Gallopin' Goose

The Gallopin' Goose is a historic honky tonk in Coolidge, Arizona. They have the 1st liquor license ever issued in Pinal County (dates back to the 1930's). Their claim to fame is for being the establisment where Waylon Jennings started his solo career after the death of Buddy Holly. [Carr, "Prairie Nights to Neon Lights", page 156: "In 1961 Waylon and his wife and newborn son moved from West Texas to Coolidge, Arizona, where he worked in radio briefly before relocating to the booming Phoenix area."] After Jennings achieved stardom he frequently performed there unannounced whenever he was in Arizona.

New owners, Ken and Saundra Jones, bought the closed historical bar in January 2001. They have made many upgrades to the once rough bar. It is now a great place to hangout with your friends and family. Children are allowed with their parents until 10pm. Bands usually start at 8 or 9pm. Everyone can come here and feel welcome. The crowd consists of customers from the ages of 21 to 81, bikers, line dancers, cowboys, and more.

One of the best additions has been to convert the old manager's office into a kitchen, and adding an outdoor grill. There is a full menu and late night dining is available. The most popular item on the menu is their 1/2 lb Angus Burger, followed by their steak dinners. Their burgers are the best in Pinal County and possibly the state of Arizona. Come join them for lunch or dinner. Remember their kitchen is small and everything is made to order...you may have a little extra wait during peak dining hours. Especially on Mondays when their famous burgers are only $5! Call ahead service is available, as well as getting your orders to go.

A large outdoor patio with misters, heaters, and even a horseshoe pit has also been added in the last few years. You can now enjoy eating, relaxing, watching the band and dancers while being outside. Another plus of the patio is that smokers have a place to go and they aren't missing any of the action.

The "The Waylon Wall", commemorating famous country singer Waylon Jennings is just one more addition to the face lift the place has seen. You can read about Waylon's time in Coolidge and enjoy viewing the numerous other memorabilia.

Thank's to current kitchen manager, Krystal H., and her fantastic crew of cooks the kitchen has a reputation for having high quality, delicious and very affordable food.

Although, the new owners have made many changes, one tradition that has been resurrected is the live music on friday and saturday nights. The music often played is country, with a little classic or southern rock added. This is one of the few places left with live music and a dancefloor.

If you can't find this historical Bar and Grill, they can find you. A 15 person party bus is available for transportation to and from The Goose. Call them for details. 520-723-0300.

"For the railcar, see Galloping Goose."

References

Bibliography

*Carr, Joseph J.; Alan Munde. "Prairie Nights to Neon Lights: The Story of Country Music in West Texas". Texas Tech University Press, 1996. ISBN 0896723658