I didn't expect much when my friends and I decided to go to The Shanty for some St. Patty's day drinks. I ordered a moscow mule and then we found our way out to the patio. WOW is all I can say after that! Tucked away in the middle of 4th ave is a backyard oasis, complete with twinkly lights, a gurgling fountain, and pretty vines enclosing the space. I felt like I was transported to a drinking terrace in the south of France and was absolutely loving it! I definitely want to come back to The Shanty just for the patio alone! Prime piece of real estate in the bustling streets of Tucson. read more

The Shanty - Outdoor patio - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

my fav place. great atmosphere. The staff is amazing and service is top tier. Would recommend for everyone.

The bar tender gave me a big deal about asking for a water and pressured me to order alcohol...

The door greeter was incredibly rude at this location. We were celebrating a friend getting a job offer in another state and decided to order a few rounds, but if we ever spoke louder than a sound decibel that could be only heard by the person next to you, he told us to quiet down. As an update: we returned on another day and had great service. Friendly staff and happy bar tenders. My previous experience here was very negative, but it's since balanced out for an okay experience. There popcorn tastes pretty darn great too! But again, the service seems to be pretty hit or miss...and to the extreme. read more

The Shanty always feels like my neighborhood bar even though I don't live in the neighborhood and I rarely frequent bars! It just feels good there.It definitely has a warm, neighborly feeling to it. DDD Crew stop #6 on our tour and we found a nice table in the relatively uncrowded bar. Nice older man was the bartender on this day and as soon as we were seated he brought us two bowls of popcorn. Love that they do that! I just wish the ratio of regular popcorn to jalapeno cheese popcorn leaned a little more towards the jalapeno cheese. That stuff is GOOD. On this day we only hung out for a bit, long enough to cool off, sit back for a bit and enjoy our cold beverages. A few brews between us and a vodka cranberry for my girl S. I've been to The Shanty on plenty of occasions and love the outdoor patio when the weather isn't quite so hot. It's large and everyone out there is usually having a really great time. Perfect spot for a summertime evening drink. read more

The Shanty - Popcorn me up! - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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I honestly have no idea why this place has such a low rating. I've been coming here for years and it's always been great. Sure it gets busy sometimes, and you might have to wait for a pool table. I always get served quickly, and who can complain about the jalapeño popcorn?!? Come here to hang out with friends on the patio, or shoot some pool. It's one of the most relaxed bars on 4th. read more

I used to love coming to this place for the bartenders and patio until they told me I couldn't wear a strapless shirt here.. I'm sorry but we're not in the 60's anymore.. people can wear what they want, not spending my money here anymore. So they hang a picture of bare tits but I can't wear a strapless shirt here lol read more

The Shanty - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This used to be my favorite bar back in the day. The first time I came in here was during a bar crawl on my birthday about 12 years ago, where I got a free T-Shirt. The bartenders here are always amazing. This is a good place to settle down for a drink or two and talk to a friend. The atmosphere is wonderful. College students are encouraged, but the place will not go for any shenanigans, so stay away if you are someone who frequently runs into trouble, or can't keep your hands to yourself. read more

I, like many on here, have had the distinct pleasure of being kicked out for no reason. 3 of us arrived and left together. I returned later alone to grab a drink and wait for my ride. The owner and his bar maid were wildly hostile. I'm not sure how they are open or who their target market is but, I look forward to being able to buy their pool tables for cheap when they close. 6 people in a bar on a holiday weekend must be tough to see as an owner when every bar in sight is packed. Also, the rat running being the bar was a classy touch. In retrospect spending 30 seconds of my life in there was too much time wasted. read more

