in a funky cool place at The Shelter! 100% recommend this cocktail lounge!

Yes! Dive bar with a great selection of different liquors and beer. When I was there the bar tender, first time a girl, second time a guy, was very friendly, chatty but not overly so. This place attracts an interesting crowd of out of Townes and locals. Me and my fiancé had a great time!

The Shelter is the best bar in Tucson. I've been to many, many, many bars in Tucson over the course of the last two decades and I feel that I am able to say this with some authority. Over the course of those twenty odd years The Shelter has served as both a living room of sorts as well as a spot I dip into once every month or two. Regardless, the charming irony and unabashed devotion to itself have always been The Shelter's most amazing characteristics. It's the best spot to grab a beverage in Tucson.

Oh Shelter how I love thee! This is a bar that screams Old School, it's quarky and fun, and the staff is outrageous!! Decent beer selection, from what I hear good drinks both at decent prices, and old 70's movies on the TV!! Just an absolute fun place to hang out in!! Highly recommended.

I go to The Shelter quite often and decided it was about time to leave a review. Great place for great drinks. This place is outdated but in such a good historic way. From the outside you may think otherwise but the staff is great and the people are friendly. Best Dirty Martinis in Town!!!' Yummm. Don't knock it till you check this place out. I also love not having to pay a cover. All down fourth street you have to pay a cover for horrible overpriced drinks. This place is fabulous.

You might see this place and not think much of it... but, the drinks are delicious. I liked the ambience and the crowd. A Hidden gem i would say

The "new" Shelter is not the Old Shelter. It seems that it has gone, rowdy, people throwing up at the bar, atmosphere. not the ole Shelter once, easy going. No more door person to check id's and so there'd be no problems 15 yrs going there.. None of the ole bartenders, Not now, The fact is it's changed. The once beautiful "safe" atmosphere is now feeling threatening and even feeling unsafe. I recommend saying bye to the once upon a time; greatest hidden secret bar of Tucson. I guess Covid got another one.

This place is by far one of the most interesting and unique bars in the city. Bartenders are cool and there's usually pretty good music playing. Only gave it 4/5 stars because the beer selection is a little weak, but other than that this place is great.

I came in on Tuesday night 2/4/2020 to celebrate my last night in town visiting friends and two of their birthdays. At first glance, this was going to be an awesome spot! The atmosphere was truly fantastic. Upon walking in, "Dave" the bouncer was overly crass. Checking for eye colors and being very particular about matching the ID's to each of us... (all of us were 28+ and if he was truly doing his job, he would have noticed it was one of our group member's birthday!) As far as the service, everything was superb. The bartender was very welcoming and made some great drinks. The pool table was well maintained. Over in the other corner, there was a separate smoking room that actually had shuffleboard and arcade games. That was a nice touch. Fast forward to our quick exodus from this dandy establishment. One of our group stepped outside and according to the bouncer, drank a beer in the parking lot to which he barred him from coming back in. If that's the case, fine. We had just gotten a round of drinks and were going to finish them then head out to our next stop. Unfortunately, that wasn't where the bouncer altercation ended. He got very rude with us for taking an EMPTY BEER BOTTLE and putting it on the pool table to prop up a phone for a picture. Took a drink out of our hands that we had just purchased and told us to get out. I feel terrible for the bartender for having to lose out on our patronage as we are all service industry employees and were there to drop some money on a fun night... unfortunately I certainly won't be back (since I live 1400 miles away) but neither will my friends - all of whom live there. Word spreads fast about good places, but a terrible experience runs like wild fire. I hope the bouncer is dealt with accordingly.

I just went here for a ugly sweater party. It was fun and the bartenders were nice. I ordered a Tom Collins and it was not good at all though.

This place is everything right about Tucson. Weird, surreal and a total timewarp. This bar would make no sense in Phoenix but Tucson has always done food and drink better. I've lived all across Arizona and this is one of the most perfectly "nostalgia fueled" cocktail lounges in the state. Bravo Shelter, you even got the smell right. Cheers.

Been going into the Shelter for years when Brain and Paris were bartending.... came in for my best friends bday and it was great! Until I saw something that shocked the shit out of me... one of your bartenders was making a martini and was holding the martini glass UNDER HER ARMPIT! RIM IN HER PIT!! So glad I ordered a beer! Disgusting!!!! She was very nice, but come on! That's just gross!!