To continue our hunt for historic taverns in the United States, we are hitting the Midwest! This region of America may have been colonized after the East Coast, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in old taverns. Locals in these states and visitors alike have a wide variety of places to choose from, each with their own unique past. Keep reading to discover some truly amazing historic taverns in the Midwest!

Rockford Brewing Company (Rockford, IL)

The Rockford Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries and taverns in Illinois. It was founded in 1849 by Jonathan Peacock, an English Immigrant to the States. He was only 28 years old when he began making ale in the basement of the building. Once he gained a loyal following, he outgrew the basement and started Peacock’s Brewery. He owed his success to the natural and best ingredients used to make his ale. After Peacock’s death in 1896, the enterprise passed on to his son, Edwin Peacock. The business eventually was bought by John V. Petritz after both Peacock brothers died of tuberculosis in 1899. Due to many legal problems and the prohibition in the early 1900s, the brewery took some hard hits. It closed as a brewery in the 1930s, but was reopened in the 1990s after extreme renovations were done to the building. It is now called the Prairie Street Brewhouse, and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places

Lindberg’s Tavern (Springfield, MO)

This tavern, although legendary, has a seedy past. Built in the 1860’s, the building has been the location of midwestern shootouts and a brothel. But don’t let that stop you from visiting this place. It has served quite a lot of people over the past century, and owed a lot of its success to the traffic brought in by the nearby railroad built in the 1870s. Like many other taverns, it suffered due to the prohibition, but opened up once the ban on alcohol ended. Old-timers in the town say that this was a popular place to drink once the town “went wet,” meaning started serving alcohol again. In 1979, it opened up as Lindberg’s, named after the original owner. Today, the tavern is home to delicious food, drinks, and live music.

Bodega Brew Pub (LaCrosse, Wisconsin)

Customers have been so pleased with the Bodega Brew Pub, that some decided to stay…forever. This old tavern is known for being haunted, making it the perfect place for both ghost hunters and old-time bar lovers. Although it has been owned by a few different owners, no one can forget Paul Malin. Why? Because he’s the owner that never left. People have reported seeing Malin, or feeling his presence in the tavern to this day, over a hundred years since his death. For guests who aren’t into the ghost scene, the Bodega Brew Pub offers over 400 labels of beer, and delicious pub food. Beer enthusiasts and foodies flock from all over to get a taste.

Ye Olde Trail Tavern (Yellow Springs, OH)

Built in 1827, this place is the oldest bar in Ohio. It was once named Mills Tavern, and the parking lot used to have hitching posts where thirsty travelers could tie their horses. Owners Christine and Don have renovated the place to make it a bit more modern, but have still managed to keep a lot of the 19th century ambiance. Not only is this place famous for serving up some tasty brews, but it is also a go-to restaurant for locals. It is the second oldest restaurant in the state, so it has had some time to perfect its menu. Among the delicious choices on the menu are burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and soups. Don’t ask for the recipes though, the renown soup ingredients are kept a strict secret, so the only way to get it is to keep coming back.

Billy’s Bar and Grill (Anoka, MN)

Billy’s Bar may have a simple name, but its history is anything but ordinary. The building was built in the 1800s, and has served as many different businesses over the past two centuries. It was the Jackson hotel in the 19th and early 20th century, and was a place where gangsters used to meet during prohibition. It was also an elegant French restaurant, and later an apartment complex. In 1987, the building became Billy’s Bar and Grill. It’s a favorite among locals to watch sports games and to grab a bite to eat while in town. They serve all the Midwestern favorites like cheese curds, potato skins, and bbq ribs. Have a drink, watch a game, and enjoy a taste of an 1800s tavern.

Slippery Noodle Inn (Indianapolis, IN)

The title of oldest bar in Indianapolis goes to the Slippery Noodle Inn. With a name like “Slippery Noodle,” it’s hard not to wonder how this old bar came to be. The establishment was founded in 1850 as the Tremont House, and served as a roadhouse and bar. It was also a spot on the Underground Railroad during Civil War Years. Owned by people of German decent, it was one of the first German clubs in Indianapolis. The name has changed from the Tremont House to the Concordia House to the Germania House. That didn’t go over well once World War I came around, so the owner changed the name to Beck’s Saloon. During prohibition, it was renamed Beck’s Restaurant, although they still made beer in the basement. The bar would change names two more times before ending up at its current name, the Slippery Noodle Inn, in 1963. The way the family decided on the name was by tossing out ideas and voting, and thus the Slippery Noodle Inn was born. It has gone on to be named one of the nation’s top blues bars by Rolling Stones magazine. In addition, it is listed in The National Register of Historic Places. Harrison Ford, Dave Matthews, Jimmy Fallon, Tim Tebow, and other famous patrons have come through its doors and praised its food, atmosphere, and live music. You never know who you might meet if they decide to take a visit to the Slippery Noodle Inn.

Hays House (Council Grove, KS)

The Hays House today looks like a genuine Midwestern saloon, but it didn’t always have the appealing exterior it does now. The original building was built in 1847, and was Boone and Hamilton Company. In 1852, it was bought out by Seth M. Hayes, an employee of the former owners. Hays partnered with Goodson M. Simcock, and renamed the place S.M. Hays and Company. They expanded the building to accommodate an increase in traffic on the trail, and raised the roof in 1888 to make it two stories. Hays past away in 1873, and the estate was sold in 1878 by Hays’ administrator. It was divided into three separate businesses, until it became The Grove Hotel in 1890. The building switched ownership a few times over the years, and changed names. It served as a restaurant, an appliance store, and a barbershop up until 1954 when it officially became The Hays House. It was renovated in the 70s by owners Charlie and Helen Judd. Recently, The Hays House was renovated again to resemble how it looked at the turn of the 20th century. It continues to serve one-of-a-kind food and beverages to all who enter this intriguing historic tavern.

Peacock Alley (Bismarck, ND)

Called by some “the corner stone of Bismarck,” Peacock Alley has had its fair share of history. It opened its doors in 1911 as the Patterson Hotel. During prohibition, the hotel did serve alcohol secretly, but didn’t become an official bar and restaurant until 1934. Several presidents also visited the Patterson Hotel, including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson. Today, the Peacock Alley is just as successful as it was over 80 years ago. The restaurant menu offers top-notch steaks, meats, and fresh ingredients.  Its no wonder that Peacock Alley has been in business so long. Stop in and enjoy the fine dining, early 20th century decor, and some of the best brews in Bismarck.