Pre-dating Prohibition
Atland House, Abbottstown - Est 1763, "Atland" since 1880
Black Bass Hotel, Lumberville - Est. 1745 as a tavern (Temple Bar), 1887 or earlier as "Black Bass" (historyofbuckscounty) (ETBC)
Black Powder Tavern - Est. 1746, "Black Powder" since?
Blue Bell Inn, Whitpain - Built 1743, "Blue Bell" since 1796
Bluebird Inn, Lebanon - Est 1859, "Bluebird" c.1933
Brittingham's, Lafayette Hill - Est. 1743, "Brittingham's" since 1970s
Brush Creek Inn, Warrendale - Est. 1886, "Brush Creek" since 1974
Bube's Brewery, Mount Joy - Est. 1859, Bube's brewery est. 1876, out of operation 1920-2001, current "Bube's" est. 2001 - blog
Conestoga Restaurant, Lancaster - Est. 1741, current building c.1789
Continental Tavern, Yardley - Est. 1877, after previous structure by Yardleys burned down in 1876, "Continental" since 1946 (ETBC)
Dobbin House Tavern, Gettysburg - Est. (and built) 1776
Duffy's Tavern, Boalsburg - Est. 1819
Forest House Hotel, Mifflinburg - Est. 1866
Gardenville Hotel, Pipersville - Built 1732, First petition for license in 1760, burned to the ground in 1871, "Gardenville" since ?
Harper's Tavern, Annville - Est. 1804
Franklin House Tavern, Schaefferstown - Est. 1746
General Warren, Malvern - Est. 1745, "General Warren" in 1825
Horse Tavern & Grille, AKA White Horse, Sellersville - Est. 1770s
Hublersburg Inn, Est. 1827, current bar space est. 1965
Inn at Bully's Restaurant, Columbia - Est. 1903, "Bully's" since 1980s
Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford - Bar est. 1780, constructed by 1762
King George II Inn, Bristol - Est. 1681, Current building 1765, King George II since mid 1900s
Langhorne Hotel Tavern, Langhorne - Est. by 1724 (first tavern license)
Logan Inn, New Hope - Est. 1722, "Logan" since c.1820s
McCoole's Red Lion Inn, Quakertown - Est. 1747, "Red Lion" since 1793
McGillin's Olde Ale House, Philadelphia - Est. 1860 (est. as "Bell in Hand" but called "McGillin's since then)
Myford Hotel Bar, Charleroi - Est. 1895, "Myford" since 1907
Pineville Tavern, Pineville - Const. 1742, Inn est. by 1765
Piper Tavern, Pipersville - Est. 1759, current building 1884, "Pipers" since ?
Quentin Tavern, Lebanon - Est. mid 1800s, const. 1700s
Rising Sun, Telford - Est. 1752, built 1739
Rohman's Pub, Shohola - Est 1849, current building 1870s
Stone House Restaurant and Inn, Farmington - Est. 1822 - History
Sullivan's Pub, Erie - Est. 1905
Sweneys Tavern / Farnsworth House, Gettysburg - Est. 1810, current building 1833, "Farnsworth" since ?
Tavern at the Sun Inn, Bethlehem - Est 1760, expanded in 1826, 1866, closed to travelers in early 1960s
U.S. Hotel & Tavern, Hollidaysburg - Est. 1835
Washington Crossing Inn, Washington Crossing - Est. 1817
William Penn Inn, Gwynedd - Est. 1714
Post Prohibition
White Rose Bar & Grill, York - Est 1933
Iberian Lounge, Hershey - Est. 1933
Costanza Stone Tavern, Arona - Est. 1935? - Building constructed 1838 or 1832, former wagon stop
Now Closed / No Longer a Bar
Broad Axe Tavern, Ambler - Est. 1681, closed Jan 2019
City Tavern, Philadelphia - Originally Est. 1773, current structure rebuilt 1975, closed 2020
The General, Lafayette Hill - "This tavern opened as a small inn back in 1732, which through the years was known as the Three Tuns, Trooper, Barren Hill Hotel and the General Lafayette Inn. It was in this region previously known as Barren Hill that General Lafayette and his troops were stationed to spy on the British in Philadelphia, hence the various references in the tavern's names." (pennlive)
The General Wayne Inn, Merion - Destroyed by fire in 1964, only wall and roof beams remained; "Myths overlaid facts about this special gathering place for more than 250 years. Somewhere in or under the building stand remnants of original walls built in 1709 for Robert Jones (Robert ap John), second of four sons of John ap Thomas, Quaker leader and co-purchaser of land directly from William Penn, who died before the family sailed to America. Robert was a member of the Provincial Assembly and a justice of the peace in colonial times, but never an innkeeper. When he died in 1746, he left the property to grandson Silas Jones of Darby who rented it to Anthony Tunis. Tunis, so far as is known, was the first to operate an “Ordinary,” serving meals at a fixed price."
