Some places earn their reputation one generation at a time — and then there are places like The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, which have been earning theirs since before Arizona was even a state. The Palace is the oldest business and oldest bar operating in the state of Arizona, located on historic Whiskey Row in Prescott. That’s not just a marketing tagline; it’s a genuinely staggering legacy that you feel the moment you step through the swinging doors.
Past patrons include Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday, and Big Nose Kate. Doc Holliday was even on a winning streak on Whiskey Row — possibly right here at The Palace — where he reportedly won $10,000 playing poker. Whether you’re here for the food, the drinks, or just a brush with Wild West legend, this place delivers on all fronts.
A Living Piece of Wild West History
The saloon was opened in 1877 and rebuilt in 1901 after a disastrous fire swept the district in 1900. But here’s where the story gets legendary: when fire on Whiskey Row destroyed much of the original Palace, the elaborately carved Brunswick-brand bar — which is still in use today — was saved when it was carried across the street by diehard Palace patrons. That bar survived the blaze, and it’s been the soul of the saloon ever since.
The centerpiece of the saloon is the Brunswick bar, which was built in New Jersey, freighted around the tip of South America to San Francisco, and then transported by pack mule to Prescott — then the territorial capital of Arizona. The bar is 24 feet long and hand-carved from solid oak. That same bar, along with the original gun safe and beer cooler, still stands in the saloon today, and the large mirror behind the bar is said to be among the only things that survived the blaze intact. Standing in front of it, the weight of that history is hard to ignore.
Throughout its history, The Palace has served as more than just a bar and restaurant — it was used as a place to post work notices, a local mineral office where mineral claims were bought and sold, and even as a polling location during elections. The saloon closed down during the Prohibition era, but a speakeasy continued to operate in the basement. Layers upon layers of Arizona history are packed into one building.
Food & Drink Highlights
The menu features classic American plates like barbecue chicken sandwiches and hamburgers, as well as themed dishes like “Saloon skirt steak” and “cowboy cobbler” for dessert. Fan favorites that keep coming up include the pulled pork sliders, the Reuben, the French dip, and the cowboy corn chowder — all crowd-pleasing, hearty dishes that match the rugged spirit of the place. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, and the cocktails are expertly crafted.
The Palace offers an extensive menu and boasts the best whiskey selection in Northern Arizona. The menu features a hefty selection of bourbons, as well as rye, Canadian, and scotch whiskeys. Whether you belly up to the bar for a classic Old Fashioned or something more adventurous, the drink program is a serious highlight.
Beyond great food and drinks, The Palace occasionally takes the entertainment up a notch with dinner theater performances, where costumed actors bring the Wild West to life right in the dining room, turning your meal into a full sensory experience. There’s also live music in the bar, making a night out here feel like a fully immersive event rather than just a meal.
Atmosphere & Décor
Dining inside is like being in an Old West saloon, a pioneer museum, and a restaurant all in one. The walls are lined with historic photographs and taxidermy, the bar taps are in unusual shapes such as a pistol and a cowboy, there is a high pressed-tin ceiling, and the booths are named after famous patrons such as the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday.
In 1996, the saloon underwent a retrograde renovation, restoring the interior to better reflect the time in which it was created, including swinging doors, hardwood floors, oak wainscoting, and leaded-glass windows. Authentic elements like bullet holes in the high metal ceiling — left over from an Old West-style gunfight — were left intact, alongside original swinging saloon-style doors, wooden arches, and carved details. Nothing about this space feels like a reproduction; it feels like the real thing, because it largely is.
The wait staff and bartenders dress in period costumes from the 1880s, and that detail alone transforms the entire vibe. Many of the locals are also in period dress, and there are plenty of regulars who are very knowledgeable about the area’s history and love to share that with others. It’s the kind of place where a conversation at the bar can turn into a full history lesson — and you’ll be glad it did.
Other Considerations
Is The Palace a good value for the money? Most visitors find it surprisingly affordable for the caliber of the experience. Many guests note it’s been quite some time since they’ve had such a good meal at such an affordable price. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit, and the food more than holds its own.
Is it worth visiting even if I’m not a history buff? Absolutely. The Palace has an especially colorful history and is practically a working saloon/museum of the Old West, but the quality food, well-crafted cocktails, and lively atmosphere make it a great time regardless of your interest in frontier history. It works equally well as a lunch stop, a dinner destination, or a late evening out.
What about service? Service experiences at The Palace can vary, particularly during busy weekend periods when the saloon is packed. Most visitors report warm, attentive service, but it’s worth knowing that peak hours on Friday and Saturday nights can slow things down. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, a weekday visit is a solid choice. The saloon is known for its friendly staff, reasonable prices, and fast service during the week.
Can I bring my dog? The Palace has a dog-friendly back patio that guests absolutely love — one of those thoughtful little details that turns a good outing into a great one for the whole family, pets included. Prescott’s mild weather makes outdoor seating a genuine pleasure for much of the year.
What’s the best way to experience the area around The Palace? Prescott has even implemented a “Boot Drop” on New Year’s Eve in imitation of the Times Square Ball Drop — and each year, the boot is dropped on the roof of The Palace. Beyond the saloon itself, be sure to explore the other businesses on historic Whiskey Row — at one point in its history, the street housed 40 bars, and now it has a variety of businesses like art galleries, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a full afternoon of exploration right on your doorstep.
Has The Palace been featured in film? Because of its historic style, The Palace Restaurant and Saloon has been a shooting location for a variety of movies, like “Junior Bonner,” a 1972 film about a veteran rodeo rider who returns to his hometown of Prescott, and “Wanda Nevada,” a Western starring Peter Fonda and Brooke Shields. Hollywood recognized what visitors already know — this place looks like the real deal because it is.
The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
📍 120 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Website: https://thepalacerestaurantandsaloon.com
