The Salty Dawg Saloon is known for the $$$ (and other stuff) on the walls...and the ceiling
Humble Beginnings
The Salty Dawg Saloon started in an old gear shed on April 6, 1957, with Chuck and Phyllis Abbot and Jim Neely as its first owners. The trio chose the location near the oil tank farm at the Spit's western tip to increase the value of the property owned by Chuck Abbot and to earn some money.
People laughed at the lonely shed-turned-pub at the desolate end of the road, and most predicted the Saloon's imminent demise, but the dollars flowed, the bar moved locations and added buildings, and the money flowed some more.
A Star is Born
The only laughter around the Salty Dawg Saloon these days comes with the raucous bantering of boat crews, locals, and visitors worldwide. The trek down the Spit is well-worn, and you can always tell if the Salty Dawg is open by checking the neon OPEN sign - if it's on, come on in, belly up to the bar, and enjoy Homer Hospitality.
At some point, money started getting pinned to the walls of the Salty Dawg. The tradition started as an act of kindness among regulars to pay for their friends' drinks. The tradition exploded with increased tourism and the walls are now covered with US Dollars, international currencies, memorabilia, and an occasional unmentionable - a pink bra that hung from the ceiling is still talked about...
What happens to all the money?
Most of the money is carefully removed and donated to local charities like Special Olympics, Homer Hospice, Walk for Cancer, and the Homer Hockey League.
Order the signature cocktail
The Salty Dog cocktail is a tart mix of grapefruit juice and lime with a salted rim and your choice of gin, vodka, or virgin style. Pick up a Salty Dawg Saloon hoodie or order online if you're traveling light when you get home.
Find out more about the Salty Dawg Saloon in The Dawg's Tale: The Story of the Salty Dawg Saloon, the Homer Spit & the Town of Homer, Alaska
*This post contains an Affiliate Link. I will receive a small commission if you purchase the book through this link. This will help support Homer by the Bay.