The Ten Oldest Bars in the U.S. (New and Improved Edition) | Back to Blog

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  The Ten Oldest Bars in the U.S. (New and Improved Edition)

  contributed by rtcrooks June 5, 2008 at 1:10pm

  We want to thank all you readers for your informational and oft impassioned responses to our “10 Oldest Bars in the United States” article. Your feedback alerted us of a whole bunch of establishments that we should have included in our top 10 that somehow escaped us. It is possible that we are working on an outdated version of the World Wide Web, does anyone know where we can download the new one? We are very pleased that so many of you enjoyed the article. Because we have not had the pleasure of visiting each and every one of these bars, if you have, please click on the name and let us know what they are all about. With that we present to you, the new and improved list of the 10 Oldest Bars in the United States.
  
  10. 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.
  
  9. Warren Tavern

  Established in 1780.
  2 Pleasant Street, Charlestown, MA 02129
  (617) 241-8142

  www.warrentavern.com

  
  

  
  The Warren Tavern is the oldest tavern in Massachusetts. Located in the cozy streets of historic Charlestown, the Warren Tavern’s original location was built sometime in the early 1770s by Dr. Joseph Warren. Razed by the British during the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 1775), the Tavern was then rebuilt in 1780 by Captain Eliphelet Newell, who elected to maintain the name as an homage to a man whom he respected very much. It remains in the same location to this day. As you could imagine, Sam Adams is available here. The Warren Tavern was arguably President George Washington’s favorite watering hole; his funeral speech was orated here.
  
  8. The Tavern

  Established in 1779.
  222 E Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
  (276) 628-1118

  www.abingdontavern.com

  
  

  
  Built in 1779, The Tavern is situated in Abingdon’s oldest building. Originally built as a tavern and inn for stagecoach traveler’s, it has for the last two centuries also served as: a bank, bakery, general store, cabinet shop, barber shop, private residence, post office, antique shop and restaurant. Now it serves as a Bar and Restaurant. During the Civil War, it also was temporarily served as a hospital for wounded Confederate and Union soldiers. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area; it is recommended to come by in the Spring/Autumn to take in the full experience of the Beer Gardens.
  
  7. Griswold Inn Taproom

  Established in 1776.
  35 Main Street, Essex CT 06426
  (860) 767-1776

  www.griswoldinn.com

  
  

  
  The oldest continuously operated tavern in Connecticut, The Griswold Inn was founded in 1776 by three brothers. During the American Revolution, the Inn was captured by British forces and used as a command center. The Inn remained opened during prohibition, and operated as a venue of sorts, keeping a relatively lively entertainment for local yachtsmen. Inside the Inn, you will find the largest collection of Antonio Jacobsen works, the most prolific US maritime artist. What’s the fare like you ask? New England-style. It is rumored you may be able to get a fluffer-nutter here.
  
  6. The Horse You Came In On Saloon

  Established in 1775.
  1626 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
  (410) 327-8111

  
  

  
  It widely suggested that Edgar Allen Poe had his last drink here, as it is claimed as the last place anyone saw the famous poet before his death. Located in the historic Fells Point neighborhood in Baltimore. “The Horse” as it is locally known, was originally opened as a saloon, complete with hitching posts in the back. One of the more charming characteristics of this bar is that it was long known to charge a $2-3 cover to the unsuspecting, even though a sign in the window prominently read “Never a Cover”. If you happen to be in B-More, make sure you check out The Horse on a Tuesday night—that’s $10 all you can drink night.
  
  5. Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

  Established in 1772.
  941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
  

  (504) 522-9377

  
  

  
  While it is estimated that the tavern has operated as such since 1772, sources (National Register of Historic Places) indicate that the building was initially erected by the brothers Lafitte (related to Jean Lafitte the Pirate?) in 1761. Founded originally 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.
  
  4. Fraunces Tavern

  Established in 1762.
  54 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10004
  (212) 968-1776

  www.frauncestavern.com

  
  

  
  This location was good enough for George Washington to bid farewell to his troops in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, so it is a good enough place for you to grab a beer. A spot rich with history, it was frequently used as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty in the pre-war years. The portions are large, the food is good and the beer selection is even better. Unfortunately, it has become a bit of a popular tourist destination, but after 246 years in service, people are bound to hear about it.
  
  3. The Pirate's House

  Established in 1753.
  20 E Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401
  (912) 233-5757

  www.thepirateshouse.com

  
  

  
  Founded as an inn for swashbuckling pirates and seafarers from around the globe, The Pirate’s House was a safe haven in which to procure fine food and strong beverage. Adjoined with what is thought to be the oldest house in Georgia, there are more than a few ghost stories floating around in these halls. The restaurant features 15 separate themed dining rooms, so once you make the tough decision of what to order, you won’t have to share your booty with the others.
  
  2. Middleton’s Tavern

  Established in 1750.
  2 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401
  (410) 263-3323

  www.middletontavern.com

   

  
  
  

  Yet another congregation spot for our founding fathers, the tavern played post work drinking spot for a number of momentous occasions through our nations early years. Among them the resignation of General Washington's commission in 1783, the ratification of the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary in 1784, and the Annapolis Convention which laid the groundwork for the Federal Constitution Convention.  It was also a common meeting place for the Free Masons for many years. The main attraction these days is the 95 cent oyster shooter bar. Any way you look at it, this bar has stamina.
  

  
  

  1. The White Horse Tavern

  Established in 1673.
  26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840
  (401) 849-3600

  www.whitehorsetavern.com

   

  
  
  

  With a ghost story for practically every year they have been in business, The White Horse Tavern is the oldest tavern building in the United States. The mysterious death of a man boarding for the night in the 1720’s has left most every employee of the tavern over the years with a “spiritual” experience. It was founded and made popular by a well-known pirate, William Mayes, Jr., much to the embarrassment of the city council. It remains a great place during the winter to grab some classic American cuisine and a frothy beverage.
  
  Know of a place older that we have still yet to mention? Please send us a photo and tell us of it! Email to info@sloshspot.com.
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  jjpm74 June 16, 2008 at 10:27pm

  Impressive list, but this is the oldest bar in continuous operation i the US: http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/home.html Not even prohibition closed its doors. The list above contains places with storied pasts that all experienced closures at different points of their existences.
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  cmchugh August 25, 2008 at 6:36pm

  the mcsorleysnewyork website says est. 1854...
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  Dennis September 23, 2008 at 3:19pm

  Richard Fellows' Trading Post/Pub (1652 Hartford CT) is the first know pub in America.
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