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The 10 Oldest Bars in the United States
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EDIT: Thank you very much to the digg commenters and our users who pointed us to several old bars that we weren't aware of, we have created a new updated list with the bars that should have been on our original list: Click Here for the new and improved list!

After spending any amount of time in a European pub, it is easy to feel like such a newbie on the planet as a U.S. citizen. I remember one instance from a pub in Ireland that had been built in the 1600s, when I realized how long ago those stones had been set, I vowed to never drink a lame drink at a restaurant chain again, but to set out for some places with real character. Still, there's no reason to be ashamed about our pubs’ relative youth. Here are the ten oldest bars in the United States to help you go back in time to when your ancestors met and accidentally spawned future generations.

10. P.J. Clarke's

Established in 1868.

915 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022. (212) 317-1616

www.pjclarkes.com

 

Red, checkered table cloths and bartenders in shirt and tie are indicative of the style of this New York staple. The bar has been around as long as the building, roughly 125 years, though the exact building date is still disputed. The bar menu features the best burger in town, served with a pickle and a slice of raw onion. Classic. It was recently renovated, but close attention to detail was paid, returning all the signature features (the “out of order” payphone, the chalkboard, jukebox and the broken cigarette machine) to their proper places. To show that they are as loyal to their patrons as their patrons are to them, the ash remains of an old regular are still behind the bar for safekeeping.

9. White Horse Tavern

Established in 1880. 

567 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014. (212) 989-3956.

www.new-pony.com
 

Originally a hangout for longshoremen, it became popular in the bohemian scene of the 50’s and 60’s. The likes of Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison have grabbed a drink at this spot and it was also known to be frequented by a number of famous writers during that period, including Dylan Thomas, Norman Mailer, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac. The words “JACK GO HOME!” are still written on the bathroom wall for his tendency to be bounced from the bar.

8. Ear Inn

Established in 1874.

326 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. (212) 226-9060.

www.earinn.com

 

Built in 1817 as a home for James Brown, an aide to George Washington during the time of the Revolution, Ear Inn has gone through many transformations to become what it is today. It was used as a brewery, bar and restaurant beginning sometime in the mid 19th century and went on to become a speakeasy during Prohibition. The apartment upstairs has been used as a boarding house, smuggler’s den and brothel over the years and is rumored to be home to “Mickey” the ghost of a sailor still waiting for his clipper ship. The name “EAR” was informally given to the bar as a reference to the musical Ear Magazine that was published upstairs. Part of the “BAR” sign was strategically painted over to avoid the hassle of seeking city approval for new signage.

7. The Little Shamrock

Established in 1863.

807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122. (415) 661-0060.

 

Belly up to the bar solo in this place and you are guaranteed to leave with some new friends. Or you can settle into the dirty old décor for a game night with friends. “The Sham” has board games on site and beer cheap enough to make them into drinking games. The spacious and friendly atmosphere makes this a great place to hang out for hours and feel like you are right at home.

6. The Saloon

Established in 1861.

1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. (415) 989-7666.

 

San Fran’s oldest watering hole boasts live blues bands playing nightly along with the cheapest and stiffest drinks in town. One of the only establishments to survive the earthquake and fire of 1906, it is rumored that the firemen who were loyal patrons diverted water from other sources to hose this place down. Be sure to bring cash though…this bar made it through the Depression, I wouldn’t expect them to take kindly to the practice of buying on the margin.

5. McGillin's Olde Ale House

Established in 1860.

1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. (215) 735-5562

www.mcgillins.com

 

Originally opened as the "Bell in Hand" in 1860, McGillin's is the oldest continuously operated bar in the City of Brotherly Love. William McGillin, who lived upstairs with his wife and thirteen children until his death in August of 1901, founded this bar. The bar was then run by his wife, "Ma" who prohibited a long list of area citizens from entering, including her own father), until she passed in 1938. The bar then passed through children's hands until it was eventually sold by daughter Mercedes in 1958 to two brothers who spell their names differently (Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak), who's family still manage the bar to this day. This award winning Irish pub boasts the unique claim of being the only bar in Philly that was established before town hall, and is also perennially listed among America's leading night clubs. If you are in the area, be sure to stop in an order a Cheesesteak and a Yuengling, in order to take in the full experience.

4. Old Ebbitt Grill

Established in 1856.

