#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.