Just before we arrived in Quartzsite, I researched things to do in the area.   Near the top of a very short list was a trip to the Nellie E Saloon aka The Desert Bar.   Located about five miles off Highway-95 in the Buckskin Mountains in Parker, Arizona, this bar is like no other bar I’ve visited.  Built on the site of an old mining camp, the owner named the bar after the land’s old mining claim, “Nellie E.”  

Since we went by way of our non-modified Jeep Patriot, we chose the Google suggested route.  I’m glad we at least own a Jeep. Owners of lower clearance vehicles might look for alternative transportation. More ambitious and adventurous off-road routes exist for those traveling by ATVs, UTVs, and other off-road vehicles.   The drive up the primarily two-lane Highway-95 from Quartzsite to the town of Parker, Arizona, took about 40 minutes.  We enjoyed the easy drive and were surprised by how green the desert appeared after recent rain.

From the turn off of Highway-95 just north of Parker onto Cienega Springs Road, the drive was an additional 30 minutes.  Thirty minutes of slow, rocky, mountain driving with a road too narrow for two cars in most places provided adventure and beautiful scenery for the slow crawl to our destination.   Several vehicles ahead of us forged the way.  Several cars behind us created a parade. 

After coming around one curve, the structures came into view.  A real oasis in the middle of the desert!  A small church adds to the feeling of finding the Holy Grail.  What more could you want in the desert?

The current iteration of the bar far exceeds the size of the original three-sided building used when they opened in 1983.  Back when they opened in 1983, they were also trucking in 50-gallons of water at a time.  They now work off of a well with a pump set at 360-feet and rely exclusively on energy coming from a solar panel system installed atop the buildings. 

The saloon sits central to the business and offers a full bar.  Basic beer selections (Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors, Light, etc.) are $3 per can.  A mixed drink (one size only) will run you $6.  As for wine, they offer Franzia from a stay-fresh box.  I didn’t inquire about wine pricing. 

Across from the saloon, a band plays on a fairly big stage with a nice-sized dance floor.  Next to the stage is a grill offering very basic and inexpensive foods — hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, and proclaiming “no cheese ever” on its menu.  Down the steps from the saloon is an additional grill offering more choices, including bacon cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches, garlic fries, nachos, and more.  At $34 for two sandwiches and an order of garlic fries from this grill, I remind myself of the costs and challenges of running a business in the middle of the desert.  Seating is available near both of these grills, as well as in several other locations around the perimeter of the business.

Looking for more than just lunch and a drink?  A short walk beyond the nicer-than-expected bathrooms revealed a helicopter taking passengers on rides above the area for only $50.

We enjoyed our afternoon at The Desert Bar, especially as our friends and fellow full-timers, Rebekah and Jared, met us there.  Skipper tagged along on the adventure too, as the bar is dog-friendly.  I only saw one water bowl for dogs on property.  So, if you’re traveling with your dog, be sure to bring what you need for them with you.

The bar is open with few exceptions on Saturday and Sunday only from high noon until 6:00 p.m. from October until April.  Daily entertainment adds to an enjoyable afternoon of adventure.  Just a word of warning, bring CASH!  The Desert Bar operates a cash-only business and while it’s just five miles to get to Parker and an ATM, it’s a long five miles there and a long five miles back.  😊