No Scum Allowed Saloon
Pub · Lincoln County ·

No Scum Allowed Saloon

Pub · Lincoln County ·

Historic Western saloon with cold beer, live music, and dancing

friendly staff
great owner
rich history
local stories
cold beer
western bar
live music
ghost town
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by icatsstaci (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by tylercole (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by icatsstaci (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by tylercole (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null
No Scum Allowed Saloon by null

Information

933 White Oaks Rd, White Oaks, NM 88301 Get directions

$10–20

Restroom
Accepts reservations
Cozy
Good for groups
Touristy

Information

Static Map

933 White Oaks Rd, White Oaks, NM 88301 Get directions

+1 575 648 5583
noscumsaloon.com
noscumallowedsaloon

$10–20

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Cozy
•Good for groups
•Touristy
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted

Last updated

Dec 14, 2025

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4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

History Tour: Legends of the Wild West

"Driving through White Oaks, New Mexico, one might easily pass by a small brick building that stands alone on the sparsely populated road. But the No Scum Allowed Saloon is a living relic of the area’s history as a gold rush boomtown and haven for some of the Wild West’s most infamous outlaws. White Oaks got its start in 1879 after a trio of prospectors discovered gold in the nearby Jicarilla mountains. The population ballooned and it quickly became New Mexico Territory’s liveliest and second-largest town. During its heyday, the Wild West boomtown boasted several newspapers, two hotels, an opera house, and a multitude of saloons, gambling houses, and brothels. Not unexpectedly, White Oaks became a refuge for cattle rustlers, gamblers, gunmen, and all sorts of other outlaws and desperadoes. It was not uncommon to see Billy the Kid and Lincoln County sheriff Pat Garrett wandering the dusty streets. Deputy sheriff James Bell, who was gunned down by Billy during his escape from the Lincoln County Jail in 1881, is buried, along with numerous other notables, in the local cemetery. In the 1890s, White Oaks began its decline after the hoped-for railroad never arrived and the mines became depleted. Today, while many historic buildings are still standing, the most popular draw in this otherwise sleepy and isolated ghost town with a mere handful of residents is the No Scum Allowed Saloon. Known by locals simply as the “White Oaks Bar,” its more popular moniker originates from the movie Young Guns II in which the sign at the entrance to White Oaks states “We will not tolerate scum.” The bar is located in a small 1884 brick building that originally served during the Wild West days as an attorney’s office, a print shop for one of the town’s first newspapers, and an assay office. Since the saloon opened in the 1970s, its historical allure has regularly attracted a wide diversity of clientele including ranchers, cowboys, bikers, musicians and, of course, numerous curiosity seekers and tourists. Recognized as one of the best cowboy bars in the West by American Cowboy Magazine, the No Scum Allowed Saloon is home to cold beer as well as live music and dancing, especially on Saturday nights. Intrepid patrons can savor the saloon’s signature drink, the Snake Bite, a unique and secret concoction of liquors that’s not for the faint of heart. The current proprietor (and bartender), Karen Haughness, is a delightful local resident who is eager to share the old West folklore and history of White Oaks and her No Scum Allowed Saloon." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/history-tour-wild-west
syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon
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4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

