Long Branch Question

[Happening]

Figured this would be as good as place as any to ask this question. As the family was coming into Dodge this Friday and were looking for a place to eat, I asked the wife how cool would it be to be able to go to the Long Branch Saloon and have a beer and burger? Or go to the Long Branch Saloon and play a little Blackjack or Poker? So I was wondering why the Boothill exihibit doesn't offer food or drinks? Other museums have food courts, why not have one there? I would love to belly up at the Long Branch Saloon some time and have a beer or shot of whiskey. That would be just like the old times. With so many saloons back in the day, you could offer all sorts of different menus and such. Could have some Indians out front serving Indian Tacos or Buffalo burgers. Just an idea and was wondering if there was some law that prohibited that. Just was thinking that would take care of the casino issue as well.

[Mike B.]

Originally Posted by Happening

Figured this would be as good as place as any to ask this question. As the family was coming into Dodge this Friday and were looking for a place to eat, I asked the wife how cool would it be to be able to go to the Long Branch Saloon and have a beer and burger? Or go to the Long Branch Saloon and play a little Blackjack or Poker? So I was wondering why the Boothill exihibit doesn't offer food or drinks? Other museums have food courts, why not have one there? I would love to belly up at the Long Branch Saloon some time and have a beer or shot of whiskey. That would be just like the old times. With so many saloons back in the day, you could offer all sorts of different menus and such. Could have some Indians out front serving Indian Tacos or Buffalo burgers. Just an idea and was wondering if there was some law that prohibited that. Just was thinking that would take care of the casino issue as well.

Happening,

That's a great idea!!! The problem here in Dodge is that we fail to cater to visitors from out of town (people like you). Tourism is floundering in Dodge for that simple reason. It might take some effort and work on our CVB's (convention and visitors bureau) part. We're (the city) is to busy planning on how we're going pay to build the infrastructure for the new state owned (LOL)casino.

[Mike B.]

Oh, and also get ahold of Jim Sherer his e-mail can be found at Dodge City, KS - Official Website - City Commission

He has 12 years of experience in the tourism industry. He has some good ideas. (If he can reach Sowers, or Lembright to find out what they might be.)

He has also been the mayor of Dodge and a city commissioner for 4 years. He wants to be re-elected so he can put his experience to work. (like he hasn't already had 4 years to do so?)

[Lou]

You'll find you can belly-up to the bar for a beer, but not whiskey. As for a bite to eat, you'll find nothing in the Longbranch itself. But you can eat, in season (summer, at least) at an establishment to the east of the old saloon. I, too, wish we could do lunch or dinner at Boot Hill. Bet I'd be one of their better customers.

[TexKan]

That would be fun but paying an entry fee might make ya alittle less hungry. I thought at one time that little ice cream shop sold BBQ during business hours - years ago - but again you had to pay the Boot Hill fee to get to the food.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by TexKan

That would be fun but paying an entry fee might make ya alittle less hungry. I thought at one time that little ice cream shop sold BBQ during business hours - years ago - but again you had to pay the Boot Hill fee to get to the food.

Things we don't know - and probably should...

For several years, any resident of Ford County can obtain a 'Pioneer' card from Boot Hill (free - just prove you live here with your drivers license) - and you have free admission all year (except for special events - like the Bull Fry Bash).

[I can just hear some wag reply - "yeah-that's why Boot Hill's income is down - they give it free to locals". To me, it's a whole lot better that we take ownership in Boot Hill, and have free admission all the time. Let the tourists pay admission.]

Second - if you want to eat at the BK - just say so, Boot Hill staff is very accomodating. While you're there - put your boot on the rail in the Long Branch and have a cold brew - takes you back in time.

[jeezeweeze]

Originally Posted by Happening

Figured this would be as good as place as any to ask this question. As the family was coming into Dodge this Friday and were looking for a place to eat, I asked the wife how cool would it be to be able to go to the Long Branch Saloon and have a beer and burger? Or go to the Long Branch Saloon and play a little Blackjack or Poker? So I was wondering why the Boothill exihibit doesn't offer food or drinks? Other museums have food courts, why not have one there? I would love to belly up at the Long Branch Saloon some time and have a beer or shot of whiskey. That would be just like the old times. With so many saloons back in the day, you could offer all sorts of different menus and such. Could have some Indians out front serving Indian Tacos or Buffalo burgers. Just an idea and was wondering if there was some law that prohibited that. Just was thinking that would take care of the casino issue as well.

I really had never researched anything on this and it is very interesting.
People are still infatuated with the great history of DC.
Its important to keep it alive.

Tourists should leave from there saying WOW... we gotta go back some day... They want to see the dirt road and the cattle drive. Saloons with gambling, beer and whiskey.

Course with children being in the fray, probably get sued if a fight broke out and you know it would. Liquor and gambling...not a good combination...LOL

There has just got to be a way to cater to tourists...after all Dodge City is a legend.

The Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas

[TexKan]

Originally Posted by Clueless

Things we don't know - and probably should...

For several years, any resident of Ford County can obtain a 'Pioneer' card from Boot Hill (free - just prove you live here with your drivers license) - and you have free admission all year (except for special events - like the Bull Fry Bash).

[I can just hear some wag reply - "yeah-that's why Boot Hill's income is down - they give it free to locals". To me, it's a whole lot better that we take ownership in Boot Hill, and have free admission all the time. Let the tourists pay admission.]

Second - if you want to eat at the BK - just say so, Boot Hill staff is very accomodating. While you're there - put your boot on the rail in the Long Branch and have a cold brew - takes you back in time.

I worked the bull bash and supported the Oktoberfest - more than I probably needed to. They were just too much fun! Course with the few years I was active with roundup and the chamber - I never knew I could of get in free when I just wanted to walk around. I luuuuuv Boot hill and had I known I could go at no charge - they could of gotten more money out of me on the souvenir shop with the money I woulda saved on admission. I'm a Boot Hill addict. So guess I'm one of the few that actually paid to get in? The times that I went they never offered that info. Sure woulda been nice.

Course when I visit - if I take my utilities bill and house tax statement can I still get in free? Good info tho Clueless - just probably too late for me - the rest of ya - head on down for the beer and sarsaparilla! Good times I had at Boot hill - ever since I was old enough to remember!

[gunnar1073]

My problem with this thread is how someone asks a simple, tourist related question and the first response is a negative, agenda thick response.

Someone needs to invent a machine that turns negativity into H2O, then we could put a sign up in front of the Horsethief Resevoir that says "Brought to you in record time courtesy of DodgeBoard.com - Dodge City Kansas Local Community Chat Forum Site!

[Bubba]

But, you will see that the negativity got turned around also!