#5367 - Pineville Tavern, Buckingham, PA - 9/1/23

If you love American history you have to love Bucks County, and if you love old bars this is prime territory. One of these is the Pineville Tavern, constructed circa 1742 here in a village that straddles the townships of Buckingham and Wrightstown, just north of Philadelphia. For more history I will cite the tavern's web site:

'Built in the 18th century, the Pineville has seen many transformations—from feed mill to general store to hotel and, finally, to the Tavern.

By 1765, the original residence was converted to an inn along the busy Philadelphia-New York City route, serving stagecoach drivers and hungry locals alike. It became a central meeting place within the community. A landmark. 

With an addition to the property in 1797, the Pineville Hotel was born. In the mid 1800s, when liquor licenses became mandatory, we were one of the original 13 recipients of the distinction within the storied Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Pineville Tavern, Buckingham Township, PA

Fast forward to the 1950s when we became a general store to boot. Then, in 1969, the Turner Brothers (Hugh, Jack and Joe) purchased the Pineville. At the time, the bar only seated nine and offered cold sandwiches. That bar was expanded, and the kitchen was renovated with the addition of a grill, fryer, and pizza oven. Shaffer, Schlitz and Schmidt's were the tavern’s main taps. 

The Abruzzese family purchased the Pineville Tavern in 1989 and have subsequently flourished the brand with strategic additions to the property, an elevated menu, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.'    (pinevilletavern.squarespace.com) 

Of course this part of the country was deep into the Revolutionary War, and the website further describes the tavern itself as briefly right in the thick of it:

'In December of 1776, Alexander Hamilton negotiated the release of Continental General William Alexander, formerly known as Lord Sterling, from his captivity among the fable and feared Hessian forces.

On December 15th, 1776, Sterling rejoined Commander-In-Chief, George Washington & Hamilton at their traveling headquarters on Pineville Road: less than 1 mile from the    Pineville Tavern. Sterling, who had yet to procure lodgings, was then accompanied by Hamilton to the Pineville Inn. Sterling urgently insisted that he speak to the Army's Chief Intelligence Officer in private once the pair arrived at the then-35 year-old hotel.

Once arrived, Sterling, who was formally educated in Frankfurt, Germany, and thus fluent in the Central German dialect, disclosed to Hamilton and the Intelligence Officer, that, toward the very end of his captivity, he had overheard that the balance of the Hessian forces were currently barracked not 10 miles down the Delaware River in Trenton, NJ.

Then, in what is now the Pineville Tavern, Alexander Hamilton began to articulate what became known informally as the "Pineville Plan." Just 10 days later, on Christmas Night 1776, Washington would execute that exquisite plan by crossing the Delaware River to lay siege upon the unsuspecting Hessian forces. This masterful military stroke would turn the tide of the Revolutionary War and help solidify, in perpetuity, the since- timeless conviction that the world ought never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens could forever change the world.'     (pinevilletavern.com)

(Note: I am compiling a list of the oldest and most historic bars in Pennsylvania here:

https://www.rotgut.org/home/oldest-bars-in-pennsylvania )

While the Abruzzese family have attempted to restore it to its 1797 appearance, retaining an original fireplace, downstairs door, chestnut wood bar and some original windows, they have also substantially expanded upon it. Today it seats 135 indoors, with 70 more seats in the former patio, now converted to a fully enclosed garden space with banana trees, vines, hanging ferns, and lush foliage.

The menu is highly diverse selection of comfort foods mixed with upscale choices, including a famous snapper turtle soup, pan roasted sea bass, and eggplant Napoleon. The inside bar features an interesting, ornate, antique back bar, which seems like it may have been originally designed for a barber shop or soda shop? This is surrounded by a bar room that has somehow retained it's divey old neighborhood joint vibe, with wooden panels holding up animal heads. "The Garden" room also contains a small bar.

If anyone has any additional historical insights, I would love to hear them.