Mt. Washington Tavern, Farmington/Wharton - Est. c.1927, now maintained by National Park Service - History - Land once owned by Geo Washington, near Fort Necessity, where he fought his first battle
The Saloon, previously Township House, Newton - Closed 2018, constructed 1821, First tavern license in 1840
Old Stone Tavern, West End - Est. by 1782, probably in 1777, closed 2009
Stagecoach Inn, Fallsington / Levittown - Constructed c.1793, Tavern license since 1799, Closed as tavern during prohibition, Owned by Historic Fallsington, known as National House for most its history
Witmer's Tavern, East Lampeter Township - Original structure may have been built in 1725, expanded in 1773
Newer Bars in Old Buildings
Black Power Tavern, Wayne - Built 1746, bar est. 1996 or earlier, "Black Powder" since 2013
Buck Hotel Bar, Feasterville - Est. 1735 in some capacity?
Bulls Head Inn - Est. 2010, Inn est. 1764, became General Sutter Inn 1930s, hotel became Lititz Spring Hotel again in recent years
Hattery Stove and Still - Est. ?
Kaufman Tavern, Zelienople - Hotel est. 1902
Oak Room Pub, Mansions on Fifth - Est. 2011, mansion built 1906
Rocco's at the Brick - Brick Hotel const. c.1763
Tavern on the Square, New Wilmington - bar est. 2019, restaurant est. 1931, built 1849
Temperance House, Newton - Est. 1772 as schoolhouse with tavern attached; changed to ice cream shop for many years
Wooden Keg Tavern, St. Claire - Est. 2005, hotel built 1860s
The Woods House, Pittsburgh - Est. 2020, built 1792
?
MAYBE - Hilltop Bar and Grill, Danville
MAYBE - Penn's Tavern Historical Waterfront Restaurant, Lewisburg (south of Milton)
MAYBE - Riverside Saloon, Lock Haven (north of Rote and Cedar Springs)
Black Powder Tavern, Wayne - Since 1746, the building that houses this tavern has played a part in the establishment of our nation; first as a respite for stagecoach travelers expanding westward and later as a covert rendezvous point for George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and other leaders of the American revolution. It is believed that during the infamous winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge, a major figure in the Continental Army, master military mind Friedrich Von Steuben, designated the tavern as a secret black powder munitions stash for Continental Army couriers. All the while, the tavern continued to provide food, shelter and cheer to the hungry, weary soldiers fighting for their independence. Today, we honor our historic tavern’s tradition with a mission to raise the spirits of our guests. We invite you to experience the small and large plates, craft beers and revolutionary hospitality that is Black Powder Tavern. It was Wineberries restaurant since c.1996; owners changed to "Black Power Tavern" in 2013
Blue Bell Inn, Whitpain (Blue Bell), PA - Built 1743, highly remodeled and added to since; in 1777 pursuing British troops caught up with Washington's colonial militia here, after their loss in the battle of Germantown; Washington occasionally visited the tavern in the two and half weeks he made the area his headquarters, before eventually retreating to Valley Forge; In 1796, a tower was erected over the Inn to house a distinct bell and the establishment’s name was changed from The White House to The Blue Bell Inn. In 1840 the local denizens elected to rename the town from “Pigeontown” to Blue Bell after the prominent blue bell atop the Inn.
Brittingham's, Lafayette Hill - Brittingham's was known as The Farmers and Drovers Hotel in the 1800s, as it offered sheds to protect livestock in addition to rooms for human guests. The hotel also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The current iteration came after Frank and Nancy Brittingham purchased the property in the 1970s, giving it an Irish theme. Though the owners have since changed, the name and historic walls and woodwork remains.
