Enjoy a Drink at Genoa Bar & Saloon: The Oldest Bar in Nevada

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Genoa Bar and Saloon History

Genoa Bar and Saloon opened back in 1853, a whopping eleven years before Nevada even became a state, making it the oldest bar in Nevada. It was opened in Genoa city, Nevada, which two years prior in 1851 became the first settlement for white settlers in Nevada.

Thousands of people from all walks of life enjoyed a drink (or two) on its historic bar top, from early locals such as Snowshoe Thompson, Genoa’s mailman who delivered mail over the mountains between Genoa and Placerville, California, to well-known celebrities and dignitaries such as actor John Wayne, President Teddy Roosevelt, and author Mark Twain.

Even the prohibition era couldn’t stop the bar, as it managed to survive the devastating years (for alcohol) between 1920 and 1933 by operating under the guise of a soda fountain shop. You have to give the owners at the time points for creativity.

Genoa Bar Hours, Drink Menu, and Food Offerings

The Genoa Bar in Nevada operates every day of the year, opening at 10am with no set closing time, simply stating they’ll, “close when the last patron leaves”. That could be 5pm or 2am. If you’re here during Genoa’s peak season, I wouldn’t worry too much about showing up and finding a locked door (unless you show up during Vegas hours).

However, if you’re visiting during their off season, I would recommend showing up around opening time or soon after if you had your heart set on visiting. While there are plenty of locals in Genoa to keep the bar busy, I’m sure their traffic ebbs and flows with tourism levels, so they likely close earlier than usual during that time.

Their drink specials menu is posted on both the outside and inside of the bar. Many of these drinks are crafted cocktails, including their famous Bloody Mary. Their prices are actually reasonable, as I’m used to seeing prices for cocktails reach the $20 mark and their most expensive (listed) drink costs $11.

During my visit, they had a food truck parked outside of the bar near the parking lot. I’m not sure if this is a regular thing or not but if it is, I’d imagine it’s only during the peak tourism season. There is no food served at the bar itself, just drinks.

I didn’t eat here as my friend and I were holding out for lunch at The Pink House, but I looked them up and it appears as though they offer a variety of burgers and sandwiches, along with optional sweet potato fries.

Genoa Bar and Saloon Interior

As you walk up to the front door, you’ll see historical markers proudly displayed on the brick walls, as well as old signage with vague directions to various places such as Virginia City, Dayton, and Hangtown (Placerville). This is in addition to the, “No Horses Allowed”, sign that’s hung in the window.

Once inside, you’ll immediately take note of the cluttered (in a good way) walls. The historic bar top will be to the left and to the right is some additional seating, a pool table, and select merchandise for sale.

Aside from the collection of random decor on the walls, another thing you’ll take notice of is the smell. It isn’t a bad smell, but you’ll immediately know you’re in a very old building. If I had to describe it, it smells like old cedar wood. Again, not a bad smell, just a distinctive one.

Looking around the walls, you’ll see taxidermist deer and buffalo heads, old clocks, signage with quirky quips, old black and white photos, chandeliers with obvious patina, faded but still very visible boudoir paintings, and more.

They don’t charge you to enter the bar, but it’s always good idea to support local businesses, so my friend and I decided to try one of their featured drinks. I went with the Lavender Lemon Fizz ($9). It’s made with Tahoe Blue vodka, lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and lavender aroma sugar.

I’ve been into lemon and lavender drinks lately and considering this was already a hot day, I found it deliciously refreshing. I’m definitely going to come back, though, as I live relatively close by and there’s a couple other drinks I want to try. When I do, I’ll be sure to update this post.

You don’t have to order one of the featured drinks if you don’t want to. They have a full bar and can make just about anything. My friend ordered a simple vodka cranberry, for example. They also have most of your usual beers on tap as well.

Even if you’re not a drinker, I highly recommend paying Genoa Bar and Saloon a visit for the historic value alone. While you’re there, be sure to visit the historic Mormon Station across the street, the Genoa Courthouse Museum down the street, and enjoy lunch at the historic Pink House nearby.

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