The Palace Restaurant and Saloon

The next stop on my list of bars on Whiskey Row was one of the most anticipated stops. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon. If this place could talk, I would have probably been there for weeks! So, after leaving the Bird Cage, it was time to move on to the most interesting and self-proclaimed oldest frontier saloon in Arizona. Ask just about anyone in Arizona and they will have a story to tell about the Palace.

The Palace was established and opened in September of 1877. There were so many saloons in business at the time but the Palace was more than just a saloon. The frontier men, who were looking for work at that time, could go to the Palace and find something by looking at a work message board. Not only that, but mineral rights were bought and sold at the bar, and the Palace was a place to go to check on cattle trades. It also served as an election place for political races in town.

The original swinging doors bring a real view of the history of this saloon. Walking through these doors was like walking back into time. If you look up and into the Saloon, you can see the pressed tin ceilings. Wyatt Earp and his brother, Virgil (who lived in Prescott) were regulars of The Palace as was Doc Holliday who loved to play poker on Whiskey Row. It is said that Doc Holliday was on a winning streak in the late 1800's and won $10,000 before leaving for Tombstone.

The beautifully hand-carved back bar built by the Brunswick Company in the 1880's is one of the oldest bars on Whiskey Row and has a history of it's own. During the fire that destroyed Whiskey row on July 14th, 1900, the patrons of the bar, probably ranchers, gamblers and cowboys, carried the back bar out of The Palace and across the street to the courtyard where they continued drinking and playing cards while the fire raged on.

As I sat down at the bar, ordered a beer and looked around, I felt that I was in a saloon right out of an old western movie. Thanks to the former owner Bob Brow who rebuilt The Palace right after the fire which included a Chinese restaurant and barber shop. It has since been restored to it's magnificence in 1901. The dining room really adds a nice touch to the great feel of an absolutely impressive saloon.

The Bird Cage Saloon

The Bird Cage Saloon was the first saloon we found ourselves in after having some lunch at Pearl’s Place Cafe to establish some base for the large amount of beer I would consume that day! Locate on Whiskey Row, 148 South Montezuma, Prescott Az, I sat down and ordered a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and began taking pictures of what I consider to be a really awesome place. The saloon is named for the large collection of mounted birds on display in glass cases in the saloon and it is one of the longest running bars on Whiskey Row. Some of the birds were displayed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
Here is a shot of one of the glass cases of the birds on display.

The back bar is a beautiful piece of history. According to Debi Stamm co-owner of the Bird Cage the back bar was built in 1867 by the Brunswick Company in Boston. This bar was put on a ship, sailed around the horn, up through the Sea Of Cortez and then up the Colorado River where it was then put on mule train through the desert to Prescott, AZ. As you can see, the dark wood and hand carvings are beautiful and after taking my pictures and settling onto my bar stool, I began to drink in the history. Back during a time when cowboys, ranchers and gamblers would wander in off the dusty trails and streets, order a beer and maybe take in a game of cards with Doc Holiday or enjoy the company of a saloon girl. The feel of The Bird Cage was great!

Bryan, enjoying the view of the bar.

Bill Stamm bought the bar in 1969 when it was D’s Bar. John Stamm, his son took over in 1982. Interestingly, during prohibition, The Bird Cage Saloon was a mercantile, a Chinese restaurant, and a Chinese laundry. Before that though, it was a pretty wild place with a brothel upstairs and opium dens in the back of the saloon. John noticed that the bar had a crawlspace in the floor near the where the stage is and in it he found an old original attaché box inscribed D Holliday.

This is considered one of only 3 of the oldest back bars to reside in Prescott.

There is a sign in The Bird Cage which defines their philosophy, “Be Nice Or Leave.” Hard not to be nice there, I felt at ease and comfortable. I didn’t want to leave. After returning home from my trip, I contacted Debi Stamm, owner with John her husband and I learned much of the history of the bar. She is responsible for bringing in good talented entertainment at the saloon. Debi is very nice and approachable so if you are ever in The Bird Cage and she is there, don’t hesitate to say hello. She will be more than happy to sit down and talk to you about the bar and its fascinating history.

Whiskey Row, Prescott, Az

This was the visit I was looking forward to for a long time. I had told a few friends that I was going to go around the country to photograph my favorite bars and taverns in the process of writing a book on the subject. Dallas Horn immediately brought up Whiskey Row. He told me a little about the Palace Restaurant and Saloon. He said “You have to go there guy! The history of the Row is amazing!” Boy was he right! I absolutely enjoyed my one day trip to Prescott and I wish I could have stayed longer.
Looking south on Whiskey Row (Montezuma Street) from Gurley Street.

