Historic 1902 roadhouse and live music venue in Emigrant, serving cold drinks and hearty food in the heart of Paradise Valley.
The Old Saloon first opened its doors in 1902 in Emigrant, Montana, serving as a vital watering hole for passengers traveling the rail line through Paradise Valley on their way to Yellowstone National Park. Situated directly across from the old train depot, the establishment quickly became a gathering place for a rugged mix of cowboys, gold miners, ranchers, and early tourists. When a devastating fire destroyed the original structure in 1907, owner Abe Armstrong immediately set to work rebuilding it. To anchor the new space, Armstrong purchased an ornate wooden back bar in St. Louis and had it hauled by steamboat up the Missouri River. That historic back bar survived the journey, survived Prohibition, and still stands behind the counter today, serving as the physical and emotional centerpiece of the room.
Prohibition forced the saloon to shutter its doors in 1920, and the building remained quiet for over four decades until Abe’s son, Elmer Armstrong, revived the family business in 1962. In the 1970s, Elmer expanded the property by dragging an actual historic livery stable down the hill from its original site and joining it to the saloon, creating a rustic dining room known as the Livery Stable. This architectural grafting transformed the saloon into a full-service restaurant and bar, cementing its role as a community hub. The menu today reflects this dual heritage, offering hearty Montana fare like hand-cut steaks, burgers, and cold draft beers in a setting defined by original wood floors, vintage neon signs, and taxidermy.
In 2016, a group of local friends purchased the historic property, embarking on a meticulous restoration that preserved its classic character while introducing modern updates. They constructed a massive outdoor stage, a wooden dance floor, and a grandstand, turning the backyard into one of the most celebrated outdoor music venues in the state, hosting legendary acts like the Turnpike Troubadours, Charley Crockett, and Old Crow Medicine Show. In April 2025, the stewardship of this iconic landmark passed to new owners Matt and Melody, who continue to run the saloon with a deep respect for its legacy. Today, the saloon operates seven days a week, welcoming patrons for hearty breakfasts, afternoon drinks, and late-night music under the shadow of the Absaroka Range.
Check the summer concert calendar for major outdoor shows on the backyard stage, or drop in on a weekday afternoon to admire the 1907 St. Louis back bar in relative quiet.
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