Exploring America’s Drinking Culture: Top 10 Historic Bars and Pubs

White Horse Tavern
(Newport, RI)
Established: 1673

If ye be seekin’ a truly historic watering hole to wet yer whistle, look no further than the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island. This venerable establishment has been quenchin’ thirsts since before the Colonies won their independence from the British Crown! Thought to have built around the 1650s – 1670s by an English immigrant, the White Horse Tavern is widely regarded as the oldest tavern building in the United States still operating today. Its very walls have born witness to over three and a half centuries of American history. Why, the Rhode Island General Assembly even used to convene their meetings within the tavern’s hallowed halls back in the day!

But the real intrigue lies in the tavern’s sordid past as a pirate’s lair. As the story goes, a retired buccaneer briefly owned and operated the White Horse in the early 1700s. Imagine swarthy sea dogs carousing over mugs of grog, spinning tales of high seas plunder and daring escapes from His Majesty’s Navy? The ghostly lore only adds to the mystique, with claims that a spectral figure in colonial dress haunts the upstairs fireplace area.

These days, the White Horse offers a more refined experience befitting a tavern of such pedigree. Sip a perfectly crafted cocktail amidst the starched tablecloths and crackling fireplaces that evoke an elegant era gone by. Or indulge in the sumptuous seafood fresh from Narragansett Bay that has graced the tavern’s tables for generations. Visiting the White Horse is like stepping through a portal into the Colonial past. So drop anchor in Newport and pay respects to this iconic piece of living history. For where else can ye revel in the same hallowed spaces as the Founding Fathers themselves and perhaps catch a glimpse of the resident phantom in a tri-corner hat?

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
(New Orleans, LA)
Established: Between 1722-1732

For an authentic taste of New Orleans’ swashbucklin’ past, there’s no finer port of call than Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This salty little gem has been serving up spirits since the days when pirates like the legendary Jean Lafitte himself prowled these streets. Built sometime between 1722-1732, this weathered brick cottage is steeped in history. Legend has it the Lafitte brothers used it as a front for their smuggling operation, perhaps even hiding their booty within. These days, the only plundering that goes on is of Lafitte’s signature cocktails like the Voodoo Daiquiri – a devilish purple concoction of grape, Everclear, and bourbon that’ll have you feeling like you’re out at sea!

Step through the doors and you’ll be transported to the French Colonial era, with the cozy, dimly lit interior illuminated by candlelight and a cracklin’ fireplace. Sip a Vieux Carre cocktail among the vintage furnishings, as a crusty old piano player shares tales of Storyville madams and Andrew Jackson’s victory over the British. Some even claim the ghost of Lafitte himself still wanders these halls, perhaps in search of his next score!

Whether you fancy yerself a buccaneer or just a humble landlubber, a visit to Lafitte’s is a must on any journey to the Big Easy. Carouse like a scurvy pirate of old without the threat of walkin’ the plank and make sail for this storied haunt!

Fraunces Tavern
(New York City, NY)
Established: 1762

Fraunces Tavern in New York City is a must-visit for history buffs and those seeking an authentic taste of America’s revolutionary spirit. This iconic establishment has been a part of the fabric of the city since 1762, playing a pivotal role in the events leading up to and following the American Revolution.

Step through the doors and you’ll be transported back to an era when the seeds of independence were being sown. This tavern served as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty, who orchestrated acts of defiance against British rule. But Fraunces Tavern’s most significant moment in history came on December 4, 1783, when General George Washington gathered his officers here to bid them farewell after the British evacuation of New York City. This marked the end of the Revolutionary War and the beginning of a new nation. The only first-hand account of Washington’s legendary address can be found in the memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, which are on display at the Fraunces Tavern Museum.

Beyond its revolutionary roots, Fraunces Tavern also served as a temporary home for the Departments of Foreign Affairs, War, and Treasury during the early years of the U.S. government. As you sip a pint of ale or savor a hearty Colonial dish like chicken pot pie (Washington’s favorite!), you’ll be dining and drinking in the same spaces where the Founding Fathers once walked.

A visit to Fraunces Tavern lets you step back in time and soak in the rich history of this iconic establishment. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique and atmospheric dining experience, Fraunces Tavern is a great destination in New York City.

The Horse You Came In On Saloon
(Baltimore, MD)
Established: 1775

The Horse You Came In On Saloon in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point neighborhood is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of America’s spirited past. Dating back to 1775, this watering hole lays claim to being the oldest continuously operating saloon in the entire United States.

The colonial-era building has seen more than its fair share of debauchery over the centuries, but tavern’s biggest claim to fame is its connection to legendary writer Edgar Allan Poe. According to local lore, this was the very last stop he made before his mysterious death in 1849. A designated “Poe’s Last Stop” area even marks the spot where he drained his last glass. Some say the tormented poet’s restless spirit still haunts the premises, with ghostly occurrences like swinging chandeliers and spontaneously opening cash register drawers!

These days, The Horse keeps its legacy alive with a lively atmosphere perfect for saddling up to the vintage wooden bar – complete with saddle-shaped stools. A beloved tradition here is The Horse’s Jack Daniel’s Bottle Club, allowing regulars to purchase and store their very own bottle for future visits. Pair your pour with hearty pub grub like the famous “B-more Boh-Garita” (a margarita with a bottle of National Bohemian beer stuck right in the middle!) or the decadent “Famous Crab” Philly cheesesteak.

With such a storied history and lively atmosphere, The Horse You Came In On Saloon offers a glimpse into Baltimore’s rowdy colonial roots. Grab your friends and gallop on down to experience a true slice of American saloon culture – ghosts, saddles, and all!

Griswold Inn (Essex, CT)
Established: 1776

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Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House (New Orleans, LA)
Established: 1807

Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House dates back to 1807 and was reputedly used by the Lafitte brothers for smuggling operations. Unlike Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, which is known for its rustic charm and ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte, the Old Absinthe House boasts a rich history intertwined with it‘s dimly lit, gothic atmosphere, complete with vintage absinthe fountains and antique furnishings.

Drinking absinthe, once banned in the U.S., adds to the bar’s mystique and timeless allure. In the late 1800s, a bartender created the famous Absinthe House Frappe, attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde and Walt Whitman. The iconic bar was also the site where General Andrew Jackson and pirate Jean Lafitte met to strategize the defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812. The building’s interior, with its musty brick walls and ornate wooden fixtures, remains largely unchanged.

McSorley’s Old Ale House (New York City, NY)
Established: 1854

The Palace (Prescott, AZ)
Established: 1877

For a taste of the Wild West, visit The Palace in Prescott, Arizona. Established in 1877, The Palace is the oldest business and bar in Arizona, located on the historic Whiskey Row. The saloon has a storied past, having been rebuilt in 1901 after a devastating fire swept through the district. The interior features a hand-carved Brunswick bar, chandeliers, and gaming tables that harken back to its heyday.

Notable figures such as Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday were known to frequent The Palace. The saloon’s ambiance is further enhanced by bullet holes in the pressed-tin ceiling, likely from celebratory gunfire. Visiting The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is more than just a meal and a drink; it’s an immersion into the history and culture of the American West. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience, The Palace offers a glimpse into the past with its storied walls and classic Western fare.

Green Parrot Bar (Key West, FL)
Established: 1890

Originally a grocery store in 1890, the Green Parrot Bar in Key West, Florida, captures the eccentric spirit of the island before it became a cruise ship destination. With its eclectic artwork, diverse live music ranging from Afro-punk to zydeco, and lively crowds, the Green Parrot embodies the bohemian vibe of Key West from the 1950s-70s. A rusty plaque inside claims that Elvis Presley and Ernest Hemingway had an encounter here in 1957, adding to the bar’s mystique.

The Berghoff (Chicago, IL)
Established: 1898

Opened in 1898, The Berghoff in Chicago is a German-style beer hall located in the heart of Chicago. Established by brewery owner Herman Berghoff, the restaurant began as a saloon offering free sandwiches to patrons who purchased his signature Berghoff Beer. Over the years, it has evolved into a full-service restaurant known for its authentic German-American cuisine and Old-World charm. The restaurant is steeped in history, from its Prohibition-era transformation into a “near beer” café, to its role in hosting generations of locals and tourists alike. Its intricate woodwork, stained glass, and vintage murals create an ambiance that transports diners to a bygone era, making it a uniquely special place in Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene.

One of The Berghoff’s standout features is its storied bar, which proudly holds one of the first liquor licenses issued in Chicago after Prohibition. It’s a great spot for history buffs and beer enthusiasts to enjoy a drink steeped in tradition. The restaurant continues to brew its own line of Berghoff beers, including classics like the Original Lager and Dunkel. In addition to beer, their cocktail menu showcases timeless drinks like the Old Fashioned alongside modern creations inspired by the restaurant’s heritage. Whether you’re sipping a beer with a bratwurst or raising a glass of Riesling in the main dining room, The Berghoff offers a truly historic and flavorful experience.