Historic Whiskey Row In Prescott Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 5, 2026

Whiskey Row in Prescott Arizona is the historic block of Montezuma Street facing Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza and one of the city's best-known reminders of its territorial and Old West past. Once lined with numerous saloons, hotels and entertainment establishments, Whiskey Row was devastated by the great downtown fire of 1900 and quickly rebuilt. Today the historic block combines preserved architecture and Western history with restaurants, saloons, shops, galleries, live entertainment and downtown Prescott events.

• History Of Whiskey Row
• Great Fire Of 1900
• Whiskey Row Today
• Things To Do
• Courthouse Plaza
• Events & Celebrations
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

This verse by Arizona cowboy poet Gail Gardner captures some of the legendary flavor associated with old Whiskey Row.

"Oh they starts her in at the Kaintucky bar,
at the head of Whiskey Row,
and they winds up down by the Depot House,
some 40 drinks below."

History Of Whiskey Row In Prescott

Prescott was established in 1864 and became the first capital of the Arizona Territory. Mining, ranching, government and commerce brought prospectors, cowboys, merchants, gamblers and travelers into the growing frontier community. Saloons and other entertainment businesses soon clustered along Montezuma Street beside the town square, creating the district that became known as Whiskey Row.

Whiskey Row earned its name from the remarkable concentration of saloons and drinking establishments along Montezuma Street facing the town square. During Prescott's frontier era, the block became a major social and entertainment center for miners, cowboys, ranchers, gamblers, businessmen and travelers passing through the territorial capital.

The saloons of Whiskey Row offered far more than whiskey. They served as meeting places where patrons ate meals, played cards, exchanged news and conducted business. Gambling establishments, hotels and other entertainment venues added to the rowdy reputation that became part of Prescott's enduring Old West identity.

Stories about early Whiskey Row include local legends that the saloon district shifted location during Prescott's frontier years. Historical accounts indicate that the commercial and entertainment district became firmly established along Montezuma Street by the late 1800s, although some colorful explanations for how and why it developed there are difficult to document conclusively.

Many of Prescott's best-known frontier stories are associated with Whiskey Row. During its busiest years, miners, cowboys, gamblers, merchants and townspeople gathered along Montezuma Street, making the district one of the social centers of territorial Prescott. That colorful reputation remains an important part of the identity visitors experience in historic downtown Prescott today.

Prescott's Western traditions extend beyond Whiskey Row. Prescott Frontier Days and the World's Oldest Rodeo trace their history to 1888, and the annual Fourth of July period remains one of downtown Prescott's busiest celebrations. Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza are central gathering places during many of these festivities.

The Great Fire Of 1900

On July 14, 1900, a devastating fire swept through downtown Prescott and destroyed Whiskey Row along with much of the surrounding commercial district. City preservation records indicate that the fire consumed all of the buildings on Whiskey Row, including about 25 saloons, and ultimately destroyed more than 80 businesses in the larger downtown area.

Prescott rebuilt quickly. Many of the wooden buildings lost in the fire were replaced with more substantial brick, stone and concrete structures, helping create the historic downtown streetscape seen today. One of the best-known stories from the fire tells of patrons carrying The Palace Saloon's large bar across Montezuma Street to Courthouse Plaza before the building burned.

Whiskey Row Today

Today's Whiskey Row blends Prescott's Old West heritage with a lively historic downtown atmosphere. The block remains especially active on weekends and during festivals, with restaurants, historic saloons, live music, shops and galleries drawing both visitors and local residents to Montezuma Street and nearby Courthouse Plaza.

The dozens of frontier-era saloons are gone, but Whiskey Row still retains a distinctly Western character. Historic brick buildings, saloons, restaurants and shops line the block, while neon signs and live music give the district a different personality after dark. Visitors will also hear Prescott pronounced locally as “Preskit.”

Whiskey Row forms part of Prescott's historic downtown district, where many late-19th- and early-20th-century commercial buildings preserve the character of territorial Arizona. The Palace Restaurant & Saloon traces its history to 1877 and remains one of the city's best-known historic saloons. Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday both spent time in Prescott before becoming famous for events associated with the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone Arizona.

