The Nellie E Saloon, or Desert Bar, is located in Parker, Arizona on an old mining camp where they used to mine copper. Ken, the proprietor who acquired the land in 1975 along with a liquor license, had the idea for a “bar in the desert.” Turns out, it was a pretty good idea. (picture below is taken from the Desert Bar web page)
The complex is completely off the power-grid. Everything is run from solar power including the pump used to obtain water from a well. (picture below taken from the Desert Bar web page)
There are a lot of unique features in the bar. According to their web page many of the windows are made from glass refrigerator doors. I think the wagon hanging in the outdoor bar is interesting.
Candy and I climbed to the top of a hill overlooking the complex. See that road off in the distance in the upper right corner? That is the road to the Desert Bar. It is five miles of the BUMPIEST, piddle-in-your-panties road. It has narrow corners and, in many spots, is barely wide enough for the two-way traffic. It was quite a trek.
Looks like the guy who drove this ‘27 Oldsmobile decided he wasn’t making the return trip down that road and decided to stay…forever.
They have live music every day and this group is playing a great variety of country rock and 70’s stuff.
The people who come to this place are all a lot of fun. Photo bomb!
Ken has plans for a whole “town” out here. He is starting with a wedding chapel. What a cool setting for a wedding.
We will have to be sure to visit over the years to see what Ken is up to! The Desert Bar is open October through April, on Saturdays and Sundays from high noon until 6pm only. It is closed during the hot summer months.
