The Oldest Bar In Pennsylvania Has A Fascinating History
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 18, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Just about everywhere you go in PA, you’ll discover some sort of intriguing history. Take the Broad Axe Tavern, for example. Known as the oldest bar in Pennsylvania and in America, the historic landmark has plenty of tales to tell. Some are stories with famous figures like George Washington. Others involve the supernatural. Which ones will appeal to you?
Editor’s Note: Broad Axe Tavern is permanently closed.
Broad Axe Tavern first opened its doors in 1681. Soon, the tavern become a community focal point. Local news was read to townspeople each day. Travelers stopped at the tavern for a hearty meal and a warm place to stay for the night.
Unlike many other bars, the Broad Axe Tavern managed to keep its doors open during the Revolutionary War. Local lore says that General George Washington and his troops traveled past the tavern a half dozen times.
General James Grant, from Great Britain, is said to have dined at The Broad Axe. While there, he inadvertently boasted about his plan to capture Lafayette. Not too long thereafter, the French decided to provide financial support to the U.S. during the revolution.
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Don't be too startled if, during your visit to the Broad Axe, you glimpse a server being pushed forward by an invisible force or dropping a tray of drinks. That's just said to be the resident ghost, Rachel, revealing her presence.
Rachel, the daughter of one of the tavern's former owners, is said to have been harassed by rowdy drunks one evening. She sought shelter at the tavern but was never seen again. Well, unless you count the many times that those passing the tavern have seen a forlorn figure staring out of a window on the third floor.
Of course, a trip to The Broad Axe Tavern isn't just about history and the paranormal. It's also about the generous menu that keeps diners coming back again and again.
The extensive menu features an assortment of starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. For a hearty meal, opt for one of the large plates. Large plates include jumbo lump crab cakes, filet mignon, fish and chips, and crab mac and cheese.
Bring the kids along for one of the popular dishes on the children's menu. What kid can say no to a burger, a hot dog, chicken fingers, or mac and cheese?
Pair your meal with one of the more than 150 different beers - both tap and bottled - or simply drop by for Happy Hour each day from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
