The "Nellie E Saloon" is located in the Buckskin mountains north of Parker Arizona on land that was one an old mining camp. The camp was located on the land which is now the parking lot. When Ken acquired the land in 1975 , there was nothing left of the old mining camp. With the land and a liquor license from an old business on leased river land, Ken decided to give "bar in the desert" idea a try. In 1983 Ken opened for business in the temporary three-sided structure which is across from the outdoor restrooms. He operated there for five years, until the current structure was built. The name "Nellie E" originates from the old mining claim. The used to mine copper and take it to the smelter and get gold.
When Ken opened the bar, he hauled water in a 50 gallon tank in back of his truck. He then purchased an old fire truck, which he used to haul water. In 1989 he started using a well in the canyon as his water source. In the summer of 1997, Ken drilled a new well on the northside of the bar that operates on solar and is set at 360 feet.
The fire truck in the parking lot was acquired from Scott Winter in March of 2001. The fire truck was used by Scott's father in the development of "Bluewater Lagoon".
The "Nellie E" was completed in 1988. The inside of the saloon is unique in many ways. It has windows that are old glass refrigerator doors, the bar stools are made of steel and sway from side to side. The top of the bar is brass and the ceiling is made of stamped tin purchased from a factory in Missouri. The saloon is powered by solar energy and stored in batteries and run through inverters.
In 1991, the covered walk bridge was the next big project. It was dedicated in October of '91. The church was started in 1993 and completed in 1996 and dedicated in October of '96. The church is made of solid steel and the walls and ceiling are made of the same stamped tin used inside the bar. The names inscribed on the plaques inside the church are people who donated money to help build the church. The church is a unique place and a great photo spot. There are NO services held and all religions are welcome.
Across from the saloon is an outside bar, cooking area, stage and dancefloor. Behind the outdoor bar is a horseshoe pit.
The Desert Bar has live music every weekend , October thru April, (weather permitting). Music on Saturdays is from 1 p.m. til 5 p.m. Sundays from 12:30 until 4:30.
The DESERT BAR aka Nellie E Saloon is located 5 miles down Cienega Springs Road off highway 95 , approximately 5 miles north of Parker, Az.
The DESERT BAR is open from the first weekend on October thru the last weekend in April, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM HIGH NOON UNTIL 6P.M. ARIZONA TIME. The bar is CLOSED during the hot summer months please NO VISITORS AFTER HOURS !
During President's weekend, we host the annual "DESERT DASH", which is a 5K walk/run and a 5 mile bike ride to the DESERT BAR, for charity.
Thanksgiving weekend the DESERT BAR IS open , THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. With live music on FRIDAY , SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
Ken, is always working on a new project, so come out and see what he has done during those hot summer months.
The DESERT BAR is CLOSED during the week, so PLEASE OBEY THE NO TRESPASSING SIGNS, or you're likely to encounter some WILD DESERT RESIDENTS that don't take your trespassing too lightly.
The DESERT BAR has a full bar and restaurant. EVERYONE is welcome, drive safe, families, kids and dogs are welcome. But please pick up after your dog and keep them leashed. Pets are NOT allowed inside the saloon. We are NOT responsible for your dog if it bites someone. *** BRING CASH. NO CREDIT CARDS*** THERE IS LITTLE TO NO CELL SERVICE OUT HERE , SO, AMBULANCE, FIRE AND THE SHERIFF ARE QUITE A WAYS OUT.
