Phoenix Day Trips | Your Guide for Things to Do in Bisbee Arizona
Tucked away in Southern Arizona, so close to Mexico you can almost taste it, is the old Western town of Bisbee, Arizona. Founded in 1902, the town retains a history that’s vibrant with ghost stories, vices, and old mining tales galore. Nowadays, Bisbee boasts its supernatural roots and is married with artsy eclecticism that’s both charming and unique. In partnership with Discover Bisbee, here’s your guide on where to go and what to check out on your next trip to Bisbee:
Things to Do in Bisbee: Wander Brewery St. in Bisbee
One of the places you have to go to when visiting Bisbee is St. Elmo. The bar is the oldest operating bar in Arizona, founded in 1902. Drop in on a Thursday night and catch “bowling for dildos”, where you literally, bowl for dildos. If you don’t catch any luck bowling, you can always try your hand at the claw machine, where for $1 you get a chance at winning a dildo, a porn dvd, or a cute teddy bear. Bonus: well drinks are less than $5 a pop.
Next door to St. Elmo is The Quarry. The vibes of The Quarry are somewhere in between edgy, dark, ‘90s misfits-themed and well, cool. Surprisingly, they serve their food farm-to-table, with everything in the kitchen being made from scratch, and ingredients picked from the garden. Don’t be a complainer if your food is taking time, because it is well worth the wait. Order the deconstructed chicken pot pie before they sell out.
Across the street is Old Bisbee Brewing Co. When I tell you their Watermelon Salut is addictive, I’m telling the truth. I had three glasses in under an hour, and I felt like I was just drinking watermelon juice! The beverage is delicious as well as the other beers they have on tap. While basically everywhere in Bisbee is haunted, this particular joint has one that’s obsessed with turning the air fryer on and off. I think the ghost is pretty hungry for one of their Old Bisbee Brewing Co.'s brats.
Surprises on Subway St. in Bisbee
The new cafe on the block, hidden on Subway St. is Kafka House Bisbee. The cafe is Kafka themed, and if you’re a book lover like me, you’ll know that the quote, “A book must be an ax for the frozen sea within us,” is authentically Kafka, just as this cafe is. Get the chai latte, and you won’t regret the creamy, herbal notes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Canyon Rose Suites is the perfect place to stay when visiting Bisbee. With spacious accommodations, the Canyon Rose Suites aren’t just suites, they’re straight-up apartments! I felt right at home at Canyon Rose Suites. Wake up, grab a chai latte from Kafka downstairs, wind down with late night snacks in the microwave provided, and sleep in a king-sized bed. Absolute perfection.
Things to Do in Bisbee: Eat & Play on Main St. in Bisbee
So where do you eat when you’re in Bisbee? The number one recommended places to go is Cafe Roka. With flavors by Chef Rod Kass, it’s no wonder people return again and again. We were seated on the top floor, overlooking Main St., unparalleled views of the sunset, with a flamenco player strumming in the background. Talk about ambience! The food matched the setting, starting with the Mussels. The Mussels were plump, big and flavorful. The Gnocchi had local mushrooms and greens in it, with a distinct, creamy sauce. The Sirloin was cooked to perfection. And the desserts were sweet, chocolatey, and melted in your mouth. It was one of the most romantic dates I have ever had.
If you want a more low-key, but still romantic vibe, Le Cornucopia Cafe is the place to go. They are on par with Cafe Roka in terms of flavors, and how can one say no to tapas, wine, and a beautiful sunset? The Croquetas de Champinon and Lomo con Pimientos y Queso sliders were my favorites - they seemed to literally burst with flavor. The “Bisbee” Plate was a medley of meats and cheeses, and each seemed to sing their own song in our mouths. With a quaint setting surrounded by local artwork, Le Cornucopia Cafe takes the crown for coziest vibes in Bisbee.
Craving dessert after dinner? Try dessert at ten am instead. Patisserie Jacqui is on top of the hill on Main St. and is only open from 10-3pm. Expect a line for these baked treats, as nothing is as heavenly as biting into a croissant filled with ‘fancy stuff’. Honestly, this varies. One day you could get “The Sonoran”: Mexican-style roast corn, candied jalapeno, and gooey cheese, and the next day get a Ham and Cheese croissant, and you wouldn’t be disappointed either way!
For entertainment, check out The Bisbee Grand Hotel. Haunted by a woman in white, this ghostly entity doesn’t keep visitors away. From drag shows on the weekend to local bands playing at night, The Bisbee Grand Hotel is perfect for hanging out and getting spooked. We had a quick stay at The Bisbee Grand Hotel, and the views from the balcony were spectacular - overlooking the Main St. and viewing the mountains. Plus, complimentary breakfast!
Things to Do in Bisbee: Hear Haunted History in Bisbee
If you want to learn more about the Haunted History of Bisbee check out the The Bisbee Seance Room. Ran by the local performer, Kenny Stewart, you’re transported to another realm when entering The Bisbee Seance Room, one where magic, ghosts, and other worldly creatures roam. We learned about local history, like how a bear once resided in Bisbee, and how Bisbee was the only show Houdini performed in in Arizona. Bisbee once had 70+ bars in its heyday, as compared to its less than 20, it has now. If you’re a history buff and love hauntings, this experience is for you.
Similarly, join the Old Bisbee Ghost Tours if you’re looking to explore, and learn more about the history and hauntings of Bisbee. Meeting at the steps of the old Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, you get to tour Bisbee with a guide sprouting tidbits of fascinating stories and history. For instance, there’s a fly sculpture on the side of the old Bisbee Mining and Historical building, and it was inspired by Bisbee’s typhoid period where flies basically overran the town. Neat, huh?
Want to find out more about Bisbee? Check out Discover Bisbee for more ideas and directories!
