15 Best Historic Bars in the U.S. (and Signature Recipes!)
America's Colonists first arrived in 1607. And, as you might expect when leaving behind a "civilized" world to forge new paths, a stiff drink or two was needed. From the country's beginnings spun taverns and inns, some of which still stand and serve a pint to this day.
Here are the country's 15 oldest historic bars, along with their signature cocktail recipes that have been served to patrons for centuries. Take this tour, and raise a glass to the backbone of America.
Ye Olde Tavern, Vermont
First pour: 1790
Location: Manchester
Originally called the Stagecoach Inn when it first opened in 1790, Ye Olde Tavern was popular with the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont, the Revolutionary militia.
When it became a hotel in 1860, known as Thayer's Hotel, it was the first in the town of Manchester to receive a telephone. Due to its historic roots, the property was added to the Vermont Register of Historic Places in 2020.
Classic Drink of Vermont
It may not be a signature of specifically Ye Olde Tavern, but a classic native drink is the Old Vermont, which is made with — what else? — maple syrup.
How to Mix
- Fill a shaker with all ingredients and ice cubes.
- Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
Recipe courtesy of Absolut
The Hancock Inn, New Hampshire
First pour: 1789
Location: Hancock
What is now known as the Hancock Inn is the oldest continuously operating inn in New Hampshire, having been opened by Noah Wheeler just six years after the Revolutionary War ended. While there's no real record of the inn's original name, it became known as the Fox Tavern when Wheeler's son-in-law, Jedediah Fox, took over, and the Fox Tavern still serves as the inn's bar and restaurant today.
A frequent guest of the historic tavern back then? Senator Franklin Pierce before he went on to become the 14th president of the U.S.
Classic Drink From the Hancock Inn
The Fox Tavern at the Hancock Inn's signature drink is a good, old-fashioned drink that came from New York. Manhattan, to be exact.
How to Mix
- Add ice, Bulleit, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass.
- Stir.
- Strain into a glass.
- Garnish with cherry.
Recipe courtesy of Drizly
Jameson Tavern, Maine
First pour: 1779
Location: Freeport
Originally a home built in 1779, the Jameson Tavern did not open until Captain Samuel Jameson bought the home in 1801.
The tavern welcomed notables like the poet Wadsworth Longfellow and, again, Franklin Pierce. It was also a popular meeting spot for those business men who helped the Province of Maine get its independence from Massachusetts.
Classic Drink by Jameson
Captain Jameson undoubtedly had some family connection to the American whiskey maker of the same name. Try a classic mule made with it.
How to Mix
- Add ice, whiskey, lime juice, ginger syrup into a shaker.
- Shake and strain into a copper mule mug.
- Add ice and fill with ginger beer.
- Garnish with lime.
Recipe courtesy of Jameson Whiskey
The Old Talbott Tavern, Kentucky
First pour: 1779
Location: Bardstown
The Old Talbott has been called "the oldest western stagecoach stop in America." Catering to pioneers making their way out west, the upper floor was originally a loft for travelers until individual rooms were added in 1805. Notable guests included Andrew Jackson and Daniel Boone.
The inn has a place in Kentucky bourbon history, too, as the Talbotts were close to William and Leslie Samuels of Maker's Mark. In 1916, Talbott's was bought by T.D. Beam, the brother of bourbon maker Jim Beam. As you might expect, the tavern offers more than 200 different bourbons.
Classic Drink of Kentucky Horse Country
In the land of horse breeding and races, there is nothing more classic in Kentucky than some good local bourbon muddled in mint.
How to Mix
- Add mint and syrup into a julep cup.
- Gently muddle mint.
- Add crushed ice.
- Pour bourbon over the ice.
- Stir and garnish with sprig of mint.
Recipe courtesy of Maker's Mark
Griswold Inn Tap Room, Connecticut
First pour: 1776
Location: Essex
Opened by Uriah Hayden just before the Declaration of Independence was signed, this tavern was known for housing shipyard workers and offering a tavern to those who visited the town (originally called Saybrook). It began as The Oliver Cromwell, and it witnessed historic moments — everything from the War of 1812 to the Temperance Movement in the 1840s — from its riverfront perch.
The Connecticut River provided a way for the "Gris" to contribute during Prohibition with "rum runners" working all night. The property has served as a backdrop in movies and television.
Classic Drink Inspired by Prohibition
In honor of the rum runners transporting alcohol along the Connecticut River from the Griswold in the middle of the night, try a classic rum runner with a twist.
How to Mix
- Mix all liquor with ice.
- Pour into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with fruit.
Recipe courtesy of Drizly
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Louisiana
First pour: 1772
Location: New Orleans
You can just feel the history oozing out of this French Quarter bar found on the corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip streets, considered the oldest bar to be used only as such in the country.
