At the height of the gold fever days around 1897, Red River City was said to have 3000 people and dozens of saloons. Searching for the end of the rainbow, you see, was thirsty work.
The first of the "modern" saloons built in Red River was Tony's located on the main street east of the big swamp that separated the two inhabited sections of town in 1936. Constructed by a coal miner/gambler from southeastern Kansas by the name of Anton Simion - better known as Tony Simion - who preferred pouring drinks and wagering to breathing coal dust, the bar became a focal point for dancing and socializing in the valley, not to mention a home for professional gamblers. While gambling was outlawed following WWII, Tony's place continued to provide live music and games of chance until 1952.
The Motherlode Saloon, as it's known today, is still the source of great honky tonk music, dancing and adult fun, although the roulette wheels, crap tables and poker games have long since disappeared.
Across the street from "the Lode" stands the Bull O' The Woods Saloon, complete with swinging doors, stuffed animal heads on the wall and a crackerbox stage with a dance floor. There's even, on occasion, atonal karaoke nights where anyone can be a star. Built in the 1940s by a colorful character named Dan Zehna, the saloon and dancehall (above) was a constant irritation to Tony and, on more than one occasion, motivation for an exchange of live ammunition.
Chubbies Biergarten located in the Alpine Lodge was once named The Red Onion and was the longtime home in the 1980s of the legendary musical duo of Bill and Bonnie Hearne. Live music is still its trademark.
The Lost Love Saloon in Texas Reds Steakhouse has seen a long list of great performers, too. Ray Wylie, Jerry Jeff, Steve Fromholtz and MMM were part of Red River's Austin Connection in the 70s on the Lost Love stage.