Things To Do On Whiskey Row

• Visit a historic saloon: Step inside one of Whiskey Row's historic drinking and dining establishments for a glimpse of Prescott's Western heritage.
• Explore the architecture: Walk Montezuma Street and look for historic brick storefronts rebuilt after the great fire of 1900.
• Enjoy restaurants and nightlife: Whiskey Row remains one of downtown Prescott's main areas for dining, drinks and live music.
• Browse shops and galleries: Explore boutiques, galleries and specialty shops along Whiskey Row and the surrounding downtown streets.
• Walk Courthouse Plaza: Cross Montezuma Street to visit Prescott's shady historic town square, monuments and seasonal events.
• Explore more Prescott history: Continue through downtown or visit nearby museums and historic sites for a broader look at territorial Arizona.

Whiskey Row & Courthouse Plaza

Whiskey Row faces Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza on the west side of downtown Prescott, making the two easy to explore together on foot. The tree-shaded Plaza serves as Prescott's traditional civic gathering place and hosts festivals, concerts, holiday celebrations and community events throughout the year. Visitors can walk the Plaza, cross Montezuma Street to Whiskey Row and continue through the surrounding historic downtown without moving their vehicle.

Whiskey Row Events & Prescott Celebrations

Whiskey Row and the surrounding Courthouse Plaza district are gathering places for many of Prescott's best-known annual events. Fourth of July festivities, Prescott Frontier Days activities, the Whiskey Row Boot Race, holiday celebrations and the New Year's Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop bring additional activity to the historic downtown area. Event dates and street closures vary each year, so check current Prescott event information when planning a visit.

Tips For Visiting Whiskey Row

• Explore on foot: Whiskey Row, Courthouse Plaza, restaurants, shops and other historic downtown attractions are concentrated within a few blocks.
• Visit during the day: Daytime is ideal for history, architecture, dining, shopping and photography.
• Return in the evening: Whiskey Row becomes livelier after dark when saloons, bars and live-music venues are active.
• Allow time for Courthouse Plaza: The historic square directly across Montezuma Street is an essential part of the downtown experience.
• Expect crowds during major events: Rodeo week, Fourth of July celebrations, holiday events and other downtown festivals can bring heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• Check individual business hours: Restaurants, saloons, shops and entertainment venues set their own schedules.

Whiskey Row Prescott Arizona FAQ

Where is Whiskey Row in Prescott Arizona?

Whiskey Row is located along Montezuma Street in historic downtown Prescott, directly across from Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.

Why is it called Whiskey Row?

The block became known as Whiskey Row because numerous saloons and drinking establishments were concentrated there during Prescott's frontier and territorial years.

What happened to Whiskey Row in 1900?

A major fire swept through downtown Prescott on July 14, 1900, destroying Whiskey Row and dozens of surrounding businesses. The commercial district was rebuilt quickly with more substantial brick, stone and concrete buildings.

Is the original Whiskey Row still standing?

The buildings that stood on Whiskey Row before the 1900 fire were largely destroyed, but the block was quickly rebuilt. Many of the historic buildings seen today date from the reconstruction period and subsequent early-20th-century development.

What can you do on Whiskey Row today?

Visitors can explore historic buildings, restaurants, saloons, live-music venues, shops and galleries, then walk directly across Montezuma Street to Courthouse Plaza and other downtown Prescott attractions.

Is The Palace Saloon on Whiskey Row?

Yes. The Palace Restaurant & Saloon is located on Whiskey Row and traces its history to 1877, making it one of Prescott's best-known historic establishments.

Is Whiskey Row family friendly?

Whiskey Row and downtown Prescott can be explored by families during the day for history, shopping, dining and sightseeing. Individual bars and nighttime venues may have age restrictions.

Does Whiskey Row have special events?

Yes. Whiskey Row and nearby Courthouse Plaza are involved in numerous Prescott celebrations and events throughout the year, including activities associated with Frontier Days, Independence Day and holiday festivities.

More Prescott History & Visitor Information

Return To Prescott Vacation Guide
History Lives On in Prescott AZ
Sharlot Hall Museum

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