The Shanty is not a shanty at all, and it doesn't appear designed for "shanty Irish." Rather, it's a copper-plated, almost upscale, Irish bar and restaurant, which gives little hint of its age (est. 1937) and with (male) servers that look like they all play on the college volleyball team. The large, shady patio is quite nice, but when I go to a "shanty" -- and especially an Irish shanty -- I expect to see an old, red-faced bartender who looks like he's been there for 40 years and a decor that seems to welcome the lower working class. And when I go to a bar that's 70-some years old, I expect a bit more personality, and to feel its age a bit more. Aside from the old paintings now carefully guarded by ugly plexiglass, the whole interior looks like it could have been slapped together last month from the cookie cutter Irish themed bar template. The service was friendly and I enjoyed the conversations (I'd stumbled into a local meeting of the "Drinking Liberally" group). And perhaps I was spoiled by a previous string of Tucson bars oozing character (Meet Rack, Kon Tiki, Shelter, Buffet). But the Shanty left me utterly uncharmed. read more

The Shanty - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Catering to everyone from the classy to the everyday college student, the Shanty never disappoints. The best bar on 4th Ave and arguably the best bar in Tucson. Prices are fair for a drinking establishment whose bar standards set them apart from some of the other drinkeries in the downtown area. Some people tell me that they wish the Shanty served bar snacks and food, but with there being so many excellent dining choices in the area I don't think the Shanty needs to! Although they do have snacks behind the bar that you can ask for by request i.e. free popcorn, candy, etc. They have an extensive beer menu and you may find some not-so-common brews that many of the other places around town just don't serve. Ask about a "secret" menu and some of the bar backs may let you in on the best kept secret brew in Tucson. They have a $2.50 beer special that changes weekly and also serve local seasonal beers as well. Two of my favorite things about this bar is their patio and the cleanliness of their bathrooms. I don't find many places on 4th Ave (in Tucson for that matter) that have such a clean bathroom ALL THE TIME. The patio is surrounded by an oasis of vine plants, fruit trees, flowers, and a working stone fountain that's been there for decades. I've been coming to this bar weekly for approximately five years and it's just a great place to hangout with friends and end a long week with a great beer or mixed drink. If they had a dart board, I'd give it 6 out of 5 stars. read more

The Shanty - Cheers. - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

There are certainly two personalities to this place. I went once around 3pm and there was an older man running the place seemed like his bar and that was cool. I sat on the patio drinking a fine beer, enjoyed the popcorn and fountain while sitting under a lemon tree. What could be better. I went back later that night. The place was dead however there were two college kids there one clearly more interested in picking up on the two girls in the bar than on doing his job. The other should get a raise because while his coworker was macking on girls he was keeping me and everyone else content with drinks etc. Word of note need a 10 dollar minimum for CC purchases. read more

The Shanty - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Disgusting, misogynistic, sexist "business" that will never be endorsed by me or anyone I associate with. The door greeter/owner is so incredibly rude. He aggressively approached me and told me to (and this is an actual quote) "Put a REAL shirt on. we don't serve girls who dress like you. Leave" Firstly, I would also like to mention that I had a tube top on with a jacket over. Secondly, if my shirt was an actual "issue" there is a polite and business professional way to approach the situation. I will now and forever onward inform as many individuals as I possibly can at how unprofessional and unwelcoming of an establishment The Shanty is. Don't spend your money at a place that thrives on the belittlement of women, just avoid this establishment as a whole. There are plenty of other bars/spots that actually treat women with respect. read more

This place is awesome. I like playing pool here and how chill the place is. It's nice

This is the first place where we were introduced to some great friends in Tucson. It is a casual, relaxing, & friendly place where we can drop by to see friendly faces whenever we are in town. A beautiful patio, unlimited popcorns, flowing conversations, The Shanty has its quaint charm that no one can match its unique atmosphere. This is where all the birthday cakes for friends/family are shared & where one can get all the updates on the latest news. Wish their continuing success to The Shanty & its management team. read more

Me and my 2 friends stopped by and we're completely sober to start our night their and the front door guy who claimed to be the owner said that we couldn't come in because we're drunk. All 3 of us were east Indian. 2 doctors and a successful business owner well dressed and sober we're denied entry. This place is a college hangout so there was no reason for what happened. Will never go back and will let everyone I know about what happened. read more

