What if you could grab a drink at the same bar where legendary cowboys and famous gunslingers once hung out?
Arizona has a saloon that’s been around since the 1800s, and its story is just as wild as the Old West itself.
We’re talking about massive fires, a bar that was carried to safety, and famous names like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
More than a century later, you can still visit, and the best part is that you don’t need a time machine to experience this piece of Wild West history!
Where Is It?
The Palace Saloon is located at 120 South Montezuma Street in downtown Prescott, right along the famous Whiskey Row.
It’s about a 1-hour and 45-minute drive from Phoenix, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Flagstaff, and 3 hours and 15 minutes from Tucson, making it a great road trip stop.
About
If you’ve ever wanted to sip a cold beer in an authentic Old West saloon, The Palace Saloon is about as close as you can get without hopping into a time machine.
Known as Arizona’s oldest operating bar, this spot has been pouring drinks since the late 1800s and remains one of the city’s most famous attractions.
Step through the swinging saloon doors, and you’ll find a cozy dining area with antique furnishings, vintage photographs, and plenty of cowboy character.
One of the biggest attractions is the massive Brunswick bar, an impressive piece of craftsmanship with dark wooden panels, ornate carvings, and elegant arches.
You can pull up a stool, order a whiskey, and imagine the days when cowboys, miners, and gamblers gathered here for a drink.
It’s actually not that hard to picture those days, especially with staff dressed in period-inspired Western clothing.
And if you’re into Old West movies, you’re in for a treat!
The Palace Saloon has made its mark in Hollywood, appearing in several films starring famous actors like Steve McQueen, Tom Laughlin, and Peter Fonda.
After taking in the sights, settle down for a hearty meal, with options like the Palace Campfire Burger, Whiskey Row Street Tacos, or Old Fashioned Fish N Chips.
For something heartier, try the Wrangler’s Reuben, the Fort Whipple Flat Iron Steak, or the Cactus Country Corona Battered Cod Sandwich.
Whether you’re here for a drink, a hearty meal, or just to take in the atmosphere, The Palace Saloon lets you experience a piece of Arizona’s cowboy culture that’s still very much alive today.
History
The Palace Saloon’s story began in 1877, when Prescott was a busy frontier town filled with miners, cowboys, gamblers, and travelers looking for a good time.
D.C. Thorne opened it along Whiskey Row, a lively stretch with more than 40 bars, and it soon became one of the town’s most popular gathering spots.
It even welcomed legendary Wild West figures like Wyatt Earp, his brother Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday, who reportedly visited before heading south to Tombstone.
But things took a turn in 1883 when a fire destroyed the building, forcing D.C. to sell the property.
The new owner, Robert Brow, rebuilt the saloon and reopened it in 1884 with a beautiful Brunswick bar, chandeliers, gaming tables, and private club rooms.
Despite its fresh start, the saloon would soon face an even bigger disaster!
On July 14, 1900, a massive fire swept through Whiskey Row, destroying The Palace and several neighboring businesses.
As the flames spread, customers reportedly carried the Brunswick bar across the street to safety, and legend has it that some even kept drinking while the buildings burned.
Luckily, the bar survived, and the business reopened in 1901 as The Palace Hotel after being rebuilt and joined with the neighboring Cabinet Saloon.
It went through more changes over the years, including Prohibition, before a major renovation in 1996 brought back much of its Old West charm.
Today, The Palace Saloon stands as a reminder of Prescott’s Wild West days, welcoming visitors who want to experience its history firsthand.
Know Before You Go
Opening Hours
The Palace Saloon is open seven days a week, from 11 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hours can change throughout the year or during special events, so check the official Palace Saloon website before visiting.
Parking
You’ll find metered street parking around downtown Prescott, along with public parking garages and lots within walking distance.
If you’re looking for a convenient spot, The Garage on Granite at 135 South Granite Street is a great option just a 5-minute walk from the saloon.
Things to Do Nearby
One of the best things about visiting The Palace Saloon is that there are plenty of other attractions nearby to explore.
Right across the street, you’ll find Courthouse Plaza, a historic square featuring the Yavapai County Courthouse and serving as a gathering place for festivals and events.
Just a 5-minute walk away is Sharlot Hall Museum, where you can explore historic buildings, fascinating artifacts, and exhibits about life in early Arizona.
If you love spending time in nature, drive 10 minutes to Watson Lake, a 70-acre reservoir surrounded by massive granite boulders where you can kayak, fish, or hike.
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