LON’s Last Drop at The Hermosa Inn named a historic hotel bar worth visiting
LON’s Last Drop, the intimate and storied bar at The Hermosa Inn, has been named to Chowhound’s list of “15 Historic Hotel Bars Worth Visiting.”
The national recognition places the Arizona gem alongside legendary Colonial taverns and Prohibition-era hideaways where history lingers in every detail and every sip.
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Long before it became a celebrated bar, the space served as the art studio and heart of the personal residence of cowboy artist Alonzo Megargee. Built by hand in the 1930s and named Casa Hermosa, the property was nestled in the foothills of Camelback Mountain, embodying the rugged elegance of the Old West with adobe walls, weathered beams, handcrafted details, and Megargee’s signature artwork.
From artist hideaway to iconic gathering place
As word of Megargee’s hospitality spread, Casa Hermosa evolved into a gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and Hollywood creatives seeking a quiet desert escape.
By the 1940s, the property transitioned into a guest ranch, welcoming travelers eager to experience Western culture amid saguaro-studded desert scenery. Decades of thoughtful restorations later, The Hermosa Inn still hums with the character and charm Megargee infused nearly a century ago.
LON’s Last Drop takes its name from Megargee’s iconic painting, “The Last Drop From His Stetson,” widely regarded as one of the most famous cowboy paintings of all time. Commissioned in 1923, the image of a cowboy offering his horse a final drink from his upturned hat remains a powerful symbol of compassion, integrity, and selflessness and is still featured inside Stetson’s premium hats today.
Where legacy meets modern craft
A ruggedly handsome bar, LON’s Last Drop preserves Megargee’s legacy through gracious hospitality, rich Western furnishings, and a picturesque patio known for its colorful flowerbeds, desert flora, twinkling lights, trickling fountain, and five fireplaces.
The historic setting is paired with modern craftsmanship, featuring cocktails inspired by the Sonoran landscape, a curated lineup of local and classic spirits, and shareable plates designed for lingering evenings.
“LON’s Last Drop is a tribute to the creative and independent spirit that shaped this property nearly a century ago,” said Managing Director Jon Dils. “We’re honored to see that heritage recognized among some of the most historic bars in the country.”
Chowhound’s list was curated from hotels affiliated with Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. From more than 300 member properties nationwide, editors evaluated guest reviews, social media insights, and media coverage to identify bars that continue to embody the essence of their era.
