Sagebrush Saloons

Wash down that dirt road adventure and drink in the history.

Traversing Nevada’s myriad dirt roads is guaranteed to work up an appetite for a backroad beverage. Colorful characters invite you to pull up a barstool, wet your whistle, and listen to a tale or two. These Sagebrush Saloons serve up frosty brews, curated cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks for the entire crew—driver included. As you wander the byways and backways, keep an eye out for these venerated thirst parlors.

Sagebrush saloons LUCKY SPUR SALOON

Kingston

Located some 36 minutes south of Austin, a large windmill marks the site of the Lucky Spur Saloon in Kingston. Get ready to be blown away by the view from the bar counter overlooking the spectacular Big Smoky Valley.

The decor features dozens of antique spurs hanging from every windowsill and chandelier, and it’s easy to make conversation with the locals here. They’ll more than likely tell you everything you want to know about the area: nearby fishing and camping, the pictograph-adorned Toquima Cave, Austin turquoise shops, and local hot springs.

TRAVEL NEVADA PRO TIP

Oh, and although this goes without saying: always sip—and adventure—responsibly.

PIONEER SALOON

Goodsprings

Constructed in 1913, Pioneer Saloon is enveloped in history—complete with authentic bullet holes from its rowdier days. Celebrities have frequented the joint throughout the years, including actor Clark Gable, whose cigar burns still mar the solid wood Brunswick Bar relocated from its first home in Rhyolite.

The oldest bar in southern Nevada is just 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Step back and admire the original Sears and Roebuck manufactured stamped-tin walls, said to be one of—if not the—last buildings of its kind in the U.S. Enjoy a tasty beverage and the history that literally covers the walls of this Nevada treasure.

TRAVEL NEVADA PRO TIP

The Pioneer Saloon’s cuisine has repeatedly been featured on Food Network. Swing by for a taste of Wild West barbecue, including breakfast, burgers, and even steak and lobster.

HAPPY BURRO CHILI & BEER

Beatty

Award-winning chili and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon out of a mason jar? Count us in. This historic shack is situated in the heart of the Bullfrog Mining District in Beatty. After a day exploring Death Valley National Park, grab a dog or burger, add chili (obviously), strike up a conversation with a regular at the bar, and keep an eye out for wild burros that roam the town.

PIONEER SALOON

GENOA BAR & SALOON

Carson Valley/Genoa

Toast your way back to 1853 at the Genoa Bar & Saloon, proudly known as “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor.” Boasting more than 160 years of history, this historic spot oozes charm out of every long-faded painting, vintage sign, floor creak, and crumbling brick. The watering hole snuck its way through Prohibition— operating under the guise of a soda fountain—and once separated guests into either the gentlemen’s saloon or ladies lounge. Gone are the days when bathtub gin was distilled in the cellar below, but the ambiance remains.

GENOA BAR & SALOON

TRAVEL NEVADA PRO TIP

Located in gorgeous Carson Valley, the bar bustles on sunny weekends as bicyclists and motorcyclists flock to the area’s bucolic views and quiet roads.