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The Shanty 401 E. Ninth St. READERS' PICK: If an elbow-jostling, ear-straining evening in a smoke-clogged room is your idea of time and money well-spent, head some where other than The Shanty. This perennial favorite is the place for a more intimate setting, replete with leafy vegetation, a burbling fountain, low lighting, and quite possibly the best collection of lanterns in the city. There aren't many places where a lively crowd (surveyed by a statue of St. Francis) further adds to an atmosphere that's inviting and sexy. You may even encounter the garrulous, seasoned Shanty regular who'll be more than happy to share his stories of historic moments, such as the night Motown came to The Shanty (albeit via cassette tape), and everyone started grooving to Marvin Gaye. READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Cushing St. Bar & Grill, 343 S. Meyer Ave. CLUE IN: You can't help but let the romantic ambience of La Cocina's patio overcome your inhibitions. Close to downtown in the shared Old Town Artisans complex, 201 N. Court Ave., this (unfortunately) easy-to-miss restaurant serves a mean margarita in an outdoor setting made even cozier by a multitude of white lights and classical music. And if you feel that drink urging you to say things you're not prepared to support the morning after, try one of the many tantilizing items off of their menu instead, from mesquite-grilled halibut and ribeye steak to black bean chili and a roasted vegetable quesadilla. After a satisfying meal, be sure to stroll through the shops that make up the quaint complex of Old Town Artisans, a Tucson mainstay since the '70s. CLUE IN: The bar at the back of the original El Charro Café (on the edge of downtown's historic presidio neighborhood) is called ¡Bar Toma! (311 N. Court Ave.) Now, we know that the family-owned El Charro has expanded over to East Broadway, which is also very nice. But when you want to feel like you're on a Mexican vacation without leaving home, take it from us: downtown's ¡Bar Toma! is unparalleled. An historic building, a burbling courtyard fountain, an abundance of saltillo tile, pots of flowers, mariachi musicians in full regalia, comfy patio furniture, and one of the Old Pueblo's finest Mexican menus and margaritas. Check it out.
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