After reading some of the other less-than-stellar reviews I paused and reflected. After 2 double Scotches, the only explanation I can come up with is: They must be Republicans! (I didn't say I'm tolerant. I said the Shanty Bar clientele and management are tolerant. and intelligent. and pleasant.) read more

This is one of my go to places down 4th. The bartenders are always nice and friendly, and the prices are acceptable. The place can get a little packed inside, but they do have a big outdoor area. They do have servers walking around that can take your drink orders, but each time I have found it takes a long time for them to come back, so I just walk up to the bar. They have 3 pool tables and 1 foosball table. You will probably have to wait a little while as it does get used a lot. Be warned though, if you come in with a "brotank" on (male tank top) you will probably be asked to leave. Its just a crazy rule they have. All in all give it a shot, good little bar without the newly 21 crowd lol. read more

The Shanty - Pubs Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We stopped by there with a group of six or so people for a friend's deployment party, and I was less-than-thrilled. The drinks were the only reason that this place even gets two stars - they made them strong. The reason for the horrible rating was the customer service. The waitresses were horribly rude and legitimately shovey. I'm sorry, but when you put a table right next the bar, you can't be pissy that people's chairs are not completely tucked in to the table. I definitely left as soon as I finished my drink and will NOT be returning. read more

If I could give less stars I would. In town for the weekend, kept passing this lil corner joint and finally found the time during our Sunday funday. Unfortunately our time nor our money was wanted. We walked into a primarily empty bar and sat at the front counter. There were 2 groups , one on each side of the bar and us, 2 heavily tattooed people in the middle. The bartender seemed more concerned on filling ice, counting dollars for the register and keeping his head down so he wouldn't have to acknowledge us and take our order. We waited about 10 minutes before walking out. We'd been acknowledged, eye contact made at least 5 times Keep washing your glasses. We'll spend our money elsewhere. read more

I thought this would be just like the other bars on Fourth -- crowded, loud, messy, overpriced, with overworked bartenders -- but instead, it was chill, clean, and friendly. The pool table and foosball in the back makes it a great place to hang out with friends; we can actually talk to one another and catch up without having a shouting conversation where 1/3 of the information still passes over your head because you simply can't hear over the music. You can actually meet new people and get to know them too because of the toned-down atmosphere. The bartenders are really friendly and the staff delivers great service. Furthermore, the drinks are decently priced (and they're not wimpy, so you get your money's worth). Best of all, the bathrooms are super clean. For once, I didn't have to worry about ruining my shoes and/or slipping in some questionable puddles on the floor of the ladies' room. read more

I was surprised by the low reviews... I have been to majority of bars/clubs downtown, and I thought this place beat all of them. It has a nice atmosphere, and the music does not kill your ears, and I would say its much nicer, and classier compared to other places downtown. The bartender, and the front security were kind and I could tell they likely do not tolerate shenanigans which is good since at other places there is drunk, rude people everywhere. If this place had karaoke it would make it even better. read more

So my last review of this piece of s**t bar got removed by the yelp community because it lacks a substantive first-hand experience.... I WILL say they have an excellent beer selection. I have been to this bar many of times until I woke up and realized how horrible it really is. It seems like all of the staff is trying to pick a fight. The bouncers are just plain rude and cant wait to kick someone out for no good reason. I have never been booted myself but a couple friends have been removed for some b.s. reasons. The only time you can enjoy a laugh and a beer at that bar is early in the night before the crowds show up. Its seems the staff have their guards down a bit more that usual. Over all this is the worst piece of s**t bar in Tucson. It seems like they don't want to make money! read more

So, The Shanty deleted the posts I made to their Facebook page about this topic. What I would like to mention is that this is an establishment that I will not visit again and I recommend that anyone else stay clear of this 'cafe' as well. Although the bartender seemed nice enough, he neglected to refill my water. At closing time, which is apparently 1:30am, I asked for a water refill and he was extremely hesitant and only refilled it to about half. It was not until 1:45am that the barkeep finally started to close my tab. When that process was finally finished I needed to use the restroom. Various bartenders followed me into the restroom yelling at me to leave, claiming that they had attempted to get me to close my tab earlier, which is absolutely not true. This was before 2am. Apparently this is a bar where the staff gets off on harassing its' customers'. Please, there are many places to drink in Tucson. There is no reason to visit this awful place! read more

