ST. ELMO BAR

The St. Elmo Bar in Bisbee, AZ, stands as a beacon of history and tradition in a town celebrated for its rich mining past. Opened in 1902, this bar has proudly held the title of Bisbee's oldest continuously operated drinking establishment, serving generations of locals and visitors alike. Over the years, St. Elmo has morphed from a mere bar into a living museum, where every nick and scratch on its worn wooden surfaces tells a story of the Old West.

Originally, the bar also housed an opium den in its basement, a common yet clandestine feature in many early 20th-century American towns, providing an exotic escape beneath the bustling streets of Bisbee. Above, the rooms that once operated as a brothel now whisper secrets of the past, contributing layers of intrigue and human history to the already charismatic establishment.

Today, St. Elmo retains its dive bar essence, offering a no-frills, authentically gritty atmosphere that's increasingly rare in modern nightlife. Bullet holes in the walls serve as stark reminders of Bisbee's wilder days, each one a testament to the bar’s enduring presence through periods of turmoil and celebration. It's a place where visitors can enjoy a cold drink while sitting literally within the fabric of local lore.

Centrally located in the heart of Bisbee, the St. Elmo Bar continues to attract those drawn to its historic charm and the promise of old tales wrapped in the haze of cigarette smoke and the glow of neon lights. It's not just a bar; it's a destination where the spirit of the Old West is palpable and the echoes of history resonate in every cheer, chat, and clink of glasses. As Bisbee continues to evolve, the St. Elmo Bar remains a steadfast reminder of the town's vibrant, tumultuous past and a beloved staple in its nightlife scene.