The Most Remote Restaurants in the World

"Driving through White Oaks, New Mexico, one might easily pass by a small brick building that stands alone on the sparsely populated road. But the No Scum Allowed Saloon is a living relic of the area’s history as a gold rush boomtown and haven for some of the Wild West’s most infamous outlaws. White Oaks got its start in 1879 after a trio of prospectors discovered gold in the nearby Jicarilla mountains. The population ballooned and it quickly became New Mexico Territory’s liveliest and second-largest town. During its heyday, the Wild West boomtown boasted several newspapers, two hotels, an opera house, and a multitude of saloons, gambling houses, and brothels. Not unexpectedly, White Oaks became a refuge for cattle rustlers, gamblers, gunmen, and all sorts of other outlaws and desperadoes. It was not uncommon to see Billy the Kid and Lincoln County sheriff Pat Garrett wandering the dusty streets. Deputy sheriff James Bell, who was gunned down by Billy during his escape from the Lincoln County Jail in 1881, is buried, along with numerous other notables, in the local cemetery. In the 1890s, White Oaks began its decline after the hoped-for railroad never arrived and the mines became depleted. Today, while many historic buildings are still standing, the most popular draw in this otherwise sleepy and isolated ghost town with a mere handful of residents is the No Scum Allowed Saloon. Known by locals simply as the “White Oaks Bar,” its more popular moniker originates from the movie Young Guns II in which the sign at the entrance to White Oaks states “We will not tolerate scum.” The bar is located in a small 1884 brick building that originally served during the Wild West days as an attorney’s office, a print shop for one of the town’s first newspapers, and an assay office. Since the saloon opened in the 1970s, its historical allure has regularly attracted a wide diversity of clientele including ranchers, cowboys, bikers, musicians and, of course, numerous curiosity seekers and tourists. Recognized as one of the best cowboy bars in the West by American Cowboy Magazine, the No Scum Allowed Saloon is home to cold beer as well as live music and dancing, especially on Saturday nights. Intrepid patrons can savor the saloon’s signature drink, the Snake Bite, a unique and secret concoction of liquors that’s not for the faint of heart. The current proprietor (and bartender), Karen Haughness, is a delightful local resident who is eager to share the old West folklore and history of White Oaks and her No Scum Allowed Saloon." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/remote-restaurants-around-the-world
syabek (Atlas Obscura User)
No Scum Allowed Saloon
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

No Scum Allowed Saloon – White Oaks, New Mexico - Gastro Obscura

"Driving through White Oaks, New Mexico, one might easily pass by a small brick building that stands alone on the sparsely populated road. But the No Scum Allowed Saloon is a living relic of the area’s history as a gold rush boomtown and haven for some of the Wild West’s most infamous outlaws. White Oaks got its start in 1879 after a trio of prospectors discovered gold in the nearby Jicarilla mountains. The population ballooned and it quickly became New Mexico Territory’s liveliest and second-largest town. During its heyday, the Wild West boomtown boasted several newspapers, two hotels, an opera house, and a multitude of saloons, gambling houses, and brothels. Not unexpectedly, White Oaks became a refuge for cattle rustlers, gamblers, gunmen, and all sorts of other outlaws and desperadoes. It was not uncommon to see Billy the Kid and Lincoln County sheriff Pat Garrett wandering the dusty streets. Deputy sheriff James Bell, who was gunned down by Billy during his escape from the Lincoln County Jail in 1881, is buried, along with numerous other notables, in the local cemetery. In the 1890s, White Oaks began its decline after the hoped-for railroad never arrived and the mines became depleted. Today, while many historic buildings are still standing, the most popular draw in this otherwise sleepy and isolated ghost town with a mere handful of residents is the No Scum Allowed Saloon. Known by locals simply as the “White Oaks Bar,” its more popular moniker originates from the movie Young Guns II in which the sign at the entrance to White Oaks states “We will not tolerate scum.” The bar is located in a small 1884 brick building that originally served during the Wild West days as an attorney’s office, a print shop for one of the town’s first newspapers, and an assay office. Since the saloon opened in the 1970s, its historical allure has regularly attracted a wide diversity of clientele including ranchers, cowboys, bikers, musicians and, of course, numerous curiosity seekers and tourists. Recognized as one of the best cowboy bars in the West by American Cowboy Magazine, the No Scum Allowed Saloon is home to cold beer as well as live music and dancing, especially on Saturday nights. Intrepid patrons can savor the saloon’s signature drink, the Snake Bite, a unique and secret concoction of liquors that’s not for the faint of heart. The current proprietor (and bartender), Karen Haughness, is a delightful local resident who is eager to share the old West folklore and history of White Oaks and her No Scum Allowed Saloon. Know Before You Go Although White Oaks is quite isolated, getting there is not difficult. Visitors to White Sands National Monument should consider this side trip. From Carrizozo, New Mexico, take US 54 North for four miles. Turn right onto NM 349. It's about nine miles to White Oaks. Approximately one mile before the town, the Cedarvale Cemetery is on the right, where many of the area's historical characters are buried. White Oaks is a ghost town with many structures still standing. The No Scum Allowed Saloon has quirky hours. As of this writing, they are open on Wednesday (6:00 to 9 p.m.), Thursday (4:00 to 9:00 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.), and Sunday (12:00 to 6:00 p.m.)." - icatsstaci, JP Stafford, syabek, tylercole

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/no-scum-allowed-saloon
No Scum Allowed Saloon

Keith B.