Oh boy - what a doozy! The first time I went to the Shanty, we were mostly ignored by the staff and grossly overcharged for our drinks. The second time a group of 5 of us were kicked out. I'm not exactly a rabblerouser type. Mid-thirties software engineer, low-key. One of my friends was leaning against a pool table while we were playing and the manager chewed him out. My friend complied but chuckled at the overreaction and that was it - you're all out of here! I'll grant you, it certainly made for comedy I'll not soon forget. Just the absurdity of kicking out a bunch of relaxed, sober patrons because you just gotta flex them manager muscles. We were so dumbfounded! The best part was when we pointed out that we had just purchased drinks and asked if we could at least finish them. They let us stand by the door while we finished out drinks. I know that doesn't sound very funny but think about it: our presence in the establishment was such a problem that we absolutely could not be tolerated to remain there...except for a few extra minutes while we sipped our cocktails while nodding and smiling to the other patrons in the room who were now aware that we were the "bad element". I'm not a fan of bashing a place just because you caught them on a bad night, but if the badness is egregious that's a whole different story. On the way out we were told we were banned from the establishment and to not bother trying to come back (lol). I know - you're thinking that we MUST"VE done something more than I'm describing, but that's just it - we didn't. What capped it for me were three unrelated stories from other people like myself (all of them perfectly normal, non-troublemakers) who were also kicked out on a whim (one of them was on a girl's night out and surmised that the management mistook their laughter for uncontrollable drunkenness). So hey, If you go to this place you'll probably have a perfectly reasonable time. I'm just saying - there's also a fair chance you'll be treated like total dog poop, and that just doesn't make for a fun time. read more

I was out on 4th one night, like many other nights. This night in particular, I really had to poop. We passed place after place and I kept thinking how their bathrooms were hellholes. Then we got to the end of the street and remembered the Shanty isn't a hellhole! I've gone many times since my 21st birthday (even though they wouldn't serve me the first night because they brought up some non-existent law) and it has been a nice, clean place each time. Well lit inside. Prices are reasonable. I love the outdoor patio too! In the monsoon, make sure to wear sleeves or bug spray before going outside. They also give you a free t-shirt if you go on your birthday. Anyways, I went to poop. My friend and I had some drinks, and the Shanty leaves another positive impression on me. read more

This is a "love it or like it" place, I don't think you can hate it. Normally, I try to write reviews that are a bit funny, or interesting, but I don't have anything funny to say about this place. So, I'll try to be useful instead. Few facts first: First, they have free love-it or hate-it jalapeno popcorn. Second, they have a few decent pool tables. But they are always in use even when the crowd is a little on the slow side, and in a high traffic area. Third, they have a great outdoor seating area that you could only dislike if you don't want to be within 30 feet of someone smoking. Usually, there aren't many smokers and you can't smell it, and the area is great. But hypersensitive people can be offended. Fourth, they have a great fenced off entrance and always a good doorman that keeps the riff-raff out. Now, my thoughts: I'm not a fan. I like the place, there is nothing wrong with it. But I have friends that LOVE this place, and I don't get it. To me, it's just a nice bar, but not great. If I were to forced to guess, I think maybe my friends like it because it isn't quite the trendy bar on 4th, or a dive bar. It's more mild upscale (for 4th) and laid back. Someone in their 40's can be comfortable there and not surrounded by 21 year old drunk college kids (there are a few, but it doesn't draw them like the other bars on 4th). read more

