Image via Complex Original
There are watering holes that have been around for as long as our constitution has. In fact, the very pub where the 55 members of the Continental Congress (and George Washington) went to celebrate post-signing still exists. Of course, you'll have to drink there at some point.
Authors Clint Lanier and Derek Hembree's new book, Bucket List Bars, lists the favorite spots of our Founding Fathers, the places where celebrities go to put a few back, and the joints that you wouldn’t normally walk into—but you should.
While attending New Mexico State University, Lanier and Hembree had the idea to travel the country and visit these sacred imbibing spots. Strewn across twelve regions of the United States, these 40 storied institutions have character that reflect the history of a region, of a people, of an event or a way of life that’s now long gone.
Here, Clint and Derek share 10 of those legendary establishments: 10 Iconic American Bars You Should Add to Your Bucket List.
To read about more of the infamous American saloons where gun and knife fights, prostitution, gambling and bootlegging were once the norm, pick up a copy of Bucket List Bars, available on Amazon now.
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El Chapultepec
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."
Rosa's Cantina
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."
Scholz Garten
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."
Pioneer Saloon
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."
City Tavern
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."
Heinold's First and Last Chance
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."
Green Mill
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."
McSorley's
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."
The Old ‘76 House
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."
The Townhouse Venice and Del Monte Speakeasy
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."