Can a Wild West watering hole carry echoes of shootouts, gamblers, and ghostly patrons? The haunted Palace Restaurant & Saloon in Prescott, Arizona, claims it can. First opening its doors in 1877, The Palace is Arizona’s oldest operating bar, and it’s steeped in legend. Once frequented by outlaws like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, this historic saloon survived fire, floods—and, according to some, still hosts visitors from beyond the grave. If you’re fascinated by ghost stories with a side of Old West history, this iconic saloon might be calling your name.
Ghost Stories of the Haunted Palace Restaurant & Saloon
Prescott’s most historic bar comes with its share of lingering spirits. Here are some of the most reported ghostly encounters:
- The Man in the Duster: Staff and guests frequently report seeing a shadowy man in a long duster coat standing near the back staircase. He vanishes when approached.
- Mysterious Footsteps: Workers cleaning up after hours often hear boots pacing the hardwood floors upstairs, even when no one else is in the building.
- The Gambling Ghost: Tables in the old poker room are sometimes found moved, and one table is said to host spectral games where cards shift or chairs pull out on their own.
- Haunted Artifacts: The bar’s collection of antiques and original furnishings from the 1800s may be conduits—some visitors report a sudden chill or feeling watched when near certain display cases.
The Palace Saloon has appeared on paranormal television series like Ghost Adventures and Haunted History, where investigators documented cold spots, phantom footsteps, and unexplained EMF spikes. Popular YouTube channels such as The Paranormal Files have also explored the building, sharing chilling audio evidence and personal encounters that fuel the bar’s haunted reputation.
A Historic Legacy in Prescott
The Palace’s history dates back to 1877, making it one of the most storied buildings in Arizona. Destroyed in the Great Fire of 1900, locals famously carried the ornate bar counter to safety while the rest of Whiskey Row burned. The saloon was rebuilt in grand style and has served as a bar, restaurant, and community hub ever since. Legends swirl around its famous patrons—lawmen, gunslingers, and miners who brought their drama (and possibly their ghosts) with them. Despite modern updates, much of the original charm remains, along with its eerier elements.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Palace Restaurant & Saloon? Here’s how to plan your visit:
Plan Your Visit: The saloon is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Visit palace-restaurant-saloon.foodjoyy.com or call (928) 541-1996 for hours and menu details.
The Palace occasionally participates in local ghost tours or special Halloween events—check with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for listings.
Details about hours, access, and events are accurate at the time of writing. Please check the location’s official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Back Staircase – Sightings of the man in the long coat often occur here.
- Poker Room – Cards and chairs move with no explanation.
- Main Bar Area – Cold spots and phantom footsteps are common.
- Artifact Displays – Unsettling feelings near historical items reported by visitors.
Dare to Explore the Haunted Palace Restaurant & Saloon?
The Palace Restaurant & Saloon is more than just a stop on Whiskey Row—it’s a living relic where Arizona’s rowdiest spirits may still be bellying up to the bar. If you’re drawn to Western lore and ghostly legends, don’t miss this iconic Prescott haunt.