675 Fifteenth Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 347-4801.

www.ebbitt.com

 

Founded by William E. Ebbitt, the guest list has included Presidents McKinley, Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, Roosevelt, and Harding.  The bar fell into hard times leading up to 1970, when it was purchased by Clyde's Restaurant Co. (Clyde’s of Georgetown). Ebbitt's has had many homes throughout the years, moving and expanding over the generations, but it wasn't until 1983 that the bar found its current home. Through the years the bar has amassed a rich history and a wealth of antiques from our Nation's Capital. Still a haunt of the world's most powerful profiles, as well as area tourists, Ebbitt's remains active in many regional events including hosting the World Famous Oyster Riot each year. If you ever visit this bar, you'll find yourself sitting in the same booth that many famous statesmen, military heroes, and lawmakers have used in years past. Chances are, if you drink too much, someone more important than you has done the same in just that very seat. Think of "Frank the Tank" in Old School?

3. McSorley's Old Ale House

Established in 1854.

15 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003. (212) 473-9148.

www.mcsorleysnewyork.com

 

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McSorley's Old Ale House has been a community gathering place as well as the subject of art, literature and even a Supreme Court controversy. Established in 1854, McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon has passed thru Mcsorley's swinging doors. Interestingly,  women were finally allowed access in 1970, so if you were looking for a place to pick up chicks, this was not high on the list. Also, don't venture into the bar wanting a girly drink because they only serve two types of beer: light and dark. And you have to order two at a time.

While there are older bars in the US, McSorley's has remained in its original location. It is widely acknowledged that they also served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, and should you request a tour, maybe you'll be lucky enough to visit the back room, which serves as a gallery of sorts. Bring cash, and exact change if you are able because McSorley's has never had a cash register and never plans to.

2. Bell In Hand

Established in 1795.

45 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108. (617) 227-2098.

www.bellinhand.com

 

This bar claims to be America's oldest tavern. What more can you expect from Boston? More specifically, this is the bar in America with the longest continuous operation. The Bell In Hand has only shut its doors once temporarily: Prohibition. This bar was established by Jimmy Wilson, Boston's last known town crier (so it's not just a clever name), who was among the first to report on such Colonial American milestones as the Boston Tea Party. In the Bar's early days it was a favorite among politicians, lawyers and students, with a long list of patrons that included such notables as: Paul Revere, Daniel Webster and William McKinley. Located on Union Street (Boston's oldest operating street), The Bell In Hand now plays a trendy host to the young crowd of 20 and 30-somethings.

1. Jean Lafittes Blacksmith Shop

Established in 1772.

941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. (504) 593-9761.

 

This tavern is the only known watering hole that pre-dates our nation's independence. Founded originally (as its name suggests) as part the Lafitte brothers' Blacksmith Shop, this bar survived a disastrous fire in 1794 that left most New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter, in ruins. Interestingly, much of the bar's authenticity has been kept in tact, and the bar remains to be mostly lit by candle. Most nights you can still go in and get a well-priced drink and enjoy the old-world charm and the musings of the century-old piano bar. There has also been a jukebox installed in recent years. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever in or around the Chocolate City.

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rtcrooks June 2, 2008 at 7:20pm

The Greatest Drunk Moments on Television, Oktoberfest and the World's Best Beer Festivals, How to Know When It Is Time to Leave the Bar., Heineken to Close 210-Year-Old Beamish Brewery

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• 

  rancemuhamitz June 3, 2008 at 7:06am

  The Knickerbocker was founded in 1835 in Lafayette, IN. http://www.knickerbockersaloon.com
• 

  jayson June 3, 2008 at 9:04am

  The Horse You Came In On was built in the 1750s, and has been a saloon since 1775. Jean Lafittes is not "the only known watering hole that pre-dates our nation's independence." The Horse is well known in Baltimore to be one of the oldest saloons in the nation: http://www.wbaltv.com/entertainment/10285419/detail.html http://www.examiner.com/a-390571~Horse_You_Came_in_On_auctioned_off.html It has been featured in several books, and even serves as the setting for the Martha Grimes novel The Horse You Came In On.
• 

  BruCrew June 3, 2008 at 9:26am

  Rance, the Knickerbocker was originally the cherry wood bar and then changed its name to the knickerbocker in 1871, but still a really cool bar! http://www.sloshspot.com/bar-club-pub/Knickerbocker-Saloon-Lafayette-48268
• 

  rancemuhamitz June 3, 2008 at 9:56am

  Wouldn't an 1871 date still qualify the Knickerbocker for this list?
• 

  redfoxone June 3, 2008 at 10:48am

  Lol, when I first saw the article I thought it said 10 oldest Bears! LOL, I guess I need to quick drinking beer for breakfast. Burp! LOL JJ http://www.Ultimate-Anonymity.com
• 