Google
A must visit landmark in White Oaks NM. The owner / bartender was great, friendly made us feel like regulars and we got a history lesson to boot. A few regulars arrived and made us feel welcomed, told some jokes made us laugh. The experience of getting there was also a must drive, 360° Mountain View’s and wide open as far as the eye can see terrain, surreal for my wife and I.

Brian Van D.

Google
If you're in the area, be sure to wet your whistle at No Scum Allowed Saloon. Fun atmosphere, locals, and travels. We camped at Valley of Fires. It is just a short 20-minute drive from there. We enjoyed our visit with Karen and several locals while we were there.

daniel F.

Google
Planning my 2023 bicycle ride through the West I found that pearl & when I finally got there it didn't disappoint. No Scums! all friendly people. Do the detour you're not even pedaling!!!

rhiannon A.

Google
A very cool little bar in a small, old town. Nice patio with live music. Will definitely visit again.

Eagle

Google
Fantastic place... Such rich history all around. Owner Karen is super nice ! Lots of folks hanging out on Sunday afternoon... Music was all my favs, don't know how she knew ??? You can buy tee shirts and such... Cold beer 🍺 or anything you can think of to drink !!! Sadly no food. 😥 The ride in is easy, not far off major road and is on a main road... Beautiful area, no words to describe this part of the Country !!! Bonus, you are in Lincoln County.... Lookup the history you ..... Fun Ghost Town... Take a look around, town is full of neat stuff !!! Thanks Karen for a Great time 🙂 (would have stayed a while longer, but)

Frank C.

Google
Historic and enjoyable place to visit

Ann B.

Google
What a treasure on a road trip! This gem is everything you expect a saloon to be...friendly patrons, talkative and knowledgeable staff/owner, and character oozing out of every plank and nail hole. Plenty of memories and paraphernalia all around to keep your eyes busy while you munch on a bowl of delicious roasted peanuts and listen to Karen proudly tell the history of the No Scum Allowed Saloon and White Oaks to each newcomer. Great way to spend an afternoon, evening, day, or even a whole weekend!

De'Anna L.

Google
Karen is the best barkeep, she instantly makes you feel like you’ve known her all your life. And the stories she tells….man. A great experience. And a great place to visit!
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Stacy J.

Yelp
Be prepared for a drive, but the roads are well maintained. My best friend absolutely HAD to go to the "No Scum Allowed Saloon". I wasn't one to argue a good time. Only problem was that good time starts at 5pm, and only on certain days of the week. Middle of the desert, at the cross of nowhere and won't find your body for years, is this epic drinkery. Decked out with dollar bills lining the ceiling and occupied by some of the nicest locals we met on our trip. If you're in the area (which is impossible) or needing a great place to hang out on a weekend night, this is it. Of course it's the only option for many miles, but we were not disappointed. According to the owners, they have some great local talent that plays on certain evenings. They have an awesome little venue that looks like a blast when they have a band. We picked out a couple tshirts as souvenirs and one of the patrons purchased our drinks on his tab . I promised to return upon our next New Mexico trip. I'll be more than delighted to drive there again, especially for some music and to see what the crowd looks like. Overall, awesome venue. Loss of one star for the lack of additional party hours, expensive merchandise ($60) for two tshirts and wayyyyy out in there drive. Everything else was exactly like we expected and more.
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tiffany c.

Yelp
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. The bartender was kind and attentive, making sure everyone got drinks and was happy. Enjoyed chatting with the bikers who where there that day. Had a couple drinks and went back to my campsite. Highly recommend a stop at this saloon. Can't go wrong with great service and a cold beverage.

Dennis B.

Yelp
Wish it could be open more often, but appreciate the times it is open, the special event/days, and the tremendous authenticity. Best line is still from our first visit, after two tourist couples ordered fancy cocktails: "I'm not making those drinks. Look behind me; this is a bar." (Lest that make her look hardened or rude, on the last visit, she let a decidedly lost couple camp overnight on the property.) Cheers, it ain't. Thank god.
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Kathy N.

