
Red Onion Saloon
A legendary Gold Rush-era saloon and former brothel in Skagway, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a unique historical tour.

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Red Onion Saloon

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Gold Rush-era saloon and former brothel in Skagway, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a unique historical tour.
"Step back in time at the Red Onion Saloon – a must-visit for its history, atmosphere, and quirky charm!"
Be Prepared for Waits
Due to its popularity, expect long wait times, especially when cruise ships are in port. Visit off-peak if possible.
The Brothel Tour is a Must
Don't miss the $20 brothel tour for a unique historical and entertaining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Brothel Turned Saloon
Step back in time at this 1897 Gold Rush-era landmark, once a notorious bordello, now a lively bar and museum.

The Brothel Museum Tour
Explore the upstairs rooms of the former brothel, offering a unique and often bawdy glimpse into Skagway's past.

Themed Atmosphere & Costumed Servers
Immerse yourself in the Gold Rush spirit with period costumes and decor that transport you to another era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Be Prepared for Waits
Due to its popularity, expect long wait times, especially when cruise ships are in port. Visit off-peak if possible.
The Brothel Tour is a Must
Don't miss the $20 brothel tour for a unique historical and entertaining experience.
Consider Bar Seating
If you're a party of less than four, bar seating might open up sooner than a table.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers can offer helpful insights into which food items are particularly noteworthy.
Tips
from all over the internet
Be Prepared for Waits
Due to its popularity, expect long wait times, especially when cruise ships are in port. Visit off-peak if possible.
The Brothel Tour is a Must
Don't miss the $20 brothel tour for a unique historical and entertaining experience.
Consider Bar Seating
If you're a party of less than four, bar seating might open up sooner than a table.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers can offer helpful insights into which food items are particularly noteworthy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Red Onion Saloon is celebrated for its immersive historic atmosphere and the entertaining brothel museum tour, offering a unique step back into Skagway's Gold Rush past. While many praise the lively ambiance and friendly staff, some diners find the food to be pricey and occasionally greasy, with wait times being a common concern, especially when cruise ships are docked.
"So much fun! It opens at 9:30 am. The wait can be long but the food and service are great! Katie, our server, delivered excellent service and was amazing. Highly recommend the quesadillas and nachos. If you’re interested, there’s a $20 tour of the former brothel during the gold rush days."
Valeri White
"A fairly interesting tourist attraction, the waitresses definitely dress for the period and for the brothel itself. Semi long wait period to sit, due to all the attraction. The saloon is paired with the brothel museum, $20 for the tour. The saloon is scattered with the brothels decor. The food was ok, but really greasy. Its really interesting that they also have supplies from Starbucks, but the nearest Starbucks is almost 200 miles away."
slasher in the void
"I did the tour. Pretty cool up step back into time like that. Our tour guide was great, funny and professional. Really tried to humanize working girls during the gold Rush and educate us while making it fun. It's pretty small so it's no more than 30 minutes but very unique experience. They give out a free garter!"
Pinto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for its historic Gold Rush-era atmosphere, its past as a brothel, and its entertaining brothel museum tour.
The brothel tour is approximately 20-30 minutes and typically costs around $20 per person.
Wait times can be significant, often 45-60 minutes, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding the food delicious (like quesadillas and nachos) and others describing it as greasy and overpriced.
The saloon has a lively, historic atmosphere with servers dressed in period costumes, recreating the Gold Rush era.
They are known for unique drinks, including 'reindeer farts' shots or 'reindeer peppermint shots'.
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We then had time to have drinks back in town at the Red Onion Saloon which was Skagway's most exclusive bordello during the gold rush.
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This was the only part of the tour that wasn’t accessible (which we were informed of before I booked the tickets) and so I quickly came up with a game plan for mom. Across the street There is a Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Visitor Center, and as my readers know I adore a good Visitor Center presented by the National Park Service. Luckily, there was a movie playing, so I left mom there to enjoy some historical facts about Skagway, while my sister and I ventured through the Red Onion Saloon to discover the best brothel Skagway had to offer.
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After working up a thirst, head to the Red Onion Saloon for a drink or two. Buxom Red Onion Madams in come-hither costumes call out from their perches, while waitresses in corsets and petticoats serve food and drinks: there’s no place in Alaska quite like the Red Onion Saloon, a bar, restaurant & museum set in what was once a real bordello … Make sure you check out the oil paintings of madams over the bar. These are references to the “dolls” of earlier times as the brothel ran on what is known as the “doll system”.
