What's The Oldest Bar in The State of West Virginia?

WEST VIRGINIA - In the Mountain State, history is usually measured in coal seams and country roads. But if you are measuring it by cold points and longevity, all roads lead to Parkersburg. While West Virginia is dotted with historic buildings, only one establishment can claim the title of the State oldest continuously operating tavern: The North End Tavern & Brewery.

---

  Raising a Glass to the "NET": The Oldest Bar in West Virginia

 Known affectionately by locals as "The NET," this Parkersburg institution has been pouring drinks since 1899.

The North End Tavern & Brewery (Est. 1899)

Location: 3500 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, WV

When the NET first opened its doors at the turn of the 20th century, William McKinley was President, and West Virginia had only been a state for 36 years. It began as a humble neighborhood pub serving the shift workers and tradespeople of the bustling Ohio River town.

Unlike many historic bars that have changed hands and names a dozen times, the NET has remained remarkably consistent. It has been owned and operated by the Roedersheimer family for nearly 50 years, preserving the "working man's pub" atmosphere that defined its early days.

Surviving the Dry Years

How does a bar stay open for 127 years, especially when Prohibition (1920–1933) made selling alcohol illegal? Like many legendary establishments, the NET's history during the "dry years" is a mix of silence and speculation. Local lore suggests that, like many river town taverns, it may have operated as a speakeasy or kept a low profile until the 21st Amendment let the taps flow legally again.

Two Titles in One

• The NET isn't just the oldest bar; it also holds a second distinct title. In 1997, the owners installed an on-site brewing system, making it the oldest operating microbrewery in West Virginia.
• Long before the current craft beer explosion, the NET was brewing its flagship Roedy's Red, an amber ale that remains a local staple today.

The Atmosphere Today

If you walk into the NET today, don't expect a pretentious gastropub or a museum piece covered in velvet ropes. This is a place that feels lived-in.

• The Food: You go for the "NET Burger"—a massive, no-nonsense burger that has won nearly every local "best of" award available.
• The Vibe: It is arguably the most unpretentious place in the state. You are just as likely to sit next to a lawyer as you are a factory worker. It is loud, friendly, and deeply local.

Honorable Mentions

While the NET takes the crown for continuous operation, a few other spots deserve a nod for their longevity and status as WV icons:

• Mario's Fishbowl (Morgantown): Originally opened as a confectionery in 1950 (and selling beer shortly after), this spot is legendary among West Virginia University alumni for its "fishbowl" schooners of beer and handwritten notes on the walls.
• Rebessé's (Wheeling): A historic spot in arguably the State most historic city, known for holding down the northern panhandle's nightlife for decades.

The Verdict

If you are looking for a drink with a side of history in West Virginia, The North End Tavern is the undisputed champion. It survived the Great Depression, Prohibition, and massive changes in the brewing industry, all while keeping the beer cold and the burgers hot.

West Virginia New