Best Neighborhood Bar '95

Best Neighborhood Bar

Bob Dobbs' Bar & Grill
2501 E. Sixth St.

READERS' PICK: True story: There have been nights we've had a few too many and walked out of Bob Dobbs' without paying our bill--not because we were trying to dine and dash, but just because the place feels so much like home, we sometimes forget we're expected to pay for dinner and drinks. And when we returned the next time, we weren't bitched out, we weren't blackballed. We were just asked to pay the tab and start a new one. What, after all, should a neighborhood bar be? A comfortable place to pop into for a beer or two after work? A pub where you can watch the ballgame and talk sports? A spot where the friendly barstaff knows your name and will take your check without two forms of I.D.? Dobbs' has all of this and more, including a kitchen that turns out great burgers, sandwiches, soups, veggie plates and quiches at reasonable prices. We've been in a lot of bars in this town, but few have as much going for them as this tiny spot on the corner of Sixth Street and Tucson Boulevard. Sure, it's hard to pick out the best neighborhood bar in a community with so many cool neighborhoods. After all, it's really not your neighborhood bar if it's not in your neighborhood. But if Dobbs' isn't around the corner from where you hang your hat, you'll feel like it is.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: TIE--The Shanty, 401 E. Ninth St., and Famous Sam's Restaurant & Bar, 10 locations.

STAFF PICK: There's something comforting about the squeaky "whoosh" that accompanies sitting on a speckled plastic bar-booth cushion, and that's just the beginning of The Shelter's vintage allure. It's a timeless 1962 within the semi-circular walls of this tiny pub, complete with cheezy jukebox and Lava Lites. Those star-burst clocks from your childhood kitchen have also made their way here, along with an infamous Kennedy tapestry and some black velvet art. The place at 4155 E. Grant Road is best when the self-described "hipsters" (only they think they're hip) aren't there, so go before 11 p.m. on a weeknight to get the most fun with the least attitude. There's only enough comfortable room for about 50 patrons, but that swells considerably at times, especially when small gimmick or lounge combos perform near the front door. It's the good beer selection, kitschy decor and a fun staff that make The Shelter a drinking hole with true style.

1998 Winner: Tie: Famous Sam's + The Buffet
1997 Winner: Famous Sam's
1996 Winner: Bob Dobbs' Bar & Grill