Yelp
No Scum Allowed Saloon (NSAS) is a little slice of heaven tucked away just on the outskirts of the Lincoln National Forest and to be honest, I almost hate to review it. I'm torn because I love No Scum Allowed and don't want it to get overrun but I also want it to thrive and be around forever. Our side trip to NSAS was an unusual event because it was actually closed but the owner Karen opened up that day because a large group of hunters were staying in "town" and convinced her to open. Lucky us! We were immediately greeted by friendly faces and took our share of good hearted ribbing from those hunters and locals but it was all in fun. After we bought all the hunters a round, they came back a little later with dinner for everyone! At NSAS during the time of COVID, only the outdoors is open to the public except for the restrooms. But to be honest, why would you want to be inside when the outside is so inviting with horseshoes, cornhole, plenty of seating, a stage, a big slab for dancing or whatever, plenty of fun stuff to look at and scenery to die for. Karen is an amazing hostess/owner and makes you feel at home and she's working hard to keep the place going. The locals at NSAS are very friendly and we enjoyed some good conversation. The pièce de résistance was when the sun went down, an older man and woman sat down with guitar and fiddle and entertained us for quite a while. These two absolutely made the night. The songs were very old country and the woman's voice was mesmerizing. The old guy was great on the fiddle and banjo. Man what a night! We really hated to leave but the night came to an end and it's about 13 miles from White Oaks back to any kind of main highway. That's through the dark being careful of elk! This place is pretty special and if you have a chance to head out there, DO IT!!
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Ed W.

Yelp
This is a great Western bar. Karen the owner had a friend panning for gold and finding a flake when I was in a couple of years ago. This past moth I went there with a friend and she still has a great thing going.
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Lindsay B.

Yelp
This little saloon is a must see if you are going to white Oaks, NM. ( nearby Carrizozo) I stopped by during Covid times and they had tamales available for takeout. I got some and they were delicious! It's a cool and unique spot that you must check out if you're in the area!!!
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Sam B.

Yelp
2021 update: We drove out of our way to visit here again while in Ruidoso/ Lincoln area. I had to call since their website said closed everyday (I'm guessing outdated COVID info) to which the employee was rude on the other line stating that's wrong and they are open. When we arrived we walked with our dog on leash towards the door and the owner stuck her head out and yelled at us while wagging her finger "NO dogs allowed!" and then walked back inside. Not even on the patio? Okay. But we didn't deserve to get yelled at across the parking lot like that. Apparently that's how the owner always is. Rude. 2019 visit: We were excited to try this place after hearing about it from friends upon recommendation of visiting the town of White Oaks as a whole. The bar opened at 12 (or so it said), but the door wasn't unlocked until around 12:10 with a good sized group of us waiting outside. They didn't serve food so we returned later in the day. By the afternoon, a new bartender was working who either was a volunteer, new, or just had no idea what he was doing. Upon wanting to pay for my drink, I gave him a $10 bill which he responded, "what is this for?" After he was already ringing up my drink. He then put my bill by the cash register, run someone else up, and forgot about my change entirely. When I asked for my change he was again confused and I had to explain my drink was only $5. Sigh. Their merchandise was cute, but expensive. Small stickers were $5 and tshirts were $35-$40. I did not partake, but my friend spent over $55 on items.
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Jenna N.

Yelp
Upon moving to Ruidoso, NM, my co-workers and I kept hearing about this mythic bar in the middle of nowhere. Wide-eyed, we would listen to tales of debauchery, waiting for the day we'd have our own to tell. Three of us finally made the trip, hardly knowing what to expect. We walked in, and immediately felt the hard stare of the locals sizing us up. Somewhat nervous, we made our way to the bar and chatted up Allison, the nicest bartender in all of New Mexico. Seriously. She's amazing. After about three minutes everyone in the bar was chatting us up. We were lucky and happened to go on Whiskey Bill's birthday. He and two other talented dudes performed Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard covers, as well as the infamous "White Oaks" song. The outside area is beautiful; the Jicarilla mountains make for a fantastic backdrop, and the bar's own eccentric decorations add to the atmosphere as well. There're quite a few of the signature Carrizozo donkeys sitting around, which makes me wonder... muahaha. The drive is worth it. It's about 15 minutes from Carrizozo, and 45 minutes from Ruidoso. On our way home we pulled over to watch the sunset and dance to some good old fashioned country music before the ride home. I can't wait to go back.

