This Historic Restaurant In Arizona Will Take You Back To The 1800s
I’ll admit, I’m not usually the type to walk into a restaurant and feel like I’ve slipped back in time. But the moment I stepped into the Palace Restaurant & Saloon in Prescott, Arizona, I half-expected to see someone in a cowboy hat tipping their hat and lighting a cigar with a gold pocket watch.
Built in 1877 (yes, 1877!), this historic gem has seen stagecoaches, silver miners, and more than a few questionable mustaches. Today?
It’s still serving up hearty Western fare and a healthy dose of frontier charm, with creaky wooden floors that whisper stories if you listen closely.
If your idea of a good time includes mashed potatoes, mesquite-smoked ribs, and a side of Arizona history, this isn’t just dinner. It’s a date with the Wild West.
Arizona’s Oldest Continuously Operating Business
Walking into a place that has been open since 1877 hits differently than any modern restaurant ever could. The Palace isn’t just old, it’s Arizona’s oldest continuously operating business, which means generations of families have pushed through those same saloon doors.
Imagine all the stories these walls could tell if they could talk.
Every corner of this establishment breathes authenticity. The original Brunswick bar, ornately carved and absolutely stunning, survived a devastating fire in 1900 when brave patrons literally carried it across the street to safety.
That bar still stands proudly today, serving guests just like it did over a century ago.
Being surrounded by such genuine history while enjoying your meal creates an atmosphere you simply cannot replicate.
The wooden floors creak with character, the vintage fixtures glow with warmth, and everywhere you look, there’s a reminder that you’re dining in a true piece of Arizona heritage.
This isn’t some themed restaurant trying to look old, this is the real deal, and you can feel that authenticity in every moment you spend here.
Legendary Wild West Characters Once Gathered Here
Famous lawmen and frontier legends actually walked these very floors. Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday were all regular visitors to the Palace back in its early days.
Knowing that such iconic figures of the Wild West actually stood where you’re standing now adds a thrilling layer to your dining experience.
Prescott’s Whiskey Row was the beating heart of frontier life, and the Palace sat right in the middle of all that action. The saloon witnessed everything from card games to confrontations, from celebrations to serious business dealings.
These weren’t just characters from history books, they were real people who chose this very spot as their gathering place.
I remember my first visit, standing at that gorgeous bar and trying to picture what it must have been like during those rowdy frontier days. The memorabilia scattered throughout the restaurant helps paint that picture beautifully.
You’ll find historic photographs, artifacts, and displays that bring those legendary days to life, making your meal feel like a journey through time rather than just dinner out.
Staff In Authentic Period Costumes
Nothing quite compares to being greeted by servers dressed in full Old West attire. The moment your server approaches wearing a period-appropriate costume, you know this place takes its history seriously.
These aren’t cheap Halloween costumes either, they’re thoughtfully chosen outfits that genuinely reflect 1800s fashion.
Women servers wear beautiful Victorian-style dresses with high collars and long skirts, while others sport more saloon-appropriate attire. The gentlemen dress in vests, suspenders, and classic Western wear that would fit right into any frontier town.
This attention to detail transforms your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
What really makes it work is how naturally the staff carries themselves in these outfits. They don’t feel like actors playing dress-up, they simply become part of the historic atmosphere.
The costumes help transport you back in time while the friendly, professional service keeps you comfortable and well taken care of.
Kids especially love this feature, their eyes light up when they see servers who look like they stepped out of a Western movie, making family meals here extra memorable and fun.
The Iconic Bar That Survived The Great Fire
Standing before the Palace’s magnificent Brunswick bar feels like standing in front of a work of art. This isn’t just any bar, it’s a survivor with a story that locals love to share.
When fire ripped through Whiskey Row in 1900, destroying building after building, quick-thinking patrons refused to let this beauty burn.
Picture the scene: flames spreading rapidly, people running, chaos everywhere. Yet a group of determined souls hoisted this massive, ornately carved bar onto their shoulders and carried it across the street to safety.
That incredible act of preservation means you can still admire this stunning piece of craftsmanship today.
The bar itself is absolutely gorgeous, with intricate woodwork and a massive mirror that reflects the entire room. Running your hand along its smooth, aged surface connects you directly to over a century of history.
