The White Horse Tavern in Newport dates all the way back to 1673, making it America’s oldest tavern. And while it has plenty of historic charm, there’s nothing stuffy about this place. In fact, it has quite an interesting past, having once been owned by an actual pirate.

The White Horse Tavern has changed hands numerous times and has been renovated and meticulously restored, but it still has its original colonial look.
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
The tavern is located on Marlborough Street in Newport, where it has remained for about 350 years. Talk about a business with staying power.
Step inside and prepare to be transported back in time... other than modern marvels like electricity, of course.
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
To think that this building is older than the country itself is pretty incredible.
When the colonies were just beginning to band together, there weren't many places for local politicians to gather.
Craig Bishop / Google
The tavern was a perfect place for them to do just that. Rhode Island's general assembly met here for awhile, and merchants and scholars drank and dined with commoners and pirates.

Related Stories

With A Kid-Friendly Menu, This Incredible Restaurant In Rhode Island Is Perfect For Families

With A Kid-Friendly Menu, This Incredible Restaurant In Rhode Island Is Perfect For Families

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Rhode Island

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Rhode Island

 You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Daily RI Homemade Donuts In Rhode Island

You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Daily RI Homemade Donuts In Rhode Island
One of those pirates was William Mayes, Jr., who
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
While Mayes Jr. owned the place, it was the source of plenty of hot political discussions. After all, this was the time leading up to the Revolutionary War.
These days, the pub is as popular as ever, though there isn't quite as much talk of rebellion.
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
Like the generations before it, they serve fresh seafood directly from Narragansett Bay, locally grown produce, and prime cuts of meat.
Between the tasty food and the local history, it's really no wonder that the White Horse Tavern is still such a popular place.
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
The fact that it was owned by an actual pirate just adds to its appeal.
White Horse Tavern is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays, when you can hang out until 10 p.m.
White Horse Tavern / Facebook
If it's been awhile since you've been, stop by for a meal and a cold beverage the next time you're in Newport.

Rhode Island is the only state that can claim the oldest tavern in America. Here are some other Ocean State bragging rights.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840, USA