The days when John Wayne dominated the big screen and television are somewhat in the past, and many may think the old west is on its last legs. Western Saloons started back in 1832 when the U.S. Congress passed the Tavern and Pioneer Inn law. This allowed pioneers and settlers to visit establishments that served alcohol to passers-by even if they did not book a room for the night. Saloons became the norm in every settlement and village quenching the thirst of trappers, cowboys and miners.
Historic Saloons Still Open Today
Gambling halls, brothels and saloons appeared almost overnight in Colorado, and the town prospered and blossomed into one of the largest cities. Over 150 resorts ranging from elaborate concert halls to small saloons offered gambling opportunities. Gamblers such as Ben Thompson, Doc Holiday, Luke Short and Bat Masterson spent a lot of time in the town. The most significant amount according to history was $3,000 dropped in one night on Faro, and when it went wrong, Thompson used his six-shooter, and while panic-stricken patrons ran to the exit, he shot out all the lights.
Several True Western Saloons are still open today and invite travellers to wet their whistle at the most historic saloons of the wild west. Colorado is home to no less than nine of the oldest bars, and these include The Café Bar, Silver Dollar Saloon, Buffalo Rose Saloon and the Mint Saloon.
Mint Saloon in Colorado
The oldest saloon in Colorado still uses the original name, and a visit to the Mint Saloon takes you back to 1862. The building is in mint condition and offers some of the best cocktails plus you get to grill your stake over the 1,100-degree lava rock grill.
Colorado’s Face Bar
Named after the image of a woman’s face that was mysterious and spotted on the barroom floor, the Face Bar is in Central City. Build in 1936, Herndon Davis a local artist did several paintings the last was that of the woman’s face that remains a mystery to this day.
Leadville’s Silver Dollar Saloon
A favourite watering hole for the most famous outlaws such as Doc Holliday, the Silver Dollar Saloon got its name after prohibition ended. Driving down Leadville’s main street the hitching posts and old wood building of the saloon are hard to miss.
Pueblo’s Gray’s Coors Tavern
Several True Western Saloons are still open today and invite travellers to wet their whistle at the most historic saloons of the wild west. Colorado is home to no less than nine of the oldest bars, and these include The Café Bar, Silver Dollar Saloon, Buffalo Rose Saloon and the Mint Saloon.
One of the oldest southwest bars in Colorado is also called the Slopper birthplace, which is a burger hid in chilli. Gray’s Coors Tavern has been around since 1934. Gray’s Tavern today offers a bar and grill, and it is a sports bar.