I had only been to Prescott once before and never visited Whiskey Row. That’s a shame! I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. See, I lived in the greater Phoenix area from 1979-1983 and then again from 1986-1998. Both of my sons, Nicholas and Anthony were born there. Prescott is just a little less than 2 hours north of Phoenix. I love Arizona. It is one of the most diverse of the states in every way, especially the landscape and scenery. You can go from desert to high country pines in just a couple hours drive. It is spectacular! My friend Bryan Dunn went with me on this trip and I don’t know who was looking forward to this more. Before we left Phoenix, Bryan explained to me that he wanted me to enjoy myself and totally experience Whiskey Row. He was my designated driver and carried all of my equipment. He lugged my camera and equipment around all day and I really appreciate that because it’s not easy drinking and working at the same time. We had a blast!

Bryan Dunn, or the Hippie as he is affectionately known walking in the courtyard across the street from Whiskey Row.

Prescott Arizona was founded in 1864 and incorporated into Arizona in 1881. The 100 block of South Montezuma Street is a one block strip known as Whiskey Row because of the enormous amount of saloons that were once there. There are lots of stories that make up the rich history of this town. Ranches, saloons, gambling, the brothels and opium dens were the norm. Legend has it that Whiskey Row used to be situated some blocks west of where it is today. It is on South Montezuma Street now because people who had been drinking and gambling all night on “The Row”, had to walk across a foot bridge that crossed Granite Creek to get home. People who had a little too much to drink were falling into the creek and drowning. If you read the historical markers that line Whiskey Row and some of the markers on the buildings and establishments themselves, you can learn some real fun facts including one that some of the bars back then brewed their own beer and drinks were only 12 ½ ¢. In the late 1800’s, Whiskey Row held over 40 bars and saloons and it was rumored that there was an underground tunnel from the courthouse to the saloons so lawmakers wouldn’t be seen going into these establishments during the day. The Palace is one of the oldest of the saloons on Whiskey Row and Arizona which opened in September 1877. During that time, The Row was frequented by cowboys, farmers, ranchers and gamblers. It was definitely not a “family friendly” place. Most of the saloons were street level, the brothels were upstairs and the opium dens were in the back. These places were wild with gambling and saloon girls all around. Some of Whiskey Rows storied clientele include Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday. In most recent history Bruce Springsteen, Buck Owens and Waylon Jennings have enjoyed the “Row”. A fire on July 14, 1900 destroyed Whiskey Row along with the historical bars. Amazingly, it was rebuilt from the fall of 1900 and finished in 1905. The integrity of the buildings on the “Row” were built to match the look and style of the early 20th century. There are two back bars and front bars that survived and I will discuss that within the stories of the saloons themselves. There is a great story of how the bar in the Palace survived the fire. These bars were manufactured by the Brunswick Company in either Chicago or Boston and the how they ended up in Arizona was not easy. After they were built and hand-carved, the bars were put on a ship either on the Atlantic Ocean or down the Mississippi River. They sailed around the horn, up the coast of Mexico and were either dropped off in San Francisco or continued to sail up the Colorado River. From there, the bars were put on a mule train and stage-coached across the desert and assembled in the saloons. Can you imagine the enormity of all this? Back bar located in The Bird Cage Saloon. Notice the beautiful handcarvings This back bar dates back to the 1870's

Prescott is only 96 miles northwest of Phoenix and 90 miles southwest of Flagstaff. If you wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, it’s only 95 miles away. Prescott sits at an elevation of 5300ft. It boasts a mild 4 season climate. When we were there, it was 86 degrees and dry while Phoenix was near 112 degrees. The average winter temperature is 50 degrees while summer is 85 degrees. There is plenty to do also as Prescott is known as “Arizona’s Christmas City” and has the worlds oldest, continuously running rodeo. When Arizona became a territory in 1864, Prescott was the capital city until 1889 when Tucson was named capital. As of today, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona.

Today, Whiskey Row is a great place to visit for both locals and tourists. While in the saloons, you can feel the history. Most of the ceilings are made of decorative pressed tin and even though the bars are newer, you can really sit at the bars and imagine what it may have been like back in the late 1800’s on Whiskey Row. I hope that everyone who reads this book has an opportunity to visit Prescott and spend some time on Whiskey Row. Trust me; you will be glad that you did. I have great memories of that one day I sat at all the bars that you are about to read about and I am looking forward to going back. Hope to see you there!

Scottsdale, Az

Before going to Scottsdale, I spent a couple days prior going to some of my favorite places in Chandler, like Teakwoods Tavern for a reminder of how great their wings are. Located on 5965 West Ray Road, Suite 20 in Chandler, Arizona. This place is great! When I lived in Chandler, I used to go to Teakwoods regularly for wing night.

