Saddle up: The Grizzly Rose

You'll find more than just rawhide kicks and bolo ties at this joint

By Alex Jimenez

Special to Metromix

The lowdown: The Grizzly Rose Saloon and Dance Emporium is part concert hall, part nightclub, part bar, part restaurant and part, well, part whatever you want it to be.

It’s certainly got a western vibe, but depending on the night, you will find more than just rawhide kicks and bolo ties at this joint.  The Rose is first and foremost a place to do at least one of two things: drink or dance. Aside from that, there are some very noteworthy ways to enjoy oneself. But who are we kidding? Without those, what’s the point?

Décor: No matter what you’re there to do, the facilities are perfectly suited for all of the above. The bars, even at a sold out concert, have small waits, and you are always greeted by a bubbly cowgirl as happy to get you a drink as you are to take it.  The place is big enough that you don’t have to be caught up in the cowboy equivalent of a mosh pit to enjoy the show. With plenty of comfortable seating, you can enjoy a beverage, bite or dance well in the back of a concert without feeling crowded, rushed or worried about losing your seat if you decide to jump around.

Actually, plenty of socializing goes on in the back, almost unaware of the concert going on at the other end of the hall. Somehow, thousands of square feet of wagon wheel and bull-whip décor don’t get annoying, nor make you feel out of place if you forgot your cowboy boots. But, if that’s your thing, make sure to stop by the boot shine station to get ‘em buffed up. If you’re feeling rowdy, you can also put those boots to good use on the mechanical bull.

The bathrooms, or “outhouses” as they call them, are to be applauded in the same manner as the bars. There is little wait even when it’s packed, plus they aren’t dingy or dirty like your typical emporium “Johns.”

Drinks and other shenanigans: If you’re itching to find an excuse to come down, the nightly specials can’t be beat. With everything from dance lessons, to ladies night to live music, they have a little something for everyone. Our favorite? Come down Tuesdays for live music and free beer with a purchase of a $7 wristband from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Bottom line: So if you’re looking to bust out some moves, laugh a little bit and enjoy an all around good time with a hint of western spice, The Grizzly Rose is your place to play.

Keep an eye on the schedule. If line dancing isn’t quite your thing, some very not so western bands will be stopping by this summer. Sugar Ray, the reunited summer pop-ska band will be playing the Griz as one of their only currently announced reunion tour stops.