Anytime you have the opportunity to visit a Historic Location I encourage it... If you drive about 1.5 to 2 hours from Phoenix, you will find one of the original capitals of Arizona... Historic Prescott. If you make your way towards Downtown, you will find yourself near the courthouse and facing the infamous "Whiskey Row" on Montezuma Street. With several bars on this row, you will find one that is the go to for Live Country Music . That's Matt's Saloon. Which was one of the Voted Top 5 Country Bars of Arizona for 2019.
When you walk into the building be prepared to be taken back in time to the late 1800's. There is so much nostalgia, from the main-bar itself, ceilings and so on. You truly are absorbed into the Old West.
Depending on when you go, you might encounter a security person at the door. They are all very friendly and yes... All in Cowboy hats. To your right is a massive Bar serving over 20 draft beers on tap and towards the back a more casual, yet smaller stand up Bar . No seats in the back. But that's ok... Don't dally too long, and head back to over the dance floor.
There are tons of options for beer both bottled and draft or whatever cocktail you have a desire for. One thing to note is that Matt's Saloon is a cash Bar . So come prepared or pay the fee at the ATM at the end of the main Bar .
During the day near the front entrance there is Off-Track Betting... So shortly after 11:00AM when the Bar opens its doors you will find people showing up for a couple of beers and to watch the races. The place is rarely empty. That being said you will find Live Country Music every Friday and Saturday nights and certain nights of the week the Bar hosts Karaoke. Now let's get into the Bar staff. Most comprised of young ladies. All are very talented and friendly. Granted you have a lot of tourism here... They all seem to know their regulars and what they like.
During my stay at Prescott I was in the venue both on Friday and Saturday evenings. I was treated very well. The staff was always attentive and friendly. I'm a simple one to figure out when it comes to my preferred adult beverages and once I ordered once... They accommodated each time easily. I have to say I enjoyed myself very much. The Bar has a fun and light vibe and the staff I feel has a lot to do with it.
The entertainment that they bring to Matt's tends to be very good. Well know bands in Arizona such as: Nathan Dean & The Damn Band , SouthBound, Western Fusion, and so on... Many many bands that have been around for ages and are loved all over go and climb the incredibly tight circling set of stairs to the high rise stage that sits far over the heads of the dancers on the floor.
Before we go, I want to mention that while filming the Bar we met a bartender by the name of Amadoor Prieto. We even got a chance to talk with him on camera. You can catch clips of the interview here: https://youtu.be/o6ZexvKJDY4 and the full interview will be posted within the coming days on our Facebook page.
What was really interesting about Amador, wasn't just his personality but his story. He started at the Bar 22 years ago... and as a bouncer. He's literally been there longer then any of the other employees and has stuck around happily this entire time. He expressed interested in bartending all those years ago and a young lady at the time took him under her wing and helped him towards that goal. He truly loves the Bar , the staff and its patrons. I encourage you to watch the video as its a fun story.
Overall we give the Bar two thumbs up! Total five stars in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, and staff. Before we go... One thing to mention. They do not serve food. BUT! Don't fret... If you don't want to leave the Devil's Pantry will deliver and they have quite the eclectic menu!
