What to Expect When You're Exploring
How do I get there?
The Pioneer Saloon is located in the small town of Goodsprings, roughly 30 miles south of Las Vegas - about a 5 minute drive west off the 15 freeway from the Jean, NV exit (12). The Pioneer Saloon and Goodsprings General Store will be on your right side as you enter the town of Goodsprings.
Where do I park and how do I enter the property?
There is plenty of free parking in the acre-sized dirt lot behind the Pioneer Saloon. After parking, you'll want to walk around to the front (highway side) to enter. If you or someone in your party is under 21, you'll need to enter through the Goodsprings General Store's front door, or you may choose the Saloon front doors if you are 21 or over. On weekends and busy days, all customers may be directed through the general store first so servers are aware where folks are seated and they can take orders in a more timely and organized fashion.
Do I need to make reservations?
The Pioneer does not take reservations unless it's a party of 20 or more. In this instance, we require it with 24 hours notice.
Can my whole family come?
The property is all ages. However, the Saloon itself is 21 and over only. So families can enter through the Goodsprings General Store and may sit outside or in the dining area inside. Well-behaved dogs are also allowed in the outside seating area.
What is the weather like?
Goodsprings is much higher in elevation than Las Vegas at around 3700'. It can be 10 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. In the winter, the Saloon has a famous pot belly stove to keep the inside warm and cozy, along with infrared heaters in certain areas outside. During the summer, we have swamp coolers inside and large fans outside to stay cool and comfortable.
When is the Saloon open?
The Saloon (with full bar and kitchen) opens at 9 AM, 7 days/week. It is usually open every day of the year, although holidays, bad weather or special events may cause limited hours/menu. The kitchen generally stays open until 8 PM on weeknights and 11 PM on Fridays & Saturdays. The Saloon usually stays open at least an hour later than the kitchen.
Do I have to eat or drink if I come out?
No purchase necessary. Some folks just like to come out and enjoy the history and vibe of the property. There is plenty to check out in our little mini-museum in the dining room and many folks like to look around the historic mining town of Goodsprings as well. Although, many folks like to get a souvenir and try our food while they're there, including our famous Ghost Burger (TM) , which has been featured on the Food Network and several other media outlets.
Do you offer tours?
There is a self-guided walking tour of the town. We also partner with a company that provides tours focusing on the haunted history of the saloon and town. Also, nearby, is a company that offers ATV tours / rentals.
Do you serve breakfast?
Yes, we open at 9 am and serve breakfast until noon. For only $2 more, we highly recommend your ask for "Goodsprings eggs" which are produced from local, pasture-raised chickens down the street. It doesn't get any more fresh than that.
Is there live entertainment?
The Pioneer usually offers live bands on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon. Generally, these bands fall into the country / classic rock / blues genres. In addition to other events and random spontaneous outbreaks of song, on occasion, we have had DJs, burlesque performers, comedians, and even Hula dancers. Also, "Krazy Karaoke" is every Friday night starting at 7 PM.
What makes the Pioneer Saloon famous?
The Pioneer Saloon is the oldest bar in the Las Vegas area and southern Nevada. It's known for its food, history, use in film/video and live entertainment.
Who visits the Pioneer?
The Pioneer Saloon has an eclectic mix of folks who visit. On any given day, one can experience locals, tourists, and international tourists of all persuasions and interests including off-roaders, families, business people, musicians/artists, bikers, history buffs, gamers, cowboys, bicyclists, paranormal investigators, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Where do I stay when I come to visit?
The closest hotel in Las Vegas is the M Casino/Hotel. There are also hotels in Primm, NV (at the CA state line) as well as fun, unique accommodations (cabins and teepees) at Sandy Valley Ranch. All are roughly 25 minutes away.
Do you have souvenirs?
Souvenirs and other merchandise are available at the Saloon counter as well as in the Goodsprings General Store next door. If you forget to purchase something or can't fit in your luggage, a variety of the merchandise offered is available online.
How can I find out about what band is playing?
We keep our web site updated with various live acts and special events.
Can I get married there, have my birthday party or hold a corporate event?
Yes, we have many weddings and private events. Most use our events area and Centennial Patio for extra space.
Do you have bathrooms?
Yes, there are bathrooms to the left of the Saloon bar. For kids under 21 or adults if there is a line, you are welcome to use the port-a-pots we have just outside the General Store.
What should I make sure to see while I'm there?
The Clark Cable and Carole Lombard Memorial Dining Room has a lot of interesting pictures and facts. On one wall, you'll see a lot of movies and music videos that were filmed at the Pioneer. The wall in the center focuses on the property's connection to the famous actors, Clark Gable and his wife, Carole Lombard. Yet, another walls celebrates with Pioneer Saloon's inclusion in the popular video game, Fallout: New Vegas. There is also a mini-museum there with antiques, including the original cash register the Saloon used when it first opened in 1913.
Folks also like to see the 3 bullet holes on the west facing Saloon wall that have been there for decades. Some believe they are from a 1915 poker game in which a participant was killed. Usually, the table where the poker game took place is placed next to the bullet holes.
The cherry wood saloon bar is also a classic item from the 1800's. Originally made from Brunswick in Maine, it eventually found it's way to the bar in Goodsprings. Some believe that dark notches on the right side of the counter top were originally made from burn marks from Clark Cable's cigar or cigarettes when he would fall asleep at the bar waiting for word of his wife's fate when she was involved in a plane crash nearby.
The Goodsprings General Store has a lot of standard and unique items for purchase. It has sections for nostalgic candy, books that include the Pioneer, good luck charms from Vegas Voodoo and Pioneer Saloon souvenirs. You can also order a shake or malt from the bar inside.
The back area, called the Centennial Patio, is usually open to visit. It was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Saloon. You can find long-term customer's names engraved on several of the walls as well as a time capsule that is scheduled to be opened in 2113.
Exploring the property, you will find funny signs, secret charms displayed (did you see a $2 bill an and a frog statue?), a chicken shit bingo box, a statue of our cowboy friend "Woody", donated items, neat pictures and interesting articles. But, be careful, you may find a ghost or two lurking about as well. There is a whole haunted history to the place as well.
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