The Shelter Cocktail Lounge

It was what I expected from an old bar. Service was fair, no food on the menu and the place was decent. Only thing I didn't like was the cigarette smell in the air.

Super fun neighborhood bar with an impressive menu, super sweet bartender, and friendly patrons. Swing by here for an alien secretion...

It's long overdue for me to review The Shelter, which is hands-down my favorite bar in Tucson. The theming and decor that have stayed the same for decades and decades, the consistent menu, the friendly longtime bartenders I see every time, and even the smell of smoke emanating from the enclosed patio are all quintessential parts of its charm. I love that they offer $1 off everything every day until 7. I appreciate the great drink prices and delicious variety of cocktails. I had my first White Russian here, and it was the first of many I've enjoyed. I also had my first gin martini here, and although it wasn't as tasty to me as the Key Lime Martini and Cherry Vanilla Cola options, it was still part of the experience. My husband and I also have a tradition of going on our birthdays to get our first drink half off. There are so many great things to say about The Shelter, and I look forward to continuing the tradition.

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!

The drinks are just okay here. Not bad not fantastic. I did really like the atmosphere and staff. The prices were extremely affordable as well. I am basing my review off the taste of the drinks themselves not anything else. There was also a guy doing magic tricks who was really awesome. I also enjoyed the Halloween decor and candy they had for patrons.

The Shelter is a fun Tucson dive if you're looking for cool vibes and a retro feel. There's also a smoke room for those who celebrate. The staff is always friendly and I never leave without meeting someone fascinating.

This place is awesome! The drinks are strong, tasty, and cheap, the vibe is wild, what more could you ask for? Will absolutely return next time I'm in the area.

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

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.

I'll leave 3 stars and go up to 5 if I get an answer this has been a long conversation