Palomino Club Bar & Grill

About

Located at the intersection of West Loop 338 and South Highway 385.
(Two miles South of the Ector county detention center.)

Story

The History of The Palomino Club
During the great depression, the land that the Palomino Club Bar & Grill sits on was owned by Mr. Floyd Emmons. These were tough times to live through and Mr. Emmons at times found himself without enough money to even buy breakfast. A waitress named Francis “Dutch” Bentley would make sure he got something to eat at a small cafe in town where he would stop for coffee. He never forgot her kindness.
After WWII Mr. Emmons found himself in better shape financially. In 1949, knowing that “Dutch” had a dream of owning a bar, he arranged for her to buy a piece of his ranch and helped her secure a building that was used as a barracks for soldiers stationed at Pyote Air Force Base. The Pyote base was significant for the US war effort as it was the largest bomber installation in the country just 4 months after its completion in 1942.
The Palomino Club has been closely tied to the oil and gas industry and has experienced similar ups and downs just like Odessa and surrounding areas. At times, 5 waitresses were needed to get beer to its customers. At other times, a solitary bartender could be found behind the bar. “Dutch” eventually met Ocie Smith Speed and together they ran the
Palomino Club until her death. “Dutch” and Speed were definitely characters and you can still hear some of the old timers telling stories about these sometimes wild and crazy times. The current owner, Carol Wilkerson, and her family began frequenting the bar in the 70’s. When Speed was tragically shot and killed at the Palomino Club in 1982, Carol’s husband, Bo, bought the bar for her to run.
Under her ownership, the bar has changed over the years. It was briefly leased out and was used as a Tejano bar. She also used the the building as a feed store in the 90’s. However, it was destined to be a bar for the people of this area. At the Palomino Club it is not uncommon to find bikers, cowboys, hippies, and professors sitting around the bar enjoying a beer together. Carol always wanted the Palomino Club to serve great food and has recently remodeled the kitchen with plans of further expansion. Along with great recipes and the help of her family, Carol has created a comprehensive menu of amazing food. The food is made with love and uses only quality ingredients and the freshest produce available.
The Palomino Club Bar & Grill is the ultimate mix of great food, cold beer, and interesting folks. Carol, along with her grandson Daniel and the rest of their family, have worked hard to preserve the Palomino Club’s rich history ensuring its place in the community continues for years to come.
Thank you for your patronage and support! You and your family are always welcome at the Palomino Club Bar & Grill!