The "World Famous" Sultana

The Sultana has poured drinks on this corner since 1912, which means it kept pouring them right through Prohibition. Upstairs was a respectable saloon and billiard hall, a buffet, a gathering place. Downstairs, reached by invitation, a basement speakeasy ran bootleg liquor and games of chance, with tunnels said to give a quick exit if the law came calling. The name came from a famous jewel, the Sultana Ruby. Few Route 66 bars have stayed open longer, or kept a better secret.

What the plaque says

The "World Famous" Sultana. . Constructed of formed concrete block in 1912, this saloon and billiard hall included a buffet for the townspeople who used it as a gathering place. Named for the famous Sultana Ruby of India. During prohibition the basement speakeasy provided bootleg liquor and gambling by invitation only.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Williams — steps away
  The last town on Route 66 to lose its traffic to the interstate — a rail gateway to the Grand Canyon since 1901, bypassed only in 1984 after a court fight, and revived twice over.
• Oak Creek Canyon — 32 mi
  The switchback drive from red rock to ponderosa on State Route 89A

More markers nearby

• Last Town Bypassed by I-40 — steps away
• Santa Fe Railway Freight Depot — steps away
• Grand Canyon Hotel — steps away
• DelSue Motor Inn — 0.3 mi