As the 3-star rating suggests, our visit was A-OK. We stumbled here after Sky Bar and it was like night and day...well, the lighting. Very brightly lit inside. There was a trio (maybe more) of pool tables and we all played a few rounds. The drinks here were more expensive than Sky Bar... $8.25 for an AMF. I had first asked the bartender if he could make me an LA Water and he just glared at me and said, "I have no idea what that is," and started to move on to the next guy at the bar. EXCUSE ME. Do not disregard me as some toddler that has never been to a bar before. No. I was irritated but just ordered the AMF instead. I understand that my drink might not be that common...but he could have at least asked me how to make it or suggested something else. We stayed here for a solid two hours and had a fine time. One of my buddies in the group apparently knew one of the bartenders and he made a Blue Skittle for her. TIP: If you like it sweet, see if Brennan is on staff for the night and order a Blue Skittle. He's the lone bartender that knows how to make them, apparently. Next time, I'll go for the patio. It looked pretty cozy. read more

This is hands down the best drinking establishment in Tucson. If you are looking for a place you could bring your parents and not have them think you are an alcoholic then look no further. The employees are professional and have some sort of ambition as opposed to the other bars on 4th, the bottled import beer selection is extensive, and you can always get a drink. Free popcorn and the nicest outdoor patio in town and one of the 5 oldest liquor licenses in T-town. Needless to say: Check it out. read more

The Shanty is a bar at the end of Tucson's 4th Avenue, a strip of bars, restaurants, and shops. They apparently make it very clear that it isn't a place to party for college kids. They have signs up with ALL sorts of ID rules, how to start a tab rules, how much you can drink rules, etc. It's Nazi'ism in a bar. Since we weren't there to party, we went over the extensive beer list they advertise as Arizona's largest *cough* bullshit *cough* and ordered some of our favorites. I had a Chimay and chowed on some popcorn which is complimentary. The barkeep looked at us for a while as if we were some kids there to party, but as soon as he realized I know my beers and weren't there to party, he turned into a very nice and helpful guy. The service here is very friendly, the place is clean and is kind of a throwback to the 50's. It feels like a small town midwestern country club with a great patio... lots of charm. The beer list is probably in the top 25 or 30 in the state, but nowhere near the longest. Hell, Yardhouse even has more than them... probably largest in Tucson. read more

I hate to give it two stars, but honestly? Meh. I love the patio- it's beautiful at night and when the weather is *just* right, it's so great to sit out there at night and have a drink. Unfortunately, the service blows chunks. We went with a group of people (6 total) on a Friday night and the inside was crowded so we went out on the patio which I dind't mind......until I realized that we couldn't get anyone's attention to order a drink! So I thought we needed to go to the bar to order, that there wasn't a waitservice outside, but then they told us that someone would be by to take our order. Annoying. The patio wasn't that crowded at all, but it took quite awhile between rounds. Also, she basically demanded payment when we ordered. She asked how we'd be paying and when we said by debit card, she said "I'll take that right now" and went off with our order and our card. I get that they must have issues with people drinking and dashing, but it just seemed so out of place and frankly, rude. If someone suggested we go there for a drink, I won't say no, but I could think of other places to go. read more

I don't understand why this place doesn't have 4-5 stars. It's clean, the copper bar/tables/posts are beautiful and the bartender was very nice and knowledgeable. Corey is his name. Their patio is absolutely gorgeous with an Italian style fountain and lists of greenery. I will return. read more

Yeah... it was the last stop of the night. Very, very fuzzy. Foosball, Guinness, and pool. Overall, it was a good stop. read more

I love the shanty! Lots of space... At least 3 pool tables. Reasonable regular prices and good deals this place is a must almost every time I hit up fourth. Recently 21? Or looking for a place to powerhour on 4th? The shanty is your place! They also give you a free t-shirt on your 21st bday... That way you have a clean one for when you throw up on yours. Anyway you can't beat this friendly bar hidden at the bottom of 4th ave. read more