  BruCrew June 3, 2008 at 10:52am

  You are right Rance, it would qualify, we did our best to create the list, but as a blog about drinking, run by drunks, our journalistic research skills apparently missed a couple, but we welcome everyone to tell us the older bars and we can edit the article with the additions!
• 

  wendelgee2 June 3, 2008 at 10:54am

  Pete's Tavern in NYC (18th St. and Irving Place) was established in 1864.
• 

  AirJunkie June 3, 2008 at 11:03am

  The Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton, OH was established in 1837. It was also a stop on the underground railroad. http://www.spreadeagletavern.com Spread Eagle Tavern 10150 Plymouth St. Hanoverton, OH 44423 (330)-223-1583
• 

  sailor80 June 3, 2008 at 11:04am

  Since 1753, The Pirate's House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate's House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Here seamen drank their grog and discoursed, sailor fashion, on their exotic high seas adventures from Singapore to Bombay and from London to Port Said. (from their webpage). A great place to go if you're ever in Savannah, GA.
• 

  grooch June 3, 2008 at 11:05am

  The General Lafayette Inn in Lafayette Hill, PA...built in 1732. http://www.generallafayetteinn.com/ Closed for a few years in the 1990's, so it hasn't been in continuous operation, and it's changed names a few times over the years, but it's an old, old bar.
• 

  atx1200 June 3, 2008 at 11:10am

  These bars have still got a long way to go to beat the Trip to Jerusalem pub in Nottingham, England. www.triptojerusalem.com/ Built in the rock under the castle, it dates back to 1189AD
• 

  BruCrew June 3, 2008 at 11:11am

  Hey if anyone has an addition to the list, post it in these comments and I will round them up later and edit the end of the article with them. Thanks!
• 

  runastar June 3, 2008 at 11:14am

  The Ye Olde Trail Tavern in Yellow Springs, Ohio was originally built in 1844 (see here http://yeoldetrailtavern.com/about_us.htm )so I think it qualifies for this list as well!
• 

  kmredo June 3, 2008 at 11:31am

  The oldest in NY is Fraunces Tavern... Seems to be the obvious choice, but guess not. 1761 I believe. Half of the Revolutionary War was planned there. http://www.frauncestavern.com/index2.htm
• 

  dummied June 3, 2008 at 11:34am

  The Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indianapolis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_Noodle_Inn Continuously operating since 1850.
• 

  ronnieb June 3, 2008 at 12:03pm

  Scholz Garten in Austin, Texas opened up in 1866. It has been continuous operation since then too. It is the oldest business in Austin and the oldest tavern in the state of Texas.
• 

  zenomax June 3, 2008 at 12:17pm

  the warren tavern, charlestown, ma, 1780 http://www.warrentavern.com/pages/history.htm
• 

  robmxer June 3, 2008 at 12:32pm

  The true oldest bar in the U.S is white horse tavern in Newport, RI EST.1673 http://www.whitehorsetavern.com/history.htm
• 

  thinkjose June 3, 2008 at 1:17pm

  The Tavern in Abingdon, VA was built in 1779 & one of the oldest buildings west of the Blue Ridge. Great place to grab a pint in front of the old fireplace. http://www.abingdontavern.com/history.htm
• 

  Blaze312 June 3, 2008 at 1:34pm

  The Old Tavern Inn in Niles,MI was established in 1835. It was a popular spot to stop between Detroit and Chicago, as it was built on the stage coach route. As Michigan history goes, The Old Tavern Inn is actually the oldest continuously run business in its original building in the entire state. It is located at 61088 Indian Lake Rd., Niles, MI 49120. http://www.theoldtaverninn.com/about.html
• 

  reiterdm June 3, 2008 at 1:41pm

  Arnold's Bar and Grill, established in 1861, is the oldest continually operating bar in Cincinnati. http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com/history.htm http://www.sloshspot.com/bars/48272
• 

  jayson June 3, 2008 at 1:50pm

  I've taken all the corrections from commenters and compiled a new top 10 list: You can comment on Digg as well:
• 

  Anneg June 3, 2008 at 10:39pm

  There is a bar in Allentown NJ that was founded in the 1779. It is now called DiMattias but it was originally a tavern called the Union Hotel.
• 

  heatherradish June 4, 2008 at 12:03am

  Breitbach's in Balltown, Iowa since 1852: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breitbach's_Country_Dining Given the list of much older bars you overlooked, maybe you should just call this list "old bars in snobby coastal cities."
• 

  BruCrew June 4, 2008 at 12:56am

  Hey everyone, thanks for all the input! We definitely didn't mean to miss so many bars! but thanks to everyone we have compiled an updated list of the oldest bars, and we will get to the bottom of this... expect an update later, and thanks to everyone for the posts!
• 

