EST. 1857
The What Cheer Saloon
Where Gold Rush legends were made — and a few were lost
THE SALOON
A Living Piece of History
The What Cheer Saloon has been pouring drinks since the days when Columbia was the richest gold-mining town in California. Named after the famous What Cheer House in San Francisco, our saloon has hosted miners, merchants, gamblers, and travelers for over 165 years.
Step through the doors and find yourself in a place where the past is very much alive — original mahogany bar, period printed wallpaper, original artwork, and the same warm amber light that has welcomed weary prospectors since 1857.
THE BAR
What We Pour
Gold Rush Cocktails
The Forty-Niner
$14Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon, Angostura bitters, orange peel
Mother Lode Mule
$13Gold Rush ginger whiskey, lime, ginger beer, candied ginger
Prospector's Punch
$13Dark rum, pineapple, lime, grenadine, nutmeg
The Assay Office
$15Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari, orange bitters
Whiskey & Spirits
California Whiskey Flight
$22Three pours from Gold Country distilleries
House Bourbon
$10Neat, on the rocks, or with a splash
Single Malt Scotch
$16Ask your bartender for today's selection
Indigeny Brandy
$15Local artisan brandy made here in Tuolumne County
Beer & Wine
Draft Beer
$7–$10Rotating selection of California craft ales and lagers
Bottled Beer
$7Ask your bartender for current selection
House Red
See our wine list
House White
See our wine list
LIVE AT THE SALOON
Music & Events
The What Cheer Saloon hosts live music most Friday and Saturday evenings — acoustic folk, bluegrass, and the occasional honky-tonk that would have felt right at home in 1857. Check back for our current schedule or call ahead.
Friday Night Live
Acoustic folk and Americana, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday Sessions
Bluegrass and roots music, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday Afternoon
Mellow acoustic sets, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
HOURS
Belly Up to the Bar
Live music most Friday and Saturday evenings. No cover charge. Walk-ins always welcome.