1098 Durham Rd, Pineville, PA 18946 - (215) 598-3890
Est. 1765 or earlier - Building constructed: 1742
Previous bars in this location: None known 
Web site: pinevilletavern.com - facebook - instagram 
Articles Ranked: buckscountymag - buckscountytaste - phillyburbs - onlyinyourstate - buckscountyherald - buckscotoday - yelp - tripadvisor - paeats - 6abc - buckscountytaste

#5357 - Rod-n-Gun Saloon, Stanley, ID - 8/27/23

Rod-n-Gun Saloon, Stanley, Idaho

I do not have any primary sources on the Rod N Gun bar, in a small valley at the base of the Sawtooth range, in Stanley, Idaho. Its Facebook page says "Since 1931, Stanley's ORIGINAL Honky-Tonk Saloon" -- but of course it wouldn't have been a saloon in that year (although possibly a speakeasy). Other sources say 1936, and it is said to have burned down twice, with the current building dating back to the 1950s. But in any case there is no arguing that the place has a long and colorful history, and while one must rely on hearsay and questionable oral history regarding the first few decades, the stories become much more clear from 1971, when Mary Alice Kirch purchased the bar and cafe, and whose family managed it all the way to January 2024.

According to Wikipedia, the town of Stanley "was not considered a town until 1919 when its streets and lots were surveyed and recorded." Fur trappers and prospectors traveled through this valley as early as the 1820s, but finding it rich in neither gold nor beaver, the population has oscillated between a scattered handful and just over 100 people ever since. The Rod and Gun (it seems to have been nameds that for the entire time) appears to have been established somewhere between 12 and 17 years later, on what is now "Ace of Diamonds" Street, where each winter locals race down the road in outhouses, while chugging beers from the bar.

Some of its history was elaborated in Facebook by Johnny Ray Kirch, also known as "Idaho's Singing Bartender," who took over managing the place purchased by his mother, and first run by his brother, musician Casanova Jack:

'Casanova Jack ran the Rod and Gun Club from 1971 until his untimely passing in 1990, then being run by my wife Eve and I ever since. The oldest Bar in the Valley, being built by Mr. David Bell in 1931. He lost it in a cribbage game a few years later, then went down the street and built another bar, before moving to Clayton, Idaho and building the first bar there. Jack's and my Mother Mary Alice Kirch purchased the Rod and Gun Club and Cafe from Glen and Nel Brewer May 19th, 1971. She ran the cafe, and if I may say, "The Best cook in the Valley at the time". and Jack ran the bar, and entertained here 7 nights a week. I had the privilege and honor of entertaining with Jack for many of those years. We also wrote many songs about the area and the famous river guides in the 70's, which are featured on his Album that was recorded at Faron Young Studios in Nashville, TN. The Rod and Gun Club and cafe has been in our family since May, 1971 to today. The name was modified by my beautiful wife Eve Kirch and myself from "Casanova Jacks Rod and Gun" Club, to the Rod-N-Gun Whitewater Saloon, as it has been a favorite by ALL River guides since 1971, including the World Famous Eldon Handy, Ron Gillette, and their crews. Casanova Jack was a Nashville Entertainer, having played there for many years from the mid 50s through the 60's. During that time he toured with entertainers from Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, and many others. Bz Waite and her family have been very good friends and a valued part of Stanley for Many Many Years. The stage of the Stars has been graced by Many World Renowned Entertainers including Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jim Nabors, Burt Reynolds, Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars, Cody Canada and the Departed, Free Peoples, to name only a few. Being the oldest and longest business in the Stanley Area owned and run by a single family, I am very proud to be a small part of it and our Beautiful City.'

Realtor Erich Hamm further elaborated (also in Facebook) in January 2024, when the bar had just recently changed hands from the Kirch family:

'Congrats to Tripp Costas for purchasing the Rod-N-Gun Saloon in Stanley and to Johnny Ray Kirch and Eve Kirch for selling. 

During the winter of 1995, when I was 20 years old, I waited tables for Johnny Ray and Eve on the cafe side of the Rod-N-Gun. We became lifelong friends. That summer I turned 21 at the Rod-N-Gun. It was June 5th, and it was snowing.

The Rod-N-Gun is a Stanley institution. The original owner built it in 1931 and then gambled it away in a cribbage game. It has burned down twice (once due to an exploding propane tank). The current building was built in the mid-fifties. Johnny Ray's mom bought it in 1971. Johnny Ray's brother, Casanova Jack, ran it until his death in 1990, when Johnny and Eve took over. Casanova Jack was a Nashville recording artist who toured with many entertainers, including Marty Robbins. 

Tripp has been in and out of Stanley for the last decade. He hails from Nashville and has a hospitality background. He's a bush pilot, a mountain man, and an all-around great guy. Tripp, Johnny Ray, Eve, and I have been working on this deal for the past four years, and it has finally come to fruition.

