This year's race to be in the Top 5 Country Bars of 2019 has been anything but quiet. We are now jokingly referring to it as the battle for number 1! Why is this? Well, we have had a massive response to the contest in comparison to last year. The voting continues 24/7... Not to mention the traffic was so heavy during week 1, the site even went down for a few minutes. We love to see this kind of support for the venues! Many of them are loaded with history and not to mention employ our favorite local musicians.
So let's break down who made it to the 2nd round.
1. Matt's Saloon - Matt's Saloon is located on Historic Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona. The building was built in 1901 as a mercantile and later became a saloon at the end of prohibition in 1934. Matt's made its debut after that in the early 1960's. Musicians such as Buck Owens, Lee Hazelwood and Waylon Jennings have entertained there.
2. Tom Ryan's Saloon - Tom Ryan's boasts of the largest dance floor in Chandler, AZ... Complete with its iconic American Flag on the back of the stage. Tom Ryan's has been a large part of the Country Music Scene for years... They are well known for being a venue opened to local charities and fund raisers, including the Vegas Benefit two years ago raising a large sum of money for the victims in Las Vegas. They have entertainment almost daily from Live Music , to Karaoke and Dart Tournaments.
3. Roman's Oasis - This long time running venue is out in Goodyear, Arizona. Combined with its rustic-western look and feel, its a favorite among locals and even the bands that play there. You can't miss the wagon wheels or the giant rooster when driving by. They have live Music on the weekends and dance lessons three days a week.
4. Bourbon Jacks - Bourbon Jack's is part of the heart of Downtown Chandler, AZ. The building it occupies was built in 1918 as the Arrow Pharmacy. In 2006 remodeling began that combined the Arrow Pharmacy and Reliable Hardware Buildings and in 2012 Bourbon Jacks found its home. Bourbon Jack's has entertainment 7 days a week. Live Music daily, with the exception of Tuesdays when they have free dance lessons.
5. Waddell's Longhorn Corral - Located in Buckeye, Arizona, Waddell's Longhorn Corrals has Live Country Music Every Friday and Saturday. They boast of a large out door area and PLENTY of room for dancing both inside and out. They have even been a stop for the Budweiser Clydesdales!
6. Good Time Charli's - Good Time Charli's is another favorite among the locals in Chandler. It boasts of the Neighborhood Bar feel with some iconic Western Decor. They have live entertainment daily as well and is also a favorite among bands as well. Recently the menu had an update and many of the items are name after local bands.
7. Handle Bar J - This iconic Bar has something interesting that many other places don't... TONS of hats hanging from the ceiling. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, they are actually known as "Scottsdale Original Rib House" and their "BunkHouse Fare". Another venue with LOTS of local entertainment as well and is a staple place to find greats such as The Herndon Brothers, as well as J David Sloan playing.
8. The Hitching Post Saloon - Located in Apache Junction near the base of the iconic and historic Superstition Mountains you will find a quirky yet very cool Western themed venue. When you walk up you might even see some horses outside... When you walk in you will feel as if you were transported into an Saloon in the old West. The Hitching Post does have a Rodeo as well. You can come out for a show or even practice. Many local bands have played here, including house favorite Donny Grubb .
9. Buffalo Chip Saloon - In 1951, the Buffalo Chip made its debut to the Cave Creek area. It has since grown to 5 acres and over 6,000 square feet and one of the most authentic dance halls and saloon in the country. They have live Country Music several days a week and the venue is considered an all ages venue! Just make sure you are with your kid when they go. ;)
10. Norton's Country Corner - Located in Queen Creek, AZ is an unfussy, gritty honky tonk , with a large dance floor, two stages and pool tables. You can find live Music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can catch you favorite acts on Thursdays with their acoustic show and full bands on the weeks. You can even play corn hole inside... Because, why not?
