OUR STORY
Welcome to Handlebar J, Scottsdale's Original Rib House and Saloon — a one-of-a-kind Arizona landmark where mouthwaterin' BBQ, live music, dancing, family tradition, and true Western hospitality have been bringing people together for generations.
Our longtime slogan says it best: "Where Western Hospitality is Always a Tradition."
In 2025, the Herndon family proudly celebrated 50 years at Handlebar J, and in 2026, the celebration keeps on rollin' as The Herndon Brothers Band marks its 40th anniversary — a musical legacy that kicked off right here on the Handlebar J stage in September 1986.
Family owned and operated by the Herndon family since 1975, Handlebar J is now owned by Ray Herndon, who continues to carry forward a legacy built on great food, great music, unforgettable nights, and genuine hospitality. Alongside his fiancée, Joanne Terry, Ray continues to make sure guests and staff are well taken care of — carrying on the family spirit that has always made Handlebar J feel like home.
Before Handlebar J became the place so many guests know and love today, it had already earned its share of wild Western stories. The building was originally constructed in the early 1960s by "Wild Bill" Byrd and was known as Wild Bill's. Back then, North Scottsdale looked a whole lot different — north of Lincoln Boulevard, it was mostly tumbleweeds, rattlesnakes, cowboys, and open desert. Wild Bill's was a true honky-tonk dancehall, complete with live music, chicken wire in front of the stage, and plenty of colorful characters.
One of the regular performers in those early days was a then-unknown Waylon Jennings, who played clubs around Phoenix after moving from Lubbock, Texas. As the story goes, Wild Bill hired and fired Waylon more than once! Another unforgettable figure from those days was "Mac the Singin' Bartender," a friend of Waylon's and part of the local legend. One famous tale tells of Wild Bill demonstrating "the art" of twirling a gun after a few cocktails — only to drop it, fire it, and leave behind a bullet hole in the dance floor post. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the story became part of the legend.
Around 1967, George and Joanie Lautz became the new owners. George, known for his signature handlebar mustache, and Joanie — the "J" — gave the saloon its now-famous name: Handlebar J. George was a talented guitar player and soon hired bassist and singer Brick Herndon to help form the house band, The Country Score. With that, Handlebar J was officially up and runnin' — serving BBQ ribs, steaks, burgers, cold drinks, and live music out in the middle of the sticks and tumbleweeds.
In 1968, Brick's wife, Gwen Herndon, joined the team as a waitress. Gwen had previously worked for years at the original Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, where she was known for her loyalty, work ethic, and heart. When she came to Handlebar J, she brought that same spirit with her — and it became part of the soul of the place. For more than nine years, the Herndons worked alongside the Lautz family, feeding guests, entertaining crowds, and building the welcoming Western atmosphere Handlebar J is still known for today.
In the mid-1970s, the Lautz family decided it was time for a change, creating an opportunity for Brick and Gwen to take over the restaurant and saloon. Brick had always dreamed of owning his own place — a restaurant where his three boys could grow up, perform, and be part of the family business. With help from local contractor John "Jay" Lattimore, Gwen's oldest brother, and his wife Jennie, that dream became reality.
On September 15, 1975, Handlebar J celebrated its grand opening under the Herndon family, and a new legacy was born.
Brick became ill in 1979 and sadly lost his battle with cancer in 1981 at just 58 years old. Through it all, Gwen kept Handlebar J going with grit, grace, and an unmatched love for the people who walked through the doors. She managed staff, seated guests, helped in the kitchen when needed, and did whatever it took to make people feel welcome. Handlebar J kept Gwen going — and Gwen kept Handlebar J alive.
Meanwhile, Ray — the youngest of Gwen and Brick's three boys — grew up in the business. He bussed tables, learned the ropes, and eventually took the stage with The Country Score alongside his Uncle Mel Herndon. Ray's older brothers Rick and Ron also performed in the band on occasion.
Then, in September 1986, Ray and Ron formed The Herndon Brothers Band right here at Handlebar J. The band brought fresh energy, packed dance floors, and a whole new following to the saloon. In 2026, The Herndon Brothers Band celebrates 40 years of music, memories, and nights that helped shape the Handlebar J experience generations of guests have come to love.
Ray Herndon's own country music career helped shine an even brighter spotlight on Handlebar J. Since 1985, Ray has performed as a member of Lyle Lovett's Large Band, and in the 1990s he became a principal member of the hit-making MCA recording trio McBride & The Ride.
Over the years, Handlebar J has welcomed countless familiar faces and famous friends, including Dick Van Dyke, Buster Crabbe, Matthew McConaughey, Huey Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, James Hetfield, Jordin Sparks, Hank Williams Jr., Shooter Jennings, and Waylon Jennings — many of whom have even jumped on stage to sing with The Herndon Brothers.
In 2003 and 2004, Jessi Colter and Ray Herndon hosted The Outlaw Connection at Handlebar J as a tribute to Waylon Jennings. At the later show, SIRIUS Radio's Outlaw Country channel was introduced live from Handlebar J by "Little Steven" Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and The Sopranos.
In 2007, Handlebar J and the Herndon family were inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame — a proud honor for a place that has helped keep Arizona's live music spirit alive for decades.
Today, the legacy continues. Handlebar J is still known as Scottsdale's Original Rib House, famous for our BBQ ribs, hearty menu favorites, live music, dancing, and unmistakable Western welcome. Country music will always be at the heart of HBJ, but don't be surprised if you hear a little blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, or something unexpected from time to time.
For more than 40 unforgettable years, Gwen Herndon was the life-force of Handlebar J — the owner, operator, heart, and soul of the place. In 2017, Dementia/Alzheimer's took Gwen from us. We miss her deeply, but we know Gwen and Brick are forever watching over this beloved saloon and the incredible legacy they built.
So here's to over 50 years of the Herndon family at Handlebar J, 40 years of The Herndon Brothers Band, and all the guests, friends, musicians, and patrons who have made this one-of-a-kind Scottsdale treasure what it is today.
Hats off to y'all for your continued support. We hope to see you real soon at Handlebar J.
Ray Herndon