What's The Oldest Bar in The State of Delaware?

The Oldest Bar in Delaware: Kelly's Logan House

The Founding: 1864

Kelly's Logan House was born during the tumultuous final years of the Civil War.

• The Resort: The structure was originally built in 1864 as a resort hotel to serve the "Forty Acres" neighborhood (now Trolley Square). At the time, this area was a suburb of Wilmington, and the hotel served weary travelers arriving by the horse-drawn trolley line that ended nearby.
• General Logan: The establishment was named in honor of General John A. Logan, a prominent Union Army general who later served as a U.S. Senator and is credited with establishing Memorial Day.

A Family Legacy

What makes Kelly's Logan House unique is not just its age, but its stewardship.

• The Kellys: In 1889, John "Whiskers" Kelly, an Irish immigrant, purchased the property. It has remained in the Kelly family ever since, currently operated by the fourth and fifth generations.
• St. Patrick's Day Hub: This continuous family ownership has earned it the distinction of being the oldest continuously family-owned Irish bar in the country. For over a century, it has been the epicenter of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Delaware, a tradition started by the family patriarch in the 19th century.

A Technical Distinction: Jessop's and Deer Park

While Kelly's Logan House is the oldest continuous bar, other establishments in Delaware have claims to older histories or buildings.

• Jessop's Tavern (New Castle): If you are looking for the oldest building that currently houses a bar, Jessop’s Tavern wins easily. The building dates to 1724 (and parts to 1674). However, it spent the vast majority of its life as a private residence and a cooperage (barrel-making shop). It did not become a restaurant and tavern until the modern era (circa 1996), meaning its "bar history" is relatively young.
• Deer Park Tavern (Newark): Located near the University of Delaware, the Deer Park Tavern sits on a site that has hosted an inn since 1747 (St. Patrick's Inn). The current building was erected in 1851, which technically predates Kelly's (1864). However, the Deer Park operated primarily as a hotel for much of its history before transitioning into the tavern/college bar known today. Kelly's holds the "oldest bar" title usually due to its specific continuity as a tavern and its unbroken family lineage.

Kelly’s Logan House in Wilmington is the oldest continuously operating bar in Delaware, established in 1864. It was named after Union General John A. Logan and has been owned by the Kelly family since 1889. While Jessop's Tavern (1724) occupies a much older building and the Deer Park Tavern (1851) has a longer site history, Kelly's Logan House stands as the state's enduring patriarch of Irish hospitality.