The Rod-N-Gun holds a special place in many people's hearts. I'm excited to witness its next chapter with Tripp at the helm.

Please forgive me if any of these dates and details are less than accurate. As with much of Stanley history, it came to me via word of mouth. As we used to say to our guests on the river: "You're going to hear a lot of stories out here, and some of them are true..."'

The large saloon was quite sedate on the lazy Monday afternoon when I visited with a few family members. We played pool and shuffleboard, took in the various photographs and knick-knacks, and of course had a drink. While the bar itself was quiet, you didn't need to read any of the stories of "not uncommon brawls," and women spinning off the dance floor and across tables to sense that this has been a very different bar ("a wild ass time") on many a Stanley night. With luck, maybe someday I'll be able to make it back here when it is hopping -- perhaps even when the outhouses are sliding down the street.

44 Ace of Diamonds St, Stanley, ID 83278 - 774-2922
Est. 1931 or 1936 current location; 1950s current structure 
Web sites: facebook - instagram 
Articles: thebeerchaser 

#5352 - Sesech Stage Stop, Sesech, ID - 8/23/23

Secesh State Stop, Secesh, Idaho

Secesh (“see-sesh”) Idaho was named for “secession,” at a time in the 1860s when southern miners dominated the area, sending part of their earnings north to Lewiston and around South America to New Orleans to help the cause. They gave names to places like “Confederate Gulch,” “Richmond,” and the “Secesh River,” while a few miles away Union supporters established “Washington” (now “Warren”).

The Secesh Stage Stop Bar and Grill seems to pop out of nowhere now, built here just across Warren Wagon Road from where Jack and Ethel Fernan built a home and stage stop in 1920. Three friends purchased the place from Kevin and Cheri Comstock in September of 2020, have upgraded it, and are currently working on an expansion. In addition to grub and a choice of canned beers with 4 nice local craft brews on tap, the Stage Stop offers services like small rental cabins and gasoline. They are open Summer, Winter ("27-mile ride from the Francis Wallace parking lot by snowmobile"), and Fall, but inaccessible in mud season ("approximately mid-April through the end of May").

Secesh Stage Stop, Secesh, Idaho

Like a number of bars I’ve seen before, the Stage Stop ceiling and walls are covered in $1 bills with the names of various visitors. UNLIKE anything I’ve seen before, it’s burl wood posts are filled with coins hammered into every crevice. (I think I've seen this once or twice online, but never before in person, even after visiting over 5,000 bars.)

24728 Warren Wagon Rd, McCall, ID 83638 - (208) 636-4498
Previous bars in this location: None known 
Web site: seceshstagestop.com - facebook - instagram 
Reviews: onlyinyourstate - simplymccall (video) - yelp - tripadvisor 

#5351 - The Baum Shelter, Warren, ID - 8/23/23

The Baum Shelter Too, Warren, Idaho

The community of Warren, Idaho was established in what was then still Washington Territory after gold was discovered in Warren Creek in 1862. Over the next decade the population boomed to over 2,000, including over 1,000 Chinese miners. The boom days are long past now and the year-round population was recently counted at 7, but that doesn’t mean the town some 45 miles north of McCall — the last 16 unpaved — does not have a fine bar and grill. 

In 1975 Larry and Gale Baum purchased the place and created the original “Baum Shelter.” (Larry just passed away in April 2024.) Since that time, various friends of the Baums have run the business, at one point renaming it the Winter Inn. When the business was acquired by current owner Carol Lungren, who had been friends with the Baums from before either of them owned property in Warren, it re-established the old name (now “Baum Shelter Too”). 

The rustic decor is full of old artifacts and pictures, with big scrapbooks full of old newspaper stories and notes on local history. One of the many I pulled out:

"March 17, 1884 - From observations it is apparent that a few gossips and mischief makers of this town are listened to by many as oracles of the gods, and hence the emnity that is engendered between families and neighbors. These gossips are not confined to one sex."

The Baum Shelter Too now serves a broad menu of traditional pub foods to locals, hikers, hunters, snowmobilers, and other visitors. It is also said to now serve the "World’s Greatest Finger Steaks." It's worth the drive, no matter what you're riding.

