America’s oldest bars aren’t just places to grab a drink — they’re living pieces of history. These establishments have survived wars, economic crashes, Prohibition, changing tastes, and generations of patrons, all while keeping their doors open and their stories alive.
What makes these bars special isn’t just their age, but the fact that you can still walk in, sit down, and order a drink today. From coastal taverns to frontier saloons, these are ten of the oldest operating bars in America, each still pouring and proudly standing its ground.
White Horse Tavern – Newport, Rhode Island (Established 1673)
White Horse Tavern is widely considered the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. Opened during the colonial era, it originally served as a meeting place for merchants, politicians, and travelers arriving by sea.
Today, it still functions as both a bar and restaurant, with original beams and low ceilings that immediately signal its age. Sitting inside feels less like visiting a business and more like stepping into early American history.
Fraunces Tavern – New York City, New York (Established 1762)
Fraunces Tavern played a direct role in the founding of the United States. It’s famously known as the site where George Washington delivered his farewell address to his officers after the Revolutionary War.
While part of the building now serves as a museum, the bar remains fully operational. Visitors can order a drink in rooms where history was actively made, blending past and present in a uniquely American way.
The Bell in Hand Tavern – Boston, Massachusetts (Established 1795)
Founded by Boston’s town crier, The Bell in Hand Tavern has been serving drinks for more than two centuries. Its name comes from the bell the founder used while announcing news in the streets.
Still lively today, the tavern combines historic roots with a modern pub atmosphere. Its longevity speaks to Boston’s deep tavern culture and the enduring appeal of a well-run public house.
McSorley’s Old Ale House – New York City, New York (Established 1854)
McSorley’s is famous for doing things its own way — and not changing them. For decades, the bar served only two options: light or dark ale, both still poured today.
The walls are covered with memorabilia left behind by patrons over generations. The sawdust-covered floors and no-frills approach make McSorley’s feel frozen in time, in the best possible way.
Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington, D.C. (Established 1856)
Located just steps from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill has long been a gathering place for politicians, journalists, and locals. Its proximity to power has made it a quiet witness to American political history.
Despite its storied past, the bar remains busy and approachable. It’s proof that longevity doesn’t require stuffiness — just consistency and character.
The Green Dragon Tavern – Boston, Massachusetts (Established 1654 / modern operation)
The original Green Dragon Tavern was a central meeting spot for revolutionaries, earning the nickname “headquarters of the Revolution.” While the original building is gone, the modern incarnation continues the legacy nearby.
Today’s Green Dragon operates as a functioning bar and restaurant, consciously honoring its historic roots. It’s a reminder that continuity can be cultural as well as physical.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon – Baltimore, Maryland (Established 1775)
This Baltimore institution is often cited as the city’s oldest bar. Legend holds that Edgar Allan Poe had his last drink here before his mysterious death.
The bar still operates daily, blending historic charm with a casual atmosphere. Its uneven floors and original brick walls tell stories long before the first drink is poured.
The Buckhorn Exchange – Denver, Colorado (Established 1893)
Founded shortly after Colorado became a state, The Buckhorn Exchange began as a saloon serving miners, cowboys, and politicians. It has been continuously operating ever since.
Known for its Western décor and Old Frontier feel, the bar reflects a different chapter of American history — one rooted in expansion and rugged independence.
Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar – New Orleans, Louisiana (Established late 1700s)
This atmospheric New Orleans bar claims ties to pirate Jean Lafitte, though its true origins remain debated. What’s certain is that the building itself dates back to the late 18th century.
Candlelit and dark even during the day, the bar feels deliberately removed from modern time. It remains one of the most distinctive drinking experiences in the country.
The Saloon – San Francisco, California (Established 1861)
San Francisco’s oldest bar has survived fires, earthquakes, and massive urban change. The Saloon opened just before the Civil War and remains standing in North Beach today. Its survival through disaster gives it a special status. Live music, strong drinks, and a loyal local crowd keep the bar firmly alive in the present.
What these bars share isn’t just age — it’s resilience. Each has adapted just enough to survive without losing the identity that made it matter in the first place. In a country constantly reinventing itself, these establishments offer something rare: continuity. You don’t just drink in these bars — you participate in a story that’s been unfolding for centuries.