What is The State of Florida’s Oldest Bar?

Raise a Glass to History: The Palace Saloon, Florida’s Oldest Bar

In the charming, historic port town of Fernandina Beach, Florida, one establishment holds the distinct title of the state’s oldest continuously operating bar: the Palace Saloon. More than just a place to grab a drink, the Palace is a beautifully preserved piece of Florida’s colorful past, filled with tales of wealthy elites, last-minute sales, and enduring entrepreneurial spirit.

A Historic Gem on Amelia Island

The story of the Palace Saloon begins not with liquor, but with linen. The Beaux Arts style building was first constructed in 1878 as the Prescott Building, serving as a dry-goods store and haberdashery. It wasn’t until 1903 that Louis G. Hirth, having purchased the building in 1901, converted it into the elegant tavern known as the Palace Saloon.

During its heyday, when Fernandina’s docks were bustling with ships from around the globe, the Palace was known as the “Ship Captains Bar.” It catered to the town’s elite—shipping magnates, railroad tycoons, and notable visitors like the Rockefellers and Carnegies from nearby Cumberland Island. In a sign of its forward-thinking nature, it was also one of the first hard-liquor establishments to sell the burgeoning soft drink, Coca-Cola.

The Last American Bar to Close for Prohibition

One of the most remarkable chapters in the Palace’s history revolves around the start of Prohibition. According to local lore and historical records, the Palace Saloon was the last bar in the United States to close its doors on the eve of the Volstead Act taking effect. The shrewd owner, Hirth, anticipating the dry spell, stocked his cellars and sold liquor until the very last minute before midnight, an event that drew crowds from neighboring states.

The Palace’s claim to continuous operation is rooted in its ability to adapt. During the 13 years of Prohibition, Hirth kept the business alive by selling non-alcoholic “near beer” (3% alcohol), specialty wines, ice cream, cigars, and even Texaco gasoline, ensuring the doors never truly closed.

A Museum of Mahogany and Mosaic

Today, the Palace Saloon is celebrated for its stunning preservation of turn-of-the-century elegance. Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule, where patrons can appreciate the original, elaborate features:

• The Bar: A magnificent 40-foot-long mahogany and oak bar, reportedly designed with input from Adolphus Busch (founder of Anheuser-Busch).
• The Ceiling: An intricately embossed tin ceiling with painted designs.
• The Floor: Beautiful Italian marble and mosaic tile floors with a pattern of the bar’s name.
• The Walls: Hand-painted murals that transport visitors back to the vibrant era of port commerce.

The Palace Saloon stands as a lively monument to Florida’s enduring history, inviting patrons to literally belly up to the same bar where captains and tycoons once toasted the future.