  DelDav June 4, 2008 at 1:09am

  The Anvil Saloon in Ste Genevieve Missouri was converted from a failing hardware store into a thriving saloon in 1855, and was continuously operated by the same family until 1978, when the new owners took over. http://www.saintegenevieve.org/restaurants.htm
• 

  texascarl June 4, 2008 at 12:46pm

  http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com/thebar.html Looks like they've been in bidness since 1856, Theirs was the first 'stand up' bar in New Orleans. If you go to check it out - order a Sazerac cocktail, and order the 'garlic chicken' to eat in the bar. Trust me.
• 

  slefevre June 4, 2008 at 2:27pm

  Gadsbys Tavern in Alexandria, VA, since 1749 http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/ Supposedly George Washington's favorite.
• 

  duane June 4, 2008 at 9:16pm

  http://www.originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com/OOH%20History%20Page.html
• 

  Mookie June 5, 2008 at 12:02am

  I'm genuinely surprised that Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and Tujagues get mentioned as oldest bars in New Orleans, but no one named Napoleon House. It opened in 1797, and has been running ever since. see: http://www.napoleonhouse.com/history1.html You cannot beat the atmosphere and the signature Pimm's Cup cocktail.
• 

  BruCrew June 5, 2008 at 1:22pm

  Hey everyone we have updated the list as you can see at the top edit, check it out! http://www.sloshspot.com/blog/06-02-2008/The-10-Oldest-Bars-in-the-United-States-16
• 

  gafferkb June 5, 2008 at 6:10pm

  1600? you ll have to go back another 500 years to find Ireland s oldest pub! ""Sean's Bar" has been researched thoroughly by the Guinness Book of Records and proudly holds the record for "The Oldest Pub in Ireland" with an official dating of 900AD" -http://www.seansbar.ie/history.php To be fair America woznt even discoveryed then i suppose!!:L
• 

  mdallyn June 10, 2008 at 8:24pm

  The White Horse Tavern in Newport, RI, est 1673. http://www.whitehorsetavern.com/
• 

  rastacyborg June 14, 2008 at 9:54am

  Ulrich's in Buffalo (1868) has a colorful history. Check it out: http://ulrich.buffalonet.org/
• 

  roadrunner2525 June 14, 2008 at 2:21pm

  One of the oldest (1870 as an official bar), Ye Olde Absinthe House in New Orleans also has the distinction of being the last bar to officially serve absinthe. I understand they are serving the new version now.
• 

  roadrunner2525 June 14, 2008 at 3:21pm

  Further review of this list has given me a goal. To drink in all of them - I have already been to the White Horse in Newport, The Saloon and Kelly's in SF and Jean Lafitte;s and Ye Olde Absinthe House in NO. Hey, this one is within reach!!
• 

  rimacguy July 7, 2008 at 3:01am

  Third nod to White Horse Tavern est.1673 in RI.
• 

  ronandoyle July 16, 2008 at 1:08pm

  This has always been a sensitive subject for me because back in the day I bartended at a place that also "claimed" to be the oldest. At best, perhaps it's the oldest "continually running" bar. DEFINITELY older than freakin' Bell In Hand. I live in Boston and HATE how this city claims everything. Anyhow, The Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. The tap room opened in June of 1776 and has been continually running since.
• 

  Dennis September 23, 2008 at 2:51pm

  My direct desendant from England was William Fellows of Ipswich Mass (1635). His brother Richard opened a trading post/pub in 1652 in the Hartford CT area. The first know pub in America!!!
• 

  wittylungs December 5, 2008 at 11:18am

  You should check into Tunnicliff's in Washington, DC. It's changed locations a few times, but was rumored to be John Adams' favorite watering hole in the District.
• 

  Shawn Ciotti March 6, 2009 at 1:52pm

  What about "The Green Dragon Tavern, Boston"? Est. 1657.
• 

  jacagigi April 17, 2009 at 1:00am

  What about The City Tavern establish in English America in 1773.138 South 2nd. St, Philadelphia. Old city of Philly.
• 

  jjbjresq988 June 22, 2009 at 12:01pm

  Shanks Hotel, Marietta, PA, in continuous operation since 1814.
• 

  w12wesw219 June 23, 2009 at 2:10am

  They need to do a little more research, Drovers Inn and Tavern would be the third oldest bar, it opened in 1850 it is in wellsburg west virginia. Everyone needs to really check it out, its a great place to be.. not many people know about it.. but the bar is in the basement which has never been restored its all original.. if you want the address go to droversinn.net
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  McCain September 28, 2009 at 8:26am

  These are historic places for People of US. Beacuse they love to go there and drink. Residential Property Management Software
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  Glad to see the The Little Shamrock in here! I travelled from the UK to meet some friends there, it was a great night in that bar! John from tomato pill | boots diet pills | crash diet plan
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  There is one in Sydney build in like 18th hundreds when the first settlement, apotik is called "Hero" should come and visit there if you have chance visiting Sydney.
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