Saloons
Pull up a seat at one of these Old West saloons
The hard life and good times of the Comstock are remembered throughout town, especially when it comes to our saloons. No other type of business dominates the landscape of this historic mining town as our saloons, where during the town’s heyday there once were as many as 115 bars and saloons. Many saloons have maintained their 19th century appearance and stepping through the doors is like a time machine. A visitor today can get much more than their favorite cocktail at any one of the town’s bars. Visitors get a history lesson and along with many selfie worthy options.
The Delta Saloon and Casino is home to the infamous Suicide Table where heavy gaming losses led to gamblers losing their lives in the height of the mining and milling period. Truth be told, one Black Jake reportedly lost $70,000 in one night before turning a gun on himself.
More peaceful, loving gatherings may have come in the 20th century when the likes of legendary rock singer Janis Joplin made an appearance at the Red Dog Saloon in 1968 with the house act Big Brother Holding Co., which later became her backup band in San Francisco.
The Millionaires Washoe Club of 1862, the oldest saloon in Virginia City, still wields the closest thing to opulence and age with the original chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On the wall a sign has been added that describes a world where elite men could call up a beer, whiskey or cigar for just 25 cents.
The Gold Hill Saloon is rooted in history, beginning as The Riesen House in 1859. Legend has it Mark Twain and The Monumental Liars Club hung out here, and according to local lore, ghosts Rosie and William still live there.
Virginia City Saloons
Bucket of Blood
The Bucket of Blood has been serving ’em up since 1876. The building was constructed after the Great Fire of 1875 and sits on the remnants of Boston Saloon and is marked as a National Landmark for this. Most weekends you can enjoy live music from David John and the Comstock Cowboys, the official house band of the saloon.
1 South C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-0322
Delta Saloon
The Delta Saloon, originally opened in 1865, is one of the oldest, most historic properties in Virginia City. It’s also home to the infamous Suicide Table. Serving hot food, cold drinks and good times, it’s one of Virginia City’s original watering holes.
18 C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-0789
Gold Hill Saloon
The Gold Hill Saloon is rooted in history, beginning as The Riesen House in 1859 and known as the oldest operating hotel in Nevada. Legend has it Mark Twain and The Monumental Liars Club hung out here. Former hotel guests and residents Rosie and William, who died at a ripe old age, are said to still frequent rooms and rearrange items belonging to guests.
1540 Main Street
Gold Hill, NV 8944
Mark Twain Saloon
The Mark Twain Saloon is tucked away along the boardwalk, a great little gem located in the Comstock Lode Mining District. It’s the only 24/7 spot in town.
62 S C St.
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-0599
Old Corner Bar
Attached to Piper’s Opera House, Old Corner bar is a great place to wet your whistle while on B Street and is one of the only saloons located off the main thoroughfare. In the winter you can find a warm spot next to the fire or enjoy a seat out front in the summer with your drink of choice.
12 North B Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-4900
Ponderosa Saloon
There are more than 150 years of history in Ponderosa Saloon, previously the Sharon House and home of the old Bank of California vault from 1864. Take the 25-minute guided underground mine tour with over 300 pieces of antique mining equipment on display. After the tour enjoy Pondo Dog and a cold drink to wash it down.
106 South C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-7210
Red Dog Saloon & Pizza Parlor
Enjoy our locals-favorite full bar and Chicago-style pizza surrounded by the ambience of the old Red Dog Saloon. The Red Dog dates back to the heyday of the Comstock mines and as the birthplace of San Francisco-style rock and roll. The pizza dough is made fresh daily and the sauce is homemade. Combine these with fresh ingredients baked in a brick oven and you’ve got a combination that will have your taste buds wanting more.
76 North C Street
775-847-7474
Silver Dollar Saloon
The Silver Dollar Saloon is about as authentic and local as you can get. The narrow stairs lead down to this hangout a level below C Street. Know for it’s homemade Bloody Mary’s, $2 beer and great company, this hidden gem has a back deck that overlooks Virginia City’s 100-mile view.
Silver Queen
The tallest bar in Virginia City was built in 1876 at the Silver Queen. It’s home to the portrait of the “Silver Queen” who’s dress is inlaid with 3,261 silver dollars, which represent how deep the Combination Mine Shaft goes down, and 28 $20 gold pieces. The Queen is one of the most famous tributes to the Comstock of the past.
28 North C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-0440
Union Brewery Virginia City
The Union Brewery was established in 1863 and is now residing in the same spot it was in 1875. This historic Virginia City watering hole is ready for you to come up and visit.
63 North C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-583-3060
Virginia City Cigar and Bar
The newest drinking parlor on the Comstock, it’s located in a former morgue. This full-service cigar bar offers smooth drinks and an inviting atmosphere. Pull up a stool at the bar or hang out in the sunroom, you can’t go wrong with a view that goes on for miles.
69 North C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-7003
Washoe Club
Original chandeliers hang from the ceiling at the oldest saloon in Virginia City: The Millionaires Washoe Club of 1862. On the wall, a description of a world in which elite men could call up a beer, whiskey or cigar for just 25 cents provides a glimpse into a place where modest prospectors-turned-mining-millionaires could find their own special hideaway in the heyday of the widely competitive mineral “rush.”
112 S C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-847-4467