131 Bemis Gulch Rd, Warren, ID 83671 - (208) 636-4393
Est. 1975 
Previous bars in this location: Winter Inn
Web sites: facebook - instagram 
Reviews: yelp - tripadvisor - visitmccall.org 

#5833 - Tavern on the Square, New Wilmington, PA - 7/17/2024

Tavern on the Square, New Wilmington, PA

This is a bar blog and it would not be right for me to characterize the Tavern on the Square as an old bar. Indeed, as far as selling liquor -- at least legally -- it has only been a bar since January 11, 2020. This was after the borough locals voted to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages after being a dry town since around 1920.

But it is in a great old building, constructed in 1849, and it's been a locally legendary restaurant since 1931. It's also been known as "The Tavern on the Square," or just "The Tavern" that entire time -- perhaps trading on the generally broader use of the term in the up through the 18th century. And it's recently re-opened after a three year closure, with some ambitious remodeling, and with a top notch kitchen and nice cocktail program -- things rarely seen in a community of 2,500 people, particularly one on the edges of a large Old Order Amish farming community.

New Wilmington was established in 1797–1798, with the first house was built in 1824. Some 25 years later a home was added by Dr. Seth Poppino, founder of the local Methodist church. Seth and his wife Mary were abolitionists, and would later use a secret stairwell to make the house a stop on the underground railroad, shuttling enslave people to freedom.

In 1931, Cora and Ernst Durrast moved their restaurant, The Tavern into the old home, renaming their business "The Tavern on the Square." Cora would maintain the restaurant for the next 66 years. For many years Cora rented out the side building of the structure, originally built by a doctor, to Dr. Hugh Hart, where he held office as a General Practitioner.

The restaurant was fairly upscale for most of all of its time here, with many locals and ex-locals having stories about traveling there from many miles away for special occasions. Over the years since Cora, the Tavern has been maintained by a number of different owners, including Jay and Jenny Behm, who did a huge renovation and brought in artist Gib McGill to paint the murals still there today; Susan and Joe Hougelman, who purchased it 2008 and scraped to pull together further upgrades; and Todd and Alma Ulicny, who took over in 2017/2018, and helped propel the legislation to allow alcohol sales after 99 years of dryness. But by October of 2020, the business had closed again -- this time with the influence of COVID -- and again sat "permanently closed," with a very uncertain future.

Now stepped in Matt and Maggie Noble. Maggie grew up in Sewickley, just a few miles down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, and had memories of her parents driving over an hour to the Tavern to celebrate their anniversary. She met Matt in culinary school, and they relocated to New Wilmington, and heard more stories about the treasured old Tavern. They eventually acquired it from the Nobles in 2022, and dived in with the most ambitious goals for restoring and upgrading the building, and establishing a destination restaurant, bar and community gathering place. One could only marvel as they documented the extensive task list on their web site and especially their Facebook page. 

New mural by Gib McGill
Tavern on the Square, New Wilmington, PA

But while the vision was expansive, the sourcing has been hyper local -- to an extent one would not have imagined possible in such a small community and rural area. This includes not just the produce, from places like Apple Castle, a multi-generation family farm in operation since 1861, and the grass-fed beef from the Chuck Moose's farm, beef that's made its way to upscale restaurants in New York City as well as the Tavern's nose-to-tail menu. It also seems to include virtually every piece of the refashioned business. This includes the bar fashioned from felled sassafras timber by local Loreno Woodworking, the large "Listening to the Orioles" painting in the entry by local landscape artist Thomas McNickle, the custom booths from East Coast Chair & Barstool in nearby Mercer, and the custom 10-foot benches by Amish woodworker Jake Kurtz. They even brought back Gib McGill to update and expand upon the murals he painted here a couple decades ago.

All this has boiled down to a highly pleasant dining and/or drinking experience, which finally had their ribbon cutting in May 2024. I was there for lunch and had the Tavern Burger with two refreshing Summer cocktails, the Cucumber St. Germain Spritz (St. Germain, Ketel Vodka, lime, cucumber & Prosecco) and the Strawberry Basil Smash (Bulleit bourbon, local strawberries, fresh lemon juice & basil). These were a divergence from my usual brown spirit preferences, but with a scorching sun outside and all the fresh herbs and fruit at the bar, they seemed like optimal choices.

I compared notes with bartender Augustine (who lived for a bit in Seattle), and he directed me to the small space upstairs, hidden behind what appears to be a large armoire, where a "speakeasy" is being added. I wandered all three floors, took a look at the upper deck, and bought a couple souvenirs at the mercantile that now occupies that out building where Dr. Hart once ministered to the afflicted. Now I'll be looking for an opportunity to come back, preferably for dinner, with the wife, and perhaps when the speakeasy is operating. In my ongoing project to have a drink in every (non-dry) municipality in Western Pennsylvania, checking New Wilmington off the list was a particularly pleasant stop.

