No visit to Custer is complete without a visit to the Gold Pan Saloon and Calamity Jane’ s, a saloon / restaurant combination that is among the newest and best in the town.
The two are owned by John Parker, who sold a farm in Colorado and came to Custer looking to invest. He couldn’ t find any land, but was repeatedly told about the Gold Pan being for sale by local realtor Phil Lampert. Around the third time it came up, he decided to have a look. Within 10 minutes of being there, he was ready to buy.
“( Former owner) Barb( Mahutga) did such a wonderful job remodeling it( the Gold Pan),” Parker said. " It’ s beautiful.”
The purchase of the Gold Pan took place in 2021, and Calamity Jane’ s Coffee Shop & Grill followed two years later. Now the two businesses have a connecting door, so both businesses can be offered more from the neighboring business.
The Gold Pan has a classic Western feel, upgraded and comfortable. There is a full menu of both beer and alcohol, and an patio out back for those who want to enjoy the beautiful Custer summer weather. You’ ll be served by the Gold Pan’ s friendly staff, can try your luck in the casino, shoot some pool or have a bite to eat off the menu at Calamity Jane’ s.
The Gold Pan was established in 1876, and is the oldest saloon in Custer. It was originally the first liquor store in the area, and has long been a gathering spot for both locals and visitors. It’ s not hard to find with its center location right off 5th Street on Mt. Rushmore Road, and is unmistakable with its vintage swinging saloon doors at its front entrance.
The Gold Pan has retail, with shirts and hats for sale, and has a wonderful choice of bourbons.
You’ ll be hard-pressed to name an alcohol you can’ t find at the Gold Pan, and there are a variety of brews, including area microbrews, on tap. There is also live music throughout the summer.
Next door at Calamity Jane’ s Coffee Shop & Grill they have revamped the kitchen with new equipment, and expanded the menu. Calamity Jane’ s carries a full breakfast menu later into the day, and for lunch offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers and other fare, such as a portabella-feta burger, walleye, buffalo selections, chicken tenders, salads and more. In the evening, visitors can have a nice steak. Specials are frequent as well.
The coffee area was also revamped, and a full coffee bar is available. From plain black coffee to lattes, espressos and frozen drinks such as frappuccinos. Calamity Jane’ s can help you get your day started with a cup of Joe and even a breakfast sandwich to-go.
Located at 512 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Calamity Jane’ s Coffee Shop & Grill was built in 1876. Records show this building had Ann Valerie’ s Saloon at street level and a rooming house upstairs. It may have been called the Irish Mail Saloon, Mail Saloon or May’ s Saloon. Different names seem to refer to the same location, Parker said. Ann ' s friend, Calamity Jane, worked as a chief waitress in Mrs. Harry Wright’ s restaurant. During this time Calamity Jane also nursed many through small pox. Over the years it also served as Paul’ s Western Wear & Shoe Store as well as Frontier Photo.
Calamity Jane’ s is open seven days a week from 7 a. m. to 8 p. m., and food can be served even later at the Gold Pan. The Gold Pan is also open seven days a week from 11 a. m. to 2 a. m. You can visit the restaurant online at goldpancalamityjanes. com and both the restaurant and the saloon by searching for them on Facebook.
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