You’ll Be Intrigued by This Bar in Tucson That Was Originally Built as a Fallout Shelter

Head over to Tucson, Arizona to see a bar unlike any other! What separates it from the usual spots you go to is that it is not just a place to grab a drinks. An apt description is it’s a step back into a different era! 

The Shelter Cocktail Lounge, with its kitschy decor and Cold War charm, was originally built in the 1960s as a bar slash fallout shelter. The unique watering hole has been serving up spirits and nostalgia in equal measure for decades! 

The Shelter Cocktail Lounge is Tucson’s ONLY 60’s retro lounge

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The Shelter Cocktail Lounge might appear unassuming at first. You might miss this place if you come to Tucson because the bar is just tucked away on a quiet street corner. But step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a time when duck-and-cover drills were part of daily life and the space race was in full swing! 

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The interior of The Shelter is a veritable museum of 1960s Americana, filled with vintage advertisements, JFK memorabilia. There are even lava lamps that cast a groovy glow over the whole scene.

The walls are adorned with velvet paintings of icons like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. On the other hand, the ceiling is dotted with atomic-age artifacts and twinkling Christmas lights. The entire place gives a vibe that’s both cozy and slightly eccentric! 

You will also find a jukebox in the corner that plays hits from the past. After all, we weren’t kidding when we said that the atmosphere will take you back to the past. Just grab a drink and listen to the music that have once echoed in a similar bunker! 

The bar offers a variety of signature cocktails with names that nod to its Cold War heritage

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What’s more, is that each drink is expertly mixed with a twist of creativity and flair! Try to chat with the bartenders because they aren’t shy about sharing the stories behind their creations. In fact, they are known to add a personal touch to the experience.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Shelter Cocktail Lounge is its collection of vintage barware and cocktail accessories. From shakers shaped like missiles to glasses adorned with mid-century modern patterns, the barware itself tells a story of a bygone era that fascinates both cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike! 

Various themed nights and events might just be for you!

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Some events enhance the bar’s throwback “feel,” including movie nights and trivia contests. These actually cover everything from historical facts to pop culture of the era. 

The Shelter Cocktail Lounge in Tucson offers more than just a night out. It provides a portal to the past, allowing patrons to sip a cocktail and imagine the days when the threat of nuclear war loomed large! 

It’s one thing to come here as a history enthusiast, but we’re sure you’re gonna have a great time even if you’re a casual visitor in need of a drink! 

The next time you’re in Tucson, don’t miss the chance to duck into this extraordinary fallout shelter turned bar!