Ron French surveying his kingdom.

The Pine Street Saloon is rooted in Paso Robles’ history

—Before “Beer for My Horses” hit the country music charts, the Pine Street Saloon was already serving horses and their riders. The Pioneer Day parade, held annually in October, unofficially ends at the Pine Street Saloon, where, for the past 40-some years, horses are ridden right up to the bar. Saloon owner Ron French said, “People get a real kick out of it, and how often do you get to have a beer with a horse?”

Sharing a beer with a horse isn’t the only thing that sets this bar apart. You might find yourself bending an elbow with a ghost. Regulars talk about noises and things moving. “I don’t believe in ghosts,” said owner Ron French. “It’s an old, creaky, wooden building.” Nevertheless, he set up night-vision cameras and has video footage of glowing “supercharged dust particles” zipping through glass and around the room, and lamps and a vacuum cleaner moving across the floor. A few years ago, the rumors of hauntings earned the Pine Street Saloon an episode on the Travel Channel’s hit show, The Dead Files. The Travel Channel returned to film a new episode for Ghost Adventures that was released around the end of 2021.

The saloon has been in the family since purchased by French’s mother, Pat, in 1971. Built around 1857, the saloon had a reputation as a bordello and visits by Jesse James. Drury James, one of Paso Robles’ founders, was Frank and Jesse’s uncle. The Pine Street Saloon has been voted the “Best North County Bar” in the New Times ‘Best of SLO County.”

No-nonsense drinks, live music, entertainment, and safe rides home

“We have daily drink specials and serve lots of beer, Jack and Coke,” said French. “We can make foo-foo drinks, but they’re not very popular here.”

The saloon is cash-only, but there’s an ATM. The décor is rustic. There are pool tables, and the jukebox plays two kinds of music: country and western. A food trailer serves on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Karaoke, Open Mic, and live music guarantee a good time. “About 10 local bands play here on a rotating schedule. Once in a while, we mix in out-of-town acts, and sometimes we are just surprised!” said French. “Pink has dropped in to sing Karaoke. Merle Haggard was a regular, even recorded a commercial for us a few months before he died. I haven’t aired it out of respect.”

The saloon has attracted Paula Nelson (Willie’s daughter), Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Lee Lewis, Travis Howard, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Louie Ortega, actors Gary Busey and Robert Carradine, Jason Lee, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Live music, karaoke, open mic, or other entertainment starts at 9 p.m. on various nights throughout the week. Call (805) 238-1114 for more information.

The saloon’s limo offers free safe rides on Friday and Saturday nights anywhere in the city limits. Tips for the driver, please! “If you don’t have a designated driver and can’t afford a cab, we want to make sure you get safely home,” said French.

A legend walks on

The team at the San Luis Obispo Visitors Guide and Access Publishing is saddened by Ron French’s passing in May. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Ron was much more than the owner of the Pine Street Saloon—he was a true legend.

Pine Street Saloon is located at 1234 Pine Street, Paso Robles. For more information, call (805) 238-1114 or visit PineStreetSaloon.com.