(Note: The history above depends heavily on the Tavern's Facebook and web site, with a few additional links that are included in the blog post text.)

108 N Market St, New Wilmington, PA 16142 - (724) 901-0013
Est. Jan 11, 2020 (bar), 1931 (restaurant) - Building constructed: 1849 
Previous bars in this location: None known 
Web sites: thetavernonthesquare.com - facebook - instagram - youtube
Articles: ncnewsonline - wkbn - wytv - ncnewsonline - yelp - tripadvisor - the holcad 

#5686 - The Hitching Post, Milford Township, OH (Darrtown) - 3/30/2024

From the outside the Hitching Post looks pretty unremarkable, a building clad in tan vinyl siding above red painted wooden shingles along state route 177 in the unincorporated community of Darrtown, Ohio. Unfortunately it seems that the remaining portion of the cool old neon sign appear to have been removed in 2008, and now small black and white signs featuring a rearing bronco beckon visitors. Inside is a fairly typical neighborhood bar, with a large menu of contemporary pub food, trivia nights, and open mic musical performances.

But people have been trundling past -- and stopping in for a drink in -- this place for over two centuries. In the early years of the 19th century it was a path for drovers driving livestock to the slaughterhouses of Cincinnati. A few decades later it was a stop on the Hamilton-Fairborn Stage Coach line. Conrad Darr laid out the village of Darrtown in 1818, one year after Abram Darr established the Hitching Post here. Stagecoach passengers "could get a free drink or a gallon of whiskey for 50 cents in the customer’s jug-or 75 cents a gallon, if the tavern furnished the jug." (beerinfo)

The 1817 founding date is noted on the signs, which would make it the oldest bar in Ohio, and the locals bring receipts. History buffs have assembled a list of owners on the darrtown.org site (see list below), along with pictures of various artifacts and newspaper articles. Thirteen years before federal prohibition, the locals voted Milford dry (Milford Township is the municipality that contains Darrtown), and it appears that the business carried on as a boarding house for that time. 

One past owner remembered particularly fondly by long-time locals is Earl "Red" Huber, who took over the bar at some point during the 1940s. Huber is remembered in large part for his generosity, including annual Christmas parties to benefit local children. In addition he is remembered for his long friendship with Milford resident and longtime Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Walter Alston. Alston was from nearby Venice, Ohio, and spent his off seasons in Milford. As a result visitors to Darrtown included Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Maury Wills and Vin Scully. The community adopted the Dodgers and celebrated with a bonfire and parade when the Dodgers won it all. (cincinnati.com) 

The latest owners, Brittany Colson and business partner Evan Cusmano, took over the business in October 2022, and I chatted with Britt on this visit. We compared notes on speakeasies around the country and she told me that at some point in the next few years they'd like to open a speakeasy upstairs. I'm not that close, but I'd love to come back if and when that happens, and thanks to Britt I have a number of other bars to add to my to-do list.

History of Owners from darrtown.org:

1817 - Mr. Abram F. Darr opened the Hitching Post.

1851 (February 25th) - Mr. Darr sold to Kiger and Kiger.

circa 1861-1865 - Kigers sold to John McMechan during the Civil War.

1869 (April 17) - Charles Otto became the owner on April 17, 1869.

1872 (January 15) - Jacob Hinkle purchased the property.

1877 (September 22) - Hannah Zimmerman assumed ownership.

1899 - The Schuck family bought the establishment.

1925 - The Shucks sold to Oscar L. Irwin.

1932 (January 20) - Mr. Irwin sold to Pauline Wiley.

1944 or 1949 (August 6) Pauline Wiley sold to Earl F. Huber.

Circa early 1980's - George Brockman purchased the property, following the passing of Earl "Red" Huber

1997 (January 10) George Brockman sold to Martha Bowling.

2000 (May 30) Martha Bowling sold to Lawrence W. Plants.

2000 (June 20) Lawrence Plants sold to Martha Bowling.

2001 (March 8) Martha Bowling sold to Nancy Pitman and Glenda Hall.

2012 (March 16) Nancy Pitman and Glenda Hall sold to Sean Hurley.

2014 (In the fall) Sean Hurley sold to Pat and Tasha Cain.