Built between 1722 and 1732, it became a place where alcohol flowed in 1772 when the Lafitte Brothers took ownership and began using it as their smuggling-business base.
Classic Drink of the Blacksmith Shop
It's practically impossible to pop into the Blacksmith Shop and not have the "Purple Drank." The Voodoo Daquiri can be taken to go and will certainly put its spell on you.
How to Mix
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend at medium speed until smooth.
- Serve in a plastic cup a la the French Quarter.
Recipe courtesy of The Barkeep
The Old '76 House, New York
First pour: 1755
Location: New York
This home was constructed in 1668 and then became a tavern in 1755, making it the oldest restaurant in the country. The tavern served weary travelers, including those from the Continental Army and its Commander in Chief, then-General George Washington.
The Old '76 earned the nickname Andre's Prison due to a Revolutionary conspiracy. While Benedict Arnold was betraying his country, Major John Andre joined him as a spy on the side of the British. Andre was captured and imprisoned in the Old '76 while it was an inn serving as Washington's headquarters.
Classic Drink of America's Forefathers
The Revolutionary War heroes were very fond of Madeira, a Portuguese red wine. While most drank beer, wine and cider, Benjamin Franklin was said to enjoy milk punch, which is made in a large batch. (This recipe serves 12 to 14.)
How to Mix
- Remove the peel from all lemons with a vegetable peeler, only removing the yellow part of the rind.
- Add lemon peels to brandy and steep for 24 hours.
- Juice lemons until you have 2 cups of lemon juice; reserve the remaining juice in the fridge.
- After peels have steeped, strain brandy and discard peels.
- Add lemon juice, water, sugar and freshly grated nutmeg to brandy; stir well.
- Heat milk in large pot over medium heat; do not scorch or burn.
- When milk is hot, turn off heat and add in brandy mixture. Curds will immediately form. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes; stir then let sit for 20 minutes; stir; then let sit for 1.5 hours.
- Strain punch through a jelly bag or coffee filter (a pillowcase is recommended for draining it all at once). Discard curds.
- Refrigerate punch until ready to serve; garnish with grated nutmeg.
Recipe courtesy of Food Republic
The Pirates' House, Georgia
First pour: 1753
Location: Savannah
The waterways of America's south were notorious for having pirates, including those sailing into Savannah via its river.
Just a block from the Savannah River, an inn welcomed pirates who gathered. This house received a loving renovation in 1945 and to this day remains a gathering place for food and drink.
Classic Drink of the Pirates' House (and All of Savannah)
Just like a pirate's treasure, the recipe to Chatham Artillery Punch is top secret. Named Savannah's strongest weapon, the punch made at Chatham Artillery is said to have been found in horse buckets and was not only delicious but also deadly to all who succumbed to its powers. This recipe is made in batches — this one serving 160.
How to Mix
- Combine wine, rum, tea and lemon juice in a container; stir well.
- Cover and let stand for a week, stirring occasionally.
- When ready to serve, pour into a large punch bowl.
- Add ice, champagne and fruit, and stir to blend.
Recipe courtesy of Paste
Middleton Tavern, Maryland
First pour: 1750
Location: Annapolis
This tavern served as a meeting place for the Continental Congress, seeing the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin imbibe while inside. It is even said that James Monroe celebrated here after winning the presidency.
The tavern and property operated a ferry that would transport travelers across the Chesapeake Bay. Today, it has been expanded and restored.
Classic Drink of Middleton Tavern
Middleton Tavern offers its "Pickled" Bloody Mary as a signature cocktail, featuring green, yellow and red peppers as well as cucumber and green beans. This recipe shares how to can and pickle your garnishes for your own Bloody Mary.
How to Mix
- Bring water bath to a boil in a large canning pot.
- Slice cucumbers lengthwise and slice hot peppers and garlic.
- Combine all spices in a small bowl and mix.
- Divide all ingredients and spices into canning jars evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and vinegar to a simmer.
- Pour hot liquid over ingredients in jars, leaving half headspace at the rim.
- Put lids onto jars and place carefully into water bath; lower temperature.
- Place lid on canning pot and let boil for 10 minutes.
- Using tongs or jar lifters, carefully remove the jars from the pot and let cool at room temperature for 24 hours.
Recipe courtesy of Stef's Eats and Sweet
New Boston Inn, Massachusetts
First pour: 1737
Location: Sandisfield
Many of the historic taverns on this list may have a ghost story or two, and that is especially the case inside this Western Massachusetts inn that had its share of Revolutionary characters pass through its doors.
It's the ghost of Harriet, however, who lingers. This young woman would spend her summers in the Berkshires in the early 1800s, and as many tragic tales go, she fell in love with a farm boy she was not allowed to marry. It resulted in her murder inside the inn, and she has been spotted long after she was gone.
