White Elephant Saloon

Currently located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the original version of the White Elephant Saloon opened in 1884 on a seedy stretch of town named Hell's Half Acre.

This was a violent and lawless red light district that hosted its fair share of fistfights, shootouts, card games, and bordello trysts. Cowboys, businessmen, buffalo hunters, railroad workers, and outlaws traveling along the Chisholm Trail and Texas and Pacific Railway would stop there and spend their cash, and the local authorities adopted a lenient approach so as not to suppress the economic activity.

The Elephant started as a simple eatery opened by F.A. Borodino, but business wasn't great. When new ownership began serving high-end whiskey, food, and cold ice in 1887, the money started rolling in—especially when high-rolling gamblers showed up. Hiring doormen and special police to patrol the premises also helped.

The original White Elephant had its ups and downs until 1913, when it closed down after functioning as a chili parlor. But in 1976, new ownership brought back the spirit of the original saloon at the current Stockyards location.

The sense of history here is palpable. It's coming up on 50 years now, but looks like it could easily be 100. Not many places left these days you can say that about. It's a busy saloon, with creaky floors, live music, and celebrity photos and cowboy hats lining the walls. My favorite is the plaque commemorating Michael Keaton as the champion of a 3-ball pool tournament in 1990. Apparently the guy can play.

There's also a shoeshine chair, a chili parlor kitchen window, and dozens of elephant figurines. The saloon made regular appearances on 'Walker, Texas Ranger' and you can find Noble Willingham's (C.D. Parker) hat on the wall.

As a bonus, the first time I ever saw the term “retail sex” was when I was reading about the White Elephant, and I will always be grateful for that because it's now the frontrunner title for my posthumous autobiography. (Other options: Divorce Court, Sea Bitch, Wet on Purpose, etc.)