A Little History About The

Pine Street Saloon

PINE STREET SALOON -- AN HISTORIC TREASURE

The Pine Street Saloon and the building in which it thrives are an important part of the colorful history of Paso Robles. Chances are that notable outlaws like Jesse James and his gang have huddled within these walls and walked these very floors while laying low at their uncle's ranch in nearby Pozo.

The Saloon is located at 1234 Pine Street, in one of Paso Robles' oldest and most unique false-front buildings, constructed prior to 1887 as the luxurious Cosmopolitan Hotel. The two-story structure has since housed many different businesses, including a lengthy stint as a brothel during a time in which Pine Street was lined with bars filled with accommodating women.

Today, the Pine Street Saloon is the last of the old-time beverage-purveying establishments of a bygone era in a town that once boasted dozens of such places.

Longtime owner Pat French bought the bar in 1971, when it had only a beer license and was called the Red Door. At that time, Ms. French and Jim Johnson, the local sheriff's deputy, began collecting the mirrors, beer signs and other memorabilia that now cover the walls of this popular landmark and civic treasure. In 1980 Pine Street went through a remodeling session and at that time the name was changed from the Red Door to what is now known as "The Pine Street Saloon". It remained a beer bar until 1996, when the Pine Street Saloon began serving liquor from a full bar.

In 2001, the Saloon moved next door to its current site when the adjacent building suffered damage in the San Simeon Earthquake. In the aftermath of that tragedy, the saloon was the only business on the street that remained open for business.

Enjoy your visit to this historic Saloon, and raise your glasses to the spirits of Frank and Jesse James.