The Oldest Bars Still Serving Drinks in Every U.S. State
This article was originally published at lizanest.com.
Bars aren’t just places to grab a drink — they’re living time capsules, preserving centuries of history, community, and character. Across the United States, the oldest bar in each state tells a story of pioneers, sailors, cowboys, politicians, and everyday locals who gathered over food and ale. From colonial taverns that hosted founding fathers to Wild West saloons scarred by bullets, these establishments have endured wars, Prohibition, and cultural shifts. Together, they reveal a spirited journey through America’s past, one glass at a time.
#1: White Horse Tavern, Rhode Island
Opened to patrons in 1673, the White Horse Tavern in Newport holds the title of America’s oldest bar. Originally built as a private home in 1652, it transformed into a tavern just two decades later, quickly becoming a gathering place for sailors, colonists, and lawmakers.
Over the centuries, it has survived war, Prohibition, and the growth of Newport into a seaside destination. Visitors today can sip craft cocktails or dine on seafood beneath original timber beams and fireplaces, experiencing the same colonial atmosphere that drew in patrons more than 350 years ago.
#2: Griswold Inn Tap Room, Connecticut
When the Griswold Inn first opened its taproom doors in 1776, America itself was being born. Located in Essex, the inn’s bar quickly became a cornerstone for seafarers and townsfolk alike, offering respite in a community deeply tied to the shipbuilding and maritime trades.
The taproom is filled with historic charm, from nautical paintings to antique muskets lining its walls. Even after more than two centuries, it remains a convivial spot where travelers and locals can enjoy drinks in a space echoing with the voices of Revolutionary-era patrons.
#3: The Pirate’s House, Georgia
In Savannah, The Pirate’s House began serving seafarers in 1753, at a time when the city was still a fledgling colony. Located near the Savannah River, it earned its name by attracting sailors, adventurers, and perhaps a few notorious pirates looking for a meal and a mug.
Legend has it that tunnels beneath the building once spirited away unwilling sailors for ship crews. Whether myth or fact, the stories only add to the mystique. Today, guests can dine among old maps, timbered walls, and echoes of the city’s colorful maritime past.
#4: Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Louisiana
Dating back to around 1772, this Bourbon Street landmark is one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans and certainly among its most storied bars. Legend ties the building to Jean and Pierre Lafitte, the famed privateers who may have run smuggling operations out of the shop.
Today, the bar maintains its dimly lit, historic charm with flickering candles and weathered brick walls. It’s a favorite stop for those chasing both history and nightlife, blending pirate lore, French Quarter atmosphere, and a stiff cocktail in one unforgettable experience.