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As one of the more historic Skagway Alaskan restaurants still open for business, the Red Onion Saloon is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. As you would expect, they construct their dishes from the freshest of Alaskan crab, scallops, rockfish, halibut, salmon, and oysters.
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The Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel and current restaurant and bar, offers great opportunities to step into the less reputable parts of Skagway’s past. Upstairs is the Brothel Museum, where for $10 you can explore rooms where “ladies of negotiable affection” plied their trade and admire the artifacts they left behind. The Red Onion also offers the fun Ghosts and Goodtime Girls walking tour of Skagway, in case you’d prefer something more colorful than the tour offered by the Park Service.
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Buxom Red Onion Madams in come-hither costumes call out from their perches, while waitresses in corsets and petticoats serve food and drinks: there’s no place in Alaska quite like the Red Onion Saloon, a bar, restaurant & museum set in what was once a real bordello… The atmosphere is lively and the tours are bawdy, fun, and flirtatious — how else to run a tour of a brothel museum?. Plus, their bar and restaurant is one of the most happening… ...more
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Much like tiny Talkeetna, it’s a bit hard to say there’s a “Best in Show” restaurant in Skagway; it just doesn’t have quite enough options (or honestly, a stand-out with high enough quality) to merit the award. However, if I had to name the place you should eat in Skagway if you only have time for one spot, it’s the Red Onion Saloon. The Red Onion Saloon dates back to 1897 and was originally one of the finest bordellos in Skagway (and really, all of Alaska at the time).
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You can’t help but notice the Red Onion Saloon when you’re in Skagway. It’s smack in the middle of town at 2nd Avenue and Broadway and catches your eye with colorful Gold Rush-era decor, reflecting the brothel it once was back in 1897. (It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.) The owners play up the history for all it’s worth, dressing the (female) servers in brothel-style costume – and yes, they will pose for pictures.
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The building that houses the old Red Onion Brothel offers a tour of the house of ill-repute, led by one of the brothel’s costumed “madams” who will regale visitors with stories of olden times. A visit here is like stepping back to the heady days of the Gold Rush when the town’s population swelled to thousands, fortunes were made, and morals were loose. When the brothel was closed down, the building was used as the town dance hall.
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Visit two of Skagway’s fantastic attractions — the historic Red Onion Saloon and the thrilling Yukon Suspension Bridge. Board a motor coach for a narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway. At the Red Onion Saloon, a splendidly costumed madam greets you with a souvenir garter and a gold miner’s breakfast of eggs scrambled with onions, peppers and cheese, along with sausage links and biscuits with butter and honey.
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A stop at Red Onion Saloon is a must during any Skagway visit… just for the atmosphere. The place has a lot of history – it first opened in 1897 as a brothel. Since then, it’s been converted into a restaurant but you’ll still find hints of its lascivious past throughout the venue: staff members dress in outfits straight out of the early 1900s, and the menu boasts some interestingly named dishes (to say the least).
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This historic landmark, the Red Onion Saloon, used to be a brothel back in the day. Skagway’s tawdry past has been preserved in the brothel museum inside the saloon. The two-story wooden building with a distinct red onion-shaped dome features a “madam suite.” Additionally, the lively staff dresses in time-period costumes and hosts theme nights, contributing to the unique atmosphere and wild past.
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The Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum is housed in what was once a thriving dance hall, bar, and brothel. Men and miners who flocked to Skagway during the gold rush days would come there for some liquid courage and love and affection. Many of the items that you see in the converted museum today were found in the brothel when it was closed down or were items from the owner’s personal collection.
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Last but not least, the Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Skagway’s red-light district. This museum is located in the historic Red Onion Saloon, which operated as a brothel during the gold rush. Take a guided tour of the museum to learn about the lives of the women who worked in the brothel and the men who frequented it.
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Back in Skagway, you will visit the world-famous Red Onion Saloon and brothel in historic Skagway. The Red Onion's Madams will fill your glass for a champagne toast and entertain you with tales of the girls who used to work in these historic rooms. See the priceless silver dress worn by the Onion's first Madam and many other original artifacts left by the 'soiled doves.
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Visiting Skagway, Alaska would not be a satisfactory trip without a sit-down at the historic Red Onion Saloon. As one of the more historic Skagway Alaskan restaurants still open for business, the Red Onion Saloon is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Grab a cold beer, order up a fine cocktail, or snack on a slice of the most delicious pizzas.
