Philadelphia, PA - The Barnsboro Tavern in Mantua Township dates back to 1720. John Budd built it and later sold it, and John Barnes petitioned for its license as a Tavern in 1776 because of its location at an intersection of five main roads; therefore, a license would serve travelers passing through.
Barnes won this request and has operated as a public house under other names, including Spread Eagle Inn and Crooked Billet Inn, but always keeping its historic charm. Teddy Roosevelt campaigned here while running for President during his presidential run 1912!
The Oldest Bar In New Jersey
Though many taverns were forced to close or go underground during temperance movements of the 1800s and Prohibition from 1920-1933, some survived and can still be found today in New Jersey - serving up creative menu items that recall another time period.
Today the historic tavern offers guests a Patio Bar, a casual American menu of pub grub, steaks & seafood sourced from local New Jersey purveyors, and drinks handcrafted on-site by skilled bartenders. A full bar and selection of beers and spirits are also available. It has also been reported as haunted by the ghost of a bride who died after falling down its staircase in 1904. The staff has reported hearing voices, receiving phone calls with no one answering, things falling to the floor without cause, etc.
