Historic Taverns in Pennsylvania

http://www.spinnerstownhotel.com/new/History
good beer, too!

*correction. not the revolution. but still freaking old.

 

In Philly, the first thing that comes to mind (and I'm sure you'll have several other similar replies) is City Tavern, which serves a few specialty beers from Yards based on Revolutionary-era recipes.
Off the top of my head, there's also Bube's Brewery in Lancaster County, which I don't think is Revolution-era, but is pretty old and has a really cool vibe - http://www.bubesbrewery.com/

 

Also just thought of the General Warren Inne, about 45 minutes west of Philly - http://www.generalwarren.com/

 

You should check out the Dobbin House in Gettysburg. built in 1776 and the basement bar only has candle light.

 

The Franklin House in Scaefferstown, PA:
http://www.franklinhousetavern.com/history.html

 

Bucks County has a lot of 1700's/early 1800's taverns. A bunch are mentioned here - http://americanpublichousereview.com/2009.01/old_bucks_county_pa_inns_and_taverns/index.html

There's also the Logan Inn in New Hope (1727) and the Temperance House in Newtown (1772).

 

Shank's Tavern in Marrietta, Lancaster County. It is the oldest continually operating tavern in Lancaster County. Founded in 1814
http://www.shankstavern.com/

 

Jean Bonnet Tavern at the junction of PA 31 and US 30 just west of Bedford, PA. Founded in 1762.
http://www.jeanbonnettavern.com/

 

The Logan Inn is a pretty nice place. The food is nice, but the beer list leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Rock Hill Hotel, outside of Millersville was est. 1700 and would've been perfect for your trip. sadly it closed just before christmas. (a dispute between building owner and buisness owner, is what I heard).

so i guess its doors closing allowed Shanks to be the oldest in Lancaster Co.

keep your eyes out it may re-open
http://rockhilltavern.com/

 

City Tavern is a reconstruction.

 

Not on the way west, but worth adding to your list for at least one visit is the recently renovated and re-opened Broad Axe Tavern.

http://broadaxetavern.com/

 

Damn, I always forget about the Broad Axe, Maybe because I grew up a few miles down the road. Good call.

 

ashellen--there is a difference.....I didnt say Shanks was the OLDEST tavern in the county (and neither do they)
their claim is oldest continually operating tavern in Lancaster County...as in it has NEVER closed, and then re-open, since it opened in the early 1800's.

A real shame about Rock Hill....good place and a nice group of young guys running the place too. I met them at Troegs a few years back. They had some good ideas and an infectious energy that I thought would help the place "make it on the map". A shame about disputes like this but they happen all the time.

 

That sounds like a great trip! I am curious about this as well, be sure to update us after you make an itnerary.

P.S. I'm sure McGillan's is already on your radar.

 

The Continental Tavern:
http://www.contav.com/about-us/

 

You may want to check into Selinsgrove Brewery. Not techicnally a Historic Tavern, but is a Historic Building built in 1816 and is now a Brewhouse.

 

yeah i re-read your post, and never edited mine. shanks is a cool place. i agree with everything you said about rock hill, it was one of my favorites and really close to my parents house (so i made quite a few stops there).

 

I just thought of this thread because I added one to the BA queue today.

The Horse Tavern in Sellersville/Perkasie dates back to 1757 (dunno if it's the original building, but looking at historic and recent photos, it looks like it could be).

http://www.thehorsetavern.com/cm/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Horse-Tavern-Grill/142208558358

 

I dunno if anyone has mentioned this yet but since I'm working right near it today the Washington House in Sellersville, PA is pretty nifty. http://www.washingtonhouse.net/ A few solid beers on tap as well.

 

I was beaten to the punch on City Tavern and Jean Bonnet, but both are historic and both rule.

 

if anyone wants to drink at my place, the house was built in the 1740s.

 

Brittinghams traces back to 1743: http://www.brittinghams.com/history.php

craft beer is not its finest asset, but there can be some good live irish music to be heard