Uncovering Pennsylvania’s Oldest Bar

Uncovering Pennsylvania’s Oldest Bar

The Keystone State, a cradle of American history, is home to establishments that have been pouring drinks for centuries. When it comes to the title of Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating bar, the crown belongs to a historical landmark predating the United States itself: the King George II Inn.

Nestled in the historic town of Bristol, Bucks County, the Inn is more than just a place for a drink; it is a living monument to over three centuries of American life.

The Reigning Champion: King George II Inn

The story of the King George II Inn begins in 1681, the very year that William Penn received the charter for Pennsylvania. Originally established as “The Ferry House” by Samuel Clift, it served as a crucial stopping point for travelers making the long journey between New York City and Philadelphia along the King’s Highway and the ferry service across the Delaware River.

Its sheer longevity makes it a rarity. While many older taverns have closed, burned down, or ceased operations at some point (especially during the Prohibition era), the King George II Inn has maintained a continuous presence of hospitality—offering food, drink, and lodging—since its founding. This unbroken chain of service firmly establishes it as the oldest continuously operating inn and bar in Pennsylvania, and by many accounts, one of the oldest in the entire nation.

A Tavern Through Time

The Inn’s history is interwoven with the making of America:

• Revolutionary Headquarters: During the American Revolution, the Inn played a vital role, serving as a headquarters for General John Cadwalader and his troops in the winter of 1776, as they guarded the Delaware River. There are also local tales that it hosted George Washington himself.
• A Change in Name: The establishment was renamed the “King George II Inn” in 1765. However, the King’s image on the sign was quickly replaced with a likeness of General Washington during the Revolutionary War—a clear sign of the changing times.
• Enduring Architecture: While the original structure was rebuilt in 1765 following a fire, the Inn stands today as a beautiful example of Colonial architecture, featuring multiple dining rooms, working fireplaces, and a riverfront patio overlooking the Delaware.

Today, guests can visit the Inn to enjoy a meal, a drink at the historic bar, or even book a room, carrying on a tradition of hospitality that began nearly 350 years ago. It’s a place where history is not just displayed on a plaque, but is built into the very foundation.

The Competition for “Oldest”

The title of “oldest bar” is often complex, with claims resting on different definitions (oldest structure, oldest business, oldest continuously operating bar, etc.).

• McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1860, Philadelphia): This popular establishment proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. Unlike many bars, it survived Prohibition by cleverly operating as a restaurant and discreetly serving alcohol upstairs. However, its 1860 founding makes it much younger than the King George II Inn.
• The King George II Inn maintains its claim by being founded as an inn (which included a tavern/bar function) in 1681 and continuously providing those services, despite a brief closure for renovations in 2010-2011, which did not break its continuous operating status as an inn and tavern business.

For the most accurate and widely recognized state record, the historical evidence and continuity of business point directly to the King George II Inn.