Last Kind Words Saloon — Restaurant in Beatty

Update: After my experience with dinner, we skipped breakfast at this place and headed 45miles out to have our breakfast at El Valle (Mexican) just off US95 - better food, MUCH better service, though less fancy. Recommend eating lunch or dinner there before heading to Death Valley and eating breakfast at El Valle after you have checked out.

Service: Average. If I am paying nearly $20 for a salad in a sit-down restaurant, I'd expect to be waited on. Some water, welcome snacks to keep me engaged as the food gets ready. No, that doesn't happen. You walk to the bar, order your food from the menu, pay UPFRONT (as you would at a cheap drive-by), add your tip for service you haven't had yet (who knows what they do with the food if you don't tip), leave your name, get your empty glasses and walk to a vending machine to get your drinks. The machines at McDonald's look way cleaner. After you have spent some time twiddling your thumbs, the waiter comes by with the food, call out your name and then serve you. The waiter we had was nice and gracious, but never bothered to attend again to see if we needed something. I wanted coffee, but that would mean going through the whole ordering thing again, so I skipped it.

Ambience: The place is attractive, nice photo opportunities with family. It is a rustic wannabe. Old memorabilia adorn new renovated walls, which is an unappetizing contrast. There is so much happening in the walls - at least it will keep you entertained till the food comes.

Food: is okay, way too expensive for what it is worth. The kale salad was good. Crab cakes was not a big deal. I did not like the pasta with chicken but my family did. We also had a prime rib sandwich which was bad - I was hungry, so I ate it. For dessert, they only had a chocolate cake and ice cream, both substandard. We left them on the plate. We had leftovers but had an emphatic no for bagging them.

Experience: horrible. I hear others say, it is good for the area. I ate at a Mexican restaurant (El Valle) earlier in the day - it looked very small and average kind but the food was delicious, cost me 1/3rd the price with more to eat and much better...

There is amazing potential for the Saloon, but so far it has failed on me too many times. I have left to get food elsewhere more times than I have actually been able to dine at the Saloon. The website says “Seating is first come, first served” which is NOT correct. If you have not called them to make reservations weeks in advance, you should not plan on being able to get a table for dinner service. The only seating area that is truly first come, first serve is the bar area, and it is usually full within minutes of opening.

In one instance, we were assured there were no tables available for the evening, but our trips to the bathroom throughout the evening revealed three tables that were empty for the entire 3 hrs we enjoyed the outdoor fireplace. Instead of having our group dine in the Saloon, we just bought snacks at the Market and enjoyed the fireplace area instead (right at the front door). When I went to my room for the evening around 9:30 PM that night, those tables inside were still empty. Holding empty tables that long while turning away customers is not a great way to generate revenue.

The bartenders have some great skills, but organizing tabs is not one of them. Do not attempt to ask people to move around as the bar staff won’t allow it. On another visit there were 2 empty spots at the bar, but they were not together. Although the patrons were happy to accommodate shifting down, the bartender was not having it, as it would ‘throw off their system’. Most point of sale systems have seating arranged, and can easily move patrons around like this. Perhaps either their system is bad, the bartenders do not know how to use it, or they simply don’t care. Another instance where leaving was the easiest and fastest option. This is the second time I have encountered this problem at the bar.

My recommendation would be to give it a chance, but set your expectations low, and call to get a reservation well in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, just save yourself time and go...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Last Kind Words Saloon, and I can confidently say it was an experience worth sharing. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the rustic charm of the restaurant. The decor is thoughtfully designed, creating a cozy environment that makes you feel right at home.

The food was nothing short of fantastic. Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor, showcasing a menu that clearly prioritizes quality ingredients and skilled preparation. The ribs were particularly memorable—tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned. The burgers also stood out, cooked to perfection and served with a variety of delicious toppings. It’s evident that the chefs take pride in their craft, and it truly shows in every bite.

One thing to keep in mind is that this place tends to get busy, so I highly recommend booking a table in advance. Unfortunately, my companion and I didn’t make a reservation, which resulted in a wait of about 10-15 minutes for a table. While this wasn’t a huge inconvenience, it’s definitely something to consider if you want to avoid any delays.

The staff at The Last Kind Words Saloon were incredibly nice and attentive throughout our visit. They made us feel welcome and were always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions we had about the menu. Their friendly demeanor added to the overall positive vibe of the restaurant.

If you're in the area, I cannot recommend The Last Kind Words Saloon enough. It’s a delightful spot that stands out among other dining options nearby. In fact, I would advise steering clear of the buffet restaurants in the vicinity; they simply don’t compare and can feel like a waste of money when you have such a gem as The Last Kind Words Saloon available. Overall, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for great food in an...