3 Rural Arizona Bars You Have To Check Out
1. Abe's Old Tumacácori Bar – Tumacácori
Distance from Phoenix: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (165 miles)
Just south of Tubac and directly across from the historic Tumacácori Mission sits one of Arizona's most fascinating dive bars.
Abe's Old Tumacácori Bar was built in the 1930s by Tirso Trujillo and has remained in the same family ever since. It proudly holds one of the oldest continuously active liquor licenses in Southern Arizona, and stepping inside feels like stepping back into another era. The walls are packed with decades of memorabilia, old photographs, and stories passed down through generations.
The bar sits just across the road from Tumacácori National Historical Park, home to Arizona's oldest Spanish mission site, originally established in 1691 by Father Eusebio Kino. The history surrounding the area makes grabbing a drink here feel like part of a much bigger Arizona story.
What to drink
Abe's is known for its Cadillac Margaritas, classic margaritas, dirty martinis, and old-school whiskey pours. The bartenders are happy to mix just about anything, but many regulars simply order a cold domestic beer and settle in for conversation.
If you enjoy authentic Arizona dive bars with genuine character, Abe's belongs on your list.
2. The Spirit Room – Jerome
Distance from Phoenix: Approximately 2 hours (115 miles)
Perched high on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome has long been one of Arizona's most colorful towns. Once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome was a booming copper mining community filled with saloons, gambling halls, and nightlife.
Today, the Spirit Room keeps that tradition alive.
Located beneath the historic Connor Hotel, the Spirit Room traces its roots to the late 1800s and officially adopted its current name in the early 1960s as Jerome reinvented itself into an artist and music community. Live music remains at the heart of the bar, with blues, country, Americana, rock, and local musicians performing throughout the week.
Of course, Jerome wouldn't be Jerome without ghost stories.
The Spirit Room is famous for paranormal legends, with staff and visitors reporting mysterious footsteps, moving glasses, unexplained cold spots, and the occasional wandering spirit. Whether you believe the stories or not, they add another layer of charm to one of Arizona's most iconic bars. Try the Haunted Hamburger after you’ve built up an apetite.
3. Bullpen Bar & Grill – Camp Verde
Distance from Phoenix: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (95 miles)
If you're headed toward Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Verde Valley, make time for a stop at the Bullpen.
Located in the heart of Camp Verde, this local favorite blends the feel of a Western sports bar with authentic small-town hospitality. Cowboys, ranchers, hunters, off-road enthusiasts, and travelers all seem to cross paths here.
The Bullpen has become one of Camp Verde's most recognizable gathering spots, serving locals as well as visitors exploring nearby attractions like Montezuma Castle, Fossil Creek, and the Verde River.
What to drink
Our favorite is Smoke & Sting Mezcal. Their relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to unwind after hiking, fishing, or exploring central Arizona.
If you're hungry, don't skip the crawfish or pork belly/serrano sandwich.
