Learn about some of the oldest bars in Virginia, ranging from colonial-era taverns to historic pubs.
Virginia’s bars are steeped in history, with taverns and pubs that have served countless travelers and locals (some of whom are famous) throughout the centuries. From candlelit colonial dining rooms to lively Irish pubs, these establishments offer more than just food and drink; they also offer a glimpse into the past through preserved architecture, storied guest lists, and enduring traditions.
Whether it was once a stagecoach stop, a Revolutionary War gathering place, or a community cornerstone, each of these historic bars across the commonwealth has a unique story to tell, making them well worth the visit.
1. 1710 Tavern (1710)
Location: 214 S. Water Ln., Tappahannock, VA 22560
Located in Tappahannock, 1710 Tavern is known as the oldest tavern in the commonwealth. It opened in 1710 when the right side of the dining room was built. Later, the left side of the dining room and a bar were added. Originally, guests could trade tobacco for food and drinks.
Visitors will find that it has been fully renovated so that its historic charm and character, like its floors, windows, ceilings, and fireplaces, shine through. The bar currently serves classic and modern cocktails, craft beers, and wine.
2. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern (1728)
Location: 2 East Washington St., Middleburg, VA 20117
Having been established in 1728, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many famous names, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Joanne Woodward, and Paul Newman, have patronized the inn and tavern.
Today, the tavern is known for its intimate dining rooms adorned with sporting art and cozy fireplaces. Dishes consist of unique game and seafood that are served with a wide selection of wine from local producers, like Saddleback in Afton.
3. Hanover Tavern (1750s)
Location: 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Route 301, Hanover, VA 23069
Hanover Tavern has been serving drinks to patrons since the 1750s. During these early days, patrons traveled into town once per month for the meeting of the Hanover County Court. The tavern served as a resting spot. Surprisingly, a young Patrick Henry worked at the tavern, which was then owned by his in-laws. Throughout the Revolution, it hosted the likes of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.
By the late 1700s, a new tavern building was constructed, which serves as the tavern patrons visit today. The current pub is in the basement of the circa-1820s portion of the tavern. It features strong historical charm with an exposed-beam ceiling, slate floors, and a fireplace. Locals may consider joining the beer club.
4. The Half Way House (1760)
Location: 10301 Rte. 1, Richmond, VA 23237
The Half Way House dates to 1760 when it was operated as a stagecoach stop and inn. Throughout the centuries, it has hosted the likes of the Marquis de LaFayette, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Robert E. Lee. In fact, it served as Lafayette’s military headquarters throughout the Revolutionary War.
Visitors will find that the manor house is original and is furnished with period-accurate antiques, allowing them to dine and drink the way countless patrons have over the centuries.
5. Gadsby’s Tavern (1770)
Location: 138 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Dine and drink in a Colonial-era dining room by candlelight, similar to how the first patrons of Gadsby’s Tavern did in 1770. The tavern received its name from John Gadsby, an Englishman who operated the building as a tavern keeper in the late 18th and early 19th century. Such founding fathers as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe were among the tavern’s famous patrons in its early days.
Today, the tavern serves a variety of red, white, and sparkling wine options. Try pairing the Grey Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon from Rappahannock County with the lamb chops.
6. The Tavern Restaurant (1779)
Location: 222 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210
The Tavern Restaurant is Abingdon’s oldest building, dating to 1779. Since that time, it has served as a tavern for stagecoach travelers. Stopping into the tavern has long been viewed as an Abingdon tradition.
Those who visit the restaurant will find a diverse menu, ranging from duck to stuffed filet mignon, with plenty of cocktail, wine, and beer options.
7. Michie Tavern (1784)
Location: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville, VA 22902
Dating to 1784, Michie Tavern has been the go-to watering hole around Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, which is half-a-mile away, for many decades. The tavern takes its name from Corporal William Michie, who had been at Valley Forge when he was called home to Virginia in 1777. Upon return, he found that his father had passed, leaving him a considerable amount of land in Albemarle County.
Michie decided to make the most of his new property, so he petitioned the government to operate an ordinary at a site that was fed by a natural spring. Such a venture required a license under the new government, a departure from the British way of doing things.
The 1784 Pub, reminiscent of 18th century pubs, currently serves a variety of local wines, ciders, mead, and beers. It’s in the oldest section of the tavern. While there, enjoy a colonial-era game. With mead being an 18th-century tavern staple, give the Thistlerock Piedmont Wildflower mead a try. Pair it with another tavern staple, a pickled egg.
8. The Virginian (1923)
Location: 1521 University Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903
The Virginian is known as being Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant and bar. Despite being converted into a soda fountain during Prohibition and temporarily closing during World War II, the establishment has remained a Charlottesville tradition.
Its bar serves a variety of mixed drinks, beers, and wines. Go between 3-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday for happy hour, which offers $4 drafts, $1 off featured wines, and $2 off Jim Beam, Tito’s, and Bacardi.
Pair your beverage order with the establishment’s iconic “Stumble Down Mac N’ Cheese,” a large portion of creamy pepper jack macaroni and cheese topped with a house-made cheddar potato cake.
9. Vienna Inn (1960)
Location: 120 East Maple Ave., Vienna, VA 22180
Since opening in 1960, the Vienna Inn has served as a gathering spot for the Vienna community. It features a family-friendly vibe with placemat art from patrons on the walls and overflowing trophy shelves.
Patrons return time and again for its famous chili dogs, which come with chili, cheese, spicy mustard, and diced onions. In fact, it sells over 10,000 of them each month. They’re best when washed down with one of the inn’s many beer options.
If you aren’t into chili dogs, you may find one of the sandwich or burger options more appealing, like the blackened tuna sandwich or zesty bean garden burger.
10. O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub (1966)
Location: 4800 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub is known as Central Virginia’s oldest Irish pub, having been established by first-generation American James Edward O’Toole in 1966. Oddly enough, the pub received the commonwealth’s first by-the-drink liquor license. Today, O’Toole owns and operates it with his two sons, John and Tom.
A trip to an Irish pub certainly necessitates ordering an Irish draft. Luckily, O’Toole’s offers three Irish options, including Guinness, Harp Lager, and Smithwick’s. Give Smithwicks, an Irish red ale from Smithwicks in Dublin, Ireland, a try. Domestic and craft beers are also on tap.
Pair your beer with Mr. O’Toole’s French dip. The toasted sub comes with sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese, and au jus dipping sauce.
Aside from the food, drinks, and music, patrons visit O’Toole’s for its well-known Irish cheer.