2023 Pat and Tasha Cain sold to Brittany Colson and Evan Cusmano.

4319 Hamilton Richmond Rd, Oxford, OH 45056 - (513) 255-9256
Est. 1817 
Web site: facebook 
Articles: darrtown.org - beer.info - yelp 

#5829 - Nibsy's Pub, Syracuse, NY - 7/2/2024

Nibsy's Pub, Syracuse, New York

From Syracuse.com: 

'Dennis “Nibsy” Ryan first opened his bar and restaurant at the corner or Ulster and North Wilbur streets in 1890. It’s regarded as the oldest tavern in Syracuse.

The first generation of Ryans raised 10 children in an apartment above Nibsy’s. One son, William Ryan – who also went by Nibsy – continued to run it until 1967. Groucho Hewitt bought it from the Ryans, then sold it to Jack McGroarty, who changed the name.

In 1990, Syracuse firefighters bought the bar and rechristened it Nibsy’s. They got William Ryan’s permission. “As long as we didn’t have go-go girls, as he put it, we could do it,” says Joe Mullen, one of three of the current owners. (The other two are John Cowin and Bob Brazell.)

Nibsy’s is known for its pizza and wings, its Irish ancestry and its ability to attract loyal patrons ranging from softball teams to politicians to sports fans.'

The Syracuse Herald American adds that after Dennis and Catherine Ryan opened the place, 

'Members of the Ryan family operated the business until the late 1960s, including a long period when the proprietors were William "Nibsy" Ryan and his borther, Patrick "Bounce" Ryan.

...

The nickname "Nibsy" was first attached to Dennis Ryan, but no one seems to where the nickname came from.

...

Nibsy (William) recalls that during Prohibition the saloon was never raided and was open all the time.'

ThisIsCNY adds:

'The original pub owner “Nibsy” Ryan handed down the idea that “to be in your nibs” defined a guy with a presence -- someone who wore fancy clothes and carried mystique. That’s why they called the pub Nibsy’s.'

In March of 2005, long time patrons JP and Nichole Carlyle took ownership Mullen, Corwin, and Brazell.

I'm not clear on how long and for what years it was officially named "Nibsy's," although it seems to have been called that by Tipperary Hill neighborhood locals for many decades, including the years when the name was officially something else.

Beyond the history it is a fairly typical neighborhood Irish pub, on a corner in the suburbs, serving standard contemporary pub food with 18 beers on tap.

201 Ulster St, Syracuse, NY 13204 - (315) 476-8423
Est. 1890, 1990 "Nibsy" name restored - Building constructed: 1890
Previous bars in this location: Unknown names?
Web site: nibsyspub.com - facebook - instagram - twitter
Reviews: syracuse.com - syracuse.com - yelp - tripadvisor 

#5628 - Secret Tiki Temple, Jacksonville, FL - 3/15/2024

Secret Tiki Temple, Jacksonville, FL

On a road trip to attend baseball spring training games with some old friends, I made my first visit to northern Florida, including my first stop at Jacksonville's Secret Tiki Temple speakeasy. Little did I know that it, and the Pagoda Restaurant in which it hid, would close just a month later.

The Pagoda Restaurant had been in the area for almost 50 years, starting in Jacksonville Beach in 1975, and eventually moving to a new building in Jacksonville's Baymeadows neighborhood in 2002. The Cantonese and Szechuan Chinese cuisine restaurant was founded by James Tan, his grandfather Wei Chow Tam, along with some additional partners. The Tiki Temple was added by James' son Tommy, after he moved back from LA to assist with the restaurant.

Secret Tiki Temple, Jacksonville, FL

Tommy combined his appreciation of tiki and speakeasies in a secret room that took many years to evolve, and especially early on took the speakeasy style secrecy serious (e.g. as you can see in a news4jax video). By the time I arrived, it was a darkly beautiful tropical hideaway, with some very fine drinks. I arrived without a reservation, but thankfully managed to weasel my way into a bar seat. I much enjoyed the ambiance, my cocktails, and my chat with the bartender, and regret only that I can't come back with my wife and friends.

8617 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 - (904) 731-0880
Est. 2016 - Building constructed: 1984 - Closed April 26, 2024 
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: secrettikitemple.com - facebook - instagram - twitter 
Articles ranked: jacksonville.com - jaxdailyrecord - mytiki.life - news4jax (video) - globaltravelerusa - yelp - tripadvisor - jacksonvillemag -  actionnewsjax - firstcoastnews - msn