So I never thought Utah would be the first state on the official list of the oldest state bars that I would be able to visit…but like this entire journey surprises are the norm! My family invited me to travel to Utah with them this past week for our “Birthday” trip! Between my parents, sister and myself we all have birthdays within one month of each other. Typically we plan a trip together to celebrate! Typically we all vote to go somewhere warm but this year skiing was the choice! Of course as soon as I knew that I would be going on the trip I looked to see how far the oldest bar was from our destination. Closest enough to visit!
The oldest bar in Utah is called Shooting Star Saloon and it is located in Huntsville, UT. I have to say that I was very curious based on the typical stereo types of Utah! The drive to Huntsville was absolutely breath taking. Everywhere you look there are mountains, some covered in snow, some in red rocks. All equally wonderful. The mind can not help but wonder how the settlers traversed this terrain to get to California.
After about an hour of driving over and through the mountains we could see a flattened area that was clearly a small town. The Shooting Star Saloon is located on the outer part of Huntsville. It is a town where you wonder what do people do that live there?! Immediately pulling in we saw a sign on the door that says cash only…the next thing we saw was two adorable corgi pups waiting to greet us.
The outside of the Shooting Star immediately takes you back. If you have a vivid imagination like me you will envision an old west gun fight and a brothel next door!
The inside did not feel as old as the outside. The ceiling is covered in dollar bills signed by people from all over the world. The most disturbing decoration is a Bernese stuffed mountain dog, that is logo on the back of the t-shirts as well. Yep…his head is stuffed and hung on the wall!
The menu was simple….burgers and beer. I was hesitant while ordering and the very feisty bartender immediately called me out as a vegetarian! I was shocked that they begrudgingly offered a veggie burger. My parents both ordered regular burgers and literally did not stop raving about how good they were! My Dad and I tried the Shooting Star Amber Ale. It was very good.
All in all this bar was very interesting. The history and old feel have been maintained and they have done a great job of preserving the old and embracing the new! I would highly recommend making the effort to visit the Shooting Star the next time you are in Utah!
