So You Think You Can Handle Your History Neat? A Dive into Boston's Booziest Time Machines
Ah, Boston. A city steeped in history, chowder, and let's not forget, the occasional bar brawl (looking at you, Sam Adams). But what if you crave a pub experience that goes beyond your average Red Sox post-game hangout? What if you yearn for a place where the walls could whisper tales of revolutionaries, rum runners, and maybe even a ghost or two (looking at you, White Horse Tavern)? Well, my friend, you're in luck! Because today, we're venturing on a quest to find the oldest watering hole in Boston, a place where history gets served alongside your beer.
The Contenders: A Tale of Two Taverns
Here's the thing, folks, Boston likes to keep things interesting. There are two strong contenders for the title of "Olde Boston Pub King." Let's meet the challengers!
The Green Dragon Tavern: This legendary spot claims to date all the way back to 1654. We're talking pre-revolution, pre-telephone, heck, probably pre-decent plumbing! While the original location is long gone, the Green Dragon in its current spot boasts a long list of famous patrons, including John Hancock and maybe even Paul Revere himself (though some historians say that's just bar lore).
The Warren Tavern: Founded in 1780, this tavern in Charlestown has the advantage of being continuously operating in the same location since its opening. That means the floorboards you're standing on might have creaked under the weight of Revolutionary War heroes or even Benjamin Franklin himself (who, let's be honest, probably enjoyed a good pub now and then).
So, Who Wins?
Honestly? It depends on how you define "oldest." The Green Dragon might have the bragging rights for its earlier founding year, but the Warren Tavern gets points for historical continuity. It's kind of like that argument about whether the chicken or the egg came first – you pick your favorite!
The Verdict: Both are fantastic choices for a history buff looking for a pint. The Green Dragon offers a more "olde worlde" feel, while the Warren Tavern boasts a more traditional pub atmosphere.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Bar-Themed Questions
Alright, history lesson over, time to get down to brass tacks (or should we say brass mugs?). Here are some quick answers to your burning Boston bar-related questions:
How to find the Green Dragon Tavern? Head to Union Street near Faneuil Hall. Just follow the faint scent of mildew and the amplified sounds of colonial reenactments.
How to find the Warren Tavern? Journey to Charlestown, near the Bunker Hill Monument. Look for the building that looks like it's seen a few battles (because it probably has).
How to choose between the Green Dragon and the Warren Tavern? Flip a coin! Or better yet, visit both and make your own historical pub crawl!
How to ensure you have a good time at either tavern? Brush up on your Boston trivia (bonus points for knowing the difference between a Boston cooler and a Boston Strong) and come thirsty for history (and maybe a good beer).
How to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge? Casually drop the fact that you just hung out in a bar where revolutionaries plotted and poets pondered. You're practically a time traveler now.
