Prescott's Wild Waterin' Holes...Saloons and Suds
FOR RELEASE
CONTACT:
Susan Schepman
(928) 708-9336
sschepman@cableone.net
In its heyday, Whiskey Row was home to dozens of saloons that lined Block #13 of Prescott, Arizona. Cattle, land, gold and girls were traded while sipping, slurping or throwing back a red eye (typical ingredients included soap, red ink, red peppers, black chewing tobacco, Jamaica ginger, molasses, "Hostetter's Bitters" and painkiller). Saloons were a place to sit back, relax and rinse the dust out of the throats of miners, ranchers, businessmen and gamblers with various liquids of amber color.
Today the whiskey is smoother, the food is better and the atmosphere is still alive and thriving. Locals and visitors continue to quench their thirst and grab some grub at some of the best waterin' holes on and near Whiskey Row. You can cruise The Row for hours enjoying a rich variety of bands, brews, and atmospheres.
The Palace has been on Whiskey Row since 1877 and is the oldest saloon in Arizona. It was beautifully restored in 1996, when food service was added. The bar at the Palace served libations to the likes of the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. The house specialties include steaks, seafood and Palace Red Beer. Stepping through the swinging doors and entering the saloon is like walking into the colorful history of the old west.
If you're looking for the last real Honky Tonk bar on Whiskey Row, then Matt's Saloon is the place to go. It's exactly what you'd expect a two-stepping palace to be – a deep, rich room with maple and oak floors, 1,200 sq ft. of dance space, a pool table and dart board. It is no secret to Prescott that Matt's national and international reputation has lured in the stellar personae of Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings and Bruce Springsteen. Among other things, the Hole In The Wall Grill offers Matt's signature Oven Baked Buffalo Wings with ranch or chipotle sauce. The owners provide a calendar of entertainment that appeals to a diverse clientele, keeping it modern but never losing sight of Matt's Saloon's rich history.
Doc Holliday's Saloon is located in the historic, 100-year-old D. Levy building on Whiskey Row. At one time, it was known as the "Press Club," offering city officials a secluded retreat from outlaws. Today, it retains the original pressed tin ceiling and boasts a second story view overlooking Courthouse Plaza and historic downtown Prescott.
The Jersey Lilly Saloon caters to locals and visitors from around the world. The historic balcony is the site of preferred seating for parades and people watching around the tree-lined Courthouse Plaza. Jersey Lilly has a full selection of favorite libations and premium wines, along with some of Prescott's top live entertainment.
Adjacent to Whiskey Row on Gurley Street is Prescott Brewing Company, Prescott's first and only operating brewery since before Prohibition. The location is just steps away from the site of Prescott's original "Arizona Brewery," which produced beer on Gurley Street from 1864 when the town was first founded. Prescott Brewing Company is Arizona's most awarded brewery, having garnered nine national Great American Beer Festival medals, four national North American Brewers' Association "Best of the West" awards, and two International World Beer Cup awards. As Benjamin Franklin so eloquently put it, "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy." Come in for the beer and stay for the food from this full-service establishment. The prices are moderate, the atmosphere is casual and the nightlife is hoppin'.
Further along on Gurley Street is the historic Hassayampa Inn. The rich history of the Prescott area and the Hassayampa Inn are inextricably entwined. This year marks the Inn's 75th Anniversary. History has it that cowboy legend Tom Mix, during one of his many trips to Prescott, spent a lively evening on Whiskey Row, just two blocks away. At the end of the evening, Mr. Mix decided that his horse Tony deserved the "best accommodations" Prescott had to offer. He rode Tony into the Hassayampa and the stairs still bear the marks of Tony's hooves. The Hassayampa Inn is the "Grand Dame" of Prescott. The award-winning Peacock Dining Room serves continental cuisine in a casually elegant atmosphere. Prime Rib is featured daily along with fresh Seafood Pasta Specials, Game Specials and Desserts "to die for." The newly appointed lounge is a popular gathering place for visitors and after-hour professionals. The Hassayampa Inn is the ideal place to experience the classic elegance of the 1920's.
Just two blocks north of Courthouse Plaza is the renowned Murphy's Restaurant. Built in 1890 as the J. I. Gardner Mercantile, the store was strategically located between the Santa Fe Depot and the Courthouse. In 1984, Paul R. Murphy restored the building to its past glory. J.I. Gardner's motto, "All Goods Guaranteed First Class," has been adopted by Murphy's Restaurant and reflects their commitment to excellence and quality. House specialties include catfish, salmon, Hawaiian fresh fish and prime rib. Murphy's combines the unique ambiance of a turn-of-the century mercantile with the excellence of the 20th century cuisine to create the unparalleled eatery that exists today.
The combination of Prescott's history and cultural heritage, coupled with special events and attractions, create a fascinating destination. For more information, visit the Prescott area web site at www.visit-prescott.com or call the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-266-7534.
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