This bar has seen everything from gold rush celebrations to modern-day gatherings, and it still serves its purpose beautifully.
Sitting at this bar isn’t just having a meal, it’s becoming part of an ongoing story that spans generations.
Prime Rib That Lives Up To The Hype
Forget everything you think you know about restaurant prime rib until you’ve tried the Palace’s version. Cooked to absolute perfection, this cut of meat has earned itself quite the reputation among regular visitors.
The generous portion arrives at your table looking like something out of a food magazine, beautifully presented and smelling incredible.
What makes their prime rib stand out is the perfect balance of seasoning and cooking technique. Whether you order it medium rare or well done, the kitchen nails it every single time.
The exterior develops this beautiful crust while the inside stays tender and juicy, exactly how prime rib should be prepared.
Paired with classic sides, this dish becomes a meal you won’t soon forget. My last visit there, I watched table after table order the prime rib, and every single person looked completely satisfied with their choice.
The portions are substantial without being wasteful, giving you plenty to enjoy without feeling overstuffed. For a special occasion or just because you deserve something delicious, the prime rib at the Palace delivers on every level and reminds you why classic steakhouse dishes became classics in the first place.
Location Right On Historic Whiskey Row
Finding the Palace couldn’t be easier since it sits right on Prescott’s famous Whiskey Row at 120 S Montezuma St. This historic street once housed dozens of saloons and remains the cultural heart of downtown Prescott today.
Walking down this street feels like stepping into a different era, with historic buildings lining both sides.
Directly across from the Victorian-style courthouse, the Palace enjoys a prime location that’s both convenient and picturesque. The courthouse square provides a beautiful backdrop, and the surrounding area offers plenty of shops and attractions to explore before or after your meal.
Parking can be found nearby, making it accessible even when downtown gets busy.
The building itself stands out with its classic Western facade and those iconic swinging saloon doors. You can’t miss it when strolling down Montezuma Street.
Being situated on Whiskey Row means you’re not just visiting a restaurant, you’re experiencing a neighborhood that played a crucial role in Arizona’s frontier history.
The entire area has been carefully preserved, creating an immersive historical experience that extends beyond just the Palace itself and into the surrounding streets and buildings.
Upstairs Where History Gets Even More Interesting
Climbing the stairs at the Palace leads you to a part of the building’s history that many visitors find fascinating. Back in the frontier days, the upstairs area served a very different purpose than it does now.
The building’s past includes the colorful characters and activities typical of Old West saloons, including ladies of the evening who worked upstairs.
Today, that area has been preserved and decorated to reflect its historic use, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and decor.
Some visitors report being greeted at the top of the stairs by a costumed figure representing one of those historical ladies, adding an unexpected and memorable touch to the experience.
The attention to historical accuracy extends even to these more risque aspects of frontier life.
Exploring this upper level gives you a fuller picture of what life was really like in an 1800s saloon. These establishments weren’t just places to eat and drink, they were complex social centers where all sorts of frontier life unfolded.
The Palace doesn’t shy away from this history but instead embraces it as part of the authentic Old West experience, giving visitors a genuine glimpse into how these establishments actually operated during Arizona’s territorial days.
Dining Rooms That Feel Like A Living Museum
Beyond the main bar area, the Palace’s dining rooms offer a slightly quieter atmosphere while maintaining that incredible historical ambiance. Every wall displays fascinating memorabilia, from vintage photographs to authentic artifacts from Prescott’s past.
You could spend your entire meal just examining the treasures hanging around you.
The restoration work throughout these dining spaces deserves serious recognition. Original architectural details have been carefully preserved, from the ceiling treatments to the window frames.
Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with historic elements, giving you comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
Even the restrooms have been updated with charming vintage-inspired touches that guests consistently mention in their reviews.
What strikes me most is how the Palace manages to be both a functional restaurant and a genuine museum piece simultaneously. You’re not just looking at history behind glass, you’re sitting in it, eating in it, living in it for the duration of your meal.
The dining rooms accommodate everything from intimate dinners to large family gatherings, with various seating areas offering different vibes while all maintaining that unmistakable Old West character that makes the Palace so incredibly special and worth visiting again and again.