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During this bustling period, the Red Onion Saloon was a cornerstone of Skagway's vibrant social scene. It provided a space where miners could relax after grueling days of prospecting, enjoying a drink and lively company. The upstairs rooms were infamous for hosting "ladies of negotiable affection," who played a pivotal role in the town's nightlife.
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A Visit to Skagway is not complete without a stop at the historic Red Onion Saloon. Located on the corner of 2nd & Broadway, it is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Built in 1897 during the height of the Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon operated as one of the finest Bordellos in town, and while the times have changed, the spirit has not.
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For those interested in the seedier side of Skagway, head over to 2 nd and Broadway for a tour of the Red Onion Saloon. Competed in 1897, this building once served as the city’s premier destination for “wine, women, and song.”. Today, the upper floor of the Red Onion has been converted into a museum housing important artifacts…and a few ghosts.
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Located right on the corner of 2nd & Broadway, you’ll find the famous Red Onion Saloon—a spot you just can’t miss in Skagway!. During the Gold Rush of 1897, the Red Onion Saloon was one of the fanciest bordellos in town. Fast forward to today, and while the times have changed, the spirit of the Red Onion Saloon remains as vibrant as ever.
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The Red Onion Saloon is a historic brothel turned museum and bar. It was originally built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush and served as a brothel for the miners who flocked to the area in search of gold. Head inside to relive its glory days enjoying a pint the same way that gold seekers did more than a century ago.
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When traveling to Skagway, it would never be a pleasurable trip without enjoying the a dining fine experience at the historic Red Onion Saloon. Here, you can grab a cold beer, order cheesy pizzas, fine cocktails, or anything your tummy is craving!. Its fun and fanatical ambiance will take your dining to the next level.
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A visit to Skagway would not be complete without a stop at the historic Red Onion Saloon. At the corner of 2nd & Broadway, the Red Onion is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Built in 1897, the Red Onion Saloon operated as one the finest bordellos in Skagway and, though times have changed, the spirit has not.
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Any of these will transport you from Skagway to Haines, then set out in search of wild animals – rather than the wild humans you might find in Skagway’s Red Onion Saloon or elsewhere in town. (As a bonus, the fast ferry can be a really nice ride so that’s an added bonus experience on all of these excursions!)
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The grand finale is a visit to the Red Onion Saloon in historic downtown Skagway. The Red Onions’ madams will throw you a private party in the prestigious Red Onion Brothel. Enjoy Alaskan Amber beer, wine, or Madam's punch as you’re entertained by tales of the girls who used to work in these historic rooms!.
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Much like Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, the Red Onion Saloon is a historic brothel from the beginning of the city that was turned into a saloon. It has bar food, tons of eclectic wall hangings and a museum dedicated to the lady of the night history in the area. It’s a fun spot to check out on the Main Street.
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In its heyday, Skagway had over 80 bars, including the Red Onion Saloon, the town’s most famous brothel. There is also the most photographed building on Broadway Street: the Arctic Brotherhood Hall. Built in 1899, it is the only remaining example of turn-of-the-century driftwood architecture in Alaska.
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At an appointed time, you will re-board your motor coach for a visit to Skagway's Red Onion Saloon. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by the saloon's lavishly costumed "madams," who give you a feel of what it was like at the turn of the 20th century in Alaska's most famous brothel.
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Built in 1897, the Red Onion Saloon once operated as one of Skagway’s busiest bordellos or brothels. Today, it’s a bar and restaurant with a popular upstairs museum. The tour is just 20 minutes long but filled with gold rush gossip, original artifacts, and a few cheeky surprises.
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For more of Skagway’s Klondike Gold Rush history, you can walk to the Red Onion Saloon from the cruise ship!. The Red Onion Saloon exists because Skagway was a gateway town for the Klondike Gold Rush. During the gold rush, it was a part of the red light district of Skagway.
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We went on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, drove up the Klondike Summit highway, learnt about the Gold Rush History, went to Liarsville Trail Camp and learnt to pan for gold and ended the tour having a drink in the Red Onion Saloon to see an 1898 brothel museum.
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No trip to Skagway is complete without popping into the Red Onion Saloon (205 Broadway) for a bite and a brew. Built in 1897, Red Onion was the finest brothel in town and a behind-the-scenes tour reveals original wallpaper and cheeky humor from "in character" guides.
