December 28, 2017
11 Best Bars in Prescott
Gone are the days when a cowboy rode into town and stopped at the nearest saloon for a drink. But a visit to Whiskey Row in Prescott, just 20 minutes from Talking Rock, will take you back in time to the days when prospectors, settlers, gamblers and even outlaws gathered at their favorite watering hole on Whiskey Row and caught up on the news of the day.
Whiskey Row is full of some of Prescott’s oldest history, developed after a fire in July of 1900 destroyed the entire block. When reconstructed, several bars were added to the area. At one point, this single block hosted 40 saloons!
Present day Prescott celebrates the history of Whiskey Row, including an annual shoot-out and visitors enjoy not only the famous saloons, but art galleries, candy shops and top-notch restaurants as well.
Our 11 Best Bars list includes historic saloons, some sports bars, a few dive bars and a couple of local favorites tucked away a few blocks from the main downtown area.
Located in the Hassayampa Inn, this historic bar takes you back to the 1900s, with a beautiful tin ceiling and stained glass back bar. It’s been renovated and upgraded, but the bar maintains the feeling that you might sit down next to Ernest Hemingway or other legend. The Inn is, in fact, rumored to be haunted, but that’s for another blog!
Try the Southern Collins, The Peacock (Grey Goose L’orange Vodka, Peach Schnapps with a splash of cranberry and orange juice) or The Hemingway Daiquiri (Don Q Rum, Pamplemousses liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup). The Hassayampa Lemonade is another favorite (Ketel One Citroen, lime juice, Simple Syrup, Grand Marnier, garnished with ripe strawberry).
Price Range: Moderate
Address: 122 E Gurley St., Prescott, 928-778-9434
The Palace is the most well-known and historic restaurant and saloon in the state. It’s THE bar where Doc Holliday and the Earps drank and played poker. Although Whiskey Row was known for its many saloons, The Palace was much more than a fancy “watering hole.” Men came in to check for notices of work available; it served as an election central for several political races and cattle spreads; and mineral claims were bought and sold over the bar. Today’s Palace owners have done extensive remodeling to restore the Palace to its past grandeur. Although still a frontier saloon, the addition of dining makes The Palace the gathering place it once was.
Try an Arizona craft beer or whiskey. For food we recommend the Palace Corn Chowder, Cowboy Cobb, Buffalo Burger or Ponderosa Prime Melt.
Price Range: Moderate.
Address: 120 S. Montezuma Street, Prescott, 928-541-1996.
This early pioneer of the microbrewing industry in Arizona has been voted in the top 10 every year since 2000. In 2017, they received two prestigious beer awards from the world-renowned Australian International Beer Awards competition, the largest annual beer competition in the world. Located right across from Courthouse Plaza, it’s a casual, yet professional, dining experience with a large and varied menu. They also sell beer to go.
The brews are amazing. If you are not sure which one you should order, the staff can help you make the best decision. Try the ACHOCOLYPSE (Chocolate Porter: A delicate blend of dark and bitter chocolates infused into a classic Porter. This beer was in development for over three years, until the brewers hit perfection). It’s dark and heavy, with rich sweet chocolate notes on the back end. Or, try the BUMBLEBERRY (Blackberry ale made with 300 pounds of real blackberries; this light summertime ale is crisp and refreshing).
Price Range: $11-30
Address: 130 West Gurley Street, Prescott, 928.771.2795
One of the classiest establishments on Whiskey Row, this bar and lounge has a refined atmosphere, dark-stained wood and comfortable stylish furniture. It purports real expertise in classic and craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of spirits and craft beers.
Try the Key Lime Pie Martini, served in a graham cracker crust-rimmed glass or indulge in a Moscow Mule.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: 114 N Montezuma St., Prescott, 928-237-9027
Locals as well as tourists love this place. It’s a good spot to grab a beer and the staff is amazing. Located a bit off Whiskey Row, but still close to the excitement of the area.
