Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he navigates rugged mountain switchbacks to reach Arizona's oldest continuously operating saloon. Deep in the Bradshaw Mountains at 6,000 feet elevation, the Crown King Saloon has been serving miners, locals, and adventurous travelers since the 1890s – making it a 110-year survivor of boom-and-bust mining cycles.

In this episode, Todd speaks with owner Lorrie Wyatt to uncover the incredible story of how entrepreneur Tom Anderson literally moved this two-story wooden establishment piece by piece from the ghost town of Oro Belle to Crown King in 1916. Discover how this former brothel and mining camp watering hole became the beating heart of a community that once boasted multiple saloons, Chinese restaurants, and a post office serving the lucrative Crowned King Mine.

From the legendary "Burro" John Revello who ran the original establishment in the 1890s to the mysterious ghost named Leatherbelly who allegedly haunts room number 7, this episode explores how authentic Western hospitality survived Arizona's dangerous Apache territory days and Prohibition era. Learn why this mountain retreat attracts Phoenix locals fleeing 115-degree desert heat for craft beer, hearty burgers, and genuine frontier atmosphere you simply can't manufacture.

What You'll Discover:

• The wild story of "Murphy's Impossible Railroad" that served the area from 1904-1926
• Why this 133-person mountain community represents the last of America's authentic mining town culture
• Insider tips for navigating the challenging dirt road access (high-clearance vehicles recommended!)
• The role saloons played in Arizona's 1800s frontier mining boom

Crown King Saloon, 7219 Main St, Crown King, AZ 86343

Subscribe to Chug & Chow for more authentic American eateries that locals rave about, and grab The Tattooed Traveler's book on Amazon for your complete guide to off-the-radar culinary adventures.

Award-winning host and author Todd Newton travels to Hays, Kansas—once home to Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane—to discover Sip n Spin, a restaurant with an incredible backstory. Owner and chef Eric Shuette shares how this historic building evolved from frontier-era rumors to laundromat to beloved local eatery, all while serving up legendary burgers and world-famous wings.

Explore the fascinating dual history of Hays, from its violent Wild West days when saloons and brothels lined the streets, to its transformation by Volga German immigrants who built the beautiful limestone churches that still stand today. Discover historical artifacts uncovered in the building, learn the stories behind Eric's signature menu items, and find out why this authentic Kansas town attracts food lovers and history buffs alike.

Whether you're planning a Kansas road trip, love American frontier history, or just want to hear about incredible small-town restaurants where the owner cooks your meal himself, this episode delivers unforgettable stories and mouth-watering descriptions that'll have you craving both the food and the experience.

Visit chugandchow.com for more information and to order your copy of Todd's book.

In this episode, award-winning host and author Todd Newton rolls into Grand Rapids, Michigan, to visit a bakery that’s been serving up scratch-made pastries and hometown warmth since 1924—Van’s Pastry Shoppe. From Dutch krakelingen to fresh-pulled cinnamon twists, Van’s isn’t just a place to grab a coffee and donut—it’s a community cornerstone where generations have gathered, laughed, and lingered.

The Tattooed Traveler explores the rich history of Grand Rapids—from its furniture-making roots to its current status as a Midwest cultural hub—before sitting down with Dawn, a longtime Van’s employee whose familiar face has become part of the daily ritual for locals.

Discover what makes Van’s an enduring favorite, how its team keeps old-world traditions alive, and why some flavors never go out of style. Plus, don't miss out on how every purchase of the Chug and Chow book helps provide meals to food-insecure families across the U.S.

Subscribe, share, and chow down with us—because this is one story you can practically smell through your speakers.