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It’s a cosy, historic saloon and brothel, which offers tours of its original spaces and brothel rooms. They also serve delicious food and drinks in their restaurant. Arctic Brotherhood Hall is another historical building worth checking out while you’re in town.
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This historic landmark, the Red Onion Saloon, used to be a brothel back in the day. Skagway’s tawdry past has been preserved in the brothel museum inside the saloon. The two-story wooden building with a distinct red onion-shaped dome features a “madam” suite.
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Red Onion Saloon: Quench your thirst for beverages and history at the Red Onion Saloon. Skagway’s historic Red Onion Saloon boasts an expansive selection of local beers, the “best pizza in town” (according to some), and a brothel museum upstairs.
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They remain one of the biggest draws for visitors to the area and you’ll find the cream of the crop around State Street and Broadway Street, including the town’s famous Red Onion Saloon (a former brothel) and the Arctic Brotherhood Hall.
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No trip to Skagway is complete without a visit to the iconic Red Onion Saloon. This local landmark has been around since the Gold Rush Era. Today, it serves classic American dishes, has a fully stocked bar, and even has a brothel museum.
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The Red Onion Saloon was constructed in 1898 during the height of the Alaskan Gold Rush. The museum is a captivating window into the lives of the brave miners and the women who were integral to Skagway’s vibrant, albeit notorious, past.
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Enjoy a meal and a beverage in the gold-rush saloon with mannequins of working girls enticing patrons upstairs. The Red Onion operated as a dance hall, saloon and brothel beginning in 1897. Tours of the upstairs bedrooms are available.
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Originally opened in 1897, the Red Onion Saloon was once the city of Skagway’s finest bordello. Now it operates as a Saloon, restaurant and Brothel Museum. This is a great place to stop for a pizza, and get a glimpse into the past.
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When in Las Vegas, don’t miss the Red Onion Saloon Brothem Museum. This historic saloon serves up authentic American eats in a fun and lively setting. In addition to the saloon, visitors can explore the nearby brothel museum.
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A "Best of Skagway" excursion might combine a ride on the train with a visit to the historically reenacted Liarsville camp or a visit to the original Red Onion Saloon. These tickets can be booked through your cruise line.
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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wknight94 used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Red Onion Saloon is the most iconic bar in Skagway. The place serves great tasting American cuisines plus the most refreshing drinks in town.
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For a glimpse of Skagway’s Gold Rush past, a drink at the Red Onion Saloon is an absolute must. Originally opened in 1897, the establishment was once one of the most notorious drinking dens and dance halls in the state.
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During the Gold Rush, it was Skagway’s most exclusive brothel. Now it serves as a restaurant/bar and museum with daily tours. The waitresses are still dressed as the “ladies of the night” once did back in the 1800’s.
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The world famous Red Onion Saloon can still be visited, but the only “goodtime-girls” you’ll find there today are costumed guides sharing tales of the women who used to work upstairs in the celebrated bordello.
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Visit the Red Onion Saloon: This historic saloon was once famous for gold rush miners. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that offers guided tours and live entertainment. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.
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It’s a little hard to explain exactly what the Red Onion Saloon is, but you likely don’t want to miss it. Set in a historic building by the cruise piers, you’ll no doubt pass it heading into town.
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Red Onion Saloon – During the Klondike Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon was Skagway’s most exclusive bordello. Now this colorful establishment is a bar/restaurant and a National Historic Building.
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A trip to Skagway is never complete without a visit to the Red Onion Saloon. The Red Onion was built in 1897 during the height of the Gold Rush. It served as one of many brothels in town.
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Ghosts & Goodtime Girls Walking Tour: The Red Onion Saloon offers rather entertaining walking tours through Skagway, guided by hilarious madams detailing stories of history and haunts!
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Formerly a brothel, the lively Red Onion Saloon in Skagway is an amazing stop for drinks and American eats in a lively setting. Staff is very helpful also. Wanderlog does it all.
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Red Onion Saloon: This historic saloon, once a brothel, offers great food and drinks in a quirky, Gold Rush-themed setting. Don’t forget to check out the brothel museum upstairs!
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The Skagway Museum is a must-visit to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, and the Red Onion Saloon is a fun place to experience the city's history.
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Originally a brothel and now a saloon and restaurant, this building is famous for its colorful Gold Rush history and preserved Victorian decor.
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This brothel was established in 1898 and was called the Red Onion. Wow, I am not sure if that is the worst or the best name for a brothel.
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