What to Expect When You're Exploring
How do I get there?
The Pioneer Saloon is located in the small town of Goodsprings, roughly 25 miles from the south end of Las Vegas - about a 5 minute drive west off the 15 freeway from the Jean, NV off-ramp at exit 12. The Pioneer Saloon and Goodsprings General Store will be on your right side as you enter the town of Goodsprings. Most find it a very easy, enjoyable and scenic drive (for a real time video sample of the drive, simply click here). We have folks visit us via car, bicycle, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, hike, horse, and even by helicopter from time to time.
Note for Uber/Lyft: Ride sharing companies will generally drop you off out there, however, they will not pick you up. So, please make sure you have transportation home.
Note for off-road vehicles: please stick to designated trails to get to the Pioneer, which is at the front/western edge of Goodsprings right when you enter town.
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. Please do not park in the surrounding lots as they are privately owned. 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. If you or any of your party has physical limitations that needs extra accommodations, please feel free to contact us ahead of time and we will make any necessary arrangements. Please be careful when you walk on to the property and when walking around the property as the ground and flooring may be uneven in places.
Note for motorcycles: You are welcome to park in our "Hogs & Horses Only" parking in the very front of the saloon or there is plenty of space in the back, including paved areas
Note for off-road vehicles: Our dirt parking lot in the back is perfect to accommodate your Razor or Can-Am.
Note for bicyclists: there is a bike rack located on the east side of the parking lot if you wish to lock up your bike.
Do I need to make reservations?
The Pioneer does not take reservations unless it's a party of 15 or more. In this instance, we require reservations and 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. Families are encouraged to visit during day time hours (before 6 PM). Please keep in mind that it is a bar so language & entertainment may be adult-oriented at any time. Please judge your children's maturity level when making the decision of whether to bring the kids out. Well-behaved dogs are also allowed in the outside seating area. Only service dogs are allowed inside the Saloon and Dining Room areas.
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. Regardless, it is a dry climate and you must drink a lot of water while you are in the desert environment. We offer an unlimited amount of free, fresh, clean, local water from Goodsprings' springs.
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 weekdays and 9 PM on Fridays & Saturdays. The bar generally stays open an hour later each night.
Do I have to eat or drink if I come out?
No purchase is necessary to visit. 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.
Is there a cover charge?
Not usually. There may be a rare event where tickets or a door charge may be required, but this happens very rarely.
What kind of food do you serve?
The Pioneer Saloon has a variety of American food offerings. It is known for its burgers, hot dogs and BBQ.
Do you serve breakfast?
Yes, we open at 9 am and serve breakfast until noon, 7 days/week. We work with several local companies to offer the freshest items and ingredients.
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, dancers, comedians, and more (even Hula).
Also, for those 21 & over: "Pioneer Karaoke" is every 2nd Friday night of the month from 6-10 pm...Comedy is generally the last Saturday night of the month around 7 pm... and a burlesque-style show called "Most Wanted Babes" is usually the last Wednesday night of the month at 8 pm.
You can click on our Calendar to see upcoming events and what bands are playing when.
What makes the Pioneer Saloon famous?
The Pioneer Saloon is a Nevada Historic Landmark. It is the oldest bar in the Las Vegas area and southern Nevada. With over a century in business, the bar has become known for many different things: its colorful history (such as the fatal 1915 poker game or Carole Lombard's plane crash nearby) , food (our burgers & BBQ have been featured in many shows and articles), live entertainment (we offer an array of live acts from full bands to comedians), famous classic bar (and full allocation of spirits including our own exclusive offerings), ghosts (some folks believe the Saloon is haunted) as well as being featured in many films (Cheech & Chong, Miss Congeniality 2, etc.), TV shows (like Ghost Adventures & Sisters Wives) , music videos (Billy Gibbons, Five Finger Death Punch & more) and even a popular video game (Fallout: New Vegas).
When are the best times to visit?
The Pioneer Saloon is open all year long - 7 days a week, starting at 9 AM. It is beautiful in Goodsprings throughout the year so we encourage people to visit at different times of the day, week and year. You may be in the mood to enjoy a beautiful, relaxing day eating outside or one might prefer a "spookier" vibe inside the Saloon at night. If you're interested in breakfast, please arrive before noon when we switch our focus to lunch items. The weekends are generally busier so we encourage folks to get to the Saloon before noon on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid the lunch rush. There are various events that happen throughout the week from stargazing to trivia night as well as special events spread throughout the year. Some events our more family-focused, while others are more directed to adult entertainment. Contact us or keep an eye on our calendar to see what we have coming up.
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 forms of payment do you take?
As with most small businesses, we prefer cash and we generally have an ATM there to help customers retrieve it if necessary. But, we also take all major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) as well as American Express Travelers checks and Apple Pay/Google Pay.
Who owns the Pioneer Saloon?
Old Man Liver, or “OML” as he is often referred to, is a musical artist, author, podcaster, and business entrepreneur. His business endeavors include his own line of whiskey, hot sauce and self-branded merchandise. Since acquiring the world-famous Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, he and his partner “in business & pleasure” as OML puts it, who goes by “Mama Dukes”, started the annual Nevada Blues Festival, Mojave Mardi Gras, the Fallout: New Vegas Fan Celebration, and recently moved the breast cancer benefit, BreastFest, from Hollywood, CA to Goodsprings, NV. He is criticized by some while praised by fans for his outlandish lifestyle, motto of Whiskey * Women * Weed, and ridiculous, self-acknowledged goal to “making smoking cool again”. Legend has it OML acquired the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV, the oldest bar in all of Southern Nevada, after a night of heavy drinking that may have involved a high stakes poker game, a silly goose, and a pound cake.
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 events center & patio deck on the east side of the property is usually open to visit. One can often find games, like corn
hole, and seating with beautiful views when the area is not being used for special events, like weddings.
Exploring the property, you will find funny signs, secret charms displayed (did you see a $2 bill an and a frog statue?), 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.
For even more interesting information about the property, click on the button below.