PENNSYLVANIA - When searching for the oldest place to grab a drink in the Keystone State, you have to look further back than the Declaration of Independence. You have to look back to the very founding of Pennsylvania itself. The title of the oldest continuously operating watering hole belongs to the King George II Inn in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Established in 1681, it has been serving travelers and locals for over 340 years.
The Oldest Bar in Pennsylvania: The King George II Inn
The Founding: 1681
The history of the King George II Inn runs parallel to the history of the state.
- The Ferry House: In 1681, Samuel Clift established a ferry service across the Delaware River to connect Pennsylvania to Burlington, New Jersey. To accommodate the weary travelers waiting for the ferry, he opened the Ferry House.
- A Royal Name: The establishment was later renamed the King George II Inn in honor of the reigning British monarch (who ruled from 1727 to 1760). Remarkable for a bar in rebellious America, it retained its royal name even after the colonies won their independence, a testament to its established identity in the region.
A Front Row Seat to History
Located on the banks of the Delaware River, the Inn has witnessed centuries of American history pass by its front door.
- Revolutionary War: The Inn was a strategic location during the Revolution. It is well-documented that American troops were stationed there, and local lore (supported by historical proximity) suggests that George Washington and John Adams likely stopped there during their travels between Philadelphia and New York.
- Famous Guests: Over the centuries, the guest list has reportedly included President James Madison, President Millard Fillmore, and even a young Marquis de Lafayette.
A Technical Distinction: Inn vs. Bar vs. Tavern
When discussing "oldest bars," definitions matter. The King George II Inn is a historic inn and tavern that serves food and lodging, rather than a dedicated "stand-up" bar.
- The Broad Axe Tavern (1681): For years, the Broad Axe Tavern in Ambler shared the title of the oldest, also claiming a 1681 founding date. However, the Broad Axe closed its doors in 2019, leaving the King George II Inn as the undisputed survivor from that era.
- McGillin's Olde Ale House (1860): If you narrow the definition to "the oldest bar in Philadelphia," the title goes to McGillin’s Olde Ale House. Opened in 1860 (the year Lincoln was elected), it is the oldest continuously operating tavern within the city limits of Philadelphia. While iconic, it is nearly 180 years younger than the King George II Inn.
Survival and Adaptation
The King George II Inn has survived more than just wars; it has survived the changing landscape of the Delaware River.
- Modernization: In the 20th century, the Inn adapted to the automobile age. It has been renovated multiple times to serve as a modern restaurant and banquet hall while preserving its historic structure.
- Continuous Operation: Unlike many historic sites that were converted into museums, the King George II Inn remains a functional commercial business, pouring drinks and serving meals just as it did when William Penn was walking the streets of his new colony.
The King George II Inn in Bristol is the oldest bar/tavern in Pennsylvania, founded as the Ferry House in 1681. It predates the official founding of Philadelphia. While McGillin's (1860) holds the title for Philadelphia proper, and the rival Broad Axe Tavern (1681) has recently closed, the King George II Inn remains the oldest continuously operating establishment in the state, offering a tangible link to the colonial era.
