Iron Door Saloon

The Iron Door Saloon anchors downtown Groveland with the kind of history you can't fake: the building dates to 1852, and it's regarded by many as the oldest continuously operating drinking establishment in California. The original English-imported iron doors that give the place its name are still bolted to the entrance, and the interior is famously covered floor to ceiling in dollar bills, mining relics, and Gold Rush-era mementos. With a 4.4-star rating across nearly 2,000 reviews, it's become a well-known stop for travelers heading to or from Yosemite National Park.

What to Order

The kitchen turns out hearty American comfort food. Reviewers single out the gourmet burgers — Buffalo, Western, and chipotle avocado versions all get repeat mentions — along with fall-off-the-bone ribs, a ribeye steak finished with bearnaise sauce, and oversized lumberjack-size breakfast plates. The bar pours local craft beers and specialty cocktails, and the soft pretzel has its own following among regulars. Pricing lands in the moderate range for the area.

Atmosphere and Live Music

Expect a rustic mining-town feel rather than a polished dining room — this is a saloon first, and it plays the part with live music and karaoke nights that draw a mix of Groveland locals and Yosemite-bound travelers. Service reports are mixed: some visits are praised for speed and friendliness, others describe a slow kitchen during peak hours, so plan for a wait if you arrive during a dinner rush.

Visiting

• Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to midnight
• Phone: (209) 962-6244