The Golden Slipper: The Last Rural Bar in California
Sep 17, 2025
When Kimberly Velez learned that the beloved Castle Inn/Landers Brew was going to become available, she saw more than just a business opportunity, she saw a chance to save a piece of high desert history.
Living only five minutes away and having worked there in 2019, Kimberly understood the deep connection the community had to the establishment. Now, she’s reopening the iconic spot as The Golden Slipper, a destination she believes will “Keep Mojave Weird” while celebrating everything that makes desert living so special.
A Desert Venue Where Community Thrives
Located just minutes from the world-famous Integratron, The Golden Slipper offers an experience unlike any other. Accessible only by dirt roads, it’s considered the last rural bar in California.
With a vibe inspired by cult classics like From Dusk til Dawn and Tremors, The Golden Slipper is truly off the beaten path. It’s designed as a gathering place for everyone from locals and desert explorers to off-roaders, families, artists, and musicians. The Golden Slipper will be a hub of connection and creativity, embodying the quirky, authentic spirit of the Mojave.
Rooted in Music, Flavor, and Desert Views
The inspiration for this new venue comes from Kimberly’s father, who first introduced her to the transformative power of music. The Golden Slipper is set to be more than a bar, it will be a vibrant desert space offering food, drinks, live music, art, coffes and entertainment, all framed by sweeping high desert views including moonrise over Goat Mountain.
The menu will celebrate both local and global flavors, with ingredients sourced from the desert community and recipes inspired by Kimberly’s Puerto Rican heritage. Expect dishes like crispy fried plantains, yucca frita con mojo, and classic Baccalao. This mix of authentic flavors and desert hospitality will create a food and culture experience as unique as the venue itself.
Investing in the Future of Desert Living
The Golden Slipper isn’t just a bar, it’s the revival of a cherished desert landmark and the creation of a community hub for art, music, and desert lifestyle. Kimberly is currently seeking investors to help bring this project fully to life.
If you are passionate about supporting high desert culture and want to be part of an iconic business that celebrates the essence of desert living, this is your opportunity.
๐ For investment opportunities with The Golden Slipper, please contact Jessica Cure to learn more.
Kimberly is excited about building a community in the high desert, one that celebrates art, music, and the unique spirit of the area. The Golden Slipper isn’t just a bar; it’s a revival of a cherished local landmark, a place where the old desert magic is brought back to life for a new generation.
