Hidden high in Arizona’s mountains is a century-old saloon where you can enjoy a cold drink, dig into a hearty sandwich, and experience a little piece of the Wild West.
Getting there is half the fun, with a winding dirt road that climbs through pine-covered mountains to a tiny former mining town.
But what makes this place truly special isn’t just its remote location, as its walls hold stories dating back more than 100 years.
The best part is that you can still step inside and experience its rich history for yourself, so keep reading to discover what makes it worth the trip!
Where Is It?
Crown King Saloon & Café is located in the former mining town of Crown King, in the Bradshaw Mountains of Prescott National Forest.
It’s roughly a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Prescott, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Mesa, or around 3.5 hours from Tucson.
Reaching it is part of the fun, as the final stretch follows Crown King Road, a winding route with sharp turns and incredible views along the way.
About
If you’re looking for an old-school Arizona saloon with swinging doors, cold drinks, and plenty of Wild West charm, Crown King Saloon & Café is worth the trip!
As Arizona’s oldest operating saloon, it has a wooden exterior and an old-fashioned sign, giving you plenty of reasons to snap a few photos before heading inside.
Once you walk through the doors, you’ll find walls lined with memorabilia, vintage decorations, wooden furnishings, and plenty of reminders of Crown King’s roots.
Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can chat with locals and travelers who made the winding mountain drive just to grab a drink.
If you’re craving something refreshing, grab a seat at the bar and order a pint of Crown King Amber Ale, Blue Moon, or 805 Blonde Ale, or opt for a glass of wine.
When hunger strikes, dig into a loaded grilled cheese, juicy cheeseburger, or BBQ Western Burger topped with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and barbecue sauce.
You can also try the homemade red beef chili, crispy chicken wings, or a towering plate of onion rings served with homemade ranch.
Enjoy your meal inside beneath the warm hanging lights, where you might even catch some live music or a special event if you time your visit right.
For scenic views and some fresh mountain air, head outside to the covered porch and relax at one of the picnic tables.
Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, sipping a cold beer, or soaking up the history, Crown King Saloon & Café is a must-visit destination that brings Arizona’s Wild West past to life.
History
Crown King Saloon & Café’s history dates back to the late 1800s, when the Bradshaw Mountains were filled with miners hoping to strike gold.
Back then, Crown King was a booming mining town with thousands of residents and 500+ buildings, including boarding houses, stores, restaurants, and saloons.
But here’s where the saloon’s story gets interesting!
The exact year it was built remains a mystery, although some historical accounts suggest it originally stood in the Alexandra mining camp before 1895.
When mining activity declined, the building was reportedly taken apart and reconstructed in Oro Belle in 1898, though other accounts claim it was built there.
Either way, it eventually found its way to Crown King in 1916, when Frank Morgan and his wife, Bessie, transported it by mule.
Just imagine hauling an entire saloon through those rugged mountains more than a century ago!
Alphonso Caggiano was the establishment’s first operator, but it later became Tom Anderson’s pool hall and boarding house before turning into a hotel and restaurant.
Anderson once worked as a miner at the Crowned King Mine before becoming a respected local carpenter and running the business until his death in 1956.
After his passing, his daughter Betty eventually sold the property to Grant Van Tilborg, who owned it until 1975.
Over the following decades, the saloon changed hands several times, but it continued welcoming people through its doors.
That’s especially impressive considering how much Crown King changed after the mining boom faded and railroad service ended in 1926.
While many of the town’s original buildings disappeared, the business survived and became one of the area’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
Today, Crown King Saloon & Café is considered to be Arizona’s oldest saloon, keeping its Wild West history alive with cold drinks, hearty meals, and plenty of old-fashioned character.
Know Before You Go
Opening Hours
Crown King Saloon & Café welcomes you Wednesday through Monday from 11 AM until closing, with Tuesdays being its only day off.
For something extra special, plan your visit around Wiener Wednesday, featuring gourmet hot dogs from 4 PM, or Pizza Friday, when fresh pizza takes center stage.
Best Time to Visit
For the most comfortable trip, plan your visit in late spring or fall when temperatures are pleasant, and mountain roads are generally easier to navigate.
Keep in mind that Crown King sits at 5,771 feet, so winter can bring snow and icy roads, while summer monsoon storms can make the dirt roads muddy and slippery.
Things to Do Nearby
After you’ve finished your meal or drink, keep the adventure going by checking out a few other interesting places around Crown King.
Just a few steps from the saloon, Crown King General Store has been around since 1904 and is a great place to grab snacks, browse souvenirs, and try its famous homemade fudge.
For another historic stop, take a 3-minute walk to The Mill, where you’ll find mining artifacts, outdoor seating surrounded by pine trees, and beautiful mountain scenery.
If you’re up for a short drive, head 30 minutes to Horsethief Basin Recreation Area, where you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, and camping around a lake.
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