The Pre-Prohibition-Era Pub in Florida That’s Positively Overflowing With History

Don't you just love those places in Florida that are brimming with history and that we are lucky enough to still have around today? There is a place in northern Florida that has such a unique history, we are talking over a century old, that you can grab a drink and sit for hours learning about all the secrets and stories of the area. The next time you're in the Fernandina Beach area, we have the perfect pre-Prohibition-era pub for you to visit.

Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, Florida is the oldest pub in the state.

Established in 1903, the area in which Palace Saloon was developed was known for being a major sea port and railway which desperately needed a place to congregate and get drinks.

Palace Saloon was built with Italian marble, an embossed tin ceiling (still around to this day) and an oak and mahogany bar purchased for $1250…

…which if you’re not a financial genius, that is the equivalent to over $33,000 today!

Palace Saloon served as the only "ship’s captain’s bar" in the area, which you can assume back in the day was quite popular and prestigious....and maybe rowdy, too.

When you visit today you can still see the mosaic floors, the rich mahogany all over the bar, and the stunning murals lining the walls.

What’s most fascinating about Palace Saloon is that this pre-prohibition bar did not want to shutter once the prohibition came into effect.

In fact, during the prohibition, Palace Saloon stayed open and served things like ice cream and gasoline, wine, and a close relative of beer (just not as high in alcohol content).

To this day, guests from all over will come visit Palace Saloon, the oldest pub in Florida.

Not only does it make for an interesting night out, but it will show you a side of Florida’s history that you may have never seen before.

The address for the Palace Saloon is 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Palace Saloon is open Monday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. You can find more information about Palace Saloon by visiting the website or the Facebook Page.

Have you ever visited the oldest bar in Florida? Share with us your story in the comments section! Otherwise, if you’re looking to tackle more Florida history this summer, take a look at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida.