Saddlehorn Saloon — a well-known local watering hole, celebrated for its lively atmosphere, great drinks, and country-western flair — is getting a makeover at 6300 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
The cowboy dive bar that’s been around since the ’90s was recently purchased by Sally Shamrell-Murphy and Glenn Murphy, owners of The Cork, which is just a few steps away from the saloon.
In March 2023, Sally and Glenn took over Jonathan’s Cork for longtime owners Jonathan and Collette Landeen, renaming it to The Cork, so they’re no strangers to keeping traditions alive.
Therefore, fear not, fans of Saddlehorn! They plan to keep some of its nostalgia alive while renovating the space and changing its name to UnCork’d Kitchen & Bar. “We spent lots of time at the ‘Horn back in the restaurant row days, and want to breathe new life into it,” Sally added.
They’re upgrading the kitchen and adding food on a nightly basis, expanding the cocktail program, and are planning to host live music.
“We’re excited to have purchased another Tucson legacy spot and we look forward to turning it into something the neighborhood will be proud of,” said Glenn.
The last day to pop your head into the Saddlehorn Saloon (before it undergoes renovations) is Sunday, November 17. On that day they’ll be selling a lot of the cowboy memorabilia so come on down and take pieces of the Saddlehorn home with you.
UnCork’d Kitchen & Bar is expected to open this December (subject to change).
Saddlehorn Saloon and the soon-to-be UnCork’d Kitchen & Bar is located at 6300 E. Tanque Verde Rd. For more information, follow UnCork’d on Instagram.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