Classic Drink Inspired by Harriet
Have a drink in Harriet's honor with this eerie cocktail.
How to Mix
- Combine vodka and creme de cacao in a cocktail shaker.
- Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass.
- Pour vodka mixture over ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh nutmeg.
Recipe courtesy of Key Ingredient
Red Fox Inn, Virginia
First pour: 1728
Location: Virginia
Many of the Founding Fathers lived in Virginia (more presidents are from here than any other state), and the Red Fox Inn was a favorite meeting place. The inn witnessed both the Revolutionary and Civil wars and the good days in between, standing for nearly 300 years.
It continues to welcome notable politicians and celebrities, from Elizabeth Taylor to Paul Newman to Tom Cruise.
Classic Drink of Red Fox Inn
In horse country, the Red Fox loves to serve up mint juleps as well as this sweet concoction of mint and berries.
How to Mix
- Squeeze lime into a cocktail shaker, then add other ingredients.
- Gently muddle the berries and herbs.
- Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Optional: Top with soda or sparkling wine.
- Add a sprig of mint or berries as a garnish.
Recipe courtesy of Drunken Botanist
Jessop's Tavern, Delaware
First pour: 1724
Location: New Castle
Also closing in on its 300th anniversary, this building built by Abraham Jessop was his home and cooper business in 1724. It witnessed many changes in its years, often as a restaurant and tavern, becoming the tavern it is today in 1996 when the Day family took control and renamed it in honor of the original homeowner.
You'll find the staff decked out in Colonial attire in honor of the tavern's original place here on Delaware Street.
Classic Drink to Flip For
In the early days, the main drinks of choice at this tavern were wine and beer, but once a drink combining rum and molasses with beer was introduced in the 1690s, Colonials "flipped."
How to Mix
- Beat eggs.
- Add eggs, rum and molasses/sugar into a pitcher; beat to combine.
- Heat ale over a low flame in a saucepan until it begins to steam.
- Pour the warm beer slowly over the rum mixture.
- Pour the drink back and forth between vessels until blended.
- Pour into a pint glass and shave nutmeg over the top.
Recipe courtesy of Serious Eats
King George Inn, Pennsylvania
First pour: 1681
Location: Bristol
It's a shame that one of the country's oldest taverns, the Broad Axe Tavern, closed in 2019, having first begun operations in 1681. But considering the Philadelphia area is one of the oldest in the nation, the King George Inn, which opened the same year, is happy to take over the title for the city.
It's also the oldest continuously operating inn in America. With its beginnings entrenched in British founding, the bar and other items within this property hailed from England and came across the ocean with settlers.
Classic Drink of Philadelphia
It was a private society of Pennsylvania that created "America's First Cocktail." Philadelphia's Fish House Punch, which spread outside of Philly's boundaries, wasn't created until 1732, though, nearly 50 years after King George Inn opened!
How to Mix
- Peel lemons, reserving rinds.
- In a large bowl, add sugar and lemon peels, and rub them together to release the citrus oils into the sugar; let sit for 30 minutes.
- Dissolve sugar with warm water or tea.
- Add rum, cognac, lemon juice and peach brandy; stir to mix.
- Add a block of ice to chill, and continue to add smaller pieces of ice to dilute to taste.
- Garnish with lemon wheels and freshly grated nutmeg.
Recipe courtesy of Punch
Barnsboro Inn, New Jersey
First pour: 1720
Location: Sewell
The building itself dates back to 1720, but it didn't become a tavern until the year America received its independence.
While it's seen lots of changes over its 300 years, the logs set to create the cabin remain the same as when they were first placed by John Budd.
Classic Drink of Colonials
Beer and rum, rum and beer. Two of the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages in Colonial American taverns. The Rattle Skull combined the two to "rattle your skull" after a hard day.
How to Mix
- Prepare brown sugar syrup by combining water and brown sugar in a small saucepan and bringing to a boil.
- Let cool.
- In a pint glass, mix rum, juice and syrup with a touch of beer.
- Top with the remaining beer and garnish with nutmeg.
Recipe courtesy of Feast
White Horse Tavern, Rhode Island
First pour: 1673
Location: Newport
Not only is the White Horse Tavern the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States, but it is also the 10th oldest in the world. In fact, it's even a national landmark. In its 350 years, it has only had nine owners.
From its beginnings, it has been renowned for dinner meetings and special events, as it continues as a Rhode Island icon to this day.
Classic Drink of Sailors
The tavern's signature drink is a mint julep, but it also features a Dark 'N Stormy, which is beloved by sailors who sail Newport's Narragansett Bay. Remember: It's not a true Dark 'N Stormy without Gosling's Black Seal rum — the company even trademarked the name!
How to Mix
- Add rum and lime juice to a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Recipe courtesy of Liquor.com