8 Bars Older Than the American Revolution

In 1765 , the colony that would finally become the United States headed into two decades of political hullabaloo as they egress from beneath the ovolo of the British monarchy to establish their independency . Before the warfare began ( as well as during and after ) , colonists passed the clock time as people did almost everywhere else — by tope .

astonishingly , a few of the bars that spread out their threshold before the American Revolution are still standing today . Though grog in all probability is n’t on the menu any more , these centuries - old bar have story on their side .

White Horse Tavern

Opened:1673City : Newport , Rhode Island

Opening a full 92 years before the American Revolution began , the White Horse Tavern is the sometime bar in the United States . earlier a individual hall , its first proprietor sold the building to William Mayes Sr . , who converted it to a tavern in 1673 . Newport was a passably intense place back then , filled as it was with pirates , soldier of fortune , politicians and revolutionaries . In fact , a pirate ( William Mayes Jr. ) even operated the White Horse at one breaker point . The White Horse also served as a encounter Marguerite Radclyffe Hall for the dependency ’s General Assembly , Criminal Court and City Council for the next one C . If political science military operation were still impart bars , we cogitate more young people would be willing to enter polite service .

Broad Axe Tavern

Opened:1681City : Ambler , Pennsylvania

in 1681 , eight years after the Whitehorse Tavern open its doors , the Broad Axe Tavern started slinging drink . Situated at an intersection of crap roads a few miles outside Philadelphia the tap house not only served hungry and athirst locals , but also provided charge for travelers . Though you’re able to no longer book a room at the Broad Axe , some say you’re able to still catch a glance of its resident ghost , Rachel .

Barnsboro Inn

Opened:1720City : Sewell , New Jersey

undefended since 1720 , this Garden State stalwart got its head start as a meeting place for locals and visitors who demand a place to barge in — not unlike many watering trap of the time . Though it looks substantially unlike than when it was first built , the original logarithm cabin still houses the dining room .

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

Opened:1728City : Middleburg , Virginia

sum up to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 , this Virginian inn and tap house has host politicians and celebrities from John F. Kennedy to Paul Newman . Some believe a unseasoned George Washington even paid a visit . primitively open in 1728 as Chinn ’s average ( ordinary were taverns or lodge where you could get a full meal ) , today , it ’s still host to both locals and celebrities .

Middleton Tavern

Opened:1750City : Annapolis , Maryland

We should n’t only look to the Founding Fathers for wisdom on flow the country . Turns out they were also pretty good at acknowledge where to drink . According to Middleton Tavern , George Washington , Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all frequented its tap . Named after Horatio Middleton , who bought the holding in 1750 and publicise it as an “ hostel for seafaring Isle of Man , ” today the tavern boasts a naked measure ( featuring spiked huitre shooters ) and rooted drinks . Which is only appropriate , as , in addition to his other innovation Ben Franklin created the frozen margarita machine . ( Full disclosure : We wish that last fact was true . Sadly it is not . )

The Pirate’s House

Opened:1753City : Savannah , Georgia

Originally unfold as a auberge for tired sailors , it did n’t take long for The Pirate ’s House to turn into a raucous assemblage place where sailors and plagiarist drank grog and got into all way of chicanery . Today , thing are a bit less rowdy ; the Pirate ’s House bill itself as a kin - friendly spot . But you ’ll still find out potent , nautically - inspired cocktails on the menu .

The Old ‘76 House

Opened:1755City : Tappan , New York

Though the construction that house The Old ‘ 76 House was constructed in the 1600s , it did n’t become a tavern until halfway through the eighteenth century . Before and during the Revolutionary War , the ‘ 76 House was a oasis for subverter . A plaque out of doors of the tavern immortalize the patch where “ Major John Andre , British undercover agent , conspirator with Arnold , to fork over West Point , was confined before his execution . ” It ’s thought that Andre also steal a a valuable oil color house painting of Ben Franklin when the British left Philadelphia . No frosty margs for you , Andre !

Fraunces Tavern

Opened:1762City : New York City

This corner stripe in New York ’s Financial District opened just a few years before the revolution break out . Originally know as the Queen ’s Head Tavern , in 1785 it became the home office of John Jay ’s Department of Foreign Affairs . When governance moved south three yr later , the building reverted to being a tap house , albeit with a less monarchy - friendly name . Over the class , the tavern blow up , and is now a massive five - building space housing a bar , eating place and museum .