ABOUT the palace
opened in eighteen seventy seven
Although Whiskey Row was known for its many saloons, The Palace was much more than a fancy "watering hole". Men came in to check for notices of work available; it served as an election central for several political races and cattle spreads; and mineral claims were bought and sold over the bar.
The Palace is still the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona and the most well-known and historic restaurant and saloon in the state. In the late 1870s, Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were patrons of the Palace. Virgil and his wife Allie lived in Prescott where Virgil owned a saw mill at Thumb Butte and was Town Constable. Wyatt and his other brother, Morgan, visited Virgil in Prescott before they left for Tombstone. Doc was on a winning streak on Whiskey Row (possibly at The Palace) where he won $10,000 playing poker. He joined the Earps eight months later in Tombstone.
On July 14th, 1900, The Palace was destroyed by the Whiskey Row fire. The ornately carved 1880s Brunswick Bar, which is still in use, was carried to safety across the street to the plaza by patrons.
In order to rebuild, the owner Bob Brow formed a partnership with Ben M. Belcher and Barney Smith, owners of the former Cabinet Saloon, also destroyed in the fire.
By 1901, The Palace Hotel and Bar, complete with Chinese restaurant and barber shop was back in business. The Palace has undergone extensive renovations to restore it to its former grandeur while maintaining the history and wild west atmosphere.