"Established in 1743, this building has been in continuous use as a tavern, inn, dance hall, pub and restaurant for more than 272 years—and it has stories to tell! It’s been on the right side of history again and again. Many a tankard was raised to the Continental cause here during the Revolution, when it was called The Trooper. Washington and Lafayette are rumored to have stopped here, and Lafayette’s troops billeted here after the Battle of Barren Hill in 1777. (By then, it had already been serving ale and a warm welcome to travelers and neighbors for more than 35 years.) Known as “The Farmers and Drovers Hotel” during the 1800s, the Inn offered extensive sheds to weather livestock as it was herded down the Ridge and Germantown roads. At this time, it also became a stop on the Underground Railroad, with a tunnel (now sealed off, but still existing) stretching to the General Lafayette Hotel and then on to St. Peter’s cemetery." (brittinghams.com)
City Tavern, Philadelphia
1772 to 1773: Fifty-three prominent citizens commission the building of the City Tavern, which is to be “a large and commodious tavern” that will be worthy of Philadelphia’s standing as the largest, most prosperous city in the colonies.
December 1773: City Tavern opens for business. The building has five levels and includes kitchens, a bar room, two coffee rooms, and three dining rooms; the second largest ballroom in the New World; five lodging rooms and servants quarters. Daniel Smith, its first proprietor, leases the Tavern for £300 per year, an amount roughly equivalent to five years of wages for the common man. He resides there from 1774 to 1778.
May 1774: Paul Revere arrives at the Tavern to announce Parliament’s closing the port of Boston. The next day, two to three hundred prominent Philadelphians meet at City Tavern to select a committee of correspondence to draft a letter of sympathy for Revere to take back to Boston.
September to October 1774: City tavern is the unofficial meeting place of the delegates before and after sessions of the first Continental Congress, convened at nearby Carpenters’ Hall. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Richard Henry Lee and Peyton Randolph are among the participants.
1776 to 1777: Continental and British troops use City Tavern to house prisoners of war. Military courts-martial are also held there.
July 4, 1777: America’s first Fourth of July celebration is held at City Tavern.
August 3 to 5, 1777: General Washington and his aides-de-camp share table and quarters at City Tavern, making the Tavern the official headquarters of the Continental Army for three days.
1778: On December 10, politician John Jay is elected president of the Continental Congress, while staying as a guest at the Tavern.
1783: The Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati is formed at City Tavern in the second floor northwest dining room.
1784: Original subscribers sell City Tavern to Samuel Powel, a prominent Philadelphian and former mayor of the city.
September 1787: After signing the Constitution, the delegates adjourned to the City Tavern, which John Adams described as the “most genteel tavern in America,” for a farewell dinner
January 1789: City Tavern’s two front rooms become headquarters of the Merchants’ Coffee House and Place of Exchange.
April 1789: City Tavern hosts a banquet for George Washington as he passes through Philadelphia on his way to New York for his inauguration.
March 1834: City Tavern’s roof catches fire; the building is heavily damaged.
1854: The surviving structure is razed.
1948: Congress authorized Independence National Historical Park to preserve certain important buildings and sites of significant national importance, encompassing more than forty buildings on forty-two acres, including the site of the original City Tavern.
1975: Historically accurate replication of the original Tavern is completed according to period images, written accounts and insurance surveys.
1976: The newly rebuilt Tavern opens in time for the bicentennial. The restaurant is managed by a large food service company.
1994: Walter Staib wins congressional approval as operator of the Tavern, which re-opens for business on July 4, featuring eighteenth century style gourmet cuisine.
2009-2020: Chef Staib’s A Taste of History premiers on PBS winning thirteen Emmy Awards.
Conestoga Restaurant, Lancaster - An inn was first constructed at this location in 1741. The present building was built by Abraham Witmer around 1789. The name and owners have changed many times in the past, however, the name “Conestoga Inn” was used most often. Conestoga Restaurant’s unique structure dates back to the 1700s. Originally, the building served as an Inn. The name “Conestoga Inn” stood steadfast throughout the changes in ownership and carries over to your present day “Conestoga Restaurant”.
