If you’re looking for historic places to dine, there’s no shortage in Delaware, which after all has colonial history going back over 300 years. There’s the well-known Jessop’s Tavern in New Castle, hosted in a historic building dating back to the 1600s and with themed dining to match. But if you’re looking for the oldest continuously operating bar in the First State, you’ve got to head to Trolley Square in Wilmington, DE. There you’ll find Kelly’s Logan House, a bar that’s been owned by the same family since the late 1800s and has played host to its fair share of famous guests.

According to Logan House lore, no less than the likes of Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, John L. Sullivan, and Al Capone have walked through the doors of this long-running establishment, which was across the street from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and therefore saw plenty of travelers passing through town.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook
Built in 1864 (and visible in the background of this photograph from 1884), the Logan House has a long and fascinating history. It was first built as a hotel, until the Kelly family purchased it in 1889 and founded a tavern on the ground floor. It's now the oldest bar in the United States continually operated by the same family, and the oldest Irish bar in the state of Delaware.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook
Today, Kelly's Logan House serves some of the best comfort food around, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a Wilmington favorite. The mouthwatering menu offers a wide variety of choices, including vegetarian options and brunch available on the weekends.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook

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And of course, it's still a great place to grab a drink. The impressively long beer menu will please any craft beer aficionado.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook
When the weather is nice, you can sit out on the patio and enjoy some sunshine along with your meal.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook
Bar patrons young and old gather together here - to grab a drink or a meal with friends, to watch sports together, or just to enjoy a break from it all in a tavern that's been providing such respite to the community for over 100 years.
Kelly's Logan House/Facebook

To peruse the menu and check current hours, visit Kelly’s Logan House website. And to keep up to date on events, live music, and more, be sure to follow Kelly’s Logan House on Facebook.

Can’t get enough of exploring history in the First State? Be sure to check out our previous article to learn about more of Delaware’s most historic restaurants.

 

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Kelly's Logan House, 1701 Delaware Ave #2329, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA