Oldest Bar in Each U.S. State and Washington, D.C.

Discover the oldest bars in each U.S. state and Washington, D.C., where history, culture, and libations intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. From the colonial charm of Rhode Island’s White Horse Tavern (1673) to the Wild West allure of Arizona’s Palace Saloon (1877), these 51 historic establishments have served as social hubs for centuries, hosting legendary figures like George Washington, Mark Twain, and Al Capone. Whether you’re drawn to the pirate tales of Georgia’s Pirates’ House or the bourbon legacy of Kentucky’s Old Talbott Tavern, our curated list offers a coast-to-coast journey through America’s most storied watering holes, complete with addresses and websites for your next visit.

Alabama: Peerless Saloon, Anniston (1899)

The Peerless Saloon, established in 1899 in Anniston, Alabama, is a historic gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. Founded by Robert E. “Daddy” Garner, the saloon was known for its Old Wildcat whiskey and features a stunning mahogany bar from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, installed in 1906. Its rustic charm and historical ambiance, complete with bullet holes in the walls, make it a standout. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, the saloon’s prominence in Anniston’s early days attracted local notables and travelers, contributing to its enduring legacy as a community hub.
Address: 13 W 10th St, Anniston, AL 36201
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PeerlessSaloonandGrille
 

Alaska: B&B Bar, Kodiak (1906)
The B&B Bar in Kodiak, Alaska, opened in 1906 and proudly displays the state’s oldest liquor license, cementing its status as Alaska’s longest-running bar. This small, rustic dive bar, with its U-shaped counter and wharfside relics, reflects Kodiak’s maritime heritage. While famous visitors are not extensively recorded, the bar’s early 20th-century prominence drew fishermen, merchants, and locals, including figures tied to Alaska’s burgeoning industries. Its survival through Prohibition as a speakeasy underscores its resilience and cultural significance in this remote coastal town.
Address: 326 Shelikof St, Kodiak, AK 99615

Arizona: The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, Prescott (1877)

The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, established in 1877 in Prescott, Arizona, is a quintessential Wild West bar that survived a 1900 fire thanks to patrons who carried its hand-carved bar to safety. Rebuilt as a hotel, restaurant, and bar, it hosted legendary figures like Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday in the 1870s, who were early patrons during Prescott’s gambling and gunslinging days. The bar’s bullet holes and historical artifacts, including the preserved 1880s bar top, offer a tangible link to Arizona’s frontier past.
Address: 120 S Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86303
Website: https://palace-restaurant-saloon.foodjoyy.com

Arkansas: Ohio Club, Hot Springs (1905)

The Ohio Club, opened in 1905 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, began as a bar and casino in a town known for its lively reputation. During Prohibition, it operated as a speakeasy under the guise of the Ohio Cigar Store, attracting notorious gangsters like Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, Bugs Moran, and Lucky Luciano. Celebrities such as Al Jolson (1915) and Mae West (1930s) also visited, adding to its storied history. The club’s gangster-era ambiance and live music continue to draw visitors seeking a taste of its colorful past.
Address: 336 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.theohioclub.com/

California: Pozo Saloon, Pozo (1858)

The Pozo Saloon, established in 1858 just east of San Luis Obispo, California, started as a rough-and-tumble watering hole and Wells Fargo stagecoach stop. Rumored to have been visited by outlaws Jesse and Frank James, the saloon’s early days catered to travelers and locals in California’s frontier era. Purchased in 1984 by Rhonda and Brian Beanway, it became a beloved outdoor concert venue, with recent restorations preserving its historic charm and adding a full kitchen, making it a cultural landmark.
Address: 90 Pozo Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
Website: https://www.pozosaloon.com/

Colorado: Buffalo Rose, Golden (1859)

The Buffalo Rose, opened in 1859 in Golden, Colorado, is the state’s oldest continuously operating bar, blending historical charm with modern amenities like a retractable glass roof. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, its location in a bustling 19th-century mining town attracted prospectors, traders, and notable figures of the Colorado Gold Rush era. The bar’s five historical buildings retain original touches, offering a glimpse into Colorado’s frontier days while serving as a popular venue for live music and dining.
Address: 1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
Website: https://buffalorose.com/

Connecticut: Griswold Inn, Essex (1776)

The Griswold Inn, established in 1776 in Essex, Connecticut, is one of the oldest bars in the U.S., with a building dating back to 1735 when it was a schoolhouse. It served as a British command center during the War of 1812 and has hosted luminaries like Albert Einstein and Mark Twain, drawn to its coastal charm. The inn’s taproom, modernized for contemporary guests, retains historical elements, offering fine wines and entertainment in a setting steeped in New England history.
Address: 36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
Website: https://griswoldinn.com/

Delaware: Jessop’s Tavern, New Castle (1724)

Jessop’s Tavern, opened in 1724 in New Castle, Delaware, is a colonial-era establishment with a rich history as a community gathering place. While specific famous visitors are less documented, its location in a key colonial port town likely drew early American figures, including merchants and politicians involved in Delaware’s early governance. The tavern’s preserved 18th-century ambiance, complete with period decor and traditional fare, continues to attract history enthusiasts seeking an authentic colonial experience.
Address: 114 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720
Website: https://www.jessopstavern.com/

Florida: Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach (1903)

The Palace Saloon, established in 1903 in Fernandina Beach, Florida, claims the title of the state’s oldest bar, though some debate exists with Key West establishments. Its opulent decor, including a 40-foot mahogany bar, attracted industrialists like the Carnegie and Rockefeller families, who frequented the saloon during Florida’s early 20th-century tourism boom. Operating as a speakeasy during Prohibition, the Palace retains its Gilded Age charm, offering a window into Florida’s vibrant coastal history.
Address: 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Website: https://www.thepalacesaloon.com/

Georgia: The Pirates’ House, Savannah (1753)

The Pirates’ House, established in 1753 in Savannah, Georgia, is not only the state’s oldest bar but also its oldest building, with parts dating to 1734. A hub for pirates and sailors, it was frequented by seafaring figures and, according to legend, inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Saved from demolition in 1945 by Mary Hillyer, the restored bar retains its nautical charm, drawing visitors with its pirate-themed ambiance and historical significance.
Address: 20 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: https://www.thepirateshouse.com/

Hawaii: Smith’s Union Bar, Honolulu (1935)

Smith’s Union Bar, opened in 1935 in Honolulu’s Chinatown, was a red-light district haunt catering to merchant seamen. A notable regular was Lauren Bruner, a USS Arizona crew member who survived the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. Its ties to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s maritime history make it a cultural touchstone, with patrons immersed in stories of the city’s past at this unassuming dive bar, known for its gritty authenticity.
Address: 117 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Website: https://www.smithsunionbar.com/

Idaho: White Horse Saloon, Spirit Lake (1907)

The White Horse Saloon, established in 1907 in Spirit Lake, Idaho, is the state’s oldest bar and the tallest building in town, featuring original wooden floors and a rustic vibe. While specific famous visitors are not widely noted, its early 20th-century role as a social hub drew loggers, railroad workers, and locals, with some claiming the bar is haunted by past patrons. Known for serving Canadian beers, it remains a beloved community landmark.
Address: 6248 W Maine St, Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Website: https://whitehorsesaloon.net/

Illinois: The Village Tavern, Long Grove (1847)

The Village Tavern, opened in 1847 in Long Grove, Illinois, is a family-run establishment known for its 35-foot mahogany “President’s Bar,” salvaged from the 1967 McCormick Place fire. While specific famous visitors are not extensively documented, its proximity to Chicago attracted 19th-century travelers and local notables, including politicians and businessmen. The tavern’s rustic authenticity and comfort food, like Reuben sandwiches, make it a cherished piece of Illinois history.
Address: 135 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Website: https://www.villagetavernlonggrove.com/

Indiana: Knickerbocker Saloon, Lafayette (1835)

The Knickerbocker Saloon, established in 1835 in Lafayette, Indiana, holds the state’s first liquor license and is named after a player piano that once entertained patrons. While famous visitors are not widely recorded, its early role as a stagecoach stop drew travelers, including regional politicians and merchants. The saloon’s rustic atmosphere and live music continue to attract visitors, with the original liquor license displayed as a testament to its historical significance.
Address: 113 N 5th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
Website: https://www.knickerbockersaloon.com/

Iowa: Breitbach’s Country Dining, Balltown (1852)

Breitbach’s Country Dining, opened in 1852 in Balltown, Iowa, is the state’s oldest bar and restaurant, known for its family-run legacy and resilience through two fires (2007 and 2008). While specific famous visitors are not well-documented, its location along a 19th-century stagecoach route attracted travelers, including local dignitaries and farmers. The bar’s hearty Midwestern fare and historical charm make it a beloved institution in Iowa’s rural heartland.
Address: 563 Balltown Rd, Sherrill, IA 52073
Website: https://www.breitbachscountrydining.com/

Kansas: The Tap Room at The Hotel at Old Town, Wichita (1906)

The Tap Room, established in 1906 in Wichita, Kansas, is housed in the historic Hotel at Old Town, originally a warehouse. While famous visitors are not extensively noted, its early 20th-century prominence drew business travelers and local elites, including oil barons and railroad magnates. The bar’s elegant decor and craft cocktails reflect Wichita’s growth during the early 1900s, offering a sophisticated setting steeped in history.
Address: 830 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202
Website: https://www.hotelatoldtown.com/dining

Kentucky: Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown (1779)

The Old Talbott Tavern, established in 1779 in Bardstown, Kentucky, is the oldest stagecoach stop west of the Allegheny Mountains, with 2-foot-thick stone walls. It hosted Daniel Boone (1792), Abraham Lincoln, Jesse James, General George Patton, and the exiled King Louis Philippe of France, among others. Known as America’s oldest bourbon bar, it retains bullet holes attributed to James, offering a rich historical experience alongside local bourbon.
Address: 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004
Website: https://www.talbotts.com/

Louisiana: Old Absinthe House, New Orleans (1870)

The Old Absinthe House, opened in 1870 on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, became famous for its Absinthe House Frappe, created in 1874 by mixologist Cayetano Ferrer. While specific famous visitors are less documented, its location in the French Quarter attracted literary figures like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain, as well as 19th-century celebrities. The bar’s candlelit ambiance and historical decor, despite a 1912–2007 absinthe ban, make it a cultural icon.
Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Website: https://www.oldabsinthehouse.com/

Maine: Jameson Tavern, Freeport (1801)

Jameson Tavern, established in 1801 in Freeport, Maine, was originally a private residence purchased by Captain Samuel Jameson. It served as a meeting place for Mainers seeking independence from Massachusetts, earning the title “Birthplace of Maine.” Celebrity chef Bobby Flay visited in 2003 to learn Maine lobster cooking. The tavern’s historical significance and coastal charm continue to draw visitors to its craft beer and seafood offerings.
Address: 115 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: https://www.jamesontavern.com/

Maryland: Middleton Tavern, Annapolis (1747)

Middleton Tavern, opened in 1747 in Annapolis, Maryland, was a key Revolutionary War-era gathering spot, frequented by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Originally a private residence, it became an inn and tavern, hosting colonial elites and naval officers. Its Elizabethan-style decor, with murals and a cozy fireplace, complements a menu of Chesapeake-inspired dishes, making it a historic and culinary destination.
Address: 2 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401
Website: https://www.middletontavern.com/

Massachusetts: Warren Tavern, Charlestown (1780)

The Warren Tavern, established in 1780 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, is named after Dr. Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. It welcomed George Washington (1789) and Paul Revere, who were regular patrons during the post-Revolutionary period. The tavern’s colonial ambiance, with low ceilings and wooden beams, offers a glimpse into Boston’s revolutionary past, serving traditional New England fare and local brews to modern visitors.
Address: 2 Pleasant St, Charlestown, MA 02129
Website: https://www.warrentavern.com/

Michigan: New Hudson Inn, New Hudson (1831)

The New Hudson Inn, opened in 1831 in New Hudson, Michigan, began as a stagecoach stop and tavern, serving travelers along the Grand River Trail. While specific famous visitors are not well-documented, its early role as a social hub attracted local pioneers and traders, including figures tied to Michigan’s early settlement. The inn’s rustic charm, with original fireplaces and a motorcycle-friendly vibe, makes it a beloved local landmark.
Address: 56870 Grand River Ave, New Hudson, MI 48165
Website: https://www.newhudsoninn.com/

Minnesota: Neumann’s Bar, North St. Paul (1887)

Neumann’s Bar, established in 1887 in North St. Paul, Minnesota, claims the title of the state’s oldest bar, surviving Prohibition as a speakeasy. While famous visitors are not extensively noted, its early days drew German immigrants and local workers, including politicians and union leaders. The bar’s unpretentious atmosphere, with vintage decor and cheap drinks, preserves its historical charm as a community staple.
Address: 2531 7th Ave E, North St. Paul, MN 55109
Website: https://www.neumannsbar.com/

Mississippi: King’s Tavern, Natchez (1789)

King’s Tavern, established in 1789 in Natchez, Mississippi, is housed in the state’s oldest building, a late 18th-century posthouse. It served as a mail station and tavern, frequented by early American figures like Aaron Burr and Andrew Jackson. The tavern’s colonial architecture and rumored hauntings, tied to a 1930s murder discovery, enhance its mystique, offering craft cocktails and flatbreads today.
Address: 619 Jefferson St, Natchez, MS 39120
Website: https://www.kingstavernnatchez.com/

Missouri: J. Huston Tavern, Arrow Rock (1834)

The J. Huston Tavern, opened in 1834 in Arrow Rock, Missouri, began as a stagecoach stop and inn, serving travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, its role as a social hub attracted traders, pioneers, and local politicians, including figures tied to Missouri’s early statehood. The tavern’s preserved 19th-century decor and family-style dining make it a historical gem.
Address: 305 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320
Website: https://www.jhustontavern.com/

Montana: Bale of Hay Saloon, Virginia City (1863)

The Bale of Hay Saloon, established in 1863 in Virginia City, Montana, is a quintessential Gold Rush-era bar, reflecting the state’s mining heritage. While famous visitors are not extensively recorded, its early days drew prospectors, outlaws, and vigilantes, including figures like Calamity Jane, rumored to have visited. The saloon’s rustic wooden interior and live music preserve its Wild West charm, attracting tourists today.
Address: 344 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755
Website: https://www.baleofhaysaloon.com/

Nebraska: Glur’s Tavern, Columbus (1876)

Glur’s Tavern, opened in 1876 in Columbus, Nebraska, is the state’s oldest bar, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It served Buffalo Bill Cody, who frequented the tavern during his Wild West Show tours in the 1880s. The bar’s simple, wood-paneled interior and historical photos offer a glimpse into Nebraska’s frontier days, with cold beers and burgers drawing locals.
Address: 2301 11th St, Columbus, NE 68601
Website: https://www.glurstavern.com/

Nevada: Genoa Bar, Genoa (1853)

The Genoa Bar, established in 1853 in Genoa, Nevada, is the state’s oldest “thirst parlor,” housed in a former mercantile store. It welcomed Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant, and Teddy Roosevelt, drawn to its frontier ambiance during Nevada’s early days. The bar’s eclectic decor, including a diamond-dust mirror and movie props, complements its historical significance as a stagecoach stop.
Address: 2282 Main St, Genoa, NV 89411
Website: https://www.genoabarandsaloon.com/

New Hampshire: The Hancock Inn, Hancock (1789)

The Hancock Inn, established in 1789 in Hancock, New Hampshire, is the state’s oldest inn and tavern, serving as a stagecoach stop. While specific famous visitors are less documented, its role as a community hub attracted early New England elites, including politicians and writers. The inn’s cozy taproom, with fireplaces and colonial decor, offers craft beers and farm-to-table dining, preserving its historical charm.
Address: 33 Main St, Hancock, NH 03449
Website: https://www.hancockinn.com/

New Jersey: The Barnsboro Inn, Sewell (1720)

The Barnsboro Inn, opened in 1720 in Sewell, New Jersey, began as a log cabin tavern, serving colonial travelers. It hosted George Washington and other Revolutionary War figures, given its proximity to key battlegrounds. The inn’s restored 18th-century architecture and modern gastropub menu, featuring craft beers and seasonal dishes, make it a historical and culinary destination.
Address: 699 Main St, Sewell, NJ 08080
Website: https://www.barnsboroinn.com/

New Mexico: El Farol, Santa Fe (1835)

El Farol, established in 1835 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, began as a cantina along the Santa Fe Trail, known for its Spanish cuisine and flamenco performances. While specific famous visitors are not widely noted, its early role drew traders, artists, and local elites, including figures tied to New Mexico’s cultural heritage. The bar’s adobe architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a cultural landmark.
Address: 808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Website: https://www.elfarolsantafe.com/

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

Fraunces Tavern, established in 1762 in New York City, is a colonial-era landmark where George Washington bid farewell to his officers in 1783. It also hosted Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, key figures in the Revolution. The tavern’s museum and restored 18th-century dining rooms, serving craft beers and American fare, offer a tangible link to New York’s revolutionary past.
Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Website: https://www.frauncestavern.com/

North Carolina: Old Town Draught House, Greensboro (1896)

The Old Town Draught House, opened in 1896 in Greensboro, North Carolina, began as a saloon in a bustling textile town. While specific famous visitors are not extensively documented, its early role attracted local industrialists and workers, including figures tied to the tobacco and textile industries. The bar’s restored Victorian decor and craft beer selection make it a historical and social hub.
Address: 1205 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27403
Website: https://www.oldtowndraughthouse.com/

North Dakota: Peacock Alley, Bismarck (1937)

Peacock Alley, established in 1937 in Bismarck, North Dakota, began as a bar in the historic Patterson Hotel, known for its Art Deco elegance. It hosted President John F. Kennedy and Senator Hubert Humphrey during the 1960s, reflecting its political prominence. The bar’s restored decor and steakhouse menu preserve its mid-20th-century charm, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Address: 422 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Website: https://www.peacock-alley.com/

Ohio: The Hitching Post Saloon, Darrtown (1817)

The Hitching Post Saloon stands as a living relic of American history. Established in 1817, it holds the title of Ohio’s oldest continuously operating bar, a claim backed by over two centuries of serving travelers, locals, and curious visitors. From its humble beginnings as a stagecoach stop to its current role as a beloved community gathering spot, The Hitching Post is more than a bar—it’s a testament to resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of small-town Ohio.
Address: 4319 Hamilton Richmond Road, Darrtown, OH
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thehitchingpostsaloon/

Ohio: Ye Olde Tavern, Yellow Springs (1827)

Ye Olde Tavern, established in 1827 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, began as a stagecoach stop and inn, serving travelers along the Cincinnati-Columbus route. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, its early role drew regional pioneers and abolitionists, given Yellow Springs’ progressive history. The tavern’s cozy, 19th-century ambiance and comfort food make it a beloved local institution.
Address: 228 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Website: https://www.yeoldetavern.com/

Oklahoma: Eischen’s Bar, Okarche (1896)

Eischen’s Bar, opened in 1896 in Okarche, Oklahoma, is the state’s oldest bar, known for its fried chicken and simple, no-frills atmosphere. While famous visitors are not extensively noted, its early days attracted farmers, ranchers, and local notables, including figures tied to Oklahoma’s early statehood. The bar’s rustic charm and legendary chicken draw crowds from across the region.
Address: 109 2nd St, Okarche, OK 73762
Website: https://www.eischensbar.com/

Oregon: Huber’s Cafe, Portland (1879)

Huber’s Cafe, established in 1879 in Portland, Oregon, began as a saloon known for its Spanish coffee and turkey dinners. It served Theodore Roosevelt during his 1911 visit, reflecting its early prominence. The cafe’s stained-glass skylights and mahogany bar, preserved through Prohibition as a restaurant, offer a glimpse into Portland’s Gilded Age, with a menu that honors its culinary heritage.
Address: 411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Website: https://www.hubers.com/

Pennsylvania: City Tavern, Philadelphia (1773)

City Tavern, established in 1773 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a key Revolutionary War-era gathering place, hosting John Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. Rebuilt in 1976 after a 1854 fire, it recreates its 18th-century ambiance with period recipes and colonial decor, offering a historical dining and drinking experience in the heart of historic Philadelphia.
Address: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: https://www.citytavern.com/

Rhode Island: White Horse Tavern, Newport (1673)

The White Horse Tavern, established in 1673 in Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest bar in the U.S., originally a colonial meeting house. It hosted George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers, given its role as a political and social hub. The tavern’s restored 17th-century architecture and upscale menu make it a premier historical destination.
Address: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840
Website: https://www.whitehorsenewport.com/

South Carolina: The Tavern at Rainbow Row, Charleston (1749)

The Tavern at Rainbow Row, established in 1749 in Charleston, South Carolina, began as a public house in a bustling port city. It likely hosted George Washington and other colonial figures, given Charleston’s prominence. The tavern’s restored 18th-century charm, with low ceilings and exposed beams, offers craft beers and seafood in a historic setting.
Address: 120 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: https://www.tavernatrainbowrow.com/

South Dakota: Buffalo Bodega, Deadwood (1877)

The Buffalo Bodega, established in 1877 in Deadwood, South Dakota, is a Wild West saloon tied to the Black Hills Gold Rush. It served Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, who were regulars during Deadwood’s lawless days. The bar’s rustic interior and gaming tables preserve its frontier spirit, attracting tourists seeking a taste of the Old West.
Address: 658 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Website: https://www.buffalobodega.com/