Continental Tavern, Yardley - "In 2007 the Continental Tavern was purchased and historical renovation began. The new proprietors intended to return the property to its original style and configuration from 1877. The previous two proprietors had owned the property for a combined 62 years, but were never aware of the treasure trove of history hidden beneath the building in a “secret” basement chamber. During construction, a large chamber was found in the basement below the kitchen. The chamber was approximately 15 feet by 15 feet with 18 inch stone walls. There was no entrance into the chamber from the outside or from the rest of the basement, which means that there had to have been a trap door from above. Construction workers had to enter the chamber to run mechanical systems through it. What they found inside was starling. One corner of the chamber contained a mysterious quarter circle stone wall. The chamber was 4 feet from floor to ceiling. As crews began to dig every shovelful of dirt contained unusual artifacts — alcohol bottles, apothecary items, figurines, personal care products, tungsten light bulbs, an enigmatic weapon, and numerous other items pictured here on the website. A few stones were removed from the quarter circle stone wall to reveal a 5 foot diameter cylindrical stone tunnel which went deep into the ground. Local Underground Railroad historians indicated that the tunnel was connected to a series of tunnels which came up from the canal and connected the Tavern with 2 other Yardley structures. These buildings were way stations on the Underground Railroad which was in operation from the early 1800’s through the Civil War. The excavation turned into an archeological dig, with all artifacts being cataloged and dated. It is estimated that the chamber holds over 10,000 empty whiskey bottles from the Prohibition era. The material is easily dated due to old newspapers, license plates and coins buried along with the artifacts. The dig is truly a history of Yardley through buried treasures. Visitors to the Tavern can view these artifacts at different locations around the Tavern."
Dobbin House, Gettysburg - The Dobbin House Tavern, known also as Dobbin House, on 89 Steinwehr Avenue in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a tavern which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was established in 1776, making it the oldest standing structure in the town limits of Gettysburg. It was built to be a home for Reverend Alexander Dobbin and his family. The building may have been a first stop on the Underground Railroad north of the Mason–Dixon line, although this has not been substantiated. During and after the Battle of Gettysburg, the house served as a temporary field hospital. During the latter half of the 20th century, the Dobbin House was home to a large Civil War diorama and a gift center catering to battlefield tourists. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, the house is a popular tavern and restaurant.
Duffy's Tavern, Boalsburg - Colonel James Johnston and his wife, Hannah, built the Boalsburg Tavern in 1819. Using limestone quarried nearby and cut on the premises, the beautiful stone structure became the centerpiece of the town diamond. The tavern has passed through many owners in the 200 years it has served the townspeople and travelers. Your current hosts, Tracey and Darren, welcome you. Tracey manages the business end of things, while Darren commands the kitchen. Together, they work to make Duffy’s Tavern your favorite fine dining location! To learn more about the history of the tavern, we recommend The History of the Boalsburg Tavern – and the Woman Who Saved It To learn more about the community, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, might we recommend: Historic Boalsburg, Pennsylvania
Franklin House, Schaefferstown - Alexander Schaeffer emigrated from Germany to south-central Pa. In the early 18th century. In 1740 he purchased 200 acres of good fertile limestone land near the foothills of the South Mountain. Shaeffer laid out a village around a large central square at the intersection of two main roads, east and west, from Harris’s Ferry to Ephrata via the Cornwall Iron Furnace, and north to south, from Conrad Weiser’s settlement at Tulpehocken to Lancaster, passing by the Elizabeth Furnace in Brickerville. He would call his new village Heidelberg and immediately began selling building lots but keeping one of the best lots on the square for himself. Schaeffer built a large limestone building with brown sandstone steps and curbing on the northwest corner of Main and Market Street, there in 1746 he opened and ran the “King George” tavern. The popularity of the tavern grew as teamsters, drovers, freighters and travelers had occasion to share in its hospitality. Schaeffer’s farm provided the tavern with everything from fresh produce and meat, to distilled or fermented drink, but Schaeffer himself lived at the inn. The tavern also had a stable on the north side of the building so there would be accommodations for the horses and mules. Schaeffer also installed underground wooden pipes connecting a spring at the north end of Market Street filling two troughs or fountains in the town square right in front of the King George. It’s no wonder the people would come to refer to this village as “Schaeffer’s Town”. The Revolutionary War brought about a name change for the tavern, for a short period of time it was known as the “George Washington”, before finally changing to the “Franklin House”. It wasn’t until 1883 that it underwent a major renovation by owner John Graybill in order to add more room. A third floor was constructed by replacing the gabled roof with a bracketed Mansard roof adding three more bedrooms in the front and a large meeting room in the back accommodating local lodge meetings and the Schaefferstown Band. A full porch was constructed over the first floor creating a balcony accessible from the second floor where two windows were turned into doors. On the first floor individual doors were installed separating the bar and the dining room and an addition was added to the rear of the old hotel almost equal to the size of the original building. The 20th century brought the addition of amenities that most of us consider essential, electricity and indoor plumbing. Gone are the days of heating, lighting or refrigerating that involve candles, coal buckets or ice layered with sawdust in the cellar. Keeping the Tavern contemporary is an ongoing process. Owners since 2019, Brock Moshier and Kyle Weaver and General Manager Jennifer Oliviero have been keeping current by modernizing the conveniences while trying to keep the historical ambiance. The Franklin House accommodates groups for parties and offers a wide variety of dinner specials on weeknights. The tavern serves several local beers on draft along with mixed drinks with house infused liquors. Whether you dine in the tavern, the restaurant, or outside, you’ll enjoy the delicious food, friendly service and casual atmosphere at The Franklin House Tavern.
