Boston is the city where the idea of America really started to develop, and for many of our nation’s first leaders, those idealistic visions of what the country could be were shared in bars. Many of those watering holes still stand today, and in historic Boston right along the city’s Freedom Trail, they are the perfect places to stop in for food and a drink as you soak in U.S. history during your next trip.
Related: The pubs of Ireland – the best places for perfect pours
Bell in Hand Tavern | Flickr CC: Todd Kulesza
The Bell in Hand Tavern – 45 Union Street
Established in 1795, The Bell in Hand Tavern is the oldest tavern in the U.S. and has seen all likes of political and social leaders walk through its doors in more than 200 years of pouring beer. It’s said this spot was the most famous alehouse in thecity, and didn’t serve hard liquors that were so popular at the time but instead ale in two mugs – one for the drink and the other for the froth.
Green Dragon Tavern | Flickr CC: Melissa Doroquez
Green Dragon Tavern – 11 Marshall Street
While this watering hole is a remake of the original, the history of this place and the people that went there cannot be matched. Green Dragon dates back to 1654 and a century later was a meeting place for members of the Sons of Liberty and where planning for the Boston Tea Party and American Revolution began. According to the pub, it’s also where Paul Revere departed from for his famous ride to Lexington and Concord to warn that the British were coming.
Warren Tavern – 2 Pleasant Street
During the Siege of Boston, Joseph Warren, a member of the Son’s of Liberty refused to take any commanding role during the Battle of Bunker Hill, instead opting to serve only as a volunteer when the British launched an early attack on colonialists. Much of Charlestown was burnt to the ground, and in the Red Coats third attack, Warren was killed. After the battle, one of the first buildings constructed was The Warrant Tavern in 1780, which is said to have been visited by George Washington and in 1789.
Union Oyster House, Boston
Union Oyster House – 41 Union Street
This restaurant has had its doors open since 1826, but one of its most famous patrons didn’t walk through the doors until almost 100 years later. The Kennedy family was known to frequent this historic spot, so much so that President John F. Kennedy’s favorite booth has been dedicated in his memory. Union Oyster is the oldest restaurant in Boston and has been operating continuously longer than any restaurant in the U.S.
Amrheins – 80 West Broadway
This bar was recently renovated, but hasn’t lost its historic charm. Established in 1890, this bar and restaurant has seen Bostonians and visitors from all walks of life come through the door. Amrhein’s big draw is the beautiful hand-carved bar, preserved wonderfully over the years. Boasting the first draft beer pump in Boston, it’s a great placeto grab a brew at the end of a long day.
Main image: Steven Isaacson via Flickr
