The Genoa Bar & Saloon in Genoa, Nevada [Reno-Carson City vicinity] was established in 1853, and today is considered the oldest bar in the Silver State. A sign over the entrance reads “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor.”
It’s been visited by many famous people, including Raquel Welch in the 1960s, who stopped by once while making a film at nearby Lake Tahoe. While there she noticed the hundreds of bras hanging from the ceiling. She was curious.
The bartender explained that they were left by the bar’s many patrons through the years and it had become a Genoa Bar tradition. After the American sex symbol had consumed a few drinks, the bartender asked if she would do the watering hole the honor of leaving her bra.
After pondering for a short while, Raquel agreed but on one condition—that if she left it all the others had to be taken down; only hers would be displayed. The bartender agreed. And that’s the way it is today. The other bras left by many other not-so-famous people are stored in an old bank safe.
And should you visit, be sure to check out the original wanted poster from 1865 offering a reward for President Abraham Lincoln’s then-unknown killer.
The Genoa Bar & Saloon is open every day of the year from 10 a.m. until the last patron leaves for the night. Here’s their website.
SOURCE: Martin T. Smith, author of The Nevada Outhouse Trivia Book and the proprietor of the very interesting Flag Store in Sparks, Nevada. Other sources were consulted as well.
Watch the video for more about the bar and the bra:
More in Nevada travel:
- Add RVing on Nevada’s wacky Extraterrestrial Highway to your bucket list
- Free Nevada camping near Valley of Fire State Park
- Finding the Christmas spirit in Poinsettia Mine, Nevada
- FREE Nevada campground with hot springs!
##RVT1174
Just remember that the name of the town in Nevada is pronounced je-no’-ah, not je’-no-ah as in Italy.
Thanks, Adrienne! I would never have guessed that (not that I’m going either place anytime soon). 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Most folks can’t even pronounce Nevada correctly…..
It’s funny. We live about a half hour from this bar (Carson City) and we’ve only been there once.
We stopped in Genoa had a drink and checked out the place and Rachel’s Bra. Cool old Saloon and little town
Thank you, Chuck! 🙂 Perhaps, … one day, … maybe, … but … probably … not. We rarely get out that way. Usually only if returning from Alaska. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 😉
A San Diego girl leaves her mark (?) In Nevada!! You go girl !🙃
I have been there many times mainly on a motorcycle and find it to be a great place to stop after coming down Kingsberry grade from the west.