Enjoy the Bomb Pop or Moscow Mule. Happy Hour every day from 3-6 p.m. with 2-4-1 wells, IPA’s and bowls of complimentary pretzels.
Price Range: Inexpensive
Address: 218 W Gurley St., Prescott, 928-277-8062
The outside balcony provides fantastic front-row seats to all the people and activity on Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza. Patrons caution “be careful on the way down if you have had a few drinks, the stairs are steep.” Or take the elevator!
The bartenders are friendly and the drinks are strong. Draft beer available, including Jersey Lilly Saloon Brew, Four Peaks Hop Knot IPA, Mudd Shark – Vanilla Caramel Porter and more.
Price Range: Moderate
Address: 116 S Montezuma St., Prescott, 928-541-7854.
With a nod to the history of Prescott, Coppertop Alehouse is a traditional European alehouse with a family-friendly environment. They specialize in full flavor malty ales and lagers ranging from a robust Russian Imperial Stout to a lighter-bodied but rich malty Irish Red.
If you don’t know what to order, there’s always a brewer on hand to answer your questions and make recommendations. Plus, there’s a no-tipping policy!
Price Range: Under $10
Address: 220 S Montezuma St., Prescott, 928-351-7712
When you step into The Final Score, expect to be greeted by a friendly and attentive staff. You’ll enjoy delicious and reasonably-priced drinks and food. Locals love the wings, burgers and pizza. Pool tables and arcade games keep the crowd busy if they’re not watching the games on screens.
Try the “Scrappy” burger with green chili.
Price Range: Inexpensive
Address: 1011 Commerce Dr., Prescott, 928-778-2211
Lyzzard’s is a cool dive bar with a nice selection of icy cold taps and friendly staff. Free shuffle board, pool, and beer ball/ski ball. Score over 270 points and you receive happy hour pricing any time. The combination of funny sayings on the walls, a new-age juke box, darts, a boxing game and pinball will put a smile on your face.
Their draft list is very impressive with more than 40 craft beers.
Price Range: Moderate pricing
Address: 120 N Cortez St., Prescott, 928-778-2244
An old-time watering hole with a collection of large, wildlife head mounts, strung lights on the walls and weekend live music. A legendary bar that was rebuilt after the turn-of-the century fire. No-frills ambiance with quick, friendly service.
The drafts are beer sourced from local breweries.
Price Range: Inexpensive
Address: 160 S Montezuma St., Prescott, 928-778-9921
This is a small, neighborhood bar with a friendly feel, and is a favorite of locals. It’s about three miles from downtown, away from Whiskey Row. The food is great and authentic.
Indulge in a margarita while dining on a spicy green burrito or fish taco.
Price Range: Under $10
Address: 1042 Willow Creek Rd, # 107, Prescott, 928-443-0102.
Several “in-the-know” people recommended we add Park Plaza Liquor to our list. We couldn’t agree more! Park Plaza is a liquor store, restaurant and bar all rolled into one. Located in downtown Prescott, it’s the perfect place to grab a cold brew and a piece of wood-fired pizza or mac ‘n’ cheese to top off your day. Or, just drop in to buy your favorites from the walk-in-beer cooler room and enjoy at home. They carry 1,000 different beers with 22 doors of cold beer, plus 1,000 bottles of wine. Discover hard-to-find craft beers like Bear Republic, Bell’s, Dogfish Head, Deschutes, Stone, Sierra Nevada, North Coast, Great Divide, Lagunitas, Firestone Walker, Rogue, Odell, and many more. PLUS, enjoy the experience of a walk-in cigar humidor. Alcohol, food, cigars…what more do you need in life? The service is always excellent too.
Price Range: $11-30
Address: 402 W Goodwin St., Prescott, 928-541-9894
If you love Prescott, but like your independence, visit Talking Rock https://talkingrockaz.com/
Thirty minutes outside of Prescott, this private master planned community offers a variety of home sites including large lots, custom builds, on the golf course, and ready-to-move-in options amidst Arizona’s finest high chaparral scenery.
Talking Rock, the rockin’ side of Prescott.