Tennessee: Springwater Supper Club, Nashville (1896)

The Springwater Supper Club, opened in 1896 in Nashville, Tennessee, began as a bar near the Cumberland River, predating Nashville’s music fame. It hosted Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson in the 1960s and 1970s, drawn to its dive bar vibe. The club’s unpolished charm, live music, and cheap drinks make it a beloved piece of Nashville’s cultural history.
Address: 115 27th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://www.springwatersupperclub.com/

Texas: Scholz Garten, Austin (1866)

Scholz Garten, established in 1866 in Austin, Texas, was founded by German immigrant August Scholz, serving as a beer garden for Austin’s German community. It hosted Lyndon B. Johnson and other Texas politicians, given its proximity to the state capitol. The garten’s outdoor seating, live music, and German brews preserve its 19th-century heritage.
Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Website: https://www.scholzgarten.com/

Utah: Shooting Star Saloon, Huntsville (1879)

The Shooting Star Saloon, established in 1879 in Huntsville, Utah, is the state’s oldest bar, known for its Star Burger and frontier ambiance. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, its early role drew Mormon pioneers and ranchers, including local leaders. The saloon’s preserved wooden bar and taxidermy decor offer a glimpse into Utah’s rugged past.
Address: 7350 E 200 S, Huntsville, UT 84317
Website: https://www.shootingstarsaloon.com/

Vermont: Ye Olde Tavern, Manchester (1790)

Ye Olde Tavern, established in 1790 in Manchester, Vermont, began as a stagecoach stop and inn, serving New England travelers. While specific famous visitors are less noted, its early role attracted regional elites, including politicians and writers. The tavern’s colonial decor, with fireplaces and candlelit dining, offers a historical experience alongside local brews and seasonal dishes.
Address: 5183 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Website: https://www.yeoldetavern.net/

Virginia: The Tavern, Abingdon (1779)

The Tavern, established in 1779 in Abingdon, Virginia, began as a stagecoach stop and inn, serving travelers along the Great Wagon Road. It hosted Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay, key figures in early American politics. The tavern’s restored 18th-century architecture and Southern cuisine make it a historical and culinary landmark in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
Address: 222 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
Website: https://www.abingdontavern.com/

Washington: The Brick Saloon, Roslyn (1889)

The Brick Saloon, established in 1889 in Roslyn, Washington, is the state’s oldest bar, known for its original bar top and running-water spittoon. It served as a filming location for “Northern Exposure,” attracting actors like Rob Morrow in the 1990s. The saloon’s rustic charm and local beers preserve its mining-town heritage, drawing visitors to its historic ambiance.
Address: 100 W Pennsylvania Ave, Roslyn, WA 98941
Website: https://www.bricksaloon.com/

West Virginia: North End Tavern, Parkersburg (1898)

The North End Tavern, opened in 1898 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, began as a neighborhood bar in a bustling oil and gas town. While specific famous visitors are not widely documented, its early role drew local industrialists and workers, including figures tied to the region’s energy boom. The tavern’s cozy vibe and award-winning burgers make it a local institution.
Address: 3500 Emerson Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26104
Website: https://www.northendtavern.com/

Wisconsin: Monarch Public House, Fountain City (1894)

The Monarch Public House, established in 1894 in Fountain City, Wisconsin, began as a saloon along the Mississippi River, serving riverboat workers. While famous visitors are not extensively noted, its early role attracted local brewers and traders, including figures tied to Wisconsin’s beer industry. The pub’s Irish-inspired decor and craft beers honor its historical roots.
Address: 19 N Main St, Fountain City, WI 54629
Website: https://www.monarchpublichouse.com/

Wyoming: Occidental Saloon, Buffalo (1908)

The Occidental Saloon, established in 1908 in Buffalo, Wyoming, is part of the historic Occidental Hotel, known for its Wild West charm. It served Owen Wister, author of “The Virginian,” and Theodore Roosevelt, who visited during Wyoming’s ranching era. The saloon’s restored bar top and live music preserve its frontier legacy, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Address: 10 N Main St, Buffalo, WY 82834
Website: https://www.occidentalwyoming.com/

Washington, D.C.: Old Ebbitt Grill (1856)

The Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856 in Washington, D.C., began as a boarding house and saloon, becoming a political hub. It hosted Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as modern figures like Bill Clinton. The grill’s mahogany bar and Victorian decor offer a historical dining experience near the White House, serving classic American fare.
Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website: https://www.ebbitt.com/