You'll Love Visiting Glur's Tavern, A Nebraska Restaurant Loaded With Local History
By Christy Articola|Published December 15, 2021
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a restaurant loaded with local history in Nebraska, then you don’t have to look any further than Glur’s Tavern in Columbus.
This establishment has been in continuous operation since approximately 1876. Not only is it the oldest bar and restaurant in the state of Nebraska, but it’s believed to be the oldest west of the Missouri River as well.
At Glur’s Tavern, you’ll find friendly folks, refreshing drinks, and tasty, affordable food. You’ll take a step into the past when you cross the threshold and take a seat at the bar.
When Glur's Tavern opened well over a century ago, it was first known as Bucher's Saloon after its founders, brothers William and Joseph Bucher.
In its early days, it was best known for selling tobacco.
Eventually, William bought Joseph out. Joseph moved to California to start a new business there. He later shipped barrels of wine back to his brother to be served at the saloon.
In 1883, people say that he bought a round of drinks for everyone with a $1,000 bill. He was in town for Major Frank North's funeral at the time.
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In 1914, Louis Glur, a longtime bartender at Bucher's Saloon, bought the establishment from William Bucher. He managed to keep the place open during Prohibition by adding card games and slot machines to attract customers.
The most famous item at Glur's Tavern is the signature fries. They're sliced thin and made with the skins on. Then, they're deep-fried and sprinkled with Lawry's seasoned salt for extra flavor. Don't miss them!
Glur's also has an outdoor beer garden that is popular during the warmer months. It has a basketball hoop and a sand volleyball court if you're feeling athletic.
Glur’s Tavern is a special and historic place that will be around for many more years to come. If you’re ever in eastern Nebraska, make a point to stop by and visit. Glur’s is only an hour and a half west of Omaha, and it’s only a little over an hour away from Grand Island or Lincoln.
You’ll be glad you took the time to check out Glur’s Tavern; it’s a little piece of Nebraska history!
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