The Spirit Room

The Spirit Room is a MUST when visiting Jerome. Come in here on in the afternoon to sit back, drink an ice cold beer or two or three (or cocktails or all of the above)  and absorb the long, colorful history that still permeates the air. Most weekends they have live music so it's REALLY a good time.

While you're enjoying your drink you get to rub elbows with bikers, colorful locals, tourists (both American and foreign) and when you're buzzed enough you might just find yourself busting out some moves on the dance floor. Weekdays are more quiet with no local music but then again you don't have to push and shove to get in the place.

The Spirit Room really is an American gem that retains the Old West flavor that exists now mostly in our dreams and ideals. Word to the wise: make sure you have a designated driver and don't even think about  to navigate the switchbacks after you've had a few. As one who's driven carloads of utterly wasted people down the hill on more than one occasion, make sure you think ahead and be safe.

There is no reason on earth not to stop here for a drink.

Of all of the unique, alluring places to stop by in Jerome, there are none as romantically sweeping, riddled with mystery and lore, and entrancing as the Spirit Room. From the green neon-glow of the signage at night to the haunting melodies echoing from its doors during the day, the Spirit Room continues to draw people across its threshold.

Because you simply have to experience it for yourself, I'll keep my words brief and poignant.

Clientele: all walks of life, from bikers and hippies to tourists and the un-lost wanderer.

Barkeep: quiet, focused, quick, no matter who is behind the bar.

Entertainment: live local bands with immense talent (talking about you, Tramps and Thieves). Dancing with strangers and genuine smiles all around.

Drinks: reasonably priced and relatively strong.

I cannot tell you the purge of worry and care that escaped my mind when I spent a sun-soaked afternoon in the Spirit Room. It's no exaggeration to say that you'll be better off spending a day in your life here, sopping around in booze, the smell of leather and brick, smoking a cigarrette or two and stumbling home to your hotel room with your arm around a friend.