Laura Q.

Yelp
This gem of a bar was just what the Dr ordered. I had read about White Oaks history and was intrigued to drive to a ghost town. The drive from Ruidoso was a little over an hour. The scenery was gorgeous. White Oaks is very small but stopping at No Scum Allowed Saloon made it all worth it. Karen, the owner, gave us the history of the bar which was fascinating. She's the 1st woman to own the bar and is very much a friendly face. Drinks were good. They had all the typical booze one would want. All in all, I will certainly be back to this bar and highly recommend trying No Scum Allowed Saloon.
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Gail H.

Yelp
We picked up a pizza in Carrizozo and then headed to No Scum! This saloon is a bar and a history lesson combined! Karen is a delight and can tell you all about the area. White Oak was a mining town so lots of great stories!! Worth the drive out for sure!!!

Debbie S.

Yelp
Nicest people! Was camping nearby & took a ride out! The owners and patrons are all a friendly bunch! Was a home town bar and good atmosphere!
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Bob M.

Yelp
A real trip! A dive-bar out in the middle of nowhere with great music!
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Susan J.

Yelp
We had a wonderful afternoon with Karen and the crew. Coldest beer in town, great conversations and if you love history - this is the place to be! Must visit if you are in the Ruidoso area, worth the drive.
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Mark T.

Yelp
Visited on March 23, 2018. My buddy and I are retired and do one guy trip a year. We were exploring the Ruidoso - Lincoln, New Mexico area, The mountains, White Sands Missile Base, White Sands National Monument, Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett and Smokey the Bear... We heard about the No Scum Allowed Saloon and went to see if we could get in... They let us in... We were the only "tourists" in the bar with about 10 other customers. Karen the bartender and owner, was extremely friendly and helpful - taking pictures and pointing out the sights. We met several of the town folk - the church pastor & his wife (he is also 1/3 of the two truck fire department), a retired Post Mistress and her friend and several others. Most friendly people we met on the trip. Most importantly the beer was very cold and had there been a hotel near-by we would have stayed much longer.... Look for the patches we gave Karen to put on the wall and get your picture taken with the Buffalo. This is a friendly dive bar, they don't have a kitchen - which was the only down side to this fine establishment. Be a friend and make a friend...
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Billy Lee H.

Yelp
When I hung out here, Jim Penrod owned the place and called it the White Oaks Saloon, after retiring from electrical contracting in Michigan to be a gold miner in this gold mining ghost town where Billy the Kid hung out at the White Oaks Saloon when it was a whorehouse when the town was booming. In my time there, cowboys took breaks and left their horses at the hitching rails out front to drink a few beers before returning to riding fences. The current owner has tripled the prices, and he's marketing the place as a biker bar for tourists, but many locals are rebelling.

Brenda B.

Yelp
My husband and I went to New Mexico earlier this month, specifically to check out the No Scum Allowed Saloon. We were not disappointed. The bartender, Ginger was so very nice & knowledgeable about the area. Lars, a local guy, took our picture for us, and gave us travelling information on towns we were going to travel through. Everyone who we came in contact with, including the owner Marion, were so very nice. I'm sorry our friends backed out of the trip and missed this one of a kind place. The location, history, pictures, etc. make it a truly interesting place to visit. There was live music in the back and lots of friendly people. Thanks for making our visit such a memorable one. Greg & Brenda Bauer from Indianapolis, Indiana

Steve K.

Yelp
I went 12 miles out of my way to the No Scum to have a beer just because I liked the name. The place and people were great, stayed over night in the parking lot in my RV There is no other business in White Oaks, only the bar. Call ahead or check web site to see about bands that might be playing. It was cold when I was there, bet it would be even better when the weather was warm and you could use the large outside space. Under the management of the new owner and this guy's got the right idea of what a bar should be.