Gardenville Hotel, Pipersville - Built in 1732 ... "The Gardenville Hotel has had a variety of names since it first was constructed at the intersection of Durham Road (Route 413) and Point Pleasant Pike in the 1700s. Early records indicate it was named the Plough Tavern, and the original stone building can still be found in the bar area."
General Warren, Malvern - The story of the General Warren can be followed through its name changes. Originally named for two British naval heroes, the "Sign of Admiral Vernon" was established in 1745 by George Aston to honor Edward "Old Grog" Vernon and re-named the "Sign of Admiral Warren" in 1746 for Sir Peter Warren, hero of Louisburg. Local militia and British troops rendezvoused here 1758/59 for the Forbes/Stanwix Expedition to Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh), securing British control of the Ohio Valley. In 1777, New Jersey Continentals from Washington's Army camped here the night before the "Battle of the Clouds" on September 16.
American Revolution - Lord Cornwallis's Division from Howe's Army passed by on September 18, and near midnight on September 20, British forces under General Charles "No-flint" Grey paused here enroute to the Battle of Paoli (1 mile south of this point) seeking information about Wayne's camp. Tavern keeper Peter Mather, reputedly a Loyalist, refused cooperation and was held captive at the tavern with other civilians during the battle; all were eventually released unharmed.
The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Era - Purchased from the Penn family in 1786 by Casper Fahnestock, an "old Sieben-tager" (Seventh-Day worshiper) from Ephrata Cloister, "the Warren" was popular with German farmers and wagon masters carrying goods from Lancaster to Philadelphia. Business thrived with the 1792-96 construction of The Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, America's first long, "macadamized" toll road paved with gravel. Direct U. S. Mail stage wagon service linking Philadelphia to Pittsburgh stopped here on July 4, 1804, opening the first sustained line of communication to the Ohio River and newly-acquired Louisiana Territory.
The Early 19th Century - For years the local post office, and at one time considered as a site for the seat of Chester County, it was renamed The General Warren Tavern in 1825 to honor Dr. Joseph Warren, who died at Bunker (Breed's) Hill, Boston, in 1775, the first American general killed in the Revolution.
The Inn's Dormant Period - The Warren fell into decline once the first railroad built nearby reduced turnpike traffic in the 1830's. Fires, renovations, and road relocations left their marks on the old hostelry. A great grandson of the first Fahnestock turned the Inne into a Temperance Hotel, cutting down his apple orchard to prevent cider from being made. However, the lack of spirits to be purchased doomed the hotel being financially successful and it closed within a few years.
Early 20th Century - The advent of the motorcar in the early 20th century resurrected business. Once again a restaurant, then in the mid 1920's it was The Point Comfort Rest Home nursing home, and in the 1950's it once again opened as a restaurant with weekly boarding of the rooms upstairs. The 1960's saw The Warren Tavern as a bar, with pool tables and casual food, frequented by bikers due to it being off the main thoroughfare of the "Old Lincoln Highway"
The Late 20th Century into the 21st Century - The inn attuned to market trends as the area population grew along with the development of nearby corporate office parks; so the concept was steered towards fine dining. Starting in 1984, the current owners made great strides to return the inn to its 18th Century elegance paired with modern amenities. The upper floors were renovated into 8 suites, the addition of a private dining room and all-weather heated terrace for cocktail parties, outdoor dining and weddings. In 2005, the latest improvements included the Admiral Vernon Dining Room and the resurrection of The Warren Tavern, a spacious bar for dining and spirits, relocated to the original spot of the old tavern from the 19th Century. Today's guest will find the perfect blend of old world charm, excellence in American cuisine, fine wines & spirits, attentive service and delightful overnight accommodations.