I used to really enjoy going to The Shanty. Lovely patio, perfect for quiet drinks. And the bar is such cleaner than any other- especially those on the Avenue. The owner has made the last 2 trips both uncomfortable and impossible. After a nice meal downtown, we stopped in to play a bit of pool. The classics playing softly, and we had the entire place to ouselves. My sidekick, having run an errand prior, had her laptop and bag with her. This proved to be a bone of contention with the owner, who snarled their "no bag" policy to her. (Maybe a sign out front would be more helpful in that regard?). So, we left, and went to the Surly Wench, which also has a policy about bags/backpacks, but keeps a space by the doorman for people to store such items. Our next visit was thwarted by the owner prior to entering. We were asked for our ID, which were presented. Now, although Arizona liquor law permits the use of the non-driving MVD issued ID card as valid and acceptable means of identification....The Shanty does not. Nor are they kind about informing you of this policy. You may only go to the Shanty if you drive- or carry your passport with you, or are employed in the armed services. Or, you can go to a number of friendly places just down the street. read more

I came here with my sister for a post-graduation ceremony night of fun. Her friends were there drinking White Russians and I was pleased to find $1 pool tables and even foosball! Just as much of their land occupancy is devoted to outside as inside, where you can find heater lamps (that can be activated with the help of one of the bar assistants) and ample seating. You're free to smoke there too with your drink. Friendly staff, and pleasant all around. I guess the seating is a little uncomfortable, but what can you do, its a college town. Even the door checked is a well-liked guy. read more

I don't drive, and apparently that's a huge problem for the staff here. Their policy is to only allow patrons who have a driver's license. They don't allow people with state ID or passports which are totally legal documents to verify age and identity. I can only suspect it's because the owner is trying to discriminate against people who can't afford a car or only wants to serve alcohol to people who can drive into oncoming traffic later. Either way, it's a policy as equally unimpressive and pretentious as the white polo shirts the staff has to wear. If you do have a driver's license, you may enjoy the pool tables and the well lit bathrooms. read more

Great chill out bar. You got the slick, classic, wooden indoor bar with pool tables and some amazing beers. Then you have the huge patio surrounded by some lush vegetation and highlighted with Christmas lights. Then you have some great playlists with a mix of mainstream and indie music that everyone seems to get into at some point in the night. And you have some great waitresses (although sometimes mentally unstable) that get to know you if you spend enough nights chilling on the patio. I guess it's just the higher prices and the plethora of other great bars on 4th avenue that made me come here so much less often then I would if it was here with me now. I'm sorry we never got to know each other even better Shanty. read more

This may be a slightly unfair review, because most of my disappointment is based on what I had heard about the shanty, but here goes. I had always been told that the shanty was *the* place to go in town if you wanted to try a large variety of beers. If I remember correctly, they advertised the largest beer selection in town for a long time. We dropped in after the street fair, and the place was empty. The bartender was plenty friendly, and was more than happy to give us the beer list and talk with us a bit, but the collection was, frankly, lackluster for my taste. They do have an extremely large variety of beers from around the world, but they all seem to be the most basic stuff you could get from each country. What made things worse is that their beer menu lists: Country or state of origin and beer name. That's it. No style, no ABV, nothing beyond that very basic information. This was ultimately the biggest turn off for me. The service was there, I guess the beer selection was too, but it doesn't do much good if I have to ask what every single thing I don't recognize is. read more

The Shanty is where I bought my first legal drink when I turned 21, and its where I've bought a number since. This bar is the closest thing to Cheers in Tucson, and its just an all-around great place to have a beer (HUGE selection for bottles) or hang out with some friends. The bar has a great feel with the everything from the bar to the tables to the frames on their pictures being plated in copper. It feels kinda old-timey but in a good way. The people are friendly, a bit more mature than what youd find at Maloney's or the like, and there is a large outdoor patio area thats lush with greenery which kinda makes you feel like you're in your own private world outside of Tucson for a little while. Why 4 stars not 5? The food--or lack thereof. They have no food service, but they do offer popcorn. I would not eat it though, if I were you. They have a popcorn machine at the front of the place and I would guess its fired up like once a week. The popcorn is unsalted, dry, and usually several days old and beyond stale. Really, you'd have to be tanked to eat the stuff. I wish they did a bit more with the whole popcorn thing or just went all out and offered some light fare to go along with your beer. Overall though, I love this place, and feel I dont go as often as I should. Next time you and your buddies are looking for a place to grab a few drinks, take the Shanty into heavy consideration. read more