California's Oldest Bar, 5/10/2016

As is our custom, we go out to eat the night before we travel to our next destination. In Groveland, we chose to go to the Iron Door Saloon. Its claim to fame is being the oldest, continuously operating, bar in the state of California. It opened in 1852 during the rowdy days of the California Gold Rush. 

We parked in the public parking lot next to the Groveland Fire Station and walked the block or so to the Iron Door. The historic Groveland Hotel (1849) is a short distance west of the Iron Door.

The back bar is the classic, old-style, mirrored design.  

There are lots of photos and historic artifacts in the bar, including these animal heads...

We came here to watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, ordering cocktails and the appetizer plate. It was a good time, so we decided to come back for dinner Tuesday night.  For dinner we both had burgers that were good. This is not fine dining, but it is acceptable bar food (which is what we expected).

There is an adjoining room with pool tables and a dining room (where the salad bar is). I got one trip to the salad bar as my side with the hamburger I ordered. On both visits we saw plenty of locals at the bar and tourists (like us) eating at the booths or high top tables in the bar area. There is also a stage for bands and open mic nights. Fun!

When we were walking back to our car, we stopped to snap a pic of this bear family. It was displayed at a coin-operated car wash (of all places). Isn't it great?

Website:  www.iron-door-saloon.com