The menu has all kinds of things to try and they always have a full list of special items that changes every night. Grab a hand full of peanuts and shell them and toss them on the floor. Be careful, because the beer flows cold and a night can be lost sitting at the bar. It is a nice neighborhood bar. But I would call ahead because while I was there, they said they may be closing or relocate. Their number is (480) 961-0945. I really hope it is still operating. I wanted to add this because it was one of my favorite bars.

Next, it was off to Phoenix and the bar in Rustler's Rooste which has an awesome view of the city of Phoenix from atop the hill it sits on;

Rustler’s Rooste was established in 1971. Legend has it that the original site, that sits on top of a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, was a hideout for cattle rustlers. Currently, it is Arizona’s Legendary Cowboy Steakhouse. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Tempe, 20 minutes from Scottsdale and 10 minutes from the Sky Harbor International airport.
Rustler’s Rooste is a 2-story building with the lounge on the top level. There is an indoor waterfall and patrons can take the slide into the dining room. Don't worry, for those people who would rather walk downstairs there is a staircase.
Rustler’s Rooste serves up some of the best steaks I have ever had, ribs, chicken seafood. Appetizers are different and delicious. including rattlesnake! Our desserts will tempt you. There is a nice bar serving anything you want and my bartender while I was there was great!
Rustler’s Rooste has live country western music 7 nights a week. There is even a General Store where you can buy t-shirts and other souvenirs. Valet parking is offered at no charge.

Rustler's Rooste is open 365 days a year. Banquet spaces are available for large groups. Also in the offering, you can choose from scenic patios and vistas under the stars, they also have a Crystal Barn with a stage and dance floor, and the indoor Branding Iron Room. The amazing thing is that the Rooste can handle groups from 30 up to 1500. Check with them because the are a lot of different theme parties to choose from.

Next, I went to Tempe to visit Doc and Eddy's. Let me just tell you a little something about this place. It may not be one of the historic places on my list but it is a fun sports bar

Doc and Eddy’s in Tempe Arizona, is located on the northeast corner of Rural and Baseline Roads and is situated behind the Bank of America. I really enjoyed this bar back in the early 1990’s and I am glad it is still there today. It is one of the best sports bars to catch a ball game thanks to the enormous amount of televisions and big screens throughout the bar. This bar offers something for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or your age. It’s a neighborhood sports bar which caters to college students and professional people to retirees. When I arrived at Doc and Eddy’s, it was about 11 am. The bar was filled with a number of retirees having an early lunch, a few beers and telling stories which I am certain were some pretty tall tales. I felt right at home. Doc and Eddy’s is a busy place later on in the day, so I am glad I got there early enough to get pictures of this very friendly sports bar.

There are a lot of activities going on here at Doc & Eddy’s. Besides the sports on the televisions and a big selection of music on the jukebox, there is a lot going on. If you are into playing pool, there are a ton of pool tables behind the bar. Doc and Eddy’s have 12 pool tables to play on with ten of them being 9 foot regulation tables. Pool leagues and tournaments are held here all week.

There are many video games as well as a slot car electric racetrack and air hockey. The Slotcar track is awesome. Go to http://www.racelinkusa.com/ to learn more details about how you can participate in Slotcar racing as well as a link to Doc & Eddy’s which gives the race schedule with times and practices. The link also gives great information on how to purchase the tracks, Slotcars and accessories along with the rules and regulations of Slotcar racing. This would be a blast if you are interested in racing.

One of the newest areas of the bar I had not seen since I left Arizona is the Arizona Room. This room is great for parties and is decorated in the total Arizona sports fashion. Pennants and pictures of all Arizona teams and stadiums cover the walls as well as a Sports Illustrated cover with Pat Tillman and the flag of Arizona above it. It is a nice tribute to the Arizona Cardinal/war hero who was killed in Afghanistan while defending his country. The room has a large screen television so everyone can enjoy the game.

I sat down at the bar and ordered a burger and also a Four Peaks Kilt Lifter ale. One thing to note here is that Doc and Eddy’s is one of the first bars in the area to serve Kilt Lifter. Another nice touch is that they have an 8 hour happy hour starting at 11 am and going on until 7 pm. But that’s OK if you can’t make it in during those times because they then start great drink specials after 10 pm! Doc and Eddy’s also have karaoke and music on the patio. A poker tournament is held during the week and another great thing about Doc & Eddy’s is that you can experience all of this with no cover charge!

