9 Best Bars in Prescott, Arizona for Every Kind of Drinker

If you’re looking for the best bars in Prescott Arizona, you’re in luck. This historic mountain town may be small, but it knows how to drink big. Nestled among pine forests and old frontier charm, Prescott’s bar scene blends the best of the Old West with modern craft culture.

From classic whiskey saloons on Whiskey Row to trendy wine bars and local breweries, Prescott has something for every taste. Whether you’re sipping a local mead, swirling an Arizona red, or raising a pint with the locals, this city knows how to serve up a good time.

(Quick tip: locals pronounce it Pres-KITT, not Pres-COTT. Now you’ll blend right in at the bar.)

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Prescott has a surprisingly diverse bar scene, from historic saloons to upscale lounges and cozy wine bars.
• The Palace and Matt’s Saloon are Whiskey Row icons that every visitor should experience.
• For craft beer and mead, LazyG Brewhouse and Superstition Meadery are local favorites.
• The Point Bar & Lounge and Fairweather Social Club bring modern cocktails to the mix.
• Most of the best bars in Prescott are within walking distance downtown, making it easy to create your own DIY bar crawl.

This post was originally published in June 2023, and was updated in October 2025.

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Map of bars in Prescott, Arizona

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Best Bars in Prescott, AZ

Ready to grab a drink? Here are the 9 best bars in Prescott, Arizona – from historic saloons that feel straight out of the Old West to trendy lounges, local breweries, and intimate wine bars.

1. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
    • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Happy Hour: Yes
• Food Available: Yes, full kitchen

If we’re talking about the best bars in Prescott, The Palace Restaurant and Saloon has to be first on the list. Opened in 1877, it’s not only Prescott’s most famous watering hole but also the oldest operating bar in Arizona.

This place oozes Old West history, and it’s where Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday once raised their glasses.

Back in the day, The Palace wasn’t just a bar. It was Prescott’s social hub with a saloon, brothel upstairs, opium den downstairs, and even a place for job postings and election results. In 1900, when a massive fire tore through Whiskey Row, locals carried the ornate bar out into the street so they could keep drinking while watching the town burn. That same bar is still in use today.

Walking through the swinging saloon doors now feels like stepping back in time. There’s wood paneling everywhere, vintage photos on the walls, and an unmistakable Western charm that makes you want to linger. But don’t mistake it for a tourist trap.

We tried their Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned, both made with their house Palace Whiskey, and they were spot-on. Dinner didn’t disappoint either with crispy Brussels sprouts, a perfectly cooked steak, and a blackened chicken sandwich that hit the spot.

Between the atmosphere, the food, and the history soaked into every inch of this place, The Palace isn’t just one of the best bars in Prescott – it’s a piece of Arizona history you can still drink in.

2. Matt’s Saloon

• Hours: 7 days a week; 11AM – 2AM
• Food Available: No

Located right on Whiskey Row, Matt’s Saloon is a local legend has been keeping the good times rolling since 1960. It’s a Prescott classic through and through – rowdy, welcoming, and full of Wild West character.

The space is pure cowboy nostalgia. Rustic wood, old photos, and vintage memorabilia line the walls, making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a frontier movie set. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a historic Arizona bar – friendly faces, live music, and a steady hum of conversation.

Matt’s has a huge selection of drinks, from cold beer to whiskey shots and everything in between. We kept it simple here and ordered a couple of light beers. Sometimes, when you’re in a place like this, a cold beer just feels right.

If you’re looking for a place with live music, late nights, and a lively crowd, Matt’s Saloon is the perfect spot to let loose and soak up the Prescott nightlife. It’s the kind of bar where you can walk in as a stranger and leave with a few new friends.

3. LazyG Brewhouse

• Hours:
  • Wednesday – Monday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes, full kitchen

Located just a short half-mile walk from Whiskey Row, LazyG Brewhouse is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink in Prescott. The space has that cozy, industrial vibe that feels instantly local, and you can tell it’s a go-to hangout for people who live here.

We actually found this place thanks to a local recommendation, and they couldn’t have been more right. The beer here is seriously good – easily our favorite of the Prescott breweries.

Our top picks were the Local Roast, a smooth brown porter made with locally roasted coffee and a touch of vanilla, the Crancherry Wheat, a light and tart sour with tons of flavor, and the Six Hour Drive IPA, which was aggressively hopped but still incredibly drinkable (even for Sam) and absolutely delicious.

Their head brewer has some serious chops too, having worked at craft beer heavyweights like Russian River and The Bruery. And to make this place even better, they’ve got a vintage travel trailer on the patio that gives the whole place an extra dose of charm.

With great beer, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere, LazyG Brewhouse hits that sweet spot between local hangout and destination-worthy stop.

4. Superstition Meadery

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
• Food Available: Yes

We’ll be honest – we’re usually not big mead drinkers. But when we saw Superstition Meadery as one of the most award-winning meaderies in the world, we had to check it out. Spoiler alert: it blew us away.

Hidden underground in downtown Prescott, this tasting room is equal parts moody and modern. You can cozy up by the fireplace, sit at the bar, or hang out among the barrels and fermentation tanks. It’s one of those spots that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

We went big and ordered their pre-set flight of 12 tasters (3 ciders and 9 meads) and loved every single one. Standouts included the Blueberry Spaceship Box (ranked the top cider in the world), Peanut Butter Jelly Crime (yes, it tastes exactly like a PB&J), and Amante, which combines coffee, cacao, cinnamon, and a touch of red hatch chili. We also tried a Blueberry and White Chocolate dessert mead that was pure magic.

Beyond mead, they also offer cider, seltzer, wine, and barrel-aged creations, all showcasing incredible craftsmanship. Their goal is to reintroduce the world’s oldest fermented drink to modern palates, and after tasting through their lineup, we’d say mission accomplished.

If you’re looking for one of the best bars in Prescott that’s truly unique, Superstition Meadery is a must-visit. And if you find yourself in Phoenix later, don’t miss their mead and food pairing restaurant – it’s just as impressive.

5. Back Alley Wine Bar

• Hours:
  • Tuesday -Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM (ish)
  • Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM – 7 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Yes

Even though we didn’t make it here on our last trip, Back Alley Wine Bar came highly recommended by several locals, and we were honestly bummed to miss it. Tucked away (as the name promises) in a quiet back alley downtown, this spot is known for its relaxed atmosphere and impressive wine selection.

They pour wines from around the world, including a solid lineup of local Arizona wines, which we always love seeing represented. If wine isn’t everyone’s thing, no problem – they also serve craft beer and cider, making it a great spot for mixed groups.

And here’s the best part. Down the alley, they have a sister cheese bar, which pretty much sounds like our version of heaven. Good wine and good cheese? Sign us up. Both spots will be high on our list next time we’re in town.

If you’re looking for one of the best bars in Prescott to unwind with a glass of wine and good company, this is the one to add to your list.

6. The Point Bar & Lounge

• Hours:
  • Sunday: 2 PM – 11 PM
  • Monday – Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
  • Friday: 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Saturday: 2 PM – 12 AM
• Food Available: No – eat before you go

If you’re looking for one of the best bars in Prescott with a modern, upscale vibe, The Point Bar & Lounge is the spot. Hidden just off Whiskey Row, this sleek cocktail bar brings a speakeasy-style experience to downtown.

Inside, the lighting is low, the bartenders are pros, and the drinks are next level. Think freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and perfectly clear hand-cut ice. Their whiskey selection is impressive too, with more than 150 bottles ranging from everyday pours to rare finds.

We came here for the cocktails and ended up staying longer than planned. The vibe is chill but elevated, and the bartenders actually make you feel like you belong. If you want a classy night out or a post-dinner drink that wows, The Point delivers every time.

7. The Betsy Wine Bar

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 4 PM – 8 PM
• Food Available: Yes – often through special events and pairings
• Reservations: Recommended

If you love wine as much as we do, The Betsy Wine Bar is a must for your Prescott itinerary. Located in a beautifully restored 1910 building just a few blocks from the square, this spot blends vintage charm with a modern, upscale feel.

The Betsy operates on a membership only model, but non-members can still join public events and tastings. It’s cozy, refined, and feels like the kind of place you’d want to linger with a good glass and better company. The wine list is curated, the vibe is relaxed, and the couches are made for settling in.

If you’re looking for one of the best wine bars in Prescott to sip something elegant and unwind, The Betsy is the one.

8. Whiskey River Tavern

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 4 – 6 PM
• Food Available: Yes – full menu
• Dog Friendly: Yes – with a pup menu

For a true local hangout with no pretense, Whiskey River Tavern hits the mark. Located just south of Whiskey Row, this place brings together everything we love about small-town bars – live music, friendly regulars, and a patio that feels like someone’s backyard party.

There are three different bar areas, each with its own vibe. The upstairs space has live music several nights a week, the main bar is where the energy flows, and the outdoor patio is perfect for sunny afternoons. And yes, dogs are welcome, which makes it even better in our book. It’s the perfect stop to end your Prescott bar crawl on a fun and easygoing note.

9. Fairweather Social Club

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Monday: 12 PM – 8 PM
  • Tuesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
• Food Available: Yes – bar bites available

If you’re looking for something a little different, Fairweather Social Club brings a creative edge to the Prescott drinking scene. Housed in a historic downtown building, this bar has a trendy, artistic vibe with an awesome mix of locals and visitors.

Their menu features craft cocktails, local beers, and natural wines, plus a few zero-proof options for those taking it slow. Live music and small community events keep the energy fresh, and there’s always something new happening here.

It’s stylish but not pretentious, fun but not overwhelming – the kind of bar where you can start with a cocktail and end up staying for the night. Fairweather Social Club proves that Prescott’s bar scene is evolving, and we’re here for it.

From the historic saloons along Whiskey Row to the modern cocktail lounges and cozy wine bars tucked into back alleys, Prescott’s drinking scene perfectly mixes old-school charm with fresh creativity.

We were genuinely surprised by how much this small mountain town has to offer. Whether you’re into craft beer, creative cocktails, smooth whiskey, or world-class mead, the best bars in Prescott deliver something for every taste and every mood.

We only spent a weekend here, but it’s safe to say we’ll be back. Between the friendly locals, the laid-back energy, and the sheer variety of places to grab a drink, Prescott has quickly earned a top spot on our Arizona bar list.

Still thirsty? We have a ton of drinking articles for Arizona. Read them all here or check out these nearby locations:

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