These Timeless Western Saloons and Bars Are a Portal to the Old West

Cocktail lounges, sports bars, dives, and tiki bars all have their place in any given boozy corner of America. But if you’re traveling through the West this spring and summer, there's nothing better than a Western saloon that looks like it's been around since the days of Wyatt Earp—and often have. Festooned with Western ambience, many of them make a common claim (however impossible to prove) about being the oldest spot for a whiskey and beer out in these parts.

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While even the most timeless watering holes of the West may not have hitching posts for your horse anymore, they don’t have plug-ins for your Tesla either. From Deadwood to Tombstone and Fort Worth to Leadville, these vintage roadhouses are all worth a time-warped visit if you happen to be moseying by.

Best Bars of the Old West

Huntsville, UT

Jackson, WY

Deadwood, SD

Fort Worth, TX

Tombstone, AZ

Leadville, CO

Constructed in 1876 after the Great Fire of 1875 and now a Virginia City National Landmark located in the center of town, Bucket of Blood Saloon evokes Western charm as well as a bit of Harrison Ford. In 1997, researchers discovered that the place originally housed Boston Saloon, tucked down a flight of stairs now buried by asphalt. Frequented by the likes of Mark Twain and other historical figures, and featured in the 1960’s Bonanza series, the bar has been owned and operated by the McBride family since 1931. The family has preserved its heritage with hanging lamps and mirrors. Frequent bar crawls, chili cook-offs, live music, and other events keep this joint jumping. What to order here? Easy, burger and a draft.