10 Iconic American Bars You Should Add to Your Bucket List

Image via Complex Original

Where: Denver, CO
Address: 1962 Market St.
Website: thepeclodo.com

"At one time this small, divey-looking place in Lower Downtown Denver was called the “Best Bar in the World.” That’s when Ella Fitzgerald would park her car in the alley behind the bar, roll down the windows and just listen to the jazz being played and celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington. President Bill Clinton even played here. The history and legacy of this bar can’t be beat."

Where: El Paso, TX
Address: 3454 Doniphan Dr.
Website: N/A

"Yes this is the place that inspired the famous song “El Paso” by Marty Robbins in 1959. From the doorstep of this roadside saloon you can clearly view the “badlands” of New Mexico and understand how Robbins could have imagined the tale of his song. People travel to Rosa’s from all over the world to listen to this famous ballad and enjoy some cold beer."

Where: Austin
Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. 
Website: scholzgarten.net

"This beer garden has been serving thirsty Austin residents since it opened its doors in 1866. When founded, it was immediately popular with the large German immigrant population, and has since become the place to watch UT football games, as well as the unofficial meeting house for the state legislature."

Where: Goodsprings, NV
Address: 310 Spring St.
Website: pioneersaloon.info

"Out in the desert, a stone’s throw from Las Vegas, sits this 1913 throwback to days when the West was still wild (as the bullet holes in the wall can attest to). It became especially known as the spot where Clark Gable spent his time in mourning—drinking, crying, and smoking cigars—while authorities recovered the body of his beloved wife, Carol Lombard, after her plane crashed into the mountains behind the bar."

Where: Philadelphia
Address: 138 S. 2nd St.
Website: citytavern.com

"Originally built in 1773 and then rebuilt in 1976 by the Department of Interior, the City Tavern was one of the most important places to the Founding Fathers. This is where George Washington and John Adams first met. It is also where one of the biggest parties in history took place after the signing of the Constitution."

Where: Oakland, CA
Address: 48 Webster St.
Website: heinolds.com

"Built from an old whaling ship in 1883 this water-front saloon saw sailors and pirates drinking at the (now very slanted) bar and playing cards at the original tables you can still sit at today. It also became a home to one of America’s most celebrated authors, Jack London."

Where: Chicago
Address: 4802 N. Broadway St.
Website: greenmilljazz.com

"Originally founded to be Chicago’s answer to Paris’ Moulin Rouge, this jazz club became a notorious speakeasy run by one of the most terrible gangsters of the day, “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn. While it was a favorite of Al Capone back in the day, it now hosts Grammy-award winning jazz musicians and serves great drinks."

Where: New York 
Address: 15 E. 7th St.
Website: N/A

"The oldest continuously running bar in New York City was established in 1854 in the heart of the infamous Bowery. This place is practically a museum, with its walls cluttered with old newspapers, photos, and memorabilia that tell the story of the city, its immigrants, and (most importantly) its bars."

Where: The Old ‘76 House
Address: 110 Main St.
Website: 76house.com

"The oldest bar in America sits in Tappan, New York and has been serving drinks since 1668 when the Dutch settled the area. During the Revolutionary War the tavern served as a prison for British spy John Andre, and as a meeting place for George Washington and his many generals."

Where: Venice Beach, CA
Address: 52 Windward Ave.
Website: townhousevenice.com

"This bar has stood on Venice Beach since its founding. During prohibition the owner Cesar Menotti created a speakeasy downstairs and smuggled booze in under the Abbot Kinney Pier. It was run down dive when current owner, Louie Ryan, bought it and restored it to its early 20th century glory."