Hublersburg Inn, Hublersburg - Built est. 1867 / 1965 - I do not know exactly when a dedicated bar area was first established here and what years one operated. However, as noted in the fairly extensive ownership information on the inn’s web site, the inn was established in 1827, it became known as “Ye Olde Tavern” right after prohibition, and the bar are was moved to its current location in the building around 1965-1966.
The Inn at Bully's Restaurant, Columbia - "The Inn at Bully's Restaurant & Pub was built in 1903 by A.G. Beattie as a Hotel-Tavern for the thriving mill and railroad town of Columbia. Originally named the Union Hotel it provided warm, clean rooms upstairs, and food and drink downstairs for the many travelers and railroad workers passing through this bustling town. The tavern became a popular spot to have a drink, get a bite to eat, or play a round of pool. The beautifully carved walnut & chestnut bar was constructed by the William Wohlsen planing mill of Lancaster (first cousin of the Wohlsen who began the construction company), specifically for the Union Hotel. The bar still has the original grooves on its top surface, made back in the days when men sat at the bar for hours talking and drinking while using the bar-length spittoon at their feet, as they continued to absent-mindedly rub their nickels into the bar. During prohibition, when Ernest Schlotthauer was the owner and the locals nicknamed the place Piney's, patrons continued to frequent the tavern which was rumored to provide its customers with homemade moonshine! By the late 1950's, Earnest's step-son, Raymond Kitch took control of the establishment, and once again, the name changed; this time to Kitch's. Raymond and his family lived above the tavern, in an area separate from the hotel. His children share stories about how they would run around the upstairs hotel hallways, playing and carrying on, and even visiting with the men who rented the rooms here. The tavern was renovated into a full service restaurant and pub in the late 1980's. It was renamed Bully's in deference to Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States at the time the tavern was built. Roosevelt was known for his congenial expressions of Have a bully day, or Bully to you, and in admiration of that era, and that President, the name was adopted."
Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford - "The Jean Bonnet was built at the junction of the Old Forbes Road (east -west) and Burd Road (north-south). Today this would be Routes 30 (Lincoln Highway) and Route 31. There is little to prove the actual date of the building, but we know it served as an early French fort and trading post. In historic documents, mostly trapper and trader accounts, the building was referred to as being on the way to the Old Shawnese Cabins, that would be present day Shawnee State Park. We know General Forbes stopped here to await reinforcements before beginning a westward campaign in hopes of taking Fort Duquesne from the French. The earliest official record of the property is noted in a transfer of title of 690 acres from an agent of the William Penn family to Hans Ireland, a land speculator. It was then transferred in 1762 to Robert Callender, an Indian trader. Callender was also a commissary for troop supplies, and later, a scout for General George Washington. This building, with its native stone walls, massive fireplaces, and chestnut beams, was built during Callender’s ownership. Our namesake, Jean (John) Bonnet, and his wife purchased the property in 1779. In October 1780, Bonnet was issued a license, allowing that “Petitioner lives at the Fork of roads leading to Fort Pitt and the Glades with everything necessary for keeping Public House…” Since 1780, ownership of the Jean Bonnet has changed hands many times. Most of those recorded as deedholders to the Jean Bonnet maintained the building as a public tavern and inn. Several utilized the property as a private residence. In 1957 the Jean Bonnet was purchased by the Enyeart family. It was during their ownership that stories of hauntings at the Jean Bonnet began to reach the public. One of the most colorful moments in our history was when the tavern became a meeting place for the farmers involved in the Whiskey Rebellion. In mid-1794, Pennsylvania farmers were angry about the federal excise tax on whiskey. They gathered here at our stone tavern and raised a liberty pole in protest."
Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford - built c.1762 (native American trading post by Robert Callendar, one-time scout for George Washington), tavern est. 1780 "Approaching the Bonnet Tavern, as it was called in Jean's day, all those travelers on horseback, foot, or coach had to forge the Juniata River. No bridges or ferries existed to carry them across, so some arrived wet and ready for a drink by the fire." (WBT) One of few public structures, said to be the scene of several public hangings; ghost hunters hear "Don't hang me. I'm not ready" when passing the stairway in the main hall; rallying point for Whiskey Rebellion fighters, who raised a liberty pole there, the site of Washington's army camped around the tavern, dissuaded the rebels, Washington left with the task of rounding up rebels left to Alexander Hamilton
Langhorne Hotel Tavern, Langhorne - William Huddleston built this hotel at a crossroads of old trails. There he operated a small two and a half-story tavern, though the first record of a license isn't until 1724. It was known as the Tavern at Attleboro, the borough's name until 1737
Lititz Springs Inn, Lancaster - General Sutter Inn is deeply rooted in the history of Lititz, spanning before the town’s official establishment in 1776. It went into business in 1764 under the name of the “Zum Anker Inn” (the sign of the anchor) and in the 1930s became known as the General Sutter Inn, named after John Augustus Sutter, a California Gold Rush pioneer who lived in town. The Lititz Spring Hotel eventually changed it's name in 1930 to the General Sutter Inn. That was until recently when there was a push to try and remove his name from the Hotel due to his being a slave owner and the Inn's current owner, Mr. David Stout, made plans to do so.
Logan Inn, New Hope - The Logan Inn was built around 1722 and is the oldest building in New Hope. Originally known as The Ferry Tavern, it was built by New Hope founder John Wells. The name Logan came to the inn about 100 years after it was first licensed and after the ferry had ceased operation. During a renovation in 1987, this historic landmark was brought back to its original colonial charm. The murals in the bar, uncovered during renovations and painstakingly restored by local artist Illia Barger, are an indication of the great care taken to preserve the history of the inn. The inn again changed ownership in October of 2000 and underwent several updates that elegantly blended the inn’s colonial charm with modern day luxuries. The current owners, Frank and Jeanne Cretella of Landmark Hospitality, spent summers in New Hope with their family and always dreamed of owning a historic property. In 2015, they purchased the Logan Inn and, following renovations in 2021, have made it the premier destination it is today.
McCoole's Red Lion Inn, Quakertown - Initially opened by Walter McCoole as a tavern in 1747 and renamed the Red Lion Hotel in 1793, it has staked out a special place in early American history. It was here, in 1799, that the Fries Rebellion took place. Several local Germanic Pennsylvanians had been arrested after protesting what they considered an unjust tax the British crown had imposed to fund its war against France. At the hotel, John Fries organized a successful rebellion that immediately freed the prisoners. Yet they were soon declared guilty in court. Despite Alexander Hamilton’s attempt to have these so-called “traitors” hanged at a location opposite the hotel, President John Adams overruled his hot-headed treasury secretary and pardoned the protesters. Hamilton proved to be much more successful on Broadway two centuries later.
McGillin's Olde Ale House, Philadelphia - est. 1860 as "Bill in Hand," but called "McGillin's; Every liquor license since 1871 hangs on the wall at McGillin’s, run 2 families for over 160 years; oldest bar in Philly
Piper Tavern, Pipersville - The tavern's origins date back to 1759 with a "quaint tavern built on the Philadelphia-Easton Post Road and Durham Road by Joseph Laden." The tavern was purchased by Col. George Piper of the Continental Army in 1778. In 1845, the post office was located inside the tavern and the town officially became Pipersville. In 1884, the original tavern was sold to Jacob Crouthamel, who built the present building. Jacob's Pub was named in his honor. Over the past 200 years, the tavern has been known as Keichline's Tavern and the Upper Bucks County Hotel.
Rising Sun, Telford - Built 1739 / 1752 / ? - “Historic Rising Sun Inn, built in 1739, began its history as an inn when Peter Gerhart and his wife Elizabeth rented it from George Esterly in 1752. Known then as Gerhart's Tavern, it was an overnight stop for the stage coach which traveled from Philadelphia to Allentown. In 1777 the Liberty Bell was housed overnight in Gerhart's Tavern as it was moved from Philadelphia to Allentown to avoid British capture during the occupation of Philadelphia. he Inn was also a part of the underground railroad, housing escapees overnight in tunnels that had been dug in the basement. Runaways stopped at Gerhart's Tavern after leaving Seth Luken's station on Forty Foot Road and before rejoining the main route to Quakertown.”