One other cool thing to note is their patio. The patio seats at least 15 wooden tables that surround 2 olive trees with more seating at tables in the area. For the summertime when temperatures can get over 110 degrees, there is a misting system around the patio which lowers the temperature 20+ degrees.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best sports bars and one of my favorites. With great food, the best burgers and cold drinks you can’t miss with Doc & Eddy’s! My bartender was very nice and attentive and really, all of the people working here went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed and the freedom to show what a truly great sports bar Doc & Eddy’s is!

Now! It was time to check out Scottsdale. There were two places there I really wanted to visit; the Rusty Spur Saloon and Papago Brewing.

So I went to the Rusty Spur first.

Located at 7245 E. Main St., near the corner of Brown and Main Streets in Old Town Scottsdale, The Rusty Spur is a jewel there in town. After talking with Susan Anderson, owner and a wonderful person to speak with, this is what I learned: A registered historic landmark, the Rusty Spur Saloon was built in 1921 where for more than a decade it housed the Farmer’s State Bank of Scottsdale, the first bank in Scottsdale from 1921 until 1933 when it closed on March 2nd for a "bank holiday" called by Governor B. B. Moeur. The bank never reopened. The old bank vault is still there, but now serves as a liquor cabinet and beer cooler. Prior to 1951 the building housed the first office of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and then a real-estate office. In 1951 it was renovated and opened as the Rusty Spur Cafe. In 1958 the cafe attained a liquor license and was Renamed the "Rusty Spur Saloon". As of today it is the oldest saloon in Scottsdale, where cowboys ‘watered’ their horses with buckets of beer. Over the years, the saloon has been patronized by Western greats such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Ernest Borgnine, and recently by Keifer Sutherland, Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Dierks Bentley an John Rich (Big & Rich) and players from the San Francisco Giants.
The Rusty Spur is world famous and known for their hospitality, great burgers and live entertainment seven days and seven nights weekly.

The Rusty Spur Saloon is the destination of choice for the Hashknife Pony Express riders. After completing the 200 mile relay ride over the grueling, mountainous trail from Holbrook to Scottsdale, the Hashknife Pony Express riders proceed to the Scottsdale Post Office located at the corner of Brown and Osborn streets to deliver the specially postmarked mail. The Riders then form up and ride north on Brown to Main St. where they dismount and tie up at the Rusty Spur Saloon for the ‘end of the trail’ celebration. The camaraderie at the celebration of another successful ride continues for hours. This opportunity to meet with real pony express riders who carry on a tradition started in the 1860's American west is an invaluable part of the history of our country, state, and town.

The Scottsdale Jaycees took over the annual Sunshine Festival in 1953 and renamed it the Parada Del Sol (Spanish for "walk in the sun"). The Parada Del Sol has since become world famous as the world’s longest horse drawn parade. Rodeo events were added to the Parada Del Sol celebration in 1956.

Almost every inch in this unique saloon is decorated with Western memorabilia, a collection of license plates, and thousands of dollar bills hanging from the ceiling (the money, given by patrons who wish to leave their mark, is donated every two years to a local children's charity). This charity I found out is a worthwhile one. The money goes to Arizona Action For Foster Children. The Spur also sponsors a motorcycle bike run every year which has been an annual event for the last 6 or so years with 50-75 riders, all for charity.

My visit there could only be described as awesome! My bartender was very nice and she made sure that I had everything I needed.

All information above courtesy of http://www.rustyspursaloon.com/ All pictures were taken by me.

Finally, I made it to Papago Brewing. Located in the Papago Plaza on the southwest corner of McDowell and Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. From the outside, it looks as if it is just a small bar.

But once inside, it was amazing! As you walk in, you are greeted by the giant monk. To the right is an area to play darts.

Walking further in, looking down the long building, the bar is to the right which has 30 wonderful beers on tap and to the left is a refrigerater which holds over 500 beers.

I wasn't able to meet with the owner Ron Kloth, he wasn't in town at the time but I was able to receive emails from him and this is the information I was able to obtain. "Papago Brewing Company started in 2001 and was founded by three homebrewers. At the time great beer was not readily available so we opened up our place with the idea of catering to the beer purists and not to the Coor's light crowd. We were successful from day one. We began having three of our own beers brewed up at a local microbrewery and over time because of their success have expanded our own beer line up over time, doing things that other local breweries weren't doing, such as making a wheatwine, or a double IPA or a Belgian Quad and have always let our homebrew background lead what we make. We are about to have one beer made in Belgium for us, we are awaiting label approval now but it should be available in the USA by late January. If you have a favorite place that carries Belgian beers ask them to get Oud Zuipers, imported by Global Beer. I know a big distributor in Indiana is going to carry it for sure."

I will be definately looking for his beer here in Ohio. I sampled so many of his beers amd was so impressed, I just wanted to open a cot and live in the bar for at least a week! If you are in Scottsdale, don't leave without checking this fine brew pub first.