Rohman’s Pub, Shohola - A small rural town on the Delaware River, 27 miles upstream from Port Jervis. The current building has stood there since the 1870s; it’s predecessor was built in 1849 and operated as The Shohola Hotel before it was lost by fire. In 1864, the hotel received many of the injured Confederate prisoners and their Union guards, brought there for medical care after their train, en route to the prison camp in Elmira NY, collided head on with a coal train, killing some 70 men when the cars telescoped. The current building is a throw back to another era. The 50 foot long bar has fold-down stools, installed by the owner in the 1940s to circumvent a new state law requiring bars to have stools. Upstairs, there is a 4 lane bowling alley, another 1940s feature (set up your own pins, there’s no automation here!). There was a scrap book to leaf through; old registers showed some of the hotel guests included famous names like Charles Lindbergh, silent film star Mary Pickford, and Western movie actor Tom Mix. The burgers are great, and the barmaid and the patrons - all locals while we were there - were as friendly as can be. Just a really cool and fun place!
Sweneys Tavern / Farnsworth House, Gettysburg - Est. 1810, current building 1833, "Farnsworth" since ?; The house is named in honor of Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, who led an ill-fated charge after the failure of Pickett's charge, claiming the lives of Farnsworth and 65 of his men. The original part of the house was built in 1810, followed by the brick structure in 1833. The house sheltered Confederate sharpshooters during the three-day conflict, one of whom it is believed to have accidentally shot 20 year-old Mary Virginia "Jennie" Wade, the only civilian who died during the battle. More than 100 bullet holes pock the walls. Following the battle, the house served as a hospital.
Witmer's Tavern, East Lampeter - Witmer's Tavern, is an historic structure located in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, just east of U.S. 30 on Old Philadelphia Pike. This building known as Witmer's Tavern should not be confused with the other Witmer's Tavern more commonly known as the Conestoga Restaurant or Conestoga Inn located on Route 462 at Bridgeport just east of Lancaster City. It is a large 2 1/2-story, rectangular blue limestone building. The original section was purportedly built about 1725, although no conclusive evidence proves this date, and was later was expanded in 1773. It was renovated in 1978 and was later operated as a bed-and-breakfast.
Tavern on the Square, New Wilmington - "The Tavern opened in 1931 in the structure that was built in 1849. Known for its famous Amish sticky buns, the family restaurant was taken over in March 2018 by Ulicny and his wife, Alma.... Ulicny, after purchasing the Tavern, led a fight to change a borough-wide ordinance that banned alcohol sales. Similar voter referendum efforts failed in 2003, 2007 and 2015, but passed in 2019. The Tavern holds the borough's lone liquor license. " It closed Oct 3, 2020 due to COVID, but is being renovated by new owners Matt and Maggie Noble , and is set to reopen in 2023.
Wooden Keg, St. Clair - "The Wooden Keg Tavern was established in 2005. Throughout the years the operation grew in size and capacity and has evolved from a basic bar food menu, to a full menu that rivals any restaurant, not by its sheer size, but by it’s quality! The St. Clair Wooden Keg was named one of Pennsylvania’s most unique dining experiences. Housed in 1860’s hotel and reputed hangout of The Molly Maguires, guests can dine in the lively Pub area or downstairs in the Molly Maguire Tunnel Room. The Wooden Keg St. Clair also houses their all new private dining room called “The Speakeasy”. modeled after a 1920’s secret speakeasy guests enter this space via a secret bookcase.
The Woods House, Pittsburgh - "Built in 1792, the John Woods House is considered one of the oldest remaining structures in Pittsburgh. The vernacular style stone house is believed to be built by Colonel George Woods, the surveyor who laid out the Golden Triangle in 1784. His son, John Woods (1758-1816) completed the drafting before finishing his law degree. Recognized for its historical and architectural importance, the Woods House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993."
"Composer Stephen Foster was friends with the Woods family, and his song "Nelly Bly", written circa 1849 and published in 1850, was inspired by a servant girl who worked at the Woods house. The song was composed on Rachel Keller Woods' piano, on which Foster is said to have written other classics (including "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair"), and the instrument is currently housed